Our country and its people; a descriptive and biographical record of Bristol County, Massachusetts, Part 91

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 91

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Cooke, Rev. M. J., rector of St. Patrick's Church, Fall River, was born in Ulster county, Ireland. When eighteen years of age he came to this country to be cdu-

OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.

cated for the preisthood, and was sent to the Sulpician Fathers' College and Semi- nary at Montreal. Completing the rigid courses of instruction with success, he was ordained to the ministry in that city, December 23, 1876. He acted as assistant in dif- ferent places until 1884, when he took charge of his first pastorate at Harrisville, R. I., where he remained until November 1, 1890, at which date he came to Fall River to take charge of St. Patrick's Church. Father Cooke's congregation numbers about 6,000 souls. He has under his charge two assistants, and a parochial school employing a staff of six teachers and with an average attendance of 400 children. During his pastorate he has thoroughly completed the new church and has also built the Holy Name Hall for the young men of his congregation. The church bas pros- pered greatly under his care and he has a host of warm friends throughout the city.

Cornell, Charles Frederick, superintendent of public cemeteries, is the son of John M. Cornell, a native of Attleborough, Mass., and Patience S. Tucker, his wife, daughter of Griffin Tucker and Nioba West, of Bristol county. His grandfather, William Cornell, was a farmer and a soldier in the war of 1812. John M. Cornell came to New Bedford in early life, and for seventeen years was sexton of Oak Grove Cemetery. He died in 1891 and his wife in 1895. Charles F. Cornell was born in New Bedford. Mass., November 20, 1837, received a public school education, and learned the painter's trade. When sixteen he shipped on a whaling vessel. Later he was for twelve years in the coastwise merchant service, filling every position to that of master mariner. In 1872 he was appointed sexton of Oak Grove Cemetery, which post he filled until 1894, when he was made superintendent. Since May, 1895, he has been superintendent of the public cemeteries of New Bedford, taking the office when it was created and filling it with credit and satisfaction. He is a mem- ber of the Veteran Firemen's Association ; the Knights of Pythias; the Odd Fellows and other fraternal societies. In 1857 he married Azubah Mayo Nickerson of Har- wich, Mass.

Cottrell, William T., is a native of Rhode Island, born in Tiverton, May 17, 1843, a son of Benjamin and Ann (Grinnell) Cottrell. He has lived in Fall River almost all his life. He enlisted December 9, 1861, in the R. I. Heavy Artillery, served three years and four months, and then re-enlisted for two and one-half years. He participated in the siege of Morris Island off Charleston and Fort Wagner, Fort Pulaski, etc., and also in several battles, being mustered out at the close of the war. He is a member of the G. A. R. and of the Pilgrim Fathers. Mr. Cottrell married first, Hannah Leary, who died leaving two children: William and Hannah. His second wife was Josephine Legacy, and they have four children: George, Henry, Norman and Hannah. Mr. Cottrell established his present marble and granite business in 1894 and is known as an expert in his trade as well as a reliable business man.

Couch, Leonard Crocker, was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., September 26, 1856, son of Major General Darius N. and Mary Caroline (Crocker) Couch. He obtained his ed- ucation in Norwalk, Conn. He came to Taunton in 1875 and went to the Taunton Locomotive Manufacturing Company to learn the trade of machinist, and by patient and persistent work he soon reached the top and was made superintendent of the locomotive department and also took charge of the draughting room. He remained with them until they stopped building locomotives and then he engaged with the

PERSONAL REFERENCES.

Fitchburg Railroad as chief draughtsman in their locomotive department, where he remained one year. After the death of Andrew S. Briggs, of Taunton, in 1890, Mr. Couch bought his insurance business and good will, and has continued very success- fully up to the present time. He was married in April, 1882, to Cecilia May Francis, who died May 20, 1894, leaving two children: Cecil Thomas, born May 20, 1883, and Caroline Avis, born April 11, 1885. Mr. Couch is at present a park commissioner of the city of Taunton and a member of the following societies: Aztec Club of 1847; Sons of the American Revolution, and Sons of Veterans, U. S. A.

Coughlin, Richard Patrick, was born in Whitman, Mass., April 10, 1873, a son of John and Johanna (Grady) Coughlin. He received his early education in the public schools of Whitman and was graduated from the Boston University Law School in the class of 1894. In June of this same year he was admitted to the bar and started an office for himself in Rockland, remaining there about six months and then came to Taunton in 1895, where his practice has steadily increased and although one of the youngest lawyers here he is not by any means the least successful.

Covel, Thomas D., son of Benjamin and Angeline (Baker) Covel, was born in Fall River, June 21, 1850. He attended the public schools of that city and later was grad- uated from Scofield's Commercial School at Providence, R. I. He then was em- ployed for some time as a clerk in a grocery store owned by his brothers, subse- quently securing a position in the office of the Troy Cotton and Woolen Manufactur- ing Company as an assistant. The following year (1873) he formed a copartnership for the conduct of a general hardware business with Mr. Sanford, under the firm name of Sanford & Covel. This association continued until 1884, when Mr. Sanford retired to engage in the manufacture of cotton goods and the present firm of Covel & Osborn was formed by the admission of James E. Osborn. This firm has since conducted an extensive business and for several years has made a specialty of man- ufacturing cotton banding. Mr. Covel is a director of the Arkwright Mills and the Troy Loan Association; president and director of the National Union Bank and trustee of the Union Savings Bank. In October, 1876, he married Betsey P. Gray, daughter of Franklin Gray of Fall River.

Cox, Peter E., was born in England, April 24, 1867, a son of Peter and Theresa (O'Rourke) Cox. He came to America in 1876, settling in Fall River, where he first worked in a cotton mill for three years, and then spent six years in the loom-harness business. In 1888 he embarked in the cigar and tobacco business, of which he has made a great success, being one of the leading dealers of Bristol county. He was first located on Bedford street and thence removed to his present location at 12 North Main. Mr. Cox has taken an active part in politics since he became of age and has twice been nominated by his party (Democratic) for councilman. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Crandall, George N., was born in Charlestown, R. I., October 27, 1819, a son of George N. and Thankful (Greene) Crandall, and grandson of Oliver Crandall, one of the prominent Quakers of that town. Mr. Crandall's father was a farmer and dealt largely in live stock and sheep; he died in 1856. George N. Crandall was ed- ucated in the public schools and at the age of twenty-one (in 1840) began life in mer- cantile business. In 1841 he established the firm of Crandall & Segar, in Westerly,

OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.

R. I., and in 1847 purchased Mr. Segar's interest, and disposed of the business in 1849. He then kept a hotel and the post-office in Natick, R. I., two years. In 1855 he established the firm of Whipple & Crandall, in Attleborough. Mass., and in 1861 purchased Mr. Whipple's interest, disposing of the business in 1866. Mr. Crandall has served as selectman, assessor, overseer of the poor, member of the Board of Health, a special commissioner of Bristol county eighteen years, represented the town in the General Court in 1881, was justice of the peace fourteen years and super- intendent and treasurer of the gas company fifteen years. In 1844 Mr. Crandall married Maria S., daughter of Jesse Babcock, of Kingston, R. I., who died in 1856, leaving one son, George H. Mr. Crandall married second, Frances A., daughter of Dr. Alfred Martin of Attleborough, Mass.

Cross, James W., president of the Fall River Rubber Company, was born in Black- burn, England, April 1, 1869, a son of John W. and Elizabeth (Ballard) Cross. He came to America with his parents when six months old, settling in Lawrence, Mass., for a short time and thence removing to Lowell, Mass. He obtained his education in the public schools and early in life was employed by the Lowell Rubber Company, in whose employ he remained eight years. In November, 1891, he came to Fall River to take charge of the company's store, which was established October 1, 1887. Through his energy and business ability he greatly enlarged the business of the store, and in February, 1896, together with others, organized the Fall River Rubber Company, which was incorporated in the same year. This company is engaged in the wholesale and retail trade in all kinds of rubbergoods and are constantly extend- ing their business. Before the company was incorporated, J. Francis Hayward was proprietor of the store, and when it was incorporated Mr. Cross was made president and Mr. Hayward treasurer, who remained in that position until his death in 1897, when Mrs. K. W. Hayward became treasurer. Mr. Cross was married, November 9, 1893, to Julia Etta Chace, daughter of Leander F. and Mercy A. Chace. