Our country and its people; a descriptive and biographical record of Bristol County, Massachusetts, Part 122

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 122

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of the Franco-American Society and was its treasurer three years; he is also a mem- ber of the Garde Napoléon ler, and president of the Republican Club of Ward 1. He married, January 1, 1882, Eva Morin, a daughter of William Morin of Fall River.

Durfee, George B., son of Matthew Chaloner and Fidelia (Borden) Durfee, is a native of Fall River. His father was for many years cashier of the Fall River Bank of Fall River, and prominently identified with many large manufacturing interests. The family is in direct descent from Thomas Durfee, who came from England in 1660 and settled in Portsmouth, R. I. In 1688 he purchased a part of the town of Tiverton, R. I. He was the progenitor of most of the name of Durfee in this vicin- ity. As a young man George B. attended the schools of Fall River and engaged in various mercantile pursuits; later he became a partner in the house of Low, Harri- man & Company of New York city, selling agents of the American Print Works. In 1868 he returned to Fall River and was for some time treasurer of the Mechanics' Mills. He is now owner and manager of the Carr Metal Company, and is a well known figure in the business circles of Fall River. Mr. Durfee was married, De- cember 6, 1855, to Eliza O. Borden, daughter of Jefferson Borden of Fall River, and they have three children: Matthew C., Eudora and Owen.

Dwinell, Byron Lee, was born in East Calais, Vt., October 2, 1850, a son of Ira S. and Clarinia H. (Pearce) Dwinell. In early life he attended the public schools of Vermont and in 1876 entered Barre Academy. Later he went to Goddard Seminary, from which he was graduated in 1872. He then entered Tufts College, graduating in 1876. In the same year he began a complete course in the Boston University School of Medicine. Immediately following his graduation from the School of Medi- cine he located in Taunton, corner of High and Weir streets, in the same office which he occupies to-day. Dr. Dwinell was made a Mason in Vermont, is a member of St. Mark's Chapter of Taunton, and of St. John's Commandery, K. T., of Providence, R. I. He is also a member of Sabbatia Lodge, I. O. O. F., and of a Greek Letter Fraternity. He is a member of the Massachusetts Homoeopathic Medical Society and the American Institute of Homoeopathy. August 14, 1878, he married A. Louise Barron, daughter of Lyman P. and Emily A. (Godfrey) Barron of Washington, Vt. Two children were born to them: Barron Ira and Alice Louise, the former dying in his seventeenth year.

Dyer, George F., son of David H. and Mary E. (French) Dyer, was born in Fall River, August 5, 1867. He was educated in the public and high schools of his native city and at Brown University, Providence. He then entered the Thomson-Houston electrical works at Lynn, Mass., to take an electrical engineering course. Upon completing this course Mr. Dyer was sent to Cuba by the Thomson-Houston Com- pany to undertake the work of placing several hitherto non-paying gas and electrical companies on a paying basis. This work he accomplished successfully by improv- ing the plants and consolidating the companies, and then returned to Fall River to open his present business in company with his father, David H. Dyer, as a consult- ing mill and electrical engineer. He has been employed in the reconstruction of many of the large cotton mills in this vicinity, and has also undertaken important work on cotton mills in Mexico. In electrical construction he has put in several large plants, notably the plant at the Bridgewater State farm at Titicut, Mass. Mr. Dyer is treasurer of the Bristol Brewing Company. He is an indisputable authority

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on matters pertaining to mill engineering and as a citizen is widely respected and esteemed.

Eastwood, Frederick, is a native of Blackburn, Lancashire, England. He is an extensive manufacturer of sizing for cotton, woolen and linen, and it is also used largely by bleachers and printers. Mr. Eastwood's father was a manufacturer of these same goods in England, and it was while at home he acquired the knowledge which laid the foundation of the business in Fall River. Mr. Eastwood came to the United States, and to Fall River, ten years ago (1888) and erected the buildings which serves as a manufactory and which are located at Broadway and Harvey streets, with a frontage of eighty feet and a depth of sixty feet. Mr. Eastwood has as customers all the woolen, cotton and linen manufacturers in this country and Can- ada. He has lately established a branch in Atlanta, Georgia. The home factory at Broadway and Harvey streets, Fall River, is under the efficient management of James McDermot, where a large force of help find constant 'employment. In addi- tion to the above business, in 1896 Mr. Eastwood established the Troy Laundry and erected a building 90 by 50 feet, two stories, where he carries on a large business, employing a force of forty men, which is under the management of I. L. Bassett, with a branch at Newport. They run seven teams and have many agencies. The downtown office of the laundry is at 39 North Main street. An immense business is carried on in hotel and family work.

