Our country and its people; a descriptive and biographical record of Bristol County, Massachusetts, Part 120

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 120

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married Lucy C. Milliken, daughter of Edward R. Milliken of New Bedford, and they have one daughter, Beatrice Millikin.

Bush, George H., son of Oliver H. and Ruth Ann (Read) Bush, was born in Fall River, Mass., September 22, 1836. His father was a lifelong resident of Fall River, and was a direct descendant of Oliver Hazard Perry, being named in his honor. Mr. Bush attended the public and high schools of Fall River and soon after leaving school went to Chicago to engage in the oil business in company with his brother. Two years later he removed to Boston, where he became connected with the whole- sale drug firm of Weeks & Potter, in whose employ he remained ten years. In 1871 he started a wholesale drug and commission business in Boston for himself, and after conducting it for ten years sold out and returned to Fall River. He was employed for a short time in the office of the Sagamore Mills as a bookkeeper, later accepting a position in the First National Bank as assistant cashier. After a faithful service of three years in this capacity he was offered the position of manager and treasurer of the Fall River Manufacturing Company. Mr. Bush has filled this position for a period of twelve years.

Capron, Frank R., was born in North Attleborough, April 1, 1844, a son of Davld Capron, jr., a native of the same town. David married Emily, daughter of Calvin Richards, and through life was one of the early manufacturers of jewelry in North Attleborough. He died in 1879. Frank R. Capron was educated in Attleborough, and in 1862 learned the jewelry business with the firm of Tift & Whiting, now F. M. Whiting & Co., having been interested with one house for thirty-five years, and at the present time is manager of the Frank M. Whiting & Co. In 1868 he married Emmeline H., daughter of Wallace Goodwin. Mr. Capron is a representative of one of the oldest families of Bristol county, conservative and of sterling integrity, and has by force of character placed himself among the leading business men of North Attle- borough.

Carpenter, Arthur B., was born in Attleborough, November 14, 1839, and his father, Zenas B. Carpenter, was a native of Rehoboth. The family trace their descent from William Carpenter, who came from England and settled in Rehoboth, about 1650. Zenas B. Carpenter married Lucinda, a daughter of Amos Ide, and through life was identified as a farmer and was in the mercantile business. He came to At- tleborough in 1830 and was prominent in abolition and temperance societies. He died in 1878. A. B. Carpenter was educated in the public schools and at eighteen years of age entered the grocery business, where he remained until 1872, when he formed the firm of Pierce & Carpenter, dealers in coal and lumber. In 1865 he mar- ried Harriet A., daughter of Israel Williams, and they have two children: Frank W. and Olive E. Mr. Carpenter is one of the conservative men of his town; has served as selectman, as assessor and overseer of the poor; takes an active interest in school and church matters, having been deacon of the Congregational Church for twelve years; is trustee of the Attleborough Savings and Loan Association; treasurer of Attleborough Mutual Fire Insurance Co., and has ever advanced the best interests of his town and townspeople.

Carpenter, Samuel N., son of Samuel and Nancy (Ingraham) Carpenter, was born in Pawtucket, R. I., May 9, 1820. When he was an infant the family removed to

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Attleborough, where his father became a leading manufacturer and respected citizen, serving for a number of years as agent of the Mechanics' Manufacturing Company and as president of the old Bank of Attleborough; also as a member of the Massa- chusetts House of Representatives. Samuel N. Carpenter was educated in the com- mon schools and for sixteen years was engaged in the grocery trade. Later he be- came interested in jewelry manufacturing, and for the past eight years has been in the direction of the Attleborough Savings and Loan Association. He has been num- bered among the conservative men of the town, held the office of collector and was a sinking fund commissioner for some time. He married, in 1843, Lydia S., daugh- ter of Noble Cummings of Attleborough, and of their union was one son, Frank Nel- son Carpenter (deceased).

Cash, James, was born in Ireland, January 5, 1847, a son of James and Isabell (McKernon) Cash. He received his early education in the National schools of Ire- land and public and private schools of France. After leaving school he learned the machinist's trade and remained in France until 1870, when he came to America, lo- cating in Paterson, N. J. Later he went to Passaic, N. J., as assistant superintendent of a jute spinning and weaving mill, and remained there until he came to Taunton in 1871. He went to work for the Taunton Foundry and Machine Co., and a little later for the locomotive company, staying with them until he was appointed on the police force in 1877. In 1884 he was appointed captain of the night police and in 1886 was made assistant marshal (title of assistant marshal changed to deputy chief of police in 1891), which position he holds at the present time. He is a member of the B. P. O E., the A. O. U. W. and the K. of C.

