Our country and its people; a descriptive and biographical record of Bristol County, Massachusetts, Part 88

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 88

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).

PERSONAL REFERENCES.

Buckminster, Joseph, son of David and Dorcas (Scamman) Buckminster, was born in Saco, Me., March 7, 1821. His ancestry is as follows: (1) Thomas Buckminster, a descendant of John Buckminster, of Peterboro, Northamptonshire, England, came to Massachusetts prior to 1639 and settled in Scituate, whence he removed to Boston. He had nine children. (2) Joseph Buckminster, son of Thomas, lived at Muddy River, and died November 20, 1668. He married Elizabeth, daughter of Hugh Clark, and had two children. (3) Joseph Buckminster, son of Joseph, was born July 31, 1666, became a tanner and in 1703 settled in Framingham, where he died, April 5, 1747. He was selectman seventeen years, representative twelve years, and be- came a captain and colonel of militia. May 12, 1686, he married Martha, daughter of John Sharp, who bore him eight children. He married, second, February 7, 1716. (4) Col. Joseph Buckminster, son of Joseph and Martha, was born in 1697. lived in Framingham, was town clerk thirty-two years, selectman twenty-eight years, representative nineteen years, commissioned colonel of militia in 1739, and active in the French and Indian wars and at the opening of the Revolution. He died May 15, 1780. He married Sarah Lawson and had seven children. By his second wife, Mrs. Hannah Kiggell, he had one son (5) Thomas, born August 18, 1751, who became a noted tavern keeper, deacon, selectman, town treasurer, etc., and who died July 7, 1826. He married, first, Hannah, daughter of David Rice, who bore him ten children, and second, widow Keziah (Perry) Bacon, by whom he had three children. (6) David Buckminster, son of Thomas and Hannah, was born March 2, 1786, moved to Saco, Me., and married, first, Eleanor Means, who bore him two children, and, second, Dorcas Scamman, by whom he had six children: Hannah R. (Mrs. Sylvanus Caldwell), Joseph, Anna F. (Mrs. Thaddeus M. Mason), Ellen M., 1st, Ellen M., and George B. Joseph Buckminster was educated in the public schools and at Thornton Academy in Saco, worked as a clerk in a general store four years, and later made four voyages to Europe. February 22, 1845, he set- tled permanently in New Bedford, where he was for five years a clerk in the dry goods store of George M. Eddy. June 17, 1850, with William C. Macy, as Buck- minster & Macy, he engaged in the dry goods business, and after twenty years sold out to his partner. Soon afterward he was elected treasurer of the New England Mutual Aid Society and served five years. Since April 15, 1879, he has been treas- urer of the Liberty Hall Association; and since April, 1881, has served as treasurer of the relief committee of the Union for Good Works, which he assisted in organiz- ing. He was a member of the militia home guards during the Civil war, served as alderman five years, and was a member of the Legislature in 1876 and 1877. He was also in the Legislature in 1875, but owing to a contest was unseated. In politics he has always been a Republican. April 24, 1850, he married Mary J., daughter of John Belcher, of Randolph, Mass., by whom he had one son, Frank L., born in 1852, died in 1869. She died November 11, 1890.

Buffington, Arthur E., son of Benjamin T. and Parthenia (Baker) Buffington, was born in New Bedford, December 31, 1850. When he was eight years old the family removed to Swansea, and he was educated in the schools of that vicinity. At an early age he began to learn the mason's trade under his father, and later with Will- iam Andrews, in Providence, R. I., where he remained three years. Following this experience he returned to his home in Swansea, and, until 1879, was associated with

OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.

his father, their work being principally in Fall River. In 1879 he came to New Bed- ford and began work for William B. Jenney, in 1881 becoming a partner of Mr. Jen- ney, and the association has ever since continued under the firm name of Jenney & Buffington. This establishment has taken a place in the front rank of masons and contractors; and has in its history erected many important buildings in this city, among them being the I. O. O. F. building; Winslow building, on the corner of Union and Sixth streets; Monte Pio building; nearly of the plant of the Pairpoint Manufacturing Company; additions to the plant of the Morse' Twist Drill Company ; and the New Bedford Cordage Company. Mr. Buffington is at present a member of the School Board. He married, in 1881, Carolina F., daughter of Isaac Peckham of New Bedford, and they have three children: Everett F., Oscar and Dawn Emily.

