USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Our country and its people; a descriptive and biographical record of Bristol County, Massachusetts > Part 125
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111 | Part 112 | Part 113 | Part 114 | Part 115 | Part 116 | Part 117 | Part 118 | Part 119 | Part 120 | Part 121 | Part 122 | Part 123 | Part 124 | Part 125 | Part 126 | Part 127 | Part 128 | Part 129 | Part 130 | Part 131 | Part 132 | Part 133 | Part 134 | Part 135 | Part 136 | Part 137 | Part 138 | Part 139
Hindle, William, son of Robert and Clarissa (Hothersall) Hindle, was born in Clitheroe, Eng. His father was a block cutter in the Primrose Print Works at Clith- eroe, the founders of the American Print Works of Fall River being fellow work- men. When he was but five years old his father died, and four years later the fam- ily, consisting of his mother, three brothers and two sisters, came to this country, settling in Fall River in 1868. He attended the common schools for a short time and then went into the cotton mills as a weaver, which trade he followed for fifteen years. At the end of this time he was employed by Andrew Holden, a retail liquor dealer, with whom he remained about six years, and then went into the millinery business for himself. Later Mr. Hindle engaged in the manufacture and sale of min- eral waters, forming a copartnership with Lawrence A. Holden, a son of Andrew Hol- den, under the firm name of Holden & Hindle. In additon to the mineral water busi- ness, they engaged in the wholesale and retail liquor trade, and in 1875 built the sub- stantial building which they now occupy at the corner of Pleasant and Quequechan streets. Mr. Hindle has been an active member of the Fall River Fire Department for over ten years. He joined Engine Company No. 7 in 1889, and in 1896 was elect- ed district engineer of the Second District for a term of three years. He is a mem- ber of the order of Elks and the Knights of Pythias. June 26, 1877, he married Jane L., daughter of Andew Holden of Fall River, and they have two children: William Clifford and Clarissa Jane.
Hitch, Mayhew Robinson, lawyer, is descended on both his father's and mother's side from two of the oldest families in southeastern Massachusetts. He is the son of James C. and Louise A. (Robinson) Hitch, and was born in New Bedford, on Feb- ruary 16, 1867. His father was for many years connected with the New Bedford custom house, holding the position of deputy collector of customs at the time of his death, January 5, 1895, at the age of fifty-six. Mr. Hitch was graduated from the High School of his native city in 1885, and then became a clerk in the Merchants' National Bank, but soon afterward began the study of law in the office of William M. Butler. He was graduated from the Boston University School of Law with the degree of LL. B. in 1889, was admitted to the bar in the same year, and at once en- tered upon active practice in Mr. Butler's office. In 1892 he formed a copartnership
299
PERSONAL REFERENCES.
with his legal preceptor, which continued until the latter removed to Boston in 1896; since then he has followed the general practice of his profession alone. He has always been a Republican, and in January, 1898, was appointed assistant district attorney for the Southeastern District of Massachusetts, under Andrew J. Jennings. June 10, 1896, he married S. Elizabeth, daughter of Charles S. Kelley of New Bed- ford.
Hobbs, William C., was born in Wilton, Maine, July 11, 1859. His father, George C. Hobbs, was a native of Canada and through life was a well known machinist and inventor of Portland and Boston. His mother, Abbie B. Wheelwright, was born in Wells, Me., and was a descendant of John Wheelwright, one of the first Puritans to settle in New England. William C. Hobbs was educated at Wilton Academy and was graduated from Bates College in 1881, taking a post-graduate course at Harvard in 1884-85. After graduating from Bates College he acted as principal of the Litch- field Academy, Maine, and in 1882 was instructor at Maplewood Institute, Pittsfield, Mass. In September, 1885, he began work as assistant in the Lewiston High School, but in January, 1886, he accepted the appointment as principal of Attleborough High School, and in the latter part of 1889 became principal of the Canton High School. In September, 1890, Mr. Hobbs was elected second assistant in the classical depart- ment of the Providence High School, and after a half year's service was promoted to the position of first assistant in the English and scientific department. In June, 1892, he was elected superintendent of schools in North Attleborough. July 6, 1892, Mr. Hobbs married Jennie L., daughter of James M. Hiscock of Wilton, Me., and they have two sons: James B. and Arthur E.
Holmes, Albert W., son of Josiah, jr., and Abbie (Wood) Holmes, was born in Mattapoisett, Mass., August 17, 1852. His father, a man of prominence in Matta- poisett, and who held at various times many of the more important town offices, was a ship builder. He moved with his family to New Bedford in 1869, to engage in the coal business. He died in February, 1890, having reached his seventy-eighth year. There are few of the older New England families who can prove a better lineation than the Holmes family, and the branch from which Albert W. Holmes descends has been well represented in Bristol county and the immediate vicinity for several generations. Mr. Holmes was educated in the schools of Mattapoisett, and at the Friends' School in Providence, R. I., which he attended for five years, and was graduated with the class of 1870. In August of the same year he went into his father's office and remained there until 1884, when he succeeded his father in the business at the old location, the office and wharf being located at the foot of Cannon street. This site has been used for a coal business over fifty years, Joseph Cundell being the first merchant to engage in business there, and he was succeeded by Peleg S. Mocy, who, in turn, sold to Josiah Holmes, jr. The business is one of the oldest of its kind in the city. Mr. Holmes is a member of the Wamsutta Club and a mem- ber and president of the Dartmouth Club. He is unmarried.
Holmes, Lemuel Le Baron, city solicitor of New Bedford for seven years, was born in Mattapoisett, Mass., then a part of Rochester, July 26, 1853. He attended the public schools of his native town, the Warren School in Charlestown, Mass., Pierce Academy, Middleborough, and the Massachusetts Agricultural College, from which he was graduated in 1872. Soon after he entered the law office of Stetson &
300
OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.
Greene in New Bedford, and after three years' study was admitted to the Bristol bar in 1875. He at once took up the practice of his profession in New Bedford and has since won considerable success. He has been active in political circles and has be- sides his long service as city solicitor represented his ward in the city government. He is an active member of the Masonic order and a director of the New Bedford Safe Deposit and Trust Company.
Hopkins, Arnold Clinton, was born in Foster, R. I., October 7, 1852, a son of Henry C. and Amy C. (Bowen) Hopkins. He received his early education in the public schools of Rhode Island, and at the close of his school days went to Pascoag, R. I., to learn the trade of cotton spindle maker, where he remained about four years and then came to Taunton, going to work for the Mason Machine Co. He stayed there until 1887, and then for a few years worked in different places on cot- ton machinery, and finally engaged with H. A. Williams, manufacturing drills. He remained with him until he came to the New Process Drill Co., where in 1896 he be- came general superintendent and has been with them ever since. October 16, 1879, he married Cynthia M. Rounds of Foster, R. I., daughter of Alden and Hannah (Chappell) Rounds.
Horr, Andrew J., son of Calvin and Lydia (Wood) Horr, was born in Lakeville, Bristol county, Mass., July 8, 1835. After attending the public schools he embarked on a whaling ship in the capacity of seaman, and was promoted from time to time until he was made boat steerer, in all spending about twenty years at sea, having traveled over a great part of the world. September 18, 1862, he enlisted in the 3d Massachusetts Volunteers, Company A, and served his country for nine months. After the war he went to sea again, but did not remain long, when he returned home and went to California, and after a short stay there he came back and has since been engaged on his farm. On August 29, 1867, he was united in marriage to Sarah Grinnell, and they had two children: Annie J., wife of Charles A. Thomas, and George (deceased). Mr. Horr is a member of R.A. Peirce Post No. 190, G.A.R., of New Bedford. He has never taken an active interest in town affairs and has never sought or held public office.
Horton, James J., was born in Providence, R. I., October 19, 1841, and his father, Gideon M., was a native of Rehoboth and a descendant of the Horton family, who were among the pioneer settlers. J. J. Horton came to Attleborough with his parents in 1843 and was educated in the public schools. He was in the army for two years and returning to Providence engaged in the mercantile business. In 1870 he came to Attleborough and engaged in the insurance business, but in 1876 changed to the jewelry business, which he has continued for twenty-three years, making a specialty of optical goods, the firm being known as the Bay State Optical Company. In 1868 he married Emily H., daughter of Samuel W. Clark. Mr. Horton is one of the conserv- ative men of his town and is a director in the First National Bank. He takes an in- telligent interest in school and church matters and has ever advanced the best inter- ests of his town.
Horton, Raymond M., was born in Attleborough, August 28, 1875, a son of Edwin J. and Rhoda (Lee) Horton. His father was engaged in the jeweler's business and perished at sea at the sinking of the steamer Narragansett. He was a public spirit-
301
PERSONAL REFERENCES.
ed man; representative in the Legislature for three years; president of the Y. M. C. A .; society commander of the G. A. R. ; and a prominent Mason, King Hiram and Royal Arch Chapter. Raymond M. Horton was educated in the public schools and Amherst College. In 1896 he organized the firm of Walch & Horton, the leading clothiers and dealers in gent's furnishing goods in Attleborough, making a specialty of custom tailoring. Mr. Horton is a member of Ezekiel Bates Lodge, F. & A. M., King Hiram and Royal Arch Chapter, Bristol Commandery, and has ever received and merited the respect of his associates.
Howard, Edwin J., son of Jarvis T. and Ellen S. (Pierce) Howard, was born in the town of Fairhaven, Bristol county, Mass., June 7, 1847. He received his education in the public schools of his native town and at an early age embarked in the tanning and farming business on his own account, which he has since followed. In October, 1891, he married Georgia F. Butts of New Hampshire. In every walk of life Mr. Howard is honored with the high regard of his friends and townsmen. He is a gentleman of quiet and dignified demeanor, whose modesty makes him always prefer to listen rather than to be listened to.
Howarth, David, son of John and Ann (Meadcroft) Howarth, was born at Small Bridge, in Lancashire, England, January 19, 1841. As a youth he attended the common schools of his native village and worked in the woolen mills of Rochdale. At the age of eight years he left school and found steady employment in the mills, working in different departments until he was twenty-five years old. At this time he engaged in the manufacture of oat cakes, later adding bread to his stock. He continued in this business for fourteen years, and in April, 1881, came to this coun- try, settling in Fall River, where he afterwards resided. He first engaged in shirt and overall making, selling his product to different stores and ofttimes, when busi- ness was dull, peddling it. He later entered the employ of John Robinson as a candy peddler, but soon started in the confectionery business for himself; first locat- ing on Alden street, then on Bedford street, then on the corner of Quequechan and County streets, from which location he removed to the store on Pleasant street. Mr. Howarth was very successful and enjoyed a large wholesale and retail trade. He was a member of the Pilgrim Fathers and the Order of Odd Fellows. In 1864 he married Betty Scoffield of Lancashire, Eng., and they had ten children, only one surviving, David. Mr. Howarth died at sea on the steamer "Catalonia," on Sep- tember 1, 1898.
Hunt. Charles Richard, physician and surgeon, was born at Easton, Mass., Octo- ber 17, 1855. He is the eldest son of John R. and Georgianna (Hayward) Hunt. In his younger days, while his father was in the west, he made his home with his ma- ternal grandparents, prominent citizens of Easton. It was in his native town that he received his early education, and after graduating from the High School of Easton, he entered the city engineer's office in Boston. While in the employ of the engineer- ing department he took special instructions from the professors of the Boston Insti- tute of Technology. Continuing in the engineering department of that city he gained a high reputation for efficiency in his chosen profession, and when American capital- ists conceived the idea of building the Mexican Central Railroad, he was one of the first engineers engaged by the company in the preliminary work, making surveys and locating the road As resident engineer of the company with headquarters at
302
OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.
Aguas Calientes, he gained valuable knowledge of that country. After a very suc- cessful service in which he gained high praise and commendation he returned to Massachusetts and was induced to take up the study of medicine with his uncle, Dr. Joseph W. Hayward, of Taunton, one of the ablest physicians and surgeons in the Bay State. In 1884, he entered the Boston University School of Medicine, from which he was graduated M. D. in 1887. Immediately after, or to be more accurate, with his graduation, he received the appointment of resident house surgeon at the Mas- sachusetts Homeopathic Hospital in Boston. Serving a year in that capacity he decided to practice in New Bedford, and is one of the leading homeopaths of that place, having a large practice. Dr. Hunt is the visiting physician to the House of Correction in New Bedford. He is a member of the American Institute of Homeo- pathy ; Massachusetts Homeopathic Society; Rhode Island Homeopathic Society ; Boston Homeopathic Medical Society; American Society of Orifical Surgeons and the Massachusetts Surgical and Gynæcological Society. On both the maternal and paternal sides Dr. Hunt comes from Puritan families. He is of the eighth genera- tion of William Hunt, who settled near the present site of Concord, Mass., in 1635, and a lineal descendant of Sir Thomas Hayward, who as one of the early settlers of Duxbury, Mass., arrived in this country the same year. His paternal grandfather, John E. Hunt, was a practicing physician of great reputation and ability in Maine and New Hampshire. Dr. Hunt was married August 22, 1888, to Annie Vincent, daughter of the late Charles L. Haskins of Raynham, Mass.
Jenney, Henry Palmer, alderman, was born in New Bedford, June 18, 1844, a son of Nathaniel and Eunice (Palmer) Jenney. The family is of good old Puritan stock, Mr. Jenney's ancestors having settled in Plymouth early in the history of the colony. His father, a native of Fairhaven, was a well known and successful builder and con- tractor, and although he never held public office, was still highly esteemed in the community and a man of some prominence. Henry Jenney has resided in New Bed- ford all his life, and his principal business has been as a retail dealer in groceries and provisions, having for twenty years conducted a store on Purchase street. This business was established by him in 1863, and during the first year he was associated with Isaac Case, under the firm name of Jenney & Case. After the dissolution of this firm he conducted the business alone for some years and then, having admitted his brother, Nathaniel H. Jenney, the firm of Jenney Brothers was formed. In 1885 Mr. Jenney disposed of his interest and gave his attention to the real estate business, in which he had previously been engaged to a considerable extent, always having been an active man and a hard and energetic worker. After completing an educa- tion, confined to the common schools, and before engaging in business he worked for five years in the Gosner Rolling Mills in New Bedford. He is greatly interested in horticulture and devotes much time to this pursuit. He has served on the Board of Overseers of the Poor two years and two years on the Board of Aldermen. In 1863 he married Charlotte D., daughter of Nathaniel Cobb of New Bedford.
Jennings, Latham T., is a lineal descendant of John Jennings, who came to this country from England in 1720, and married Ann Halliway in 1730. On his mother's side he is descended from Gov. John Wanton of Rhode Island; he married Anna, daughter of Abraham Redwood of Rhode Island. Latham T. is a son of Isaac and Abby W. (Thurston) Jennings, and was born in New Bedford, Mass., August 29,
303
PERSONAL REFERENCES.
1838. His education was obtained in the public schools and after finishing school was employed on the farm for two years. He then went on two successful whaling voyages of six years' duration, the first voyage before the mast on the ship Reindeer, and the second voyage as boat steerer on the same ship. He then went to California, where he remained for seventeen months, when he returned to New Bedford and has since been engaged in farming and stone masonry. On June 1, 1864, he mar- ried Hannah B., daughter of James and Sarah (Maryhill) Hammett of Acushnet.
Jennings, William H., son of William H. and Annie Borden (Chase) Jennings, was born in Fall River, July 15, 1868. He attended the public and high schools, gradu- ating from the latter in the class of 1887, and the following year took a special course at Phillips Exeter Academy. His first experience in business was as a clerk in the office of the Staples Coal Company, where he remained about one year and then ac- cepted a position as manager of the loom harness manufactory of Webster & Co. In 1896 this firm was incorporated under the laws of the State of Massachusetts and Mr. Jennings was made treasurer of the Webster Loom Harness Company; he is also treasurer of the Algonquin Printing Company.
Jones, George M., was born in Taunton, Mass., February 10., 1862, a son of Gard- ner and Sarah A. (Wanning) Jones; he received his education in the public schools of Taunton and Bristol Academy. At the close of his school days he went to work as a hotel clerk in Tiverton, R. I., where he remained but two years and then re- turned to Taunton, going into the office of Arthur M. Alger, where he remained three years. In March, 1886, he opened a store of his own for the sale of cigars and tobacco. This business he is still engaged in and has added a pool and billiard room. Mr. Jones is a member of John Hancock Lodge, K. P., and the Order of Red Men.
Kavanaugh, John Joseph, was born in East Taunton, January 2, 1849, a son of Thomas and Catherine (Clifford) Kavanaugh. His early education was obtained in the public schools of Taunton and after the close of his studies he entered the O. C. Iron Co. to learn to make shovels; he served his apprenticeship in that department and was then promoted to where the steel is prepared for the shovels and remained there until 1873, when he went to Providence to work in the steel department of the Providence Tool Company, who made a specialty of manufacturing guns. In 1876 he returned to Taunton and went as an assistant in the State Hospital for a short time and then engaged in the livery business with his brothers. In 1880 he engaged in the wholesale liquor business, which he is still engaged in. He was a member of the City Council in 1895, 1896 and 1897, and a member of the Board of Aldermen in 1898. He is senior past chief ranger of Court Elizabeth Poole, F. of A. ; supreme paymaster general K.S.F.F. of A .; treasurer of Division Five, A.O.H., and a mem- ber of the B. P.O. E. February 16, 1871. Mr. Kavanaugh married Catherine, daughter of Matthew and Jane (O'Brien) Kelly.
Keeler, Charles P., was born in Milford, Conn., August 29, 1860, and his father, Rev. S.C. Keeler, was prominent in the Concord diocese of the M. E. Church, having filled the office of presiding elder for two terms; he married Lydia, daughter of Ira Williams. Charles P. Keeler was educated in Brooklyn, N. Y., and in 1880 came to Attlebor- ough and entered the employ of Smith & Crosby, and also J. F. Sturdy & Sons. In
304
OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.
1894 he organized the firm of McRae & Keeler, making a specialty of ladies' goods. In 1883 he married Ada G., daughter of John Bullock, and they are the parents of three children: Lawrence P., Helen and Lydia, having lost one son, Charles, in in- fancy. Mr. Keeler is one of the self-made men of Bristol county; is a member of the Masonic order, of the Red Men and A.O.U.W. ; he takes an intelligent interest in school and church matters.
Kelley, David Newcomb, son of Alvira and Achsia (Newcomb) Kelley, was born at Harwich Port on Cape Cod, November 8, 1856. His father was a dealer in fish and in 1874 removed to Fairhaven, where he established the business which is now con- ducted by Mr. Kelley. After attending the schools of his native village David N. began to make voyages in fishing vessels, being placed at an early age in charge of vessels going on long fishing cruises. He continued this business for eight years and at the death of his father took entire charge of the business and has since con- ducted it successfuly, dealing extensively in all kinds of salt fish. During the season he keeps several fishing schooners in commission and employs a large force of men in cutting, salting and packing the catch. The business is located on what was once called the Old South Wharf. This wharf was partly purchased by Mr. Kelley's father and has now come entirely into his possession and is called Kelley's Wharf. Mr. Kelley is also extensively engaged in the lumber trade, being associated in this business with B. F. Nickerson, under the firm name of B. F. Nickerson & Co. In January, 1878, he married Alfretta, daughter of Freeman A. Phillips of Harwich Port, and they have one son, David Leon Kelley.
Kempton, David Batchelder, is one of the oldest business men of New Bedford, and has been prominently identified with leading business enterprises in that city for over fifty years. He was born April 25, 1818, a son of David Kempton (2) and Joanna (Maxfield) Kempton, and is a direct descendant of Manasseh Kempton, whose name appears on the deed given by Ousamequin and his son Wamsutta to John Cooke and others, and conveying the whole town of Dartmouth in thirty-four whole parts and no more. Many members of the Kempton family have been promi- nent in history, notably Col. Thomas Kempton of Revolutionary fame. It was the pleasure of Mr. Kempton's youth to listen to stories told by his grandmother, who saved herself and children from the British soldiery by fleeing to the woods at the time of the invasion. She lived at that time in an old house, long since demolished, which was on the site of the present intersection of North and County streets. It was upon this spot that three citizens, Cook, Russell and Trafford, were killed at the time of the British invasion; and not more than a hundred yards from the same spot two British soldiers were killed as they were marching by, by two men in the woods. This was the first blood shed in the war in this vicinity. Some of this land is now in the possession of Mr. Kempton; it has never been deeded out of the family since its original purchase from the Indians. During his early youth Mr. Kempton attended school for a very short time, but was orphaned at the age of twelve and went to live with his father's brother, Ephraim Kempton, with whom he remained until he at- tained his majority, meantime learning the carpenter's trade, at which he worked twelve years. He then became interested in whale shipping and for over a quarter of a century was an agent and managing owner of whaling vessels. He was a mem- ber of the fire department for several years. He early became a Mason, joining
305
PERSONAL REFERENCES.
Star in the East Lodge, and also Adoniram Royal Arch Chapter and Sutton Com- mandery, Knights Templar. In 1877 he realized the desire of his life when he took an extensive trip in the countries of the old world, visiting Constantinople and the Holy Land. He was connected with the New Bedford flour mill for many years as director and president. He is now president of the Pope's Island Manufacturing Corporation ; a director of the New Bedford Gas and Edison Electric Company; and of the Citizens' National Bank. At different times during his life he has been hon- ored by public office. He served in the State Legislature in 1889 and 1890; was warden of the Fifth ward in 1875, 1876 and 1877; member of the City Council in 1864, 1865 and 1866. In the latter year the construction of the water works was be- gun and he, with Warren Ladd and William W. Crapo, was elected to the first Water Board and served in that capacity nearly twenty-five years. Mr. Kempton is a man of most kindly disposition and of great ability in handling men. As a young man he was endowed with great earning capacity and by an energetic exercise of his ability acquired a considerable property. He is one of the historical characters of New Bedford and himself takes a deep interest in matters pertaining to the history of this vicinity, in which so many of his ancestors figured prominently. The very land on which he lives is a historic point and has for over two hundred and forty years been in the possession of his family. His first wife, whom he married in 1842, was Sarah Bates Lindsey, a daughter of the late Benjamin Lindsey, sr., who was for many years editor of the "Mercury." Of this union one son was born, Frank H .; he married again in 1879, Susan H. Jennings, daughter of Dr. J. H. Jennings.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.