Our country and its people; a descriptive and biographical record of Bristol County, Massachusetts, Part 121

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 121

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married Elizabeth, daughter of Richard Scholes, and they have two children: How- ard S. and Gertrude. Mr. Courtney is one of the conservative men of his town, taking an intelligent interest in church and school matters and has ever advanced the best interests of his town and town's people.

Crandall, J. L., was born in Windham county, Conn., March 7, 1866. His father, Joseph C. Crandall, was a native of Perryville, R. I., and through life was identified in real estate, prominent in the affairs of his party, holding the position two terms of senator and twice in the Legislature. He married Alice S. Carpenter. J. L. Crandall was educated in the common and private schools and learned the machin- ist's trade. In 1888 he came to North Attleborough and engaged in the jeweler's tool making business, engaging in the manufacture of jewelry in 1896, and making a specialty of pins and bracelets. He afterwards moved to Providence, R. I., where, at 99 Stewart street, associated with N. M. Crandall, he conducts the business of manufacturing jeweler. In 1889 he married Clara Davis Hamilton, and they have one son, Lloyd L.

Crane, Joshua Eddy, is a descendant of Henry Crane of Dorchester, in the line of his son, John Crane, who was a settler of the South Purchase within the limits of the present town of Berkley. He is a son of Joshua Eddy and Lucy (Reed) Crane of Bridgewater, Mass., and was born in Bridgewater, October 1, 1850. He received his early education in the public schools, and at Bridgewater Academy under the in- struction of Horace M. Willard, and was graduated at Brown University in the class of 1872. Mr. Crane was preceptor of Bridgewater Academy, 1873-75; principal of the English preparatory department of the Syrian Protestant College, Beriut, Syria, 1876-79; subsequently was employed as a private tutor; and was in charge of the Latin classes of Albany Academy, Albany, N. Y., until 1884, when he became the librarian of the Young Men's Association of Albany. In 1887 he accepted the posi- tion of associate principal of the Portland Latin School at Portland, Me .. but in 1890 resumed his former relations at the library, from which he withdrew in 1892. Mr. Crane is now the librarian of the Public Library of Taunton. He is an officer of the Old Colony Historical Society and of the Old Bridgewater Historical Society.

Crosby, Alfred R., was born in Glover, Orleans county, Vt., August 30, 1838, and his father, Hezekiah, was identified in Glover as a contractor and builder. He mar- ried Phila Richardson and was noted for his strong religious tendencies. A. R. Crosby was educated in the public schools and in 1861 enlisted in the First New Hampshire Battery, serving in the Army of the Potomac for nearly four years and received an honorable discharge at the close of the war. In 1866 he came to Attle- borough and engaged in the harness business, and later on the jewelry business, and in 1874 formed the copartnership of Smith, Crosby & Smith, which remains in busi- ness at the present time under the name of Smith & Crosby. In 1870 he married Frances, daughter of Bradford and Maria Dean, and they have four children: Al- fred D., George H., Arthur N. and Ada B. Mr. Crosby is one of the representative men of his town; has been a representative in the General Court; and takes an in- telligent interest in school and church matters.

Cummings, Charles Smith, wholesale and retail grocer, is the son of Benjamin and Cynthia (Smith) Cummings, and was born in Dartmouth, Mass., February 4, 1830.

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His father was originally a farmer, but in 1855 removed to New Bedford and be- came interested in whaling vessels, and where he died in October, 1863; his wife, born January 9, 1802, is still living at the age of ninety-six. Mr. Cummings's grand- father, Benjamin Cummings, was a ship master and later a grocer in North Dart- mouth. Charles S. Cummings received his education in the common schools of his native town, at the Friends' Academy in New Bedford, and at Phillips Exeter Acad. emy. In 1849 he went to California and for the next four years was engaged in mining. On his return to Massachusetts in 1853 he established at South Dartmouth a grocery business which was removed to New Bedford in 1860, and which has ever since been located at 98 to 104 William street. This is one of the oldest and larg- est wholesale and retail fancy grocery establishments in southeastern Massachusetts. From 1853 to June, 1880, the firm was Tucker & Cummings; since then it has been C. S. & B. Cummings. While at South Dartmouth Mr. Cummings and his partner also engaged in the whaling industry, and fitted out in all nine whalers. He was for several years connected with the militia as a member of the 3d Mass. Cav., be- coming second lieutenant. In 1855 he married A. Emma, daughter of Joseph Brownell of New Bedford, and their children are Ida F., wife of Charles D. Pres- cott, M. D .; Emily, Mrs. Elliott D. Stetson; and Frank A., all of New Bedford.

Currie, Malcolm, was born in New Brunswick, May 10, 1855, a son of Malcolm and Jane (McNeill) Currie. His father was a carpenter and builder and died in Maine in 1892. Mr. Currie was educated in the common schools and learned the carpenter's trade of his father. In 1881 he came to Attleborough and has been one of the prom- inent contractors and builders for ten years, erecting large jewelry factories and pri- vate residences. In 1885 he married Lydia, daughter of James O'Brien, and they have five children: Lewis, Clara J., Grace E., Alice and Bertha.

Cushman, A. M .- Edwin French (deceased) was born in Attleborough, May 12 1806. His father was one Thomas French, who was a native of Rehoboth and one of the pioneers of that town. Edwin French married Maria, daughter of Nathan Wilmarth, and through life he was identified as a farmer. He was a man of sterling integrity and his death, which occurred May 20, 1893, was a loss not only to his family but to all who knew him. Of him it can be said "an honest man is the noblest work of God." His daughter, Anna M., married Peter B. Cushman of New Bedford, and they have two daughters: Mrs. Nellie Deborah Smiley and Evange- line M.

Cushman, Henry W., is one of the active, enterprising young business men of Acushnet, a native of that town, where he has resided all his life. He was born February 20, 1859; soon after the completion of his public school education he en- tered active business life in the employ of his father, who was engaged in the manu- facture of pine boxes. He continued with his father until 1883, when he succeeded him in the business and has since conducted it alone. This has been a profitable en- terprise since its inception and is now one of the largest manufacturing concerns of the kind in southern Massachusetts. Mr. Cushman gives steady employment to about seventy-five men and the business extends to all parts of New England. September 20, 1886, he married Frances R., daughter of Francis and Kate (Brady) Eldridge, and they have four children: Henry E., Emery, Francis and Ruth. Mr. Cushman is one of the hard working, pushing young men, who have preferred a busi-

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ness to a professional life. Possessing a liberal education and great natural ability, he believes that these qualities cannot be better employed than in the management and supervision of one of those industries which augments the wealth producing possibilities of the country.

Cusick, Thomas Francis, M. D., was born in Taunton, April 11, 1876, a son of Thomas and Mary Ann (Gallighan) Cusick. In early life he attended the public schools of Taunton and later attended Bristol Academy, where he fitted himself for Harvard. In 1892 he entered Harvard Medical School, from which he was graduated in 1896; during a portion of this time he attended several of the Boston hospitals, such as the City, Lying-in and Children's. After graduating he came to Taunton and opened an office of his own for the general practice of medicine, and is meeting with good success. Dr. Cusick is a member of the Massachusetts Medical Society.

Davis, George H., son of Peter and Hannah W. (Brayton) Davis, was born in Westport, November 16, 1855. The family is one of the oldest in Bristol county, descending from William Davis, one of the first settlers of Freetown. His son John settled in Westport, and John's son, Eber, had a son named Peter, who was the grandfather of the subject of this sketch. During his boyhood Mr. Davis worked on his father's farm and attended the schools of his township. He has all his life followed the occupation of farming, with the exception of a two years' whaling voy- age in the ship Eliza Adams sailing from New Bedford. Part of the homestead farm on which he lives has never been deeded out of the family since its original purchase in 1720. Mr. Davis married, in 1886, Ella, daughter of Thomas Brown of Fall River.

Dean, Daniel W., one of the best known citizens of Fairhaven and Bristol county, was born on the old homestead where he now lives, on the Sconticut Neck Road, overlooking Buzzard's Bay. For a long time he has been regarded as 'one of the most public spirited men engaged in business in Fairhaven. He has, for a number of years, been engaged in the produce and milk business. In 1877-78 he was select- man of the town and again in 1879 and 1883. He was also one of the overseers of the poor. A patron of worthy charities and a willing friend to the needy, Mr. Dean has a reputation for true philanthropy; a friend of progress and advancement, he is always willing to use every endeavor to advance the interests of his native town.

Dean, Luther, is a son of David and Dordana Macomber Dean, and was born November 21, 1867. He was educated in the public schools of Taunton, and took a course in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Boston. In 1888 he started in business for himself, opening an office in Taunton and Middleborough at the same time. When the office of city engineer was established, in May, 1893, Mr. Dean was elected to fill the position, which he held for one year. In 1895 he was re-elected to the same office and held the position until 1898. He then opened an office and is now acting as consulting engineer. In May, 1898, he was elected a member of the Amer- ican Society of Civil Engineers. December 16, 1891, he married Jessie Louise, daughter of Jesse K. and Catherine B. Bragg of Taunton, and they have no children.

Deane, Lewis Billings, was born in Norton, November 26, 1826, a son of John and Betsey (Smith) Deane. His education was obtained entirely in the public schools of his native town and after he finished his schooling he worked for his father on the

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farm. In 1853 he went to Boston, and with his brother engaged in the teaming business, which he followed for twenty years, or until 1874, when he returned to Norton and took up farming again, which he has followed up to the present time. (1898). August 18, 1881, Mr. Deane married Rose Burns of Providence, R. I .; she was born September 28, 1844, and died August 9, 1892, leaving one son, Lewis L .. born November 23, 1883.

Dehn, Edward William, physician and surgeon, is a native of New Bedford. His father was an active merchant and well known in New Bedford for several years. He attended the public schools of New Bedford and under private tutors was prepared for college. Having chosen medicine as a profession, he matriculated at Bellevue Hospital Medical College of New York city, and in 1889 was graduated with the degree of M. D. He at once began and still continues practice in New Bed- ford. Dr. Dehn has served for two years as physician to the overseers of the poor and for some time as visiting physician to St. Mary's Home. He is a member of the Massachusetts Medical Society ; Bristol South District; and the New Bedford Med- ical Improvement Society. He is medical examiner for the Maine Benefit Associa- tion, Boston Mutual Life Insurance Company, and the Catholic Order of Foresters, and is assistant supreme surgeon-general of the Knights of Sherwood, Uniformed Rank of the Foresters of America. He is also a member of the B. P. O. E., and the Knights of Columbus.

Delano, James, son of George and Abby (Leonard) Delano, was born in Marion, Mass., August 13, 1846, educated in the public and high schools in New Bedford and the Peekskill Academy at Peekskill, N. Y., from which he was graduated. Dur- ing the following two years he went to sea in the merchant service, and then took a business course in Comer's Business College in Boston, and until 1882 was engaged in the wool trade in Boston; at that time he came to New Bedford to take the man- agement, in company with his brother, Stephen S. C. L. Delano, of the oil business, succeeding the firm at the head of which was their father, George Delano. This business is one of the historic enterprises of New Bedford, having been established previous to 1850, by Charles H. Leonard, an uncle, who conducted it until his death, and the firm name is now George Delano's Sons, consisting of Stephen S. C. L. De- lano and James Delano. Mr. Delano has been prominent, to a considerable extent, in city affairs and for three years, 1889, 1890 and 1891, served on the Board of Alder-

men, and has also been a member of the Cemetery Board since its establishment, and has served his party and the city in other capacities of minor importance. He has also for some years served as a director of the Merchants' Bank. In 1875 he married Elizabeth, daughter of James S. Reed of Marion, Ohio, and they have three sons: Rede I .. , James, jr., and Kenneth H. As is elsewhere mentioned in this work, the Delano family is of old Puritan stock, most of the name in this vicinity descending from Philip De La Noye, a French Huguenot, who joined the Walloon church in Leyden, Holland, and came to Plymouth colony in the ship " Fortune " in 1621.

Delano, Joshua, is one of the oldest residents of Fairhaven, and has lived there all his life. He was born August 11, 1818, and during his boyhood attended school. At an early age he began to learn the ship carpenter's trade, at which he worked on the Union wharf in Fairhaven for nearly three years. He then turned his attention en-