Buffinton, Arthur Lincoln, is descended from one of the early Plymouth colony families. He is the son of Luther Lincoln Buffinton and Elizabeth Ann Earle, daughter of Slade Earle, and was born in Fall River, Mass., July 13, 1870. His grandfather was Israel Buffinton. Luther Lincoln Buffinton, son of Israel, was born in Fall River in 1848, became a carriage dealer and later a general merchant, and died May 4, 1885, aged thirty-seven. His wife, Elizabeth A., died October 11, 1888, at the age of forty-one. In 1883 the family removed to New Bedford, where Arthur L. Buffinton received a public school education, and where, in 1885, he entered the general meat and provision store of Elnathan C. Brownell as a clerk. In 1895 he was admitted to partnership under the firm name of E. C. Brownell & Co.

Buffinton, Benjamin, son of Israel and Nancy B. (Lincoln) Buffinton, was born in Fall River, Mass., April 9, 1834. His ancestors for several generations were worthy and consistent members of the Society of Friends and were influential citizens of Bristol county. His father, a most exemplary man, was identified with the growth and prosperity of Fall River for more than half a century and for many years was president of the Massasoit Bank .. He was also interested in the cotton industry and owned a large amount of real estate. He was a strong advocate of temperance, an ardent supporter of the anti-slavery cause, and one of the agents of the " under- ground railroad," interested in assisting fugitive slaves from capture by their mas- ters. Benjamin Buffinton was educated in the schools of his native city, and while attending school employed his leisure hours acting as clerk for his father, who was then engaged in the cotton waste business. He remained associated with his father for several years. He served on the State delegation of Fire Commissioners under appointment of Gov. A. H. Rice from 1875 to 1879, and was agent for the overseer of the poor from 1879 to 1881; was on the State detective force from 1881 to 1885; was city assessor from 1885 to 1888; member of the Board of Health from 1889 to 1892; and since 1893 has been agent for the Soldiers' and Sailors' Relief Military Aid and for the burial of soldiers of the Civil war. Mr. Buffinton has always been active in politics and has been an influential member of the Republican party for many years. He takes great pleasure in the study of local history and has written many valuable articles on historical subjects relating to Fall River and southeastern Mas- sachusetts. The compilers of this publication are under many obligations to Mr. Buffinton for the assistance which he has so cheerfully given while the book was in course of preparation. In 1862 Mr. Buffinton married Maria Hart of Fall River, and their children are Benjamin Thomas, a civil engineer, Elizabeth (wife of John B. Durfee), and Clarissa Holmes.

PERSONAL REFERENCES.

Buffinton, Elisha Wilbur, electrical engineer, son of Bradford and Frances Free- love (Forbes) Buffinton, was born at Somerset, Mass., March 12, 1844. He attended the district schools and then worked on his father's farm for several years. In July, 1864, he enlisted in Company D, 60th Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry in the 100 day service. The regiment, under command of Col. Ansell D. Wass, was first sent to Maryland to guard the line of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad and the balance of the term of enlistment at Indianapolis, Ind., guarding the Confederate prisoners at Camp Morton in that city. The regiment returned to Boston, Novem- ber 30, 1864, at the expiration of the term of service. Mr. Buffinton then learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for several years at Somerset, and then moved to Fall River, where in 1882 he entered the employ of the Edison Company for isolated lighting. When the Edison Electrical Illuminating Company began business in Fall River he became the superintendent and filled that position for eleven years. At the expiration of this time he associated himself with William B. Edgar under the firm name of Edgar & Buffinton in the sale of all kinds of electrical supplies, phonographs, etc. They also follow the business of electricians. Mr. Mr. Buffinton is a member and quartermaster of Post 46, G.A. R., and was a member of the Common Council in 1896. In December, 1869, he married Maria F. Braley of Freetown, and they have three children: Fred W., Viola F. and Henry C.

Burnham, C. H., son of George and Amanda Burnham, was born in Hartford, Conn., November 16, 1852, and resided there fourteen years, attending the public schools. He learned the trade of plumber in Fall River with the Fall River Steam and Gas Pipe Co., remaining in their employ eight years. He afterwards worked for different firms for a period of four years, and in 1891 established his present business. He occupies a prominent place among the plumbers of the city, and has done a great deal of plumbing work in residences and mills, being capable of hand- ling contracts of any magnitude. Mr. Burnham married Barbara Francis on Jan- uary 17, 1878. They have one son, George. The family has been American for generations back, but was English originally. Mr. Burnham is a member of Narra- gansett Lodge, F. & A. M., Friendly Union Lodge No. 219, I.O.O.F., and the Royal Arcanum.