Eddy, Everett W., was born in Providence, R. I., May 27, 1856. His father, Alexander J. Eddy, was a native of Taunton and was engaged as a moulder and pattern maker ; he married Louisa M. Dyer and died in 1879. Everett W. Eddy was educated in the common schools, worked in the foundry at Norton and Taunton and learned the moulder's trade, and was one of the organizers and founders of the Co- operative Foundry at Taunton. In 1890 he came to Attleborough and in.1895 pur- chased the Opera House Café, adding the Park Hotel as an annex in 1897. In 1881 Mr. Eddy married Nellie M. Dunham, who died in 1889; later he married Abbie E. Winsor, and they have one daughter, Helen.

Elcock, Harry Alfred, M.D., was born in Enfield, Conn., June 2, 1870, a son of Alfred and Mary (Kerr) Elcock. His father, in his early life, was identified in the manufacture of gunpowder in England and Hounslow, Scotland, and later became identified with Carl Zerrahan, the great musical director, who is now at Boston. They trace their descent to a family of Elcocks a century and a half ago, who were also identified in the manufacture of gunpowder in the above places. His father settled at Enfield, Conn. Dr. Elcock began his academic studies at Yale University and afterwards entered Yale Medical College, graduating in 1891, and then studied for about a year in Berlin, also receiving a diploma from the Manhattan Infirmary, New York. He was for a year and a half connected with the New Haven Hospital, three years at Parker's, New Haven, and also an instructor in Yale Medical College for diseases of the throat, nose and ear, and began the practice of medicine in North Easton in March, 1897. He takes an interest in everything that interests the people of North Easton and expresses a desire to spend the balance of his days there. He is one of the regular school physicians and surgeons, and in his form of worship is a Catholic. He is unmarried.

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Eldridge, Albert Stanley, was born in Taunton, November 16, 1859. He attended the public schools of Taunton, and at the close of his school days, entered his father's factory to learn the trade of making casket hardware. He advanced from boy to foreman, which position he held until 1891, when he purchased a part of his father's share in the business. His father retired in 1896, when he and his brother John H. took the entire business; they continue it to-day under the same name (Eldridge & Co.) used by their father fifty years ago. Albert S. Eldridge was formerly connected with the militia, joining as a private and being successively promoted until he was made captain of Co. G, 1st M. V. M., November 4, 1879. On November 6, 1898, he was elected a member of the School Committee for three years. He is a member of Ionic Lodge, F. & A. M., St. Mark's Chapter, New Bedford Council, St. John's Com- mandery of Providence, Palestine Temple, A. O. N. M. S., and the B. P. O. E. July 21, 1879, he married Mary H., daughter of William Watson of Taunton, and they have three children: Ralph F., Harold W., and Carleton W.

Eldridge, John Henry, was born in Taunton, January 7, 1853, a son of Eli Henry and Lydia Anna (Thrasher) Eldridge. He received his early education in the public schools of Taunton and the Bristol Academy and then went to Boston and took a course in the Bryant & Stratton Business College. After finishing his education he returned to Taunton and went with his father to learn the trade of making casket hardware and spent five years in the factory. In 1875 he was admitted to the firm as a partner and so continued until 1896, when his father retired, and John H., with his brother Albert S., who had also been a member of the firm for some years, took the entire business and continue it to-day under the firm name of Eldridge & Co., the same style as was adopted by their father in 1848. Mr. Eldridge has served in both branches of the city government; in 1885 and 1886 he was a member of the lower board and in 1887 and 1888 was on the Board of Aldermen, the latter year be- ing chairman of the board. He is one of the directors of the Bristol County National Bank; a member of King David Lodge, F. & A. M., St. Mark's R. A. Chapter, Boston Commandery, Knights Templar of Boston, Good Samaritan Lodge, I. O. O. F., and Naomi Encampment, I. O. O. F. July 1, 1874, he married Mary Jane, daughter of Job Godfrey and Eleanor (Cooper) Codding, of Taunton.

Elliot, W. L., D. D. S., was born in Rumford, Maryland, March 31, 1853, son of William Elliot, who was a native of Pembroke, N. H., but who was identified at Rumford, Md., as a contractor and builder. W. L. Elliot was educated at the public schools and Hebron Academy and then entered the office of C. W. Clement, of Manchester, serving three years; returning then to Rumford, where he practiced three years. He next went to Fall River and remained there three years, and in August, 1885, came to Attleborough where he established his present business, using the latest and most improved scientific methods of modern dentistry. In 1886 he married Mary W., daughter of Dr. Edward Sanford, and they have two sons: Law- rence and Lloyd. Dr. Elliot is one of the conservative men of his town; he served as town auditor; has been a member of the School Board for three years; and has ever advanced the best interests of his town and townspeople.

Ellis, Nathaniel B., son of John and Elizabeth (Tinkham) Ellis, was born in the town of Mattapoisett, Plymouth county, Mass., July 20, 1849. His education was obtained in the public schools of his native town. Mr. Ellis spent his boyhood

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on his father's farm and in 1866 he secured a position in a New Bedford flouring mill, where he was employed until 1873, after which he returned to the farm. In 1894 he bought his present farm, where he has since resided. On August 29, 1876, he married Clara M., daughter of Joshua and Rachael (Kenney) Bowles, and they have six children: Clarence B., Alton B., Rachael M., Edith F., Leroy E. and George H. Personally Mr. Ellis is of a very social nature and has the respect and confi- dence of a large circle of friends.

Emerson, F. O., was born in Cumberland, December 24, 1861, a son of Benjamin H. Emerson, whose family were among the pioneer settlers. Benjamin H. Emer- son married Jane F. Horton; he was a contractor and builder. F. O. Emerson was educated at Pawtucket, and in 1879 came to North Attleborough and engaged in the meat and provision business. In 1891 he established the business under the firm name of Potter & Emerson, which he purchased in 1893. Mr. Emerson is one of the progressive men of his town, taking an intelligent interest in school and church matters, is a member of Aurora Lodge, I.O.O. F., Howard Encampment, Mirimichi Tribe, I.O.R.M., president of the Butchers' Association, and has ever advanced the best interest of his town and its people.

Emery, Abram David, was born in Philadelphia, Pa., June 22, 1845, a son of Con- rad and Elizabeth (Perkinpine) Emery. His early education was obtained in the public schools of Philadelphia and later at the High School. In early life he was apprenticed to the machinist's trade at the Penn Works, and spent five years with this firm learning the trade in all its branches and then left and went to Kensington Iron Works as superintendent and stayed there about five years. He then went as assistant engineer to the chief of the Philadelphia Water Department and remained with him about three and a half years, when he came to New York as a designer for Hoe & Co. on printing presses. He remained there nine years and then came to Taunton as superintendent of the Campbell Press Co. After being here some time he engaged in business for himself in the manufacture of the Universal Loom, which was designed and patented by Mr. Emery, and at the present time is receiving the attention of cotton manufacturers all over the country and bids fair to become, as its name indicates, universal in its use. Mr. Emery is a member of Covenant Lodge No. 456, Pennsylvania, F. & A. M .; K. P., and B. P. O. E. December 25, 1866, he married Matilda, daughter of Christopher and Mary (Kurtz) Wagner of Philadelphia, and they have two children: Walter Thompson, born September 27, 1867, and Estella May, born November 9, 1872. Mrs. Emery was born November 20, 1845, and died February 2, 1893.

Emery, Francis Walcott Reed, was born in Old Bedford, Mass., April 24, 1842, a son of Samuel Hopkins and Julia (Reed) Emery. He received his early education in Taunton public schools and finished in Bristol Academy. In 1855 Mr. Emery went to Nebraska and took up a quarter section of government land with the intention of locating, but later on he went to surveying guide meridians for the government and afterwards was employed on the line of the Pacific Telegraph Company and worked his way to California. This was about the time of the breaking out of the war and he at once enlisted in what was afterwards known as the 5th Iowa Cavalry, and their work was mostly raiding. Mr. Emery was taken prisoner in July, 1864, and sent to Andersonville, where he remained nine months and was then sent home, arriving

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there April 28, 1865, and then received his discharge. He went to work for the Mason Machine Company and stayed there until 1883, when he bought the bookbind- ing business of C. B. Hathaway, which he carries on at the present time, and conducts his business of preservation of ancient, decayed records and papers by his patent pro- cess. July 16. 1869, he married Eliza Ann Sproat, and they have one daughter, Alice Sproat Emery.

Engley, Willard A., was born in Attleborough, August 18, 1856, a son of the late James H. and Huldah (Cooper) Engley, both of whom came from old New England stock. Willard A. was educated in Attleborough and Bryant & Stratton's Commer- cial College of Providence, R. I. In 1876 he began to learn the jewelry business, rapidly rising until he became traveling salesman, and for several years continually visited nearly all the large cities of the United States. January 1, 1886, he organ- ized the firm of Engley, Wetherell & Co , at Chartley, Mass., and after a remarkably successful career he retired in 1897. In 1888 Mr. Engley married Bessie H., daugh- ter of the late Cyrus Webber, and they have one daughter, Bernice W. He is a member of. Ezekiel Bates Lodge of Masons, Chapter, Council, Commandery, Shrine and Consistory.