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tirely to boat building, and in November, 1839, erected a building on Water street to accommodate his business. He has built almost every style of boat known to the trade, but he made a specialty for a number of years of whale boats, one of which he once shipped to Portugal. He has never given up active work, having reached the ripe age of eighty years. Mr. Delano is a member of the famous old Puritan family, the head of which was Philip Delano, who came from Leyden to Plymouth colony in 1621. Members of this family were the first settlers in the vicinity of Fairhaven, and it has always been largely represented in this section. Mr. Delano was married, October 15, 1843, to Lucretia Nye, and they had nine children: Sarah Elizabeth, Arvilla Durfee, Ada Everett, Joshua Howard, Charles Tobey (deceased), Emma Trafton, Frederick Emerson, and two sons of the name William Herbert, who died when infants. Joshua H. Delano, oldest son of Joshua and Lucretia (Nye) Delano, was born in Fairhaven, December 18, 1850, and educated in the schools of his native town. Like his father, he has resided in Fairhaven all his life and has followed the occupation of boat building with considerable success. He is a member of Acushnet Lodge of Odd Fellows. In June, 1874, he married Elizabeth A., daughter of Zad- dock and Jane Tilton, and they have three children: Joshua Everett, Clifford Perry and Louis Albert.

Desmond, Thomas F., a prominent member of the Bristol bar, was born in Limer- ick, Ireland, June 17, 1851, and removed to this country when but a boy, settling in Braintree, Mass. He attended the public schools of that town and also the State Normal School at Bridgewater. He began the study of law in the office of Asa French in Boston, and in June, 1872, was admitted to the bar. For three years sub- sequent he was in the office of Edward Avery. He began his present practice in New Bedford in April, 1879, and has since won a high reputation, especially as a criminal lawyer. Mr. Desmond was registrar of voters for five years, four of which he was chairman of the board. He has also served as city solicitor and in that ca- pacity exhibited vigorous and fearless methods in the performance of his duties. He acquired considerable distinction from the correct position he took regarding the po- lice tenure of office.

Dickerman, Charles Reynard, was born August 21, 1849, a son of John Quincy and Clarissa Jane (Townsend) Dickerman. He received his early education in the public schools of Taunton, Bristol Academy and Prince's Academy at Middleborough. He then engaged in the marble business in Taunton with W. H. Jackson, under the firm name of W. H. Jackson & Co., remaining with him two and a half years, and then went into the office with his father to learn dentistry. In 1878 he went to the Bos- ton Dental College and remained there two years, when he returned and engaged in business with his father in the present location. Upon the death of his father, in 1889, he succeeded to the business and continues to-day in the same place. Dr. Dickerman is a member of Charles H. Titus Lodge of Masons. He has been mar- ried twice, first, in 1871, to Mary Emma Cummings of Berkley, by whom he had four children: Harry Almond, Minnie Isabelle, Clarissa Babbitt and Milton White. Mrs. Dickerman died in January, 1895, and in October, 1896, he married Lizzie Nelson Elmer of Wareham.

Dineen, Daniel J., was born in Easton, Mass., October 15, 1862, and is a son of Daniel and Mary Lyons Dineen. They trace their ancestry back to a family of

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Dineens in Ireland, nearly two centuries ago. Daniel J. Dineen graduated from the High School in 1880 and then started as clerk in the grocery business and in 1889 started for himself in that line, in which he is at present engaged, having steadily built up a considerable trade. November 18, 1890, he married Annie E., daughter of Patrick and Mary Lynch Reynolds, and they are the parents of three children: Mary, Joseph (deceased), and Frank. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus of Easton and Council Hendricken, Court of Foresters. He is a self-made man and has battled the tide of life from his boyhood, receiving a liberal share of patronage from the citizens of Easton, who show their appreciation and esteem toward him. He takes an intelligent interest in his church and town and towns- people.

Doran, J. E., was born in North Attleborough, November 7, 1865. His father, John Doran, was a native of Ireland, and came to North Attleborough in 1864, where he has been identified in the jewelry business. J. E. Doran was educated in the public schools and graduated from the High School in 1882. He then entered the employ of R. F. Simmons & Co., and in 1890 went with W. H. Bell & Co., remaining with them until 1895, when he was appointed postmaster at Attleborough Falls by President Cleveland. Mr. Doran is one of the progressive men of the town, was president of the North Attleborough Musical and Literary Association and a mem- ber of the Democratic town committee for four years, and is now secretary of the T. P. McDonough Council, K. of C. During his term of office as postmaster the mail service has been greatly increased and the office raised to the grade of an in- ternational money order office.