Buron, Joseph H., druggist, was born at St. Thomas, P. Q., January 16, 1866, and was educated at Joliette College, from which he was graduated in 1886. Soon after coming to Fall River he began to learn the drug business in Martelle's drug store, and in 1894 started in business for himself, locating at 1653 Pleasant street, where he now conducts a large trade. Mr. Buron represented Ward 6 in the Common Council in 1897. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias and of the Citizens' So- cial Club, organized in October, 1897. He is also a member of the Ligue des Pa- triotes, of which he has served as recording secretary for six years. Before engag- ing in the drug business Mr. Buron studied law with Hon. Hugo A. Dubuque for four years. In 1893 he married Rosanna Bisaillon, and they have four children : Rose Alma, Roland, Romulus and Rodrigue.

Burrell, John T., was born in Fall River, April 29, 1857, a son of John B. and Eliz- abeth (Richmond) Burrell, she a daughter of Dr. Thomas Richmond of Westport, Mass., and descends from old New England stock, tracing his ancestry both to Gov - ernor Carver and to Colonel Peleg Sherman. John T. Burrell was educated in the f

OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.

public and high schools of Fall River, and found employment in the National Union Bank, being then but sixteen years of age, and there remained in the capacity of junior clerk, later as teller, for a period of eight years, and in 1881 went into the em- ploy of L. Nichols & Co. as bookkeeper. The following year he accepted a position in the Pocasset Bank as teller, and after six years' service again entered the National Union Bank as assistant cashier. Shortly after he was made cashier and has since filled that responsible position. Mr. Burrell has served two terms in the Common Council, being elected for 1885 from the Seventh ward and re-elected for 1886. He is a past master of King Philip Lodge, F. & A. M., and a member of the Chapter and Council. In October, 1882, he married Fannie K., daughter of Rev. W. T. Worth, and they had seven children: Carlton W., Marion T., Harold, John W., Fannie, Sarah and Worth.

Burt, Thomas Preston, was born in Berkley, Bristol county, Mass., July 20, 1844, a son of Thomas and Matilda M. Burt. He received his early education in the pub- lic schools of Berkley and finished in the Myricksville Academy at Taunton. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Co. C, 22d Regiment, M. V. M., for three years and served until September, 1864, when he was discharged for disability from wounds received at Spottsylvania in May of the same year. After his return and he had re- covered his former good health he came to Taunton and engaged in the grocery busi- ness with White & Dean; later he bought Mr. White's interest and the firm was then known as H. A. Dean & Co. This was followed about two years and he then went into the coal business with T. L. & J. H. Church, remaining about five years with them, and then went with Staples & Phillips in 1875. He remained with them as long as they were in business and when the firm changed to The Staples Coal Co. he went with them for about a year; was then obliged to resign on account of im - paired health. He entered their employ again in 1896 as master of transportation. He was a member of the Massachusetts Legislature from Taunton in 1895-6; and was also town clerk and treasurer of Berkley from 1866 to 1878. In October, 1878, Mr. Burt married C. Augusta Hack, daughter of Nathan E. and Cordania Hack of Taunton, and they have two children: Chester F. and Maud M.

Bushee, A. A., was born in Attleborough, September 13, 1843. His father, Will- iam A. Bushee, was a native of Smithfield, R. I., and came to Attleborough, where he was engaged in farming; he married Fannie Randell. A. A. Bushee was ed- ucated in Attleborough and spent three years in Pawtucket in the employ of Robert Cushman. In 1865 he entered into the jewelry business and in 1867 established the firm of A. Bushee & Co., which has continued up to the present time. In 1872 he built the factory bearing their name and makes a specialty of sleeve and college buttons. In 1870 he married Harriet, daughter of James Engley, and they have two children: William L'. and Mary E. Mr. Bushee is one of the conservative men of his town, taking an intelligent interest in educational and religious institutions, and has ever advanced the. best interests of his town and townspeople.

Bushee, Solon D., was born in Blackstone, Mass., July 19, 1844. His father, Ben- jamin Bushee, a native of Smithfield, R. I., was a wool sorter by trade; he married Mary Blanchard, and died in 1868. Solon D. Bushee was educated in the public schools and in 1861 enlisted in Co. G, 51st Mass. Vols., taking part in the battles of Kingston, Whitehall, Goldsborough and others, receiving an honorable discharge in

PERSONAL REFERENCES.

1862. In 1869 he came to Attleborough and for thirty years has been engaged in the jewelry business. In 1873 he married a daughter of Henry Sherman. Mr. Bushee is one of the conservative men of his town, serving as superintendent of the streets and has ever advanced the best interests of his town and its people.