Chaffin, Rev. William L., son of William Farwell and Louisa (Shattuck) Chaffin, was born in Oxford, Maine, August 16, 1837, but early removed to Concord, N. H. He graduated at Meadville (Pa.) Theological School in 1861, and on August 12, 1862, was married to Rebecca Huidekoper, daughter of Michael Hodge and Margaret (Hazlett) Bagley, of Meadville. He was pastor for three years and a half of a Uni- tarian society in Philadelphia, and his engagement in North Easton, Mass , began January 1, 1868, which position, as minister of the Unitarian Society, he still fills. He is the author of the "History of the Town of Easton " and is a biographical writer.

Cheever, George W., was born in North Attleborough, February 22, 1846. His grandfather, Ariel Cheever, was a blacksmith and one of the pioneers of Wrentham. In 1838, one of his sons, William H., the father of George W., entered the employ of Ira Richards & Co. at North Attleborough and remained with that firm for more than twenty years. In 1844 he married Joanna, a daughter of Isaiah and Fanny Allen of Rehoboth. George W. Cheever was educated in the common schools and at the age of sixteen he entered the employ of Ira Richards & Co. He remained with them for a short time and then went to Providence, R. I., where he was employed in a store as bookkeeper and collector for five years. He returned to North Attlebor- ough and again entered the employ of Ira Richards & Co. In 1873 he married Har- riett O., daughter of Frank B. Richards, and they have one daughter, Annie F. In 1880 he established the firm of G. W. Cheever & Co., which was changed to Cheever, Tweedy & Co. in 1897. At the present time they make a general line of silver novelties and ladies' jewelry.

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Cheever, James G., was born in Wrentham, Mass., November 23, 1844. His father, George W. Cheever, was a native of the same town, where his father, George Cheever, was one of the pioneers. George W. married Thais, daughter of Joseph Warren; he died in 1891. James G. was educated in the common schools and en- tered the employ of F. W. Cabot & Co., and later the employ of R. Knapp & Co. In 1878 he commenced the jewelry business with F. S. Bailey & Co., which was changed later to Cheever, Rhodes & Co., and later to J. G. Cheever & Co., making a specialty of rolled plate chains; the business was closed up in June, 1898. In 1875 he married Hattie A., daughter of F. S. Bailey, and they have one daughter, Annie M. He was elected tax collector in 1897 and takes an active interest in educational and religious institutions and has ever received and merited the respect of his associates.

Clancy, Michael, was born in Clare county, Ireland, in September, 1848, a son of John and Margaret (Lorigan) Clancy. He was the oldest of a family of five children and early had to make his own way and at the same time contribute to the support of the family. He attended the common schools of his native village and meantime worked on his father's farm, where he continued during his early manhood. In 1875 Mr. Clancy came to this country and settled at once in Fall River, where he found employment in a stone quarry. Later he was employed in various capacities by the Iron Works Company, the municipality and in a coal yard, constantly adding to his capital by thrift and enterprise. In 1893 he began a livery business in a small way and by the exercise of energy and ability has succeeded in making his establishment one of the foremost of its kind in Fall River. Mr. Clancy was married in 1873 to Bridget Barry, and they have four children: Margaret, Bridget, Michael, jr., and John.

Clap, Harvey, was born in Wrentham, Mass., April 2, 1844, and his father, Harvey E. Clap, M. D, was a native of Walpole, Mass. The family trace their descent from Roger Clap, a native of England, who settled near Dorchester. Harvey E. Clap, M. D., was a graduate of Harvard and of Harvard Medical School, in the class of 1837; practiced in Wrentham for twenty-five years, and died in 1862. Harvey Clap was educated in Wrentham and in 1863 entered the United States navy as en- gineer on the steamer Iosco, on the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, and was in both attacks on Fort Fisher. In September, 1865, and 1866 he was in South Amer- ica on the Powhattan, the flag ship of the squadron. In 1867 he came to Attlebor- ough, where he entered the employ of H. M. Daggett at Attleborough Falls, remain- ing until 1882, when he established the jewelry manufacturing business under the firm name of Daggett & Clap, making a specialty of novelties and ladies' jewelry. In 1869 he married Josephine, daughter of H. M. Daggett, and they are the parents of three sons: Edmund W., Harvey E., and George P.

Clark, Thomas H., son of Thomas H. and Sarah J. (Fleet) Clark, and grandson of Thomas H. and Olive Clark, was born in Freetown, Bristol county, Mass., February 5, 1867. He received his early education in the public schools of his native town, and when he attained his majority began the life of a farmer, which vocation he has since followed. On April 7, 1897, he was married to Minnie E., daughter of William H. and Caroline (De Moranville) Reynolds.

Clements, William H., was born at Quincy, Mass., August 1, 1854, son of Joel hh

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and Lydia A. (Washburn) Clements. His father was identified through his life in the granite business, having been inspector of granite for public buildings of the United States Government as early as 1854. They trace their descent back to Rob- ert Clements's family, who came from Coventry, Warwickshire, England, in his own ship, which landed at Ipswich, Mass., in 1638, and on the maternal side back to David Thompson, who landed at Portsmouth, N. H., in 1623. Mr. David Thompson, a descendant of the above mentioned David, died in Easton, Mass., August 5, 1836, aged ninety-eight years. Mr. Thompson during his long life was much respected and belonged to the Congregational Church at the time of his death, having been a communicant forty-four years. He left at his death six children, thirty-eight grandchildren, and one hundred great-grandchildren. Mr. Thompson at the age of sixteen enlisted in the old French War and lost his left arm by a bomb, in the storming of Fort Henry by the French, in 1757. He received a pension until his decease and was the last surviving pensioner who took part in that war. His grandmother, Mrs. Mary Houghton, was one of the three whose lives were saved at the sinking of Port Royal in Jamaica by an earthquake, in June, 1692. She heard and felt the shock; rushed to the door, and as the place sank in the water, she clung to a door which floated from an outbuilding, and remained on the water three days and nights, when a vessel passed near her and she was taken on board; at the same time a trunk of clothing from her house floating near her, which she had pulled on the door, was also saved. She afterwards lived at a public house in Dorchester and waited upon guests. Several years had elapsed since the occurrence of the . earthquake, when her husband entered the house in which she resided, to obtain lodgings for the night; they immediately recognized each other and the surprise was so great that Mary fainted. The husband supposed that she perished at the time of the earthquake, and she believed he was lost at sea, he being absent on a voyage at the time of the disaster. She died in 1768 at the advanced age of one hundred and five. Mr. Clements received his education in the schools of Quincy and Dorchester. In 1874 he learned telegraphy and was in the train dis- patcher's office of the Old Colony Railroad Company at Boston three years and a half previous to his coming to North Easton, in February, 1878, as agent for the same corporation, which position he now holds. Mr. Clements is a justice of the peace and has also been secretary and treasurer of the North Easton Co-operative Bank since its organization in April, 1889, and was one of the most active members in help- ing to organize the bank.' He is an honored member of Dorchester Lodge No. 158, order of Odd Fellows, and of Mount Hebron Encampment of Stoughton. He was married in 1878 to M. Eva Pearce, daughter of Richard F. and Maria S. Pearce, of Milton, Mass., and they have a daughter, Ethel P., who is studying at the High School of Easton. He takes an active interest in school and church institutions and his town and townspeople.

Cobb, George A., merchant, son of Asahel and Helen M. (Hamlin) Cobb, was born in Sandwich, Mass., May 13, 1842, and came to New Bedford with his parents in 1858. He received a public school education, and in 1860 was apprenticed to the tin business under Jonathan P. Lund, with whom he served three years. Mr. Lund then owned the old tin and hardware store at what is now Acushnet in New Bedford, and Mr. Cobb has been almost continuously connected with it since his apprentice-

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ship, becoming a proprietor in 1872 with George G. Jenney, under the firm name of Cobb & Jenney. Since 1876 he has successfully conducted the establishment alone. Mr. Cobb has been a wood measurer and city weigher for many years. In March, 1872, he married Miss Harriet F. White of New Bedford.

Cody, Edmund Francis, physician and surgeon, was born in Taunton, Mass., March 29, 1870, a son of John W. and Mary E. (Clark) Cody. He obtained his pre- paratory education in the public and high schools of Taunton and was graduated M. D. from the Harvard University School of Medicine in 1893. Soon after taking his degree he became interne (house physician) in the Rochester City Hospital at Rochester, N. Y., where he remained a little over a year. In 1894 he came to New Bedford and engaged in his present practice on Fourth street. Dr. Cody is among the younger physicians of the city, but has already established an extensive practice and is rapidly gaining reputation. He is now serving as medical inspector for the Board of Health. He married, in 1896, Myrtle E., daughter of Franklin H. Wiggins of Avon, N. Y., and they have one son, Edmund.

Cole, Samuel Valentine, was born in Machiasport, Maine, December 29, 1851, a son of Isaac T. and Catherine S. (Valentine) Cole. His early education was obtained in the public schools and Washington Academy, and in 1870 he entered Bowdoin College, graduating from there in 1874, when he took up teaching and followed it for about ten years, then went to Andover Theological Seminary and graduated in 1887. He then spent a year in Europe in travel and study, and in 1889 came to Taunton, when he commenced his pastorate in the Broadway Church, continuing in this until 1897, and then went to Norton to accept the position of president of the Wheaton Seminary, which he holds at the present writing. He was married, April 11, 1880, to Annie M. Talbot of East Machias, Me., daughter of John C. and Antoi- nette C. (Wass) Talbot. They have no children.

Coleman, Abner, was born of English parents in England, August 31, 1845, and came to this country in 1847, his parents settling in Taunton. He was educated in the public schools of Taunton and later learned the trade of machinist, which he fol- lowed until 1880, with the exception of two years during the war. He enlisted in the U. S. Signal Corps in 1863 and remained there until the close of the war in 1865. On his return, for a few years, he was engaged in the telephone business, and in 1872 was appointed city engineer of the fire department, which position he has held, with that of superintendent of fire alarm, to the present time. In December, 1866, Mr. Coleman married Emma E. Park of Taunton, and they have one son, Edward P. Coleman. Mr. Coleman is past master of King David Lodge, F. & A. M.

Collet, C. A. Arthur, son of Piere and Marie (Couture) Collet, was born at St. Henri, near the city of Levis, P. Q. His early education was obtained in the public schools of his native village, and in 1873 he attended the college at Levis; in 1874 entered St. Ann's College at Lapocatiere in the county of Kamouraska, from which he was graduated in 1884, and the same year entered a drug store in Quebec to per- form the duties of a clerk and to take up the study of pharmacy. In 1885 he enlisted as a private and served during a four month's campaign for the quelling of the "Riel Rebellion." Before the close of this campaign he was appointed to the office of hospital sergeant of the 9th Battalion, called the 9th Voltigeurs of Quebec. He now

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has in his possession a medal which was awarded to him by the British government at the expiration of his term of service. Mr. Collet came to the United States and settled in Fall River in 1888. He was employed as a drug clerk for the firm com- posed of his brother, P. A. Collet, and Charles Marcotte. In February, 1889, he passed the examinations of the Massachusetts Board of Pharmacy and has since conducted the pharmacy at No. 754 South Main street. He is a member of the Massachusetts State Pharmaceutical Association. In January, 1895, he married Georgiana Robillard, also a native of Canada, and they have two daughters: Blanche and Léopoldine.

Conefy, James Francis, was born in Ireland, July 4, 1836, and came to this country when eight years old, coming direct to Taunton, where he went to work at the Hooper Cotton Mill and stayed two years. At this time he was so small he was obliged to stand on a stool to perform his duties; after leaving the mill he went to Pawtucket, Attleborough and Providence, and spent some years in the jewelry busi- ness. In 1857 he returned to Taunton and learned the blacksmith's trade with J. Peck. After serving his time with him he went as foreman in the shop of William McDonald and stayed with him until he engaged in business for himself in 1866, and has continued alone up to the present time (1898). Mr. Conefy has served two years in the Common Council from the Third ward. June 24, 1867, he married Margaret, daughter of Paul and Margaret Tosney of Raynham, and they have three children: Anna S., James F., jr., and Fred P.

Cook, Abraham S .- Prominent among the younger men of the town of Dartmouth who have successfully made their own way is Abraham S. Cook, a son of John and Sarah (Durfee) Cook, and was born in Dartmouth, Bristol county, Mass., February 15, 1871. He was educated in private schools and at the age of eighteen was ap- prenticed to the painter's trade, which he followed for several years, being employed by the firm of Kern & Wright of New Bedford. Mr. Cook has always taken an act- ive part in politics, although he has never accepted office. He has always been an earnest Republican and has faithfully followed out the traditions of his party.

Cornell, Oliver, a native of Middleton, R. I., born October 5, 1835, is a son of William and Mary A. (Almy) Cornell. His ancestors were of English descent and were among the earlier settlers of Rhode Island. He was educated in the public schools of his native town. In 1852 his father removed to Pembroke, Mass., and in 1859 to Westport, where he has since been engaged in farming. In 1854 Mr. Cor- nell married Carrie Willis of Boston; their children were Edward, died at the age of twenty-three; Abbie, married Thomas Jefferson Westgate of Fall River, Mass .; Su- san Almy, died aged six. In 1860 Mr. Cornell married, second, Elizabeth E. Gif- ford of Westport; their children were Robert Henry, married Lillian Lawton, and died in 1895; Carrie Lillian, married Lorenzo Jones, and died in 1884; Albert Hicks, died in infancy; Albert Hicks 2d, died in 1888; Winifred, died in 1876; Edith, died in 1891, aged nineteen; Rachel A., married George Millen of Providence, R.I., died in 1896, leaving a son, George Millen, jr .; Ferdinand Gifford, died in 1896, aged eighteen; Hannah Etta, died in infancy; Florence Etta, living in Fall River, Mass. In 1884, Mr. Cornell married, third Mrs. Emma Butts of Westport; their children were Grace, Nellie (deceased), infant (unnamed) and Delia. Thomas J. and Abbie Cornell Westgate have one son, Harold Edward Westgate

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Corson, Temple Shorey, is the eldest surviving son of Nahum and Mary (Shorey) Corson, and was born July 24, 1830, in Waterville, Me., where he received a public school education. His father and grandfather, Isaac Corson, were both natives of Waterville and both farmers and drovers. Mr. Corson came to New Bedford in 1849 and engaged in the trucking and teaming business, which he followed success- fully until about 1895, when he sold out to what is now the City Coal Company. During the Rebellion he was employed by the United States government in equip- ping the blockading squadron of southern ports with ballasting. In 1870 he estab- lished his present wholesale and retail coal business. Mr. Corson is one of the lead- ing coal merchants in the city; he is a prominent public spirited citizen, a member of the Elks, and for many years an active member of old No. 5 Engine Company. In 1854 he married Sarah A., daughter of Henry W. Southwick of New Bedford, and they have four children: James A., and Frank E., who are associated in business with their father; Henry T., a pharmacist; and Ada A. (Mrs John A. Neal) of New Bedford.

Cottle, Melvin W., son of Robert and Elizabeth J. (Wordell) Cottle, was born in Fall River, Mass., May 25, 1870. His parents removed to North Westport when he was but three years of age, where he received his education in the public schools. At the early age of sixteen he started in business on his own account; at the age of twenty he procured an auctioneer's license and became a dealer in anything to make a dollar. He was for three years postmaster at North Westport, also dealer in gro- ceries, provisions, and general merchandise until 1897, when he sold out and has since been engaged in buying and selling horses, carriages, harness, etc. Mr. Cottle can well be called a self-made man, as he started when a mere boy without any money, never had any one indorse a note, and has built up a businessthat is equaled by none in this part of the county. On March 30, 1893, he married Sarah, daughter of William and Mary (Wood) Vaughn. Mr. Cottle is a member of Mount Vernon Lodge No. 57, K. of P., and Noquochoke Lodge, F. & A. M.

Cotton, George, was born in North Attleborough, September 2, 1855. His father, W. D. Cotton, was a native of Vermont and came to North Attleborough about 1840; he married Ellen M., daughter of Barton 1. Draper; he was engaged in mercantile business and served as postmaster and cashier of the North Attleborough Bank; he died in 1860. George Cotton was educated in the common schools and commercial college, and entered the wholesale dry goods trade at Providence, for the purpose of learning the business. In 1876 he went to Whitinsville, and in 1879 returned to North Attleborough, where at the present time he is one of the leading merchants of the town. In 1886 he married Cora C., daughter of Warren Rhodes, and they have two daughters: Gladys and Hilda. Mr. Cotton is one of the progressive men of his town, taking an interest in schools and anything which is of benefit to the town and its people.

Courtney, George C., was born in Sheffield, New Brunswick, November 14, 1841. His father, John Courtney, was a native of Ireland and was identified in New Bed- ford as a boot and shoe manufacturer; he died in 1877. George C. was educated in the public and private schools, was engaged in the mercantile business for some years and learned the carpenter's trade. In 1866 he went to Boston, in 1877 to Attle- borough, and has been engaged in contracting and building. In 1870 Mr. Courtney

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Our country and its people; a descriptive and biographical record of Bristol County, Massachusetts, Part 120

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