Dudley, Sumner Arthur, was born in Sutton, Mass., March 15, 1854, a son of Da- vid Tyler and Lucy Larkin (Wilder) Dudley. He received his early education in the public schools and at the close of his school days went to work for his father to learn the trade of shuttle making. He remained with him fourteen years and then went to Hopedale, Mass., and started in business for himself under the style of Dudley & Knight, which partnership was formed in April, 1884. In 1888 Mr. Dudley bought out Mr. Knight's interest in the business and came to Taunton, starting alone in the same line of business, the manufacture of shuttles of all description, and continues it to-day in the same style. He belongs to several orders, among them being the I. O. O. F., the K. P., I. O. R. M., and A. O. U. W. May 22, 1873, Mr. Dudley married Susan H., daughter of Hugh E. and Eliza (Carney) Boyd, of Goshen, Conn., and they have seven children: David T., Harold B., Forest A., Martha H., Beulah C., Ly- man L. and Ruth G.

Duff, John, son of David and Mary (Saunders) Duff, was born in New Bedford, January 21, 1858. His father, a native of the county of Cork, Ireland, came to this country when a young man and soon settled in New Bedford, where he still resides. His first occupation in New Bedford was in the teaming business and later, having acquired a small capital, he started a coal business on Race street (now Acushnet avenue), and, putting the full force of his indomitable energy into the business, working early and late, he very soon was able to reach out until eight or nine wag- ons were employed. At this stage in the history of the business John Duff, who had attained his majority, was admitted to partnership and the firm name was changed to David Duff & Son, and in 1884 the William O. Brownell property on Front

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street was purchased and extensive wharves and pockets erected. Two years later, in 1886, the coal business and stock of Parker & Haskill were purchased, and thus the business, which started on practically no sure foundation, had become one of the largest coal dealing concerns in Bristol county. When the property on Fish Island, where the coal pockets, stables, wharves, etc., of the business are now located, was purchased, steps were at once taken towards its improvement, with the result that the area was nearly doubled by filling in and by building wharfage. About three-fourths of this island is now used in the conduct of the business and an aver- age of fifty men are employed, and during the year, February 1, 1897, to February 1, 1898, over fifty thousand tons of coal were handled. David Duff, who founded the business, is now retired, and the enterprise is managed by John Duff, the subject of this sketch, under the old firm name of David Duff & Son. Mr. Duff was educated in the New Bedford public schools and when fifteen years old began to materially assist his father in the conduct of the business and, in fact, practically grew up with it. He was admitted to partnership by his father in 1879, having that year attained his majority. Mr. Duff has always taken an active interest in municipal politics and has been a member for several years of the Republican City Committee, and in 1893 he served in the city government as alderman. He is recognized throughout the en- tire community as a man of keen insight, shrewdness and executive ability, and is a director of the Citizens' Bank and of St. Mary's Hospital, and also a trustee of St. Lawrence Church. Mr. Duff married Mary A. Mitchell, a daughter of Michael Mitch- ell of Taunton, and they have five children: Norah E., Aloise A., John, Mark N., and Walter F.

Dunn, James P., was born in East Taunton, August 17, 1861, a son of Patrick and Catherine (Powers) Dunn. He received his education in the public schools of Taun- ton, and then went to work in the meat business with Macomber Bros., remaining with them until 1879, when he started in business for himself in a small way, and has been constantly increasing ever since, and in addition to this is proprietor of one of the hotels in the city. Mr. Dunn belongs to several local organizations, including the Elks, and is one of the successful business men of the city. June 14, 1886, he married Nellie E. Leddy of Taunton, daughter of Andrew Leddy; they have three children: Nellie E., James P. and Rose G.

Durand, John, was born in Prunet (Auvergne), department of Cantal, France, May 6, 1860, a son of John and Anna (Delon) Durand. Four brothers and two sisters still reside in his native country. Mr. Durand was educated at the college of Cler- mont, France (Puy-de Dôme) and at the Jesuit college of the same place. He came to the United States in 1878 and settled in New York city, thence removing to New Milford, Conn. Later he engaged in business at Haverstraw, on the Hudson, for two years, and in 1881 came to Fall River. In June of the following year he estab- lished a printing business at 84 Pleasant street, where he was located until 1898, when he removed to his present location at 154 East Main street. He has made a specialty of society and business work and especially of card novelties, employing from thirty to fifty agents and trading in New England, New York, Pennsylvania and the South. In September, 1898, he established " Le Dimanche," a French Sun- day paper of sixteen pages, which has already met with good success, circulating widely in Fall River and neighboring cities and towns. Mr. Durand is a member

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Our country and its people; a descriptive and biographical record of Bristol County, Massachusetts, Part 121

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