Butler, William Parkinson, was born in Blackburn, Lancashire, England, January 20, 1846, a son of Robert Higginson and Helen (Parkinson) Butler. He had prac- tically no educational advantages when a boy, the family being large, and when but eight years old he went to work in a printing office and here gained considerable knowledge, although on account of his youth and lack of education his work was largely mechanical labor. In this office was printed the first edition of the " Black- burn Times," and it was he who took the first copy off the press. Later he entered a neighboring cotton mill and learned the weaver's trade, which he followed in Eng- land and America for twenty-eight years. In May, 1879, he came to this country and at once settled in New Bedford, obtaining employment at his trade for three years and then removed to Manville, R. I. After a few years' employment in the cotton mills in that vicinity he returned to New Bedford, and until 1886 was engaged in the mills. In that year he started a small business in tobacco, cigars and notions, which business finally merged into his present hardware business, which is one of the best establishments of its kind in the southern portion of the city. Mr. Butler's success has been entirely due to his own efforts, for he came to this country to his wife's relations without capital. He is a charter member of Alpha Lodge, I. O. O. F., Manchester Unity, and was prominent in its organization. For some time he served as president of the New Bedford Co-operative Society; he also holds membership in numerous trade and fraternal organizations. In 1868 Mr. Butler married Eliza- beth Sherples, also a native of Blackburn, England, and of their eleven children nine survive: Obadiah, Thomas, Robert, William, Jane H., Bertha A., Walter A., Charles H., and Elizabeth A.

Butman, Thomas S., son of Thomas and Mary L. (Lasky) Butman, was born in Marblehead, Mass., August 28, 1822. His father was a butcher and lived in Marble- head from his birth until 1832, when he removed with his family to Fairhaven. Here Thomas S. attended the schools until he was fourteen years of age, and then made his first sea voyage, sailing from New Bedford in a whaleship. This voyage proved to be a long one, for upon the vessel's return he went into another ship without visiting his home, and so continued eleven years, finally becoming a captain. In those days letters were not so frequently written as at the present time, and so dur- ing his entire absence he neglected to write to his parents, who believed him lost. His account of the homecoming after an absence of eleven years and four months and of the changes which had taken place is most interesting. About the time he returned home gold was discovered in California, and being adventurous he decided to seek his fortune in the gold fields, and after a visit of two months sailed from New Bedford in the bark Winslow. They sailed around the Horn and were six months in making the voyage. He remained in California two years, going through many and varied experiences, and upon leaving again went to sea, sailing from Boston, New York and New Bedford for several years as a captain in the merchant service, and in the mean time conducting a ship-rigging business in Fairhaven. He later went to Port Huron, Mich., in the interests of a Boston firm and engaged in build-

OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.

ing ships, which were taken through the Great Lakes and Canada to the ocean and thence to Europe, where they were sold, together with their cargo, which consisted mostly of lumber. At this time Mr. Butman was considered one of the foremost ship riggers in the country. He is now retired and resting, after the labors of an active life. During his residence in Fairhaven he has been repeatedly honored with office and has served at different times as constable, overseer of the poor, truant officer and member of the Board of Health; he has also served for a period of over twenty-eight years as deputy sheriff of Bristol county.

Butts, Erastus Gordon, son of Erastus and Mary A. (Milkin) Butts, was born at Voluntown, Conn., April 9, 1827. He spent his youth on his father's farm and at- tended the common schools in the winter months. In 1845 he embarked on the whaling ship "Philip Tab," and for seven years followed the sea, a greater part of the time in the capacity of boat steerer. In 1852 he returned home, learned the car- penter's trade, and has since been engaged in carpenter work and farming. March 15, 1849, he married Rose Bowen, a native of Ireland, and they had seven children: Mary A., wife of Samuel W. Hayden; Eliza J., wife of Albert M. Allen; William Erastus; John F. ; Andrew Almy; Hannah S., wife of John S. Sanford; and Edward Everett. Mrs. Butts died August 20, 1889. Mr. Butts is a member of the Good Templars and the Society of Friends. He began life a farmer's boy with limited education and no capital save his own indomitable energy and perseverance, and has made his way to high standing in the community. Mr. Butts is a sincere and earnest advocate of the cause of temperance.

Butts, Thomas Albert, son of Pardon and Clarissa (Cook) Butts, was born in Westport, Bristol county, Mass., September 27, 1841. During his early life he at- tended the district schools and worked on his father's farm. He finally went to sea and has spent many years of his life on merchant vessels, sailing principally from New Bedford. In 1861 he enlisted in the United States Navy and was honorably discharged in 1863. During his service he was on the sloop of war " Susquehanna," serving with Dupont in the Charleston blockade, and in the bombardment of Cape Hatteras and Port Rio. He also spent some time in gun boats. After his recovery from the illness which had caused his discharge he returned to his native place and has since been engaged in farming. March 16, 1886, he married Mary F., daughter of Gideon F. and Nancy (Hart) Andrews of Dartmouth.

Camfill, Robert Emmet, physician and surgeon, was born in Dorchester, Boston, Mass., May 24, 1872, a son of Edward and Elizabeth (Johnson) Camfill. His father was a native of Ireland and came to this country when very young, settling at For- est Hills, Boston, where he was engaged for some years in the granite and marble business. Dr. Camfill prepared for college in the excellent schools of Boston, and entering Harvard University School of Medicine was graduated M. D. in 1894. During the year and a half following he served as interne at the Rochester City Hospital at Rochester, N. Y., and then came to New Bedford to take up his present practice. Although one of the younger physicians of the city, Dr. Camfill is in very successful practice, and is rapidly building up a reputation in his chosen profession.

Cannon, James, son of John and Rosanna (Anderson) Cannon, was born in New- port, R. I., July 2, 1822. He attended the private schools of his native town for a

PERSONAL REFERENCES.

short time, and when ten years old removed with his father's family to New Bedford, where he also attended school. Two years later the family removed to Fairhaven, where James has ever since resided. He began to learn the cooper's trade at an early age under Charles C. Allen and has followed that business all his life, having made in the old whaling days thousands of barrels for the whale ships. He is now retired from active work. Mr. Cannon has been twice married; his first wife was Hannah Tripp, and of this union was one daughter, Alice, wife of Otis Bates. His second wife was Harriet Brazner, whom he married in 1892.

Capron, E. S., was born in Attleborough, December 16, 1832, son of Dennis Capron; the family trace their descent from Banfield Capron, who settled in Attle- borough in 1620. Dennis Capron married Louisa, daughter of Leonard Hodges, and through life he was identified as a farmer, whose farm is now incorporated in the city of Attleborough, and he was prominent in the growth and progress of his town until he died. E. S. Capron was educated in the public schools and in 1850 learned the jewelry business at North Attleborough, with the E. Ira Richards Com- pany. In 1856 he organized the firm of Everett, Dean & Company and in 1859 or- ganized the S. W. Carpenter & Company, merchants, which was changed to Carpen- ter & Capron and continued up to 1881, when he became identified with the Gas Company. In 1852 he married Arabella A., daughter of Levi Gibson of Whiting, Vt., and they have one daughter, Mrs. Edith L. Mooers, wife of Dr. C. A. Mooers of Lawrence, Mass. Mr. Capron is one of the conservative men of his town; one of the trustees of the Attleborough Savings Bank; president of the Attleborough Mutual Fire Insurance Company; superintendent and manager of the Attleborough Gas Company; takes an active interest in educational and religious institutions ; has been prominently identified with the growth of his city; and has ever advanced the best interests of his town and town's people.

Capron, Harford A., was born in Attleborough, October 10, 1828, son of Dennis Capron, who was also a native of Attleborough; the family trace their descent from Banfield Capron, who came from England in 1638. Harford A. Capron was educa - ted in Attleborough and afterward learned the jewelry business, in which he has been engaged for thirty years. In 1872 he organized the firm of Capron & Company, jewelry manufacturers. He retired in 1884. In 1850 he maried Rhoda P., daughter of S. Thrasher. Mr. Capron is one of the conservative men of his town; takes an intelligent interest in school and church matters; and has ever advanced the best interests of his town and town's people.

Card, Walter G., son of George W. and Mahala (Greene) Card, was born in Ark- wright, R. 'I., April 28, 1859. Like his grandfather, father, uncles and brothers, he has made cotton manufacturing his business during his entire life, having begun work in the mills at the early age of ten. His work, however, was not allowed to interfere with his education, and he gained all the advantage that the day and night schools in the places that his father's residence afforded. He worked in nearly every department, but made a specialty of spinning, and gained a good general knowledge of cotton mills and manufacturing before he was twenty years old. He now began serious study, in order to perfect himself for the position of mill engineer. He came to New Bedford in April, 1879, and entered the employ of the Wamsutta Mills Corporation as assistant engineer, and in 1883 he became chief engineer of the

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.

Our country and its people; a descriptive and biographical record of Bristol County, Massachusetts, Part 88

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