USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Our country and its people; a descriptive and biographical record of Bristol County, Massachusetts > Part 116
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Williston, Charles H., was born in Tiverton, R. I., September 8, 1859, a son of Simeon H. and Deborah (Sanford) Williston. His father, a seafaring man, sailed in the coastwise trade from ports in this locality several years. When Mr. Williston was a youth the family removed to Fall River (1868). Here he attended the common schools, and also received a part of his early educational training in his native town.
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At an early age he began an apprenticeship under John Haskill, who introduced concrete paving in Fall River; some of the concrete walks made by him twenty-five years ago are still in existence, notably those on Second street. Mr. Haskill also conducted an extensive business in gravel roofing. At his death in August, 1877, Mr. Williston succeeded to the business, although then a comparatively young man; he has since conducted it, and with considerable success, employing at different times nearly two hundred men and taking large contracts for the municipality. He also carries on an extensive business in neighboring cities and villages. Mr. Willis- ton is well known in Fall River, is an enthusiastic yachtsman and has a wide fra- ternal connection. He is a member of Narragansett Lodge of Masons; Friendly Union Lodge of Odd Fellows; Annawan Lodge and the Uniformed Rank, Massa- soit Division of the Knights of Pythias; and the Improved Order of Red Men. In 1877 he married Sarah E., daughter of Thomas and Sally (Winslow) Greene of Taun- ton, and they have four children: Clarence H., Herbert Arthur, Sanford Williston, and Lester Shaw Williston.
Wilmarth, Edwin B., was born in Attleborough, October 29, 1849, a son of Thomas Wilmarth, also a native of the same town; he married Betsey, daughter cf Daniel Grant, and died in 1868. Edwin B. Wilmarth was educated in the common schools and learned the machinist's trade. In 1870 he entered the employ of V. H. Blackinton, and after Mr. Blackinton's death in 1888, purchased one-half of the business, and they are making a line of badges, souvenirs, etc. In 1873 he married Kate A. Gordan, and they have four sons and two daughters: Alpha, Harry S., Ed- win R., Gordan S., Elsie May and Etta B.
Wilson, George, was born, October 1, 1813, in Windham, N. H., where he spent his boyhood, and where he received a common school education. In 1827 he entered, as a bobbin boy, one of the Merrimac Mills in Lowell, and remained two years, and then apprenticed himself for three years to learn cotton goods mannfacturing, receiv- ing forty-two cents per day for the first year, fifty cents the second, and fifty-eight cents the third. He worked thirteen hours a day, and out of his wages he paid for his board and clothes. He then left Lowell and came to New Bedford, where he en- tered the employ of Timothy Drew: Soon, however, he became associated with John Howland, jr., and so continued for four years, living with the latter's mother, Reliance, widow of John Howland, sr., who did much toward forming Mr. Wilson's character and fit him for later responsibilities. During this period he saved some money, and in 1836 he purchased his first horse and truck and commenced the team- ing business, which he successfully carried on for thirty years. In 1850 he formed a copartnership with Hon. John H. Perry, and for seventeen years the firm of John H. Perry & Co. conducted a successful coal, paint and trucking business at the corner of South Water and Walnut streets. Mr. Wilson was for four years president, direc- tor, and superintendent of the New Bedford Tanning Company and for three years a partner with Dennison Brothers, grain and flour dealers, and has also been the president and treasurer of the Gosnold Mills and a director of the Mt. Washington Glass Company, the New Bedford Street Railway Company, and the Fall River Railroad Company. He held every office from torch boy to chief engineer, except that of clerk, in the New Bedford Fire Department, was a member of the Common Council and of the Board of Aldermen, and for four years served the city of New
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Bedford as mayor. His energy, integrity and ability have won for him universal esteem and confidence.
Wing, John, was born in East Sandwich, Mass., April 3, 1831, a son of Abraham and Rebecca (Tucker) Wing. His father, a farmer, was a native and lifelong res- ident of East Sandwich, and a prominent and well respected citizen. He was ex- tensively engaged in the manufacture of salt; his mother was a descendant of one of the old pioneer families of Dartmouth, Mass. During his boyhood Mr. Wing at- tended the Friends' School at Providence, R. I., for three years and later Paul Wing's boarding school at Spring Hill, Mass., two years. He came to New Bedford in the spring of 1847 and learned the cooper's trade, which he carried on in company with David and Thomas Peirce; later he was engaged in the retail grocery business in New Bedford for a period of nine years, and then connected himself with the late Ezra Kelley, in the manufacture of the world renowned Kelley's Watch, Clock and Chronometer Oils. Of this business he is now the sole proprietor. Mr. Wing has been a prominent citizen of New Bedford, once a candidate for mayor, and a mem- ber of the Council three years and of the Board of Aldermen of like period. He is a member of Vesta Lodge of Odd Fellows and has passed through all the degrees. Mr. Wing married, in January, 1855, Joanna R., only daughter of the late Ezra and Nancy Kelley of New Bedford.
