Our country and its people; a descriptive and biographical record of Bristol County, Massachusetts, Part 118

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 118

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advanced that day, thereby capturing the enemy's advance pickets. After the battle he returned with his regiment to Alexandria and from there to New Orleans, taking part in all the raids and skirmishes during the retreat. On the 27th of September, 1864, he marched with his company and part of the regiment to Napoleonville, La., in the La Fourche District, at which place the regiment made its headquarters for nine months. Captain Bicknell was detached on court martial for three months, which was convened at Thibodeaux, after which he joined his regiment at Napoleon- ville. He was then with his company ordered to Homma, Louisiana, acting as pro- vost marshal for the parish for three months, at which time peace was declared. Returning with his command to the regiment and the war being over he tendered his resignation and was discharged June 29, 1865. After the close of the war he re- turned to Attleborough in 1866 and engaged in the jewelry business, remaining in that business until 1894, when he engaged in the real estate and insurance business, in which he is now engaged. In 1854 Captain Bicknell married Angenette Wilmarth, and they have one daughter, Mrs. Emily B. Shaw. Captain Bicknell has been a director of the Attleborough Savings and Loan Association for twenty-eight years and was its vice-president for two years, declining to serve longer, and is chairman of the board of trustees of the Attleborough Tri-Centennial Fund.

Bigney, James A., was born in Wentworth, Cumberland county, N. S., July 22, 1861, a son of James Bigney, of the French Huguenot line D'Aubigne, the celebrated divine and historian. James A. Bigney was educated in Nova Scotia, and in 1879 came to North Attleborough, Mass., where he learned the jeweler's trade. In a few years he became foreman for the firm of Marsh & Bigney, which position he held until 1888, when he resigned his position and started in business for himself, the firm name being Regnell, Bigney & Co., making a specialty of ladies' jewelry and novel- ties. In 1883 Mr. Bigney married Chloe R., daughter of Thomas W. Carpenter of Rehoboth, Mass., and they have five daughters: Louise M., Bertha C., Mabel S., Edythe D., and Florence L. Mr. Bigney is one of the conservative men of his town ; takes an active interest in school and church matters, and has ever received and merited the respect of his associates.

Black, William Rufus, was born in Searlstown, P. E. I., August 23, 1830, and re- ceived his early education in the provincial schools. In 1850 he left the island for the United States and came to Taunton in 1852, where he began work as a carpenter and continued about five years; he then went to driving a baker's team, which he followed until the breaking out of the war in 1861. Mr. Black enlisted in the 4th Regiment, M. V. M., and on the call for troops in April, 1861, went to Boston and from there to Fortress Monroe. In 1862 the regiment was ordered to New Orleans under General Banks and remained there nine months, receiving his discharge in August, 1863. He then engaged in cotton trading in North Carolina until 1868, when he returned to Taunton and for two years was traveling salesman, and then began business as a contractor, which he still follows. In 1872 and 1873 Mr. Black was a representative to the Legislature, and in 1896 was elected to the Senate. He has been superintendent of streets and highways for four years. January 11, 1855, he married Elizabeth Dark of Devonshire, England, and they had one daughter, Emma Louise, born January 11, 1858, died September 12, 1885.

Blackinton, Roswell, was born in Paterson, N. J., September 30, 1831. His father,

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Virgil Blackinton, was a native of Wrentham, where his father, William Blackinton, was one of the pioneers of the town and served in the war of the Revolution. Virgil married Hannah S., daughter of Obed Robinson, and for a short time lived at Pat- erson, returning to North Attleborough in 1832. Before going to New Jersey he was a member of the firm of Robinson, Jones & Co., button manufacturers, and he with others built a large button factory at Paterson, N. J., but after 1832 was identified at North Attleborough. He died in 1838 in his forty-third year. Roswell Blackinton was educated in the common schools and learned the gilt button trade with R. & W. Robinson, and afterwards learned the jewelry trade with his brother Virgil, of the firm of Guild & Blackinton. He spent some years in New Jersey as salesman; also was in the employ of Freeman & Co. In 1863 he established business for himself in which he still continues. In 1861 he married Hattie Claflin, who died in 1862; later he married Hattie Read, who died in 1864, and in 1871 he married Caroline T. Price, and they have one son, Roswell Blackinton, jr., and one daughter, Alice A.

Blackmer, Arthur L., who is one of the leading manufacturers of cut glass in this country, was born in Rochester, Mass., March 18, 1865, a son of Charles M. and Emily (Sears) Blackmer. He was one of three children, and belongs to one of the oldest families of this section, his ancestors being among the founders and most prominent settlers in the old Wareham and Rochester townships of colonial times. His father, a well known farmer of Rochester, died when he was a youth and the family removed to New Bedford. Here in the public and high schools he completed his education, and later took a business course in Scoffield's Commercial College at Providence, R. I. Shortly after the completion of this course he obtained a position in the employ of the Old Colony Railroad, and remained in it one year. He was then engaged in various mercantile pursuits until 1885, when he went into the em- ploy of the Mt. Washington Glass Co. Here Mr. Blackmer gained a thorough knowledge of the business of manufacturing and putting on the market cut glass products, his term of service covering a period of nine years, four years in the ship- ping department, and five years as paymaster and general assistant. In 1894 Mr. Blackmer saw a good opportunity to engage in business on his own account, and at once proceeded, with characteristic enterprise to establish himself in the trade. For the time occupied the growth of the business has been wonderful, and this is largely due to Mr. Blackmer's personal efforts. He aims to manufacture only the best prod- ucts, and caters only to the highest class of trade. Traveling personally, he covers the territory embracing nearly the whole of the United States. In the factory and warerooms on North Second street, employment is given to a large body of men, the majority being higly skilled mechanics. Mr. Blackmer is a steward of the County Street M. E. Church, a member of Star in the East Lodge of Masons, of Adoniram Royal Arch Chapter, and Sutton Commandery, Knights Templar. He has always taken an active interest in municipal politics and has represented Ward 2 in the Common Council four years, 1894-95-96-97. In 1896 he was elected to the presidency of this body, and was a member of the different boards and committees of the city government. In 1887 Mr. Blackmer married Susan A., a daughter of William H. Gardner of Acushnet. They have one daughter, Gladys Blackmer.

Blackmer, Herbert Albert, druggist, is the son of John and Betsey (Hall) Black- mer and a grandson of Allen Hall of Acushnet, and was born in Rochester, Mass.,

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July 6, 1856. His father, a farmer, served for several years as selectman of Roches- ter, and in 1870 moved with his family to New Bedford, where he died in November, 1885. Mr. Blackmer finished his education in the New Bedford public schools and when sixteen entered the drug store of Charles H. Church, with whom he re- mained fourteen years, having charge of his Purchase street store during the last five years. In October, 1885, he purchased of Herbert E. Hicks the drug store on the corner of Purchase and North streets, which he has since conducted. Mr. Black- mer is a member of Star in the East Lodge, F. & A. M., of Adoniram Chapter, R.A.M., and of Sutton Commandery, K.T., all of New Bedford, and of Aleppo Tem- ple, N.O.M.S., and of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company, both of Bos- ton. For seven years he was a member of the New Bedford Board of Registra- tion. In 1883 he married Louise C., daughter of Charles H. Church of New Bedford.

Blake, Jacob A., was born in Wrentham, Mass., October 14, 1826, a son of Jacob and Roxa Blake. He started in life for himself at six years of age at general farming, and at sixteen years he learned the basket making trade. At seventeen he started manufacturing for himself which he followed until 1864, since which time he has lived retired. April 15, 1851, he married Eunice W., daughter of Amasa and Sally Pratt, and they had two children: Charles A. and Lizzie J. Mrs. Blake died and Mr. Blake married for his second wife a sister of his first wife, Sarah, and they have one daughter, Agnes E., who is a school teacher. Mr. Blake has been active in town and county affairs, has been tax collector for twenty-four years, constable twenty-five, deputy sheriff ten, and selectman nine years. He is a member of St. James, F. & A. M.

Blake, John E., was born in Easton, Mass., April 24, 1862, son of John and Ellen Blake, and was educated at the public schools of Easton. He soon afterward started in the shoe business, in which he was engaged for fourteen years, and in 1895 he was appointed postmaster at North Easton, Mass., which position he now holds. He was married, in 1892, to Mary E., daughter of Cornelius and Ellen Sweeny, of Can- ton, Mass. He is a member of the Massachusetts Catholic Order of M. C. O. F., of Easton, and is chief ranger of that order. Mr. Blake is one of North Easton's pro- gressive and highly respected citizens and takes an interest in school and church in- stitutions and has ever advanced the best interests of his town and townspeople.