Entwistle, John, was born in Lancaster, England, November 13, 1850, a son of Giles and Martha (Haworth) Entwistle. He received his education in private schools, and until 1884 worked as a weaver in the cotton mills of his native country. Having convinced himself that this country would afford him better opportunities, he came here in 1884, and settling in Fall River, secured a position in a cotton mill of that city. In 1890 he purchased the farm in North Westport upon which he now resides. August 22, 1875, he married Susanna Dean, also a native of England. Their chil- dren are two: Wilfred D. and Martha A.

Evans, Charles Everett, was born in Taunton, April 16, 1859, a son of James M. and Emeline E. (Hathaway) Evans. He received his early education in the public schools of Taunton, and at the close of his school days he went to work with his father in the grocery business and remained with him about ten years, when he started in business for himself in steam carpet cleaning. This he followed for about four years and in 1888 went to Boston and was with John H. Pray, Sons & Co. until he returned to Taunton on account of his father's sickness. On the death of his father he succeeded to his business of nickel plating, and to-day is general manager and treasurer of the Taunton Nickel Plating Co. He is a member of Alfred Baylies Lodge, F. & A. M., St. Mark's Chapter, New Bedford Council and St. John's Com- mandery of Troy; also a member of Orient Lodge, K. P., and Cohannet Lodge, A. O. U. W. October 3, 1879, he married Alice M. Sprague of Taunton, and they have . one child, Francis Evans.

Evans, Edwin L., was born in Attleborough Falls, July 12, 1846. His father, Daniel Evans, was a native of Smithfield, R. I., and the family trace their descent from Richard Evans, who came from England about 1650. Daniel Evans came to Attleborough Falls in 1836 and entered the employ of R. & W. Robinson, button manufacturers, whom he succeeded in 1848, manufacturing a superior quality of fine gilt buttons adapted to the higher grades of army, navy and governmental uses, and continued in the manufacture of buttons up to the time of his death in 1892, a period

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of forty-four years. No man in either of the Attleboroughs was so widely known as a manufacturer during the period of the Civil war as the late Daniel Evans. His factory supplied a very large proportion of the army buttons used by the Union forces, especially those of the finest grades for officers' uniforms. Their quality was a standard by which all other makes were measured. The " Evans button " was stipulated in hundreds of contracts for the equipment of troops that had special uni- forms made for them, and they had no superiors, if they had any equals. In those "days of shoddy " it was greatly to Mr. Evans's credit that his goods always main- tained the high standard which won for them such a fine reputation. Edwin L. Evans was educated in Attleborough Falls and in 1862 engaged in business with his father, and still continues the same.

Fairbanks, Frank S., son of of George O. and Esther (Hart) Fairbanks, was born in Fall River, October 30, 1858. His father was one of the first selectmen of the old town of Troy, was chairman of the School Committee of Fall River for many years, was mayor of the city and representative from this district for eleven consecutive terms. At the time of his death he held the office of overseer of the poor. As a boy Frank S. Fairbanks attended the public and high schools of Fall River, graduating from the latter in 1872. Following his graduation he was employed as a bookkeeper in the Fall River Laundry for seven years and then went into the Pocasset Mills as a second hand, remaining seven years in that capacity. He then began work in the office of the Marshall Hat Factory, where he is still employed. Mr. Fairbanks is a member of the Royal Arcanum. He was married in 1879 to S. Jennie Leonard of Fall River, and they have two children: Frank O. and Gertrude L. Mr. Fairbanks is of Puritan ancestry, being a direct descendant and seventh of the line of Jonathan Fairbanks, who came from England in 1633 and settled near the present site of Mil- ford, Mass.

Fisher, E. Jasper, was born where he now resides in Mansfield, February 22, 1848, a son of Daniel and Mary Fisher. He was educated in the common schools of Mans- field and Barry Academy. When twenty-one years old his father died and he and his brother took charge of his father's manufacturing and farming interest, which they have since followed. Mr. Fisher married Jennie A., daughter of George and Emily (Keech) Chase, and they have three children: Maud E., Howard H., and Roger Chase. Mr, Fisher and family have been active in the New Jerusalem Church and in educational matters. He is vice-president of the Public Library; a member of St. James, F. & A. M., of Mansfield, and Keystone Chapter of Foxboro, Mass.

Fisher, G. Eugene, was born in Bristol, R. I., March 17, 1851, a son of George E. and grandson of Ellis Fisher, natives of North Attleborough. His great-grandfather lived and died at Attleborough Falls. George E. married Sarah C., daughter of Bradford Corbin, and was engaged in the jewelry business all his life. He died in 1890. G. Eugene was educated in North Attleborough and learned the jeweler's trade. In 1878 he married Ella I., daughter of Thomas A. Barden, and they have two sons: Charles E. and Elliot B. In 1895 Mr. Fisher was appointed postmaster of his town; he has reorganized the office, inaugurating the carrier system and largely increasing the receipts and efficiency of the office. He is a member and past chan- cellor of Sumner Lodge K. of P., No. 62, a member of the Royal Arcanum and American Benefit Society.

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Fittz, George E., was born in Great Falls, N. H., March 4, 1828, a son of Albert and Tryphosia (Bartlett) Fittz. His father was a native of Seekonk, where his father, David Fittz, was one of the pioneer farmers. Albert was a machinist and died in 1894. George B. Fittz was educated in the public schools, studied dentistry with Dr. Gardner of Pawtucket, and in 1872 came to Attleborough and established his dental practice, which he carried on till 1897, when he retired. In 1849 he mar- ried Emily, daughter of Stephen Murray, and they have one son, William B. Mr. Fittz was overseer of the poor fourteen years, superintendent of water works five years, and has ever advanced the best interests of his town and town's people.

Flynn, Edmund Francis, D. D. S., was born in Taunton, September 11, 1867, a son of Michael and Margaret (Clark) Flynn. He received his early education in the public schools of Taunton, and in 1893 entered the Boston Dental College for the study of dentistry, graduating from there in June, 1896. He then came to Taunton and opened an office for himself in the Taylor block, and is devoting his whole time to city practice. Dr. Flynn was married in June, 1897, to Katherine Alice, daugh- ter of Owen and Mary Galligan of Taunton.

Fogwell, Richard E., is a native of Fall River, born September 9, 1861. He at- tended the common schools of that city and at an early age was employed in the cotton mills as weaver. In 1871 his parents, Richard E. and Sophia Fogwell, re- moved to Leicester, Mass., where he attended the public schools, being employed in a shoe manufactory when school was not in session. The family returned to Fall River in 1875, and Richard E. became the apprentice of William R. Bush, with whom he remained three years, acquiring a thorough knowledge of the plumbing trade. Subsequently he was employed for seven years by the Fall River Plumbing Company, which eventually came into the sole possession of Charles A. Clark, and at the end of this time went into the business on his own account, forming a copart- nership with James E. Crowley, under the firm name of Crowley & Fogwell. Mr. Crowley retired in 1891, and since that time Mr. Fogwell has conducted the business alone. He is recognized as one of the leading plumbers of the city. He is a mem- ber of Friendly Union Lodge No. 164, I. O. O. F., and an enterprising and public spirited citizen. In 1878 he married Annie Mason, daughter of Thomas R. Hicks, and they have five children: Bertha E., Madeline A., Richard E., jr., Jerome I. and Gladys S.

Forrester, Charles F., was born in Somerset, Mass., July 19, 1853, a son of John S. and Mary B. (Marvel) Forrester, and was educated in the public schools and fol- lowed the sea for four years. In 1871 he went to North Attleborough and learned the jeweler's trade with Frederick Stanley ; in 1877 he came to Attleborough and en - tered the employ of J. M. Bates, remaining with him until 1894, then organized the firm of Marble, Smith & Forrester, who are making a specialty of silver novelties. In 1880 Mr. Forrester married Martha C. Perry. Mr. Forrester is a member of the American Mechanics' Society and has ever advanced the best interest of his town and town's people.

Fox, William Henry, is a son of Henry Hodges and Sarah Ann Fox, and was born in Taunton, August 29, 1837. His early education and training was received in the Taunton public schools and Harvard, graduating from the latter in the class

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1858. He then studied in the office of Judge E. H. Bennett until 1861, when he opened an office for himself. On January 5, 1865, he received his appointment as judge of the First District Court of Bristol County and still holds the same position, making one of the longest terms of any judge in the State. October 6, 1864, Mr. Fox married Anna M., daughter of James H. and Harriet M. Anthony, who died March 28, 1892, leaving three children: William Yale, Marion and Francis Bird. In addition to his legal duties Mr. Fox is vice-president of the Bristol County Savings Bank, trustee of the Wheaton Seminary and of the Public Library, which latter po- sition he has held for twenty-two years.

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Our country and its people; a descriptive and biographical record of Bristol County, Massachusetts, Part 122

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