Wing, Samuel, eldest son of Levi and Rachael S. (Swift) Wing, was born in the town of Fairhaven, Bristol county, Mass., October 2, 1842. He received his early education in the public schools and for a few years worked on the farm with his father, then served two years' apprenticeship at carpentering with Nahum Dean of Taunton, Mass. Ill health caused him to abandon the carpenter's trade and after one year he secured a position in the box factory of Emery Cushman, where he was employed for three years, then removed to New York city, where he was employed in a similar plant. Later he returned to Acushnet, where he has since been engaged in farming. Mr. Wing married, May 20, 1866, Mary A., daughter of Barnabas. N. and Phoebe (Swift) Douglass, and they had three children: Harold C., Chester B. (deceased), and Alfred B.
Wise, Louis W., was born in North Attleborough, October 3, 1856, educated in North Attleborough and at the age of eighteen years entered the employ of T. I. Smith & Co., becoming a member of the firm in 1887. In 1882 he married Agnes J., daughter of Lucien A. Cooke of Franklin, and they have two sons, Louis R. and E. Linwood. Mr. Wise is one of the self-made men of his town, taking an intelligent interest in school and church matters. He is a member of Bristol Lodge, Bristol Commandery and King Hiram Chapter, and has ever received and merited the re- spect of his associates.
Withington, George G., was born July 26, 1831, son of George Richards Minot and Laurinda Gardener Withington, of Bolton. His father during life was identified as a barrister and traces his descent back to the family of Henry Withington of Dor- chester. Mr. Withington was educated at Lancaster Academy and Meadville Theo- logical School and was ordained at Hillsboro, Ill., coming to Easton, Mass., in 1858, where he presided in the First Parish Unitarian Congregational Church for thirteen years, when owing to ill health he retired. He afterwards for three or four years
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taught in the High School of Easton, Mass., and in 1875 he began the drug business, in which he is at present engaged. He has been on the School Committee for twelve years and town clerk and treasurer for the town of Easton for twenty-three years, which position he now honorably holds. He was married on January 22, 1860, to Ellen Jeanette, daughter of Hon. Elijah and Nancy Johnson Howard, of Easton, and they have one child, Nettie Louise. Mr. Withington is an honored member of the Paul Dean Lodge of Free Masons, of Easton, and in 1869 was second master of that order; a member of the Pilgrim Royal Arch Chapter, and of the Old Colony Commandery of Abington. In 1896 he represented Easton, Mass., in the Second District, in the Legislature. In politics he is a Republican. Mr. Withington is one of Easton's highly respected citizens, taking an interest in his town and has ever en- deavored to advance the best interests of its people.
Wood, Cornelius, was born in England, May 27, 1827, and came to this country in 1850, settling in Taunton, where he went to work for James Darke, house and sign painter, and remained with him two years. He then went into business with him and continued for three years under the name of Darke & Wood. In 1855 the firm was dissolved by mutual consent and Mr. Wood started for himself in about the present location and has followed it up to the present time, making forty-three years he has been in business for himself. He carries a large line of paper hangings, paints, oils and glass, in addition to the painting and glazing department .. Mr. Wood was a member of the City Council in 1876 and the Board of Aldermen in 1877, 1878 and 1883. He is a member of King David Lodge, F. & A. M. He was married in England in 1849, to Sarah Darke, and they have one son living, who is in business with his father, William H.
Wood, George R., is a native of New Bedford, born May 11, 1852, a son of Henry T. and Anna (Russell) Wood. During his early boyhood he attended the public schools of New Bedford and later entered the Friends' School at Providence, R. I., from which he was graduated in 1870. He gained his first business experience as a clerk in a grocery store owned by Tucker & Cummings, in whose employ he re- mained one year, and after spending another year in the employ of his father went to Philadelphia, Pa., where he secured employment as a bookkeeper in a large dry goods house and remained in that capacity for four years. In 1876 he again became connected with his father's business and at the latter's death succeeded with his brother, Edmund Wood, to their father's interest, forming a copartnership with an uncle who had been a partner of Henry T. Wood. The business which was started on a small scale has grown to extensive proportions and in addition to conducting a lumber yard and planing mill, and a business in builders' supplies, the firm also have established a considerable export trade. The firm name of Greene & Wood has never been changed, although Augustus A. Greene, who in 1848 was associated in the establishment of the business with Henry T. Wood, had been retired for sev- eral years prior to the latter's death. Mr. George R. Wood has done much to build up the trade and is a well known figure among builders and contractors in this vi- cinity. He is an earnest Republican in politics, but with the exception of three years in the School Committee, has never held public office. In 1888 he married Isabelle, daughter of Joshua Richmond of New Bedford, and they have two sons; Richmond and Russell.
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Wood & Co., John A .- This is one of the oldest business enterprises of its kind in Bristol county. It was established in 1848 by John A. Wood and William O. Brown- ell, under the firm name of Wood & Brownell. They started in a small way, cater- ing principally to the retail trade, and later adding a shipping and commission busi- ness. About 1881 the firm name was changed to its present form and its business relations confined entirely to wholesale dealing in provisions and produce. At the death of John A. Wood, in 1892, William H. Wood, his son, took charge of the busi- ness, which has now, owing to the prestige gained by long establishment, grown to considerable proportion.
Wood, William G., of the firm of Greene & Wood, was born in that section of Fair- haven which is now included in Acushnet, in 1833, being a son of Thomas and Bet- sey P. Wood. He received his education in the common schools of New Bedford and in the Friends' School of Providence, R. I. After leaving school in 1832 he entered the employ of Greene & Wood as a clerk and became a partner in 1861. The firm, which is more fully mentioned elsewhere in this work, now consists of William G. Wood, George R. Wood and Edmund Wood. William G. Wood's connection with the business as clerk and partner covers a period of nearly half a century. Although one of the representative business men of the city Mr. Wood has never been promi- nent in public affairs, and the only public position he ever filled was as a member for two years of the board of overseers of the poor. In 1859 he married Eliza H., adopted daughter of John A. Delano of New Bedford.
Woods, William Sylvester, was born in Newburyport, Mass., November 16, 1869, a son of John J. and Anna (Kelley) Woods. He received his education in the public schools of Newburyport, Harvard College and Harvard Law School, graduating from the latter in June, 1895. He was admitted to the Suffolk county bar in April, 1895, and in September of that year opened an office in Taunton. In January, 1898, Mr. Woods was elected city solicitor. Mr. Woods is one of the rising young lawyers, and is destined to make his mark in some of the legal contests of the county.
Woodward, Alden Palmer, was born in Raynham, December 10, 1853, a son of Will- iam Perrin and Catherine Mandana (Palmer) Woodward. His education was obtained in the Taunton public schools and the Bristol Academy. Upon leaving school he went with his father in the restaurant business and remained with him until 1871, and engaged with the Taunton Silver Plate Co., and learned the trade of britannia worker, which he followed for about eight years and then returned to his father and worked for him until 1889, at which time he bought him out and has since continued the business in his own name. He is a member of several local clubs. May 10, 1877, he married Helen Gordon, daughter of P. T. and Hannah (Southworth) Washburn, and they had two daughters: Maude Washburn, born November 29, 1878; and Marian Alden, born September 27, 1880, died July 6, 1896.
Woodward, Horace Alverdo, was born in Raynham, August 20, 1856, a son of William Perrin and Catherine Mandana (Palmer) Woodward. He received his early education in the public schools of Taunton, and at the close of his school days went to work for his father in his present location and has continued up to the present time, with the exception of a brief interval, and has carried on the business in his own name since 1894. Mr. Woodward is an artist in oils and has sold many pieces
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from his brush to critics both in and out of the city and has received high commend- ation from some of the best judges of art in the State. He is a member of the American Order of Foresters, and the Apollo Club. August 17, 1878, he married Rebecca Evelyn Bullock of Taunton, daughter of Clark J. and Rebecca (Hathaway) Bullock, and they have had four children: William Alverdo, Claude Munroe, Made- line Eva and Pearl Eveline, deceased.
Wordell, Perry Chase, the youngest son of Holder and Rachael (Wordell) Wordell, was born in North Westport, Mass., May 7, 1854. His parents removed to the town of Dartmouth when he was six years of age, and there he attended the public schools. Mr. Wordell has devoted his entire life to farming and especially to the raising and handling of produce. December 24, 1877, he married Carrie I., daugh- ter of Benjamin R. and Elizabeth (Thurston) Wordell, and they have had seven chil- dren: Harry F., Lionel, Clayton P., Martin D., Frederick S., Grace B. and Leroy. Mr. Wordell is a Republican in politics. He is a pleasant, affable man, has been the architect of his own fortune, and enjoys the confidence of many friends.
Young, John M., coal merchant, and member of the firm of Pardee & Young, is a native of Pollokshaws, Renfrewshire, Scotland, in which country he obtained his education. In 1856 he came to America, landing on Easter Sunday in New York. During the following nine years he was employed in flouring mills in Buffalo and Rochester, N. Y., and in 1865 came to Fall River, where for three years he worked in the flouring mills of Chace & Mason. From 1868 to 1874 he was secretary and librarian of the Fall River Y.M.C.A. He next was employed with M. T. Bennett in the coal business for three years, and in 1878 entered into partnership with Charles A. Pardee in the coal business on Davol street, under the firm name of Pardee & Young. They first leased the wharf and later purchased their present place where they have done a very large business as wholesale and retail dealers in coal. Mr. Young has been a director of the Troy Co-operative Bank since its organization in 1880, and for several years has been chairman of the security committee of that insti- tution. Three years he was supreme treasurer of the American Order of Druids and was chairman of the Fall River Board of Health until he resigned on account of other duties. In 1867 he married Margaret J. Blake, a native of Nova Scotia, and they have three children: Elmer B., John M., jr., and Edwin R.
Adams, George L., was born in Hazardville, Conn., June 4, 1866. His father, Rev. H. D. Adams, was a native of Plainfield county, and for twenty years was identified with the ministry of the M. E. church; he married Ruth Bridge. George L. was educated in the Wilbraham Academy and in 1886 came to Attleborough, where he learned the jeweler's trade. In 1893 he established his present business of coal and wood. In 1892 Mr. Adams married Bertha Stevens. Mr. Adams is one of the conservative men of his town, taking an intelligent interest in school and church matters and has ever advanced the best interests of his town and town's people.
Albert, James B., son of David and Ruth (Lake) Albert, was born in Tiverton, R.I., September 11, 1846. As a boy he attended the public schools of Fall River and worked on his father's farm. After leaving school he was variously engaged, prin- cipally at the mason's and machinist's trades. In 1861 he enlisted in the three months service, and after receiving his discharge went to New York where he was
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employed in an express office for three years. Later he went to Summerville, N. J., and engaged in farming for two years, at the end of that time returned to Fall River to engage in the wholesale and retail grocery and meat business at his present loca- tion, 13 Stafford Road. Mr. Albert has been in business at this location for twenty years. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias; the order of Elks; and the Odd Fellows. He has served one year in the Council and three on the Board of Aldermen and is now serving his fourth year in that body, there having been a lapse of thirteen years since his last term. He was a member of the old volunteer fire de- partment, having been connected with the Niagara Engine Company for five years. In 1866 he married Hannah C. Grant, daughter of Capt. Grant of Fall River, and they have four children: Annie E., wife of Hiram Moshier, Nellie G., wife of Joseph Tilson, Charles W. and Clinton G.
Aldrich, Nathaniel B., M. D., son of James M. and Louisa G. (Borden) Aldrich, was born in Fall River, February 12, 1866. He is a lineal descendant of George Aldrich, who was born in Derbyshire, England, about 1600 and came to America in November, 1631, settling in what is now Maine, and then removed to Mendon, Mass. He was the progenitor of most of the name of Aldrich in America. James M. Aldrich, father of Nathaniel B., was for over fifty years one of the leading phy- sicians of Fall River. Dr. Aldrich was educated in the public and high schools of Fall River, and at the Mowry-Goff Classical School at Providence, R. I. He en- tered the medical department of Harvard College in 1886, receiving the degree of M. D. in June, 1889. In September of the same year he began his present prac- tice in Fall River. He is a member of the Harvard Alumni Medical Association ; the Fall River Medical Society and the staff of the Emergency Hospital. In June, 1892, he married Ella M., daughter of A. L. Adsley of Fall River, and they have one son, Norman A.
Aldrich, Stanley A., son of Charles E. and Martha (Hulbert) Aldrich, was born in Woonsocket, R. I., July 6, 1866. When he was ten years of age the family removed to Fall River, where he was educated in the common and high schools. Mr. Aldrich has been in the cotton business all his life. He was first employed by W. H. Hatha- way, with whom he remained for eleven years, and then formed his present copart- nership with Richard M. Hawkins, under the firm name of Aldrich & Hawkins. He is a member of King Philip Lodge, F. & A. M., and the Royal Arch Chapter. April 30, 1895, he married Jane S., daughter of Judge Calvin E. Pratt of the Su- preme Court of New York, and they have one son, S. Alden Aldrich, jr.
Alger, Horace Howard, was born in Easton, Mass., August 2, 1846, son of Bernard Howard and Martha (Forbes) Alger, and was educated at the common school of Easton. In his early life he worked in Lynn, Mass., on ladies' shoes; for two years was employed as a moulder in North Chelmsford, and in 1866 started in the whole- sale and retail butcher's business, in which he is still engaged. He is an honored member of King David Lodge, F. & A. M., of Taunton, Mass., and is one of the progressive men of South Easton, having a host of friends, whom he entertains in royal manner yearly at a famous clambake, to which his friends come from far and near. His finely equipped house is located on the Taunton turnpike and is one of historical fame. Mr. Alger is a thorough gentleman.
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Allen, Walter B., was born in Hope Valley, R. I., June 18, 1859. His father, Ray G. Allen, was a native of East Greenwich, R. I., and through life was identified in the mercantile business; he died in 1861. Walter B. was educated in the public schools and in 1880 came to Attleborough and learned the jeweler's trade with, Wat- son & Newell, also was with J. M. Fisher and Blake & Claflin, and in 1896 organized the firm of Allen, Smith & Thurston, making a specialty of sterling silver novelties. Mr. Allen is one of the self-made men of his town, taking an intelligent interest in school and church matters and has ever advanced the best interests of his town and . townspeople.
Ames, Hobart, son of Oakes Angier and Catherine (Hobart) Ames, was born August 21, 1865. His father, Oakes Angier Ames, became identified in 1863 as a member of the firm of Oliver Ames & Sons, which firm was reorganized in 1876 as a corporation known as Oliver Ames & Sons Corporation, their large works cov- ering acres, and employing a great number of men. He had charge of the machinery, and had buildings, tenements, and other branches of the large industry under his care. In 1864 he was one of the first directors of the First National Bank of North Easton, also in 1864 was among the original petitioners in incorporating the North Easton Savings Bank. He was a strong advocate of temperance and a liberal con- tributor to its cause. The family trace their descent from Captain John and Susanna (Howard) Ames and are lineal descendants of William Ames, who came to this coun- try in 1638 and settled in Braintree, Mass. Mr. Hobart Ames was educated at An- dover and Quincy Academies, and in 1877 became identified with Oliver Ames & Sons Corporation, taking an active interest along with his father, in supervising the work. Mr. Ames married Julia Hills Colony, daughter of Edward and Julia Hills Colony, of Keene, N. H. He is one of North Easton's thorough going young busi- ness men, taking a great interest in the town and the townspeople.
Ames, Oliver, 2d, was born in Easton, Mass., October 21, 1864, a son of the Hon. Frederick Lothrop and Rebecca Caroline (Blair) Ames. His father, a member of the famous Oliver Ames & Sons Shovel Works, died September 13, 1893. The family trace their descent from Captain John and Susanna (Howard) Ames, and he is a lin- eal descendant of William Ames, who came to this country in 1638, and settled in Braintree, Mass. Mr. F. L. Ames was a member of the firm of Oliver Ames & Sons, also extensively identified in the railroad business, holding positions as vice-president of the old Colony Railroad Company and the old Colony Steamship Company, and he was also a director in the Western Union Telegraph Company, the Union Pacific Railway Company, the Texas Pacfiic Railway Company, the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railroad Company, and many others. He was also president of the First National Bank of Easton and the North Easton Savings Bank, and also of the Hoosac Tunnel Dock and Elevator Company, In 1872 he was a member of the State Scnate. Oliver Ames, 2d, was educated at Adams's Academy, Quincy, Mass., and at George W. C. Noble's school in Boston, and Harvard University, graduating in 1886. He soon afterwards became identified as a member of the Oliver Ames & Sons Cor- poration, manufacturers of shovels and spades. He was married, December 3, 1890, to Eliza Alger West, daughter of Preston C. F. and Olivia Scers, and they have four children: Elise, Olivia, Oliver and Richard. Mr. Ames is a member of the Boston Athletic Club, the Somerset, the Myopia Hunt Club of Hamilton, the Country Club
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