Blandin, Lester Duane, selectman in Norton, Mass., was born in Norton, March 15, 1857, a son of Lucius D. and Lucy A. (Dean) Blandin. He attended the public schools in early life, finishing his education in a private school and then went to work for J. L. Leavitt, in Norton, who manufactured cotton batting, with whom he remained about five years, and then went to Kingston, Mass., where he engaged in the manufacture of match cards, remaining here about seven years, when he returned to Norton, where he has been ever since. In the spring of 1893 he was elected one of the selectmen of the town and has succeeded himself ever since and is now serving his sixth year. He is a member of the A. O. U. W. Mr. Blandin was married, November 22, 1881, to Eliza J. Ford, of Pembroke, daughter of Kenelm and Abby (Sampson) Ford, and they have four children: Gertrude A., Harry W., Edith A. and Kenneth F.

Blossom, Abram S., son of Barnabas and Innocent (Sherman) Blossom, was born

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in Fall River, November 12, 1846. His father was a farmer and well known in this section, representing the district in the General Court. The family is of English descent, and, although the date of their first settlement is unknown, it can be num- bered among the oldest families of New England. Elijah Blossom, grandfather of the subject of this notice, was a veteran of the early Indian wars. He purchased the old Blossom homestead farm on the Blossom Road on the east side of the North Watuppa Pond, and the land has never been deeded out of the family. Barnabas Blossom, mentioned above, was the eleventh of the twelve children of Elijah and Bethana Blossom. He was born in 1789, and died in the ninety-seventh year of his age, honored and respected in this community. Abram S. Blossom was educated in the common schools of the vicinity, and during his earlier years assisted in the farm work. For a time he was employed in various capacities in Fall River, but on ac- count of his aged father's failing health he returned to take the active management of the farm. In 1876 Mr. Blossom began to improve the Blossom lot, so called, on Pleasant street, Fall River, by the erection of buildings and the establishment of a steam plant and by the leasing of the same to a large number of small manufactur- ing concerns. On this tract are located The Fraprie; Douglas Co., tube makers; the Douglass Picker Manufacturing Co .; Joseph T. Sprinfer, roll coverer; George Congdon, scrims, leno weaves and twines; William Prosser & Son, sash, doors and building material; G. D. Albro, machinist; C. H. Williston, concrete and gravel roofing, etc. In 1888, Mr Blossom finding his city business requiring more and more of his attention and time, removed his residence to Fall River. He still super- intends and cultivates his farm with success. He is now a well known citizen and business man, highly esteemed, well-to-do and of substantial character and worth. He has never held public office, his own affairs requiring his unremitting attention. Mr. Blossom has never married.

Blossom, Levi .- The Blossom family is descended from an English stock that traces its ancestry back to the sixteenth century. Thomas Blossom was one of those who went from England to Leyden about 1609, and in 1620 to Plymouth, England. In 1629 he came to America and settled in Plymouth. He was born in England about 1580, and died in 1632; and married Ann -, who was born in England about the year 1590. Peter, son of Thomas and Ann, born at Plymouth between 1629 and 1632, married at Barnstable, June 21, 1663, Sarah Bodfish. He died in July, 1706, at West Barnstable. Joseph Blossom, son of Peter and Sarah (Bodfish) Blossom, born at Barnstable, December 10, 1673, married his third wife, Mehitabel -, about 1720; he died November 5, 1749; his wife died March 16, 1771. Benja- min Blossom, son of Joseph and Mehitabel, born at Barnstable, in March, 1721, married Bathsheba Percival, October 31, 1751, who was born December 21, 1735. He died at Fairhaven, October 25, 1797. Joseph Blossom, son of Benjamin Blossom and Bathsheba, was born at Barnstable, December 4, 1763, and married Elizabeth Hathaway, daughter of Jonathan and Bridget (Delano) Hathaway, October 25, 1787. Joseph Blossom, jr., son of Joseph Blossom and Elizabeth Hathaway, was born in Fairhaven, in 1793; married Betsey Copeland in 1827, and died July 1, 1859; his wife died August 23, 1867. Levi Blossom, the subject of this sketch, is the oldest son of Joseph and Betsey (Copeland) Blossom, and was born in the town of Fair- haven, September 10, 1836. His youth was passed on his father's farm and his edu-

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cational advantages were such as the school system of the district afforded. Later on he engaged in farming, which he followed until 1866, when he embarked in the meat business in which he was successfully engaged until 1886, when he removed to his present farm, where he has since resided. Mr. Blossom has always been a Re- publican in politics, though conservative. On June 12, 1873, he married Georgianna, daughter of Lewis and Sylvia (Sturtevant) Farwell, and they have one son, Lewis F. Mr. Blossom is recognized as a liberal and public spirited man, who takes a deep in- terest in the development of his native town.

Bodfish, William Francis, was born in Wareham, Mass., February 22, 1848, a son of Asa N. and Elizabeth (Nye) Bodfish, and educated at the Greenwich Seminary, from which he was graduated in 1864. He then came to Taunton, where he was em- ployed by D. L. Burt & Co. in the grocery and provision business and remained with them until November 11, 1878, when he engaged in business for himself under the name of Evans & Bodfish. In May, 1883, he bought out Mr. Evans's interest and has continued the business alone up to the present time, 1898. Mr. Bodfish is a member of Alfred Baylies Lodge, F. & A. M., St. Mark's Chapter, New Bedford Council, St. John's Commandery and Sabbatia Lodge, I. O. O. F. He was married in February, 1870, to Thankie H. Baker of Wellfleet, Mass., and they have one daughter, Addie E., born January 5, 1875.

Booth, James, was born in England, October 8, 1845, a son of John and Elizabeth (Landale) Booth, was educated in the public schools of England, and in 1860 came to this country, settling in Fall River. In 1861 he enlisted in Co. F, 29th Regt. M. V., for three years and was in active service all of this time, receiving his discharge in January, 1864. He immediately re-enlisted in the same regiment and served nine months, receiving his final discharge in August, 1865, making a total of three years and nine months of service, and all of this time his regiment was in the hottest part of the fighting. On his return he settled in Taunton, and engaged with W. L. New- comb & Co. in the lumber business and stayed with him about twenty years. In 1887 he started in business with Mr. Moore, under the firm name of Moore & Booth, which partnership continued until 1895, when Mr. Moore retired and the present partnership of Booth & Luther was formed. Mr. Booth is a member of King David Lodge, F. & A. M., the G. A. R. and R. A. He has been twice married, first to Mary C. Paine of Taunton, and on December 2, 1884, to Lizzie J. Allen of Taunton, daughter of Henry C. and Rowina (Farnham) Allen, and they have one son, Herbert A., born April 26, 1892.

Booth, William L., son of William and Mary A. (Rhodes) Booth, was born in Fall River, May 7, 1866. His father was an overseer in the cotton mills and later en- gaged in the market business, in which he continued several years. After obtaining his education in the public schools of Fall River, Mr. Booth went to work in his father's market and in 1874 was admitted to partnership, the firm name becoming William Booth & Son. Four years later his father sold his interest to John H. Booth, at which time the firm took its present name of Booth Brothers. The business is located at the corner of Third and Branch streets, and controls a large retail trade in groceries, meats and provisions. Booth Brothers also represent the Standard Wood Company of New York in Fall River. William L. Booth is a member of Nar- ragansett Lodge, F. & A. M., Chapter, Council and Commandery; he also holds

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membership in the order of Odd Fellows and in many other fraternal organizations. He has been for over twelve years a member of Metacomet Steamer Company No. 3. In 1886 he married Ida M. Whitworth, and they have two sons: William Irving and John Morton.

Borden, Charles E., carriage painting, trimming, etc .- This business was estab- lished by Stephen Borden, father of Charles E., away back in 1856, at the corner of Fourth and Pleasant streets, and remained there three years when it was removed to the site now occupied by the office building of the Union Mill Co.'s plant. In 1860 it again found lodgment on Second street, near the City Hall, and was finally located at its present commodious quarters in 1880, and conducted by its founder until the present proprietor, Charles E., purchased it in 1896, his father's death occurring one year later. Mr. Borden's mother was Sarah P. Brayton of Fall River. He had one brother, Stephen A., of Fall River. His sisters are Silvia, wife of Edmund White- head, the well known meat dealer of South Main street, and Louise M., wife of Joseph T Springer, and Ida M., wife of B. Frank Sisson, a well known contractor residing on Grove street, Fall River. Mr. Borden began the trade of carriage paint- ing with his father in 1871, and worked with him until his purchase of the business in 1896. He has been twice married; first in 1874, to Elizabeth Hoy, by whom he had one son, Charles F. He married, second, Katie M. Johnson, daughter of Daniel M. Johnson of Fall River, and their children are Lina B., Ida May, Louis E., Edgar L., Ruth A., Carrie L., Clinton F. and Elton E. Mr. Borden is a member and has been secretary of the N. E. Order of Protection for six years; is financial secretary of Fall River Lodge No. 219, I. O. O. F., and organized Minnehaha Rebekah Lodge No. 134.

Borden, Jonathan, is a lineal descendant in the ninth generation of Richard Borden, who came with his brother, John Borden, to this country from England in the ship " Elizabeth," in the year 1635, and settled near Boston, where they remain- ed but a short time when they removed to Rhode Island. Richard, the elder brother, was one of the three men who laid out the original town of Portsmouth, R. I. ; his son Matthew was the first white child born in Rhode Island, in May, 1638. The line of descent is as follows: (1) Richard; (2) John; (3) Richard; (4) Thomas; (5) Chris- topher; (6) Jonathan; (7) Abraham; (8) Christopher; and (9) Jonathan. Jonathan Borden, ninth generation, was born in Tiverton, R I., (now Westport, Mass.), May 15, 1841. He is the eldest of six children and received his education in the public schools of his native town. He remained at home until he was fifteen years of age, when he went to work for his grandfather. November 7, 1861, he married Mary M., daughter of Thomas and and Mary (Snell) Estes, and they have seven children: Mercy D., wife of Walter F. Grinnell; Thomas E., born August 9, 1866; Othniel T., born December 12, 1868; Christopher, born November 27, 1871; Mary R., born June 20, 1874; Jennie M., born January 1, 1878; and Jonathan L., deceased. Mrs. Borden died September 10, 1896. Mr. Borden is one of those quiet, unassuming men, has a large circle of friends, and is one of Westport's leading and most respected citizens.

Bourne, Edmund Wright, cashier of the New Bedford Safe Deposit and Trust Company, is the son of George A. and Lucy R (Standish) Bourne, and was born in New Bedford, Mass., July 23, 1861. His mother is a lineal descendant of Capt. Miles Standish of the Plymouth colony. On his father's side he is descended from an old

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and respected family of southeastern Massachusetts. George A. Bourne was for many years a prominent auctioneer, and was a member of the New Bedford City Guards and for one year a member of the City Council. He died in 1896. Edmund W. Bourne was educated in the public and high schools of his native city, in the Friends' Academy, and at a Boston commercial college. Afterward he was engaged in banking in Kiowa, Kan., and Albuquerque, New Mexico, and on his return to New Bedford in 1889 was elected cashier of the New Bedford Safe Deposit and Trust Company, which position he still holds. He is a member of the Wamsutta and Dart- mouth Clubs.

Bowen, Albert K., was born in Killingway, Conn., January 8, 1845, a son of L. W. and Annie (Knight) Bowen, and was educated in the public schools. For five years he was engaged in the mercantile business and in 1877 established his present busi- ness of dealer in hay, grain and flour. In 1872 Mr. Bowen married Lydia A., daughter of Edmund Briggs. Mr. Bowen is one of the conservative men of his town, taking an intelligent interest in school and church matters and has ever ad- vanced the best interests of his town and townspeople.

Boylan, Rev. Bernard, rector of St. John's Church of Fall River, is a son of Luke and Bridget (Galligan) Boylan, and was born in Wareham, Mass., September 25, 1853. He obtained his early education in the public schools of his native town and later attended Pierce Academy at Middleborough, Mass., for two years. He then entered St. Charles College at Baltimore, Md., completing the four years course, and then going to the Grand Seminary at Montreal, where he remained nearly five years. He was ordained to the ministry December 23, 1876, and soon after became assistant in the parish of St. Michael's at South Providence, Eight months later he went to the parish of Odell, Livingston county, Ill., in the same capacity and remained five years, when he returned to the east and was assistant at North Attleborough for two years. He came to Fall River in February, 1885, to take charge of the new St. Jo- seph's Church as pastor, and during his charge of the parish, which now covers a period of over fifteen years, has done much to improve the church property and to uplift and benefit the members of his congregation. He is a man fitted to win the friendship and confidence of all; his pastorate is laborious and influential and his sermons are brilliant in style and full of religious fervor.

Bradford, Philip A., is a lineal descendant in the sixth generation of Hon. William Bradford, who came to this country from England on the Mayflower and was the second governor of the Plymouth colony. On the maternal side he is descended from Admiral Hammond of the English navy, whose wife was a sister to William Penn. Mr. Bradford is a son of Seth C. and Nancy (Hammond) Bradford, and was born in Mattapoisett, Plymouth county, Mass., October 2, 1823. His parents re- moved to the town of Acushnet when he was eight years old and where he was ed- ucated in the public schools. At the age of sixteen he entered a five years' ap- prenticeship at the carpenter's trade, which vocation he followed until 1876, when he settled on his farm, where he has since resided. December 8, 1870, he married Anna H., daughter of Samuel and Sarah P. (Hathway) Wing of Acushnet, and they have three children: Melvin O., Joel P. and Philip A., jr. Mr. Bradford was formerly a Whig in politics and since the organization of the Republican party has been promi- nently identified with it. He has served on the School Committee for a number of

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Our country and its people; a descriptive and biographical record of Bristol County, Massachusetts, Part 118

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