Our country and its people; a descriptive and biographical record of Bristol County, Massachusetts, Part 126

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 126

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).

Kennedy, Francis M., D. D. S., was born in New Bedford, February 11, 1863, a son of Michael F. and Ellen A. (Ahern) Kennedy. He attended the public schools of New Bedford and also studied under a private tutor. After some time spent in his father's business he entered the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery and was graduated in 1887, holding the highest honor given in his class. In the same year he began practice in New Bedford and still continues, having met with excellent success. For nine years he served on the School Committee and at present is a trustee of the Public Library. November 14, 1893, he married Mary A., daughter of the late Andrew Donaghy of New Bedford, and they have two children: Helen Sarah, and an infant daughter.

King, M. L., was born in Nova Scotia, March 22, 1834. His father, Martin King, was identified as a farmer and miller in Nova Scotia and married Margery Sarson; he died a young man in 1841. Martin L. King came to North Attleborough in Jan- uary, 1856, and followed his trade of blacksmithing, making a specialty of jeweler's tools. In 1857 he married Martha Redmond, and they have two sons and one daugh- ter: Edward M., Clarence H. and Mrs. Florence Morse. Mr. King is one of the self-made men of his town, is one of the committee of fifteen of his town, and takes an active interest in school and church matters.

Kirby, Charles T., son of Charles S. and Eliza E. (Estes) Kirby, was born in Fall River, July 6, 1862, and obtained his education in the public and high schools of that city. He has been engaged in the livery business since completing his schooling and is one of the best known liverymen in the county. The present stables were owned by his father, and on the latter's death in June, 1888, he succeeded to the business,

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which he has since conducted successfully. June 6, 1890, he married Laura A. Kirby, and they have two daughters. Madeline and Margaret.

Kirby, George A., is descended from one of the oldest families in eastern Massa- chusetts. Richard Kirby, sr.,1 was born about 1628 and died about 1687. He lived in Lynn, afterward in Sandwich, and subsequently in Dartmouth, and by his wife Jane had five children. Richard Kirby, jr.,2 who died in 1720, was often fined in Sandwich, as was also his father, for attending Quaker meetings. He married, first, October 19, 1655, Patience, daughter of William Gifford, of Sandwich, and a grand- daughter of Walter and great-granddaughter of Sir Ambrose Gifford of England. About 1666 he removed to Dartmouth. He married, second, Abigail Howland, De- cember 2, 1678. Of his five children, Robert,3 the youngest, was born March 10, 1674, lived in Dartmouth, and died about 1755. He married Rebecca, daughter of Nathaniel and Elizabeth (Stokes) Potter of Portsmouth, R. I., who was born March 10, 1674, bore him seven children, and died July 1, 1763. Nathaniel Kirby4 married, January 25, 1731, Abigail, daughter of James and Rebecca (Howland) Russell of Dartmouth, and had five children. Justus Kirby,5 born April 28, 1746, died January 5, 1831, in Westport. He married, December 27, 1769, Catherine, daughter of Peleg and Mary (Russell) Cornell, who was born April 14, 1751, and died August 27, 1832. Wesson Kirby,5 brother of Justus, was born October 14, 1831, served as tithing man, surveyor of highways, etc., in Dartmouth, for many years, and died October 9, 1798. He married, February 23, 1870, Hannah, daughter of William and granddaughter of William White of Westport, and they had fourteen children. She was born in 1781 and died in 1819. Benjamin Kirby, 6 born June 18, 1763, died August 20, 1817. February 2, 1788, he married Patience Lawton, born November 16, 1767, died Janu- ary 17, 1841, and had eight children. George Kirby," their eldest son and second child, was born May 16, 1794, was a farmer at Russell's Mills in Dartmouth, and died August 30, 1882. August 23, 1821, he married Abby H., daughter of George and Mary Smith of Dartmouth, and had three children. Humphrey Kirby,8 born June 1, 1822, was a ship chandler in New Bedford and a member of the school com- mittee, and died April 16, 1891. July 19, 1846, he married Elizabeth, daughter of Rudolphus Howland, who was born April 13, 1829, and died November 29, 1860. They were the parents of George A. Kirby, of the ninth generation. Wesson Kirby, jr.,6 son of Wesson and Hannah (White) Kirby, was born April 15, 1759, married in 1803 Joanna, daughter of Richard and Joanna Craw, and died December 4, 1839. Mary C. Kirby," born April 20, 1803, was married October 10, 1826, to Avery Kirby, who was born October 13, 1792, died June 5, 1851, and who was a son of Luthan Kirby, born May 5, 1770, died April 11, 1860, who was a son of Justus Kirby,5 before mentioned. William A. Kirby,8 son of Avery and Mary C. Kirby, was born July 3, 1827, and is a carpenter in New Bedford.

Knowlton, Hosea Morrill, was born in Durham, Me., May 20, 1847, and is the eld- est son of Rev. Isaac Case Knowlton, D. D., and Mary S. Wellington, his wife. He is a direct descendant of Capt. William Knowlton, who sailed from London to Nova Scotia in 1632-4, but died en route, his widow and three sons, John, William and Thomas, continuing the voyage and finally settling in Ipswich, Mass. Mr. Knowl- ton's ancestor is William, who served in King Philip's war. Rev. Isaac Case Knowlton was born at Liberty, Me., September 6, 1819, and died at West Acton, Mass., March

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23, 1894. He was a self-educated man and spent fifty years in the ministry, receiv- ing the degree of D. D. from Tufts College in 1889. Besides numerous articles pub- lished in magazines, etc., he was the author of a " History of Calais, Maine," 1873, and "Through the Shadows," 1885. His wife, Mary Smith Wellington, was de- scended from Kenelm Winslow, brother of Governor Winslow, and also from Rev. Thomas Smith, pastor of the First church in Portland, Me. Hosea M. Knowlton's early life was an itinerant one. He attended the High Schools of Oldtown and Bangor, Me., and Keene, N. H., and Powers Institute at Bernardston, Mass., and was graduated from Tufts College in 1867. He studied one year in the Harvard Law School and was admitted to the bar in 1870. He shortly afterward opened an office in New Bedford, where he has since practiced with eminent success. In 1872 he was appointed register in bankruptcy for the First District in Massachusetts, which office he held until it was abolished in 1878. He was a member of the New Bedford School Committee from 1874 to 1877, city solicitor in 1877, representative to the Legislature in 1876-77, State senator in 1878-79, and district attorney for the Southern District of Massachusetts from 1879 to January 1, 1894, when he resigned to take the office of attorney-general of the State, to which position he was elected in the fall of 1893; he has been five times re-elected, an eloquent testimonial of his fitness for the trust, and is still in office. Mr. Knowlton was one of the incorporators and a member of the board of directors of the Edison Electric Light Co. of New Bedford until its consolidation with the New Bedford Gas Co. He has been a direc- tor of the Citizens' National Bank of New Bedford since 1884; a trustee of Tufts College since 1878 and is now vice president of its board; a trustee of St. Luke's Hospital, New Bedford, since 1896; and has been a member of the Universalist Society since 1872, its treasurer since 1875, and the superintendent of its Sunday school since 1874. Mr. Knowlton is one of the ablest members of the Massachusetts bar, and as a citizen and public officer is universally respected and esteemed. On May 22, 1873, he married Miss Sylvia Bassett Almy, daughter of Benjamin and Sophia Almy. Mrs. Knowlton possesses those elements of character which distin- guish her as a woman of marked intelligence and ability. She is a graduate of the New Bedford High School and Bridgewater Normal School, and taught school for a year before her marriage. She has been a member of the New Bedford School Com- mittee for five years; has been a director of the New Bedford Choral Association six years and was its vice-president; has been vice-president of the Woman's Club since its organization, secretary of the New Bedford Volunteer Aid Association, and is a visitor to St. Luke's Hospital. Mr. and Mrs. Knowlton have seven children: John Wellington, born February 28, 1874; Abby Almy, born March 30, 1876; Frank War- ren, born August 16, 1878; Edward Allen, born April 16, 1883; Helen Sophia, born August 1, 1885; Sylvia Prescott, born May 29, 1890; and Benjamin Almy, born June 13, 1892, all living.

Kratzsch, Emil, was born in Saxony, Germany, September 18, 1846, a son of John and Henrietta (Bode) Kratzsch, and immigrated to the United States in 1883, locating in Baltic, Conn., where he was employed in a cotton mill for about six months. He then removed to Natick, R. I., where he remained for one year, when he removed to Fall River and was engaged in the cotton mills until 1893, when he removed to his present farm where he has since resided. In 1873 Mr. Kratzsch married Clara,

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daughter of August and Anna (Mark) Vogt, natives of Germany, and they have four children: Clara, Otto, Frederick and Paul. Mr. Kratzsch is one of Westport's en- terprising and respected citizens.

Lawrence, Silas T., son of David and Chloe (Sherman) Lawrence, was born in Freetown, March 27, 1813. He attended school in Freetown for a short time, and later removed to New Bedford, where he also attended school. At an early age he began to learn the cooper's trade, which he followed in this vicinity and as cooper on whale ships for nearly fifty years. In 1860 he established a retail grocery store on Purchase street, New Bedford, but later sold this store and engaged in the same business in Acuslinet, where he remained for a period of sixteen years. He is now retired and has taken up his residence in Fairhaven. In politics Mr. Lawrence has always been a strong Republican. He is now eighty-five years old, but is still vigorous.

Lawton, H. Francis, was born in Tiverton, R. I., July 25, 1852, a son of Joseph and Mary E. (Wilbur) Lawton. He was educated in the public schools of Fall River and then went into his father's grocery as a clerk and bookkeeper. This business has since passed through several hands. Since 1891 it has been owned by Mr. Lawton, George T. Durfee and Herbert Chapin, under the firm name of H. Francis Lawton & Co. A general commission and retail grocery business is conducted. Mr. Lawton is a member of King Philip Lodge, F. & A. M., Chapter, Council, Commandery and Shrine. In November, 1872, he married Julia E., daughter of Henry Lynn of Fall River, and their children are Edward S. L., and Henry Francis.

Lawton, Thomas W., son of James and Hannah (born Miles) Lawton, was born in Appanog, near East Greenwich, R. I., April 12, 1822. His father died when he was quite young and his mother married again. In the spring of 1828 his parents and mother's brothers moved to the West, as it is termed, traveling by ox wagon, and settled where Watertown, N. Y., is now. They cut down the forest, built a log house, and planted corn between the stumps of the trees, his uncle being the nearest neighbor, who lived three miles distant through the woods, the path being trees marked by a scar cut in them. Quite frequently the bears used to come at night and rub against the house. It being a hard and lonely life, they did not live there but a few years; they decided to give it up, and moved to New Haven, Conn. There he attended the public school. At the age of thirteen he removed to the home of an elder brother in Goshen, Conn. Here he worked on the farm summers and attended school in the winter. At the age of sixteen he began to work by the month for dif- ferent farmers. One incident happened about this time which came near ending his life; he was attacked by an infuriated bull, who tossed him up repeatedly, but for- tunately he was tossed over a fence, being on a side hill, thus saving his life. He was severely injured by the animal's horns. When he was but eighteen years old he took the management of a large farm in the vicinity of Goshen, Conn., which was owned by Colonel Cook, his wife being a sister of Rev. Henry Ward Beecher. He conducted the farm successfully for one year, and then went to New Haven, Conn., where he found employment as a clerk in a grocery store. In the year 1844 he came to Fall River to visit a brother who was in the dry goods business, and being favor- ably impressed with the town, decided to remain. He was employed by his brother as a clerk for a short time and later entered the service of Ezekiel Wilson in the

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same capacity. He afterwards worked for Bilson Paige as head clerk for nine years, Mr. Paige being the leading dry goods merchant in the city. In the year 1860 Mr. Lawton went into business for himself in the line of carpeting and house paper, lo- cating in the Union block, which was on the site of the present B. M. C. Durfee Bank building. When the Civil war broke out in 1861 he sold his stock at auction, and with others went to Washington, D. C., where he went into the business of supplying soldiers with necessaries, locating a site at Rum Point, Materwoman Creek, Md., near the encampment of Gen. Joe Hooker's division, where the army supplies were landed, about thirty one miles from Washington, on the Potomac River. He followed the fortunes of the army of the Potomac until the close of the war, and then returned to Fall River. In 1864 he formed a partnership with J. H. Estes to engage in the manufacture of cotton twine and lamp-wicks, in which business he very successfully continued for twelve years, accumulating quite a large property. Later he took up floriculture for amusement, beginning in a small way and gradually working up until he became one of the leading florists of Fall River. He was a member of the Common Council for one year, and during his term was an earnest advocate of the South Park plan, advocating that the city must have a park in the near future, and land could be purchased cheaper at that time than in later years. He was on the committee of purchase and worked to have the measure carried through. Mr. Law- ton was twice married; his first wife was Lavinette T. Estes, by whom he had two sons, one of whom survives, John W. His second wife was Louisa J. Estes, daugh- ter of Job and Delilah Estes of Tiverton, R. I., and they had one son, Edmund T. Mr. Lawton was a self-made man, and was actively interested in all public enter- prises; he had a large circle of friends and was universally adjudged as just and honorable in all his business transactions. He died March 13, 1896, aged seventy- three years and eleven months. He bequeathed his estate equally to his widow and two sons.

Leavitt, A. L., was born in Canton, Mass., August 11, 1859, His father, James L. Leavitt, was a native of Walpole (but for a great many years was engaged in cotton manufacturing in Norton); he married Martha, daughter of F. E. and Lydia White Walker. A. L. Leavitt was educated in the public schools, and in 1878 came to Attleborough, where he engaged in the enameling business, being with Horton, Angell & Co. ten years, and in 1894 established the firm of A. L. Leavitt & Co. In 1882 Mr. Leavitt married Mary E. Hudson, and they have four sons: Raymond G., Harold A., Clifford W. and Carlton C. Mr. Leavitt is one of the self-made men of Bristol county, taking an intelligent interest in school and church matters, and has ever advanced the best interests of his town and town's people.

Lincoln, James Martin, was born in Taunton, October 3, 1833, a son of Caleb Mar- . tin and Lydia (Thrasher) Lincoln. His early education was received in the public schools of Taunton and the Bristol Academy. At the close of his school days he went to work in the paper mill at Westville, which was operated by his father, where he remained until 1852, and then came to his present location at Dighton, where he has been ever since and in 1854 became a member of the firm. Mr. Lincoln has been one of the road commissioners for several years in his part of the town. He is a member of King David Lodge, F. & A. M., and St. Mark's Royal Arch Chapter. He married Betsey Cordelia, daughter of Samuel and Nancy (Pettis) Codding, and they have three children: Charles Edward, Nathaniel and Leon Caleb.

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Lovering, Willard .- Probably no man has done more for the cotton manufactur- ing industry in the vicinity of Taunton than Willard Lovering, a man who began the cotton business as an apprentice and rose from step to step until he became the owner of a mill. He was born in the little village of Holliston, Mass., November 18, 1801, and spent the earlier years of his boyhood in farm work and in perfecting his educa- tion until he was finally competent to teach a school. In this occupation he was engaged, however, but a short time, and began his long business career in the City Mills at Franklin, Mass. His energy, coupled with a natural adaptability for the business, was the means of gaining for him rapid promotion and he finally took charge of the entire establishment. In 1830 he removed to Providence, R. I., and took charge of the business of the Blackstone Canal Corporation, and three years later retired to take the agency of the Carrington Mills at Woonsocket, R. I., where he also remained three years. At the end of this period (1836) he removed to Taun - ton and became a partial owner and manager of the Whittenton Mills, occupying this position for twenty years, or until the failure of C. H. Mills & Company, the principal owners. In 1853 he purchased the mills, and in association with his sons successfully conducted the establishment until 1864, when ill health rendered his retirement necessary, and he was succeeded in the business by his three sons, Charles L., William O. and Henry M.Lovering. Mr. Lovering was a thoroughly honorable man and possessed a well-rounded character. He possessed rare qualifications as a manager and attained high rank as a manufacturer. At the time of his death he was president of the Taunton Savings Bank and had also served as president of the Taunton Branch Railroad. He represented Taunton in the State Legislature of 1865-66, and throughout his entire residence never neglected an opportunity to ad- vance the welfare of his adopted city. He was a prominent member of the Episco- pal Church for nearly fifty years and a member of St. Thomas Church. He died November 24, 1837.

Lowe, John H., son of John and Isabel (Brawley) Lowe, was born in New Bedford, January 8, 1848. His father was a successful meat and provision dealer in New Bedford for several years and died in the seventy-fourth year of his age, honored and respected. During his boyhood Mr. Lowe attended the public schools in New Bedford and gained some business experience in his father's store, and later he took a course in the Bryant & Stratton Business College at Boston, and in 1876 engaged in the meat and grocery business on his own account, locating on Ray street, now Acushnet avenue. In 1883 he removed to the corner of City Grove and Acushnet avenue, where he had built a store (later built a block on the same site) and con- ducted his business successfully until 1896, when he sold out. Mr Lowe is a man of many friends and has served in the City Council for Ward 1, four terms, 1881-2-3-4, for nine years on the school committee and has been elected a member of the House of Representatives for 1899. For the past twenty years he has been a member of the New Bedford Protective Society and is now on its board of directors, also being a member of the Royal Arcanum and of Acushnet Lodge of Odd Fellows. He mar- ried, in 1870, Mary Laughlin, of New York city, and they have three children: Lucy I., Edith M. and John H.

McCaffrey, T. E., was born in Moosup, Conn., November 6, 1858. His father, Peter McCaffrey, was a native of Lowell, Mass., and was identified through life in the

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State of Connecticut in the woolen industry. He married Mary, daughter of John Carpenter, and died in October, 1892. T. E. McCaffrey was educated in the public schools of Connecticut, and at Montreal, Canada. In 1886 he entered the employ of J. O. San Souci & Co., of Providence. In 1890 he came to Attleborough as manager of their branch store, which he purchased in 1895, and at the present time is carrying the largest and finest stock of boots and shoes in Attleborough. In 1886 Mr. Mc- Caffrey married Isabella, daughter of James Ryan, of Peace Dale, R. I., and they have five children: Winifred, Jerome J., Thomas E., jr., Mary Isabelle and Helen Marie. Mr. McCaffrey is one of the self-made men of his town, taking an intelligent interest in school and church matters. He is a member of the Y.M.C.A. and has ever advanced the best interests of his town and town's people.

Mackie, George, M. D., was born in New Bedford, February 12, 1850. His father, Adam Mackie, was a native of Fife, Scotland, and came to New Bedford, where he was identified in educational matters; he married Chloe, daughter of David Law- rence, and died in 1882. Dr. Mackie was educated in New Bedford High School and graduated from Amherst, and Long Island College Hospital in 1874. He imme- diately began his practice in New Bedford, and came to Attleborough in 1875. In 1875 he married Laura V., daughter of Charles M. Gustin, who is a graduate of the Woman's College of Pennsylvania and a practicing physician. Dr. Mackie is one of the progressive men of his profession, was chairman of the Board of Health for five years, and has ever received and merited the respect of his associates.

Macomber, Zebedee B., was born in the town of Westport, Bristol county, Mass., November 20, 1820, a son of Weston and Catherine S. (Tripp) Macomber, and is the eldest of a family of fourteen children. His ancestors were of Scotch-English de. scent and were among the early settlers of Westport. Mr. Macomber spent the early part of his life in Fall River at teaming, and in 1870 removed to his present farm, where he has since lived in semi-retirement. In April, 1876, he married Celia Macuren, a native of England, and after three months of married life his wife died and he has since lived alone.

Magnan, N. J., was born in San Gabriel, Canada, May 22, 1866, and came to the United States in 1879 with his parent, Ephraim Magnan, settling in Pawtucket, R. I. N. J. Magnan was educated in the common schools, and after learning the carpen- ter's trade, he took a special course in the study of architecture. In 1890 he engaged in business for himself, and has built many residences in and around Attleborough, making a specialty of contract work, finishing the residence complete. In 1891 he married Mary F. Gulsky, and they have one son and two daughters: Frances, Louisa and J. Magnan, jr. Mr. Magnan is one of the self-made men of his town, taking an intelligent interest in school and church matters and is recognized as a man of ster- ling integrity whose word is as good as his bond. He also takes an interest in orange culture in Florida, where he has an orange grove.

Maintun, Frank T., was born in Plainville. His father, John B. Maintun, was a native of the city of New York and came to North Attleborough in 1849 and learned the jeweler's trade, taking his son into the firm, which is continued under the same name, a period of forty years. John B. Maintun married Frances A. Hall, and they had four children: William F., George H., Frank T. and Florence. John

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B. Maintun was one of the pioneers in the enameling business, one of the conserva- tive men of his town and died in 1893. The business is now carried on under the supervision of Frank T. Maintun, his son.

Mair, A. C., D.D.S., was born in Newton, Mass., June 17, 1866, a son of George H. and Sarah D. (Copeland) Mair, and grandson of Thomas Mair, who came from Scotland in 1815. He was educated in Salem and Boston, graduating from the Board of State Dental Examiners. He began his practice in Salem and Foxboro, and in 1893 came to Attleborough and is now employing the most scientific and recent methods of dental surgery, making a specialty of bridge work. In 1894 Dr. Mair married Jennie M., daughter of Albert Fisher, and they have one son, Donald F.

Makinson, John F., was born in Slatersville, R. I., February 6, 1838. His father, John Makinson, was a native of Bolton, England, and came to the United States in 1812, settling in Slatersville, where he married Amy R., daughter of Rufus Briggs, and they had three sons: Charles E., William H. and John F. John Makinson was a weaver by trade and died in 1849. John F. Makinson was educated in the com- mon schools and at the age of twelve began the struggle of life. In the fall of 1849 he began to learn the jewelry business with Freeman & Co., and thoroughly learned the business with different concerns. In 1861 he enlisted as musician in the 7th Mass. Regt., and was discharged in August, 1862, taking part in the battles of Will- iamsburg, Fair Oaks and Seven Days fight. He returned to North Attleborough and in 1881 he formed a partnership with Walter G. Clark and established the firm of W. G. Clark & Co., which continued up to February, 1895, when he sold out to his partner and retired from active business. In 1861 he married Betsey S., daughter of Thomas Wilmarth, and they have one daughter, Emma F. Mr. Makinson is one of the oldest jewelry manufacturers in Bristol county, of independent, conservative character, serving as commissioner on the electric light, water board and sinking fund, of which he is treasurer, and ever taking an intelligent interest in educational and religious institutions, and is recognized as a man of sterling integrity who has ever advanced the best interests of his town and its people.

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Our country and its people; a descriptive and biographical record of Bristol County, Massachusetts, Part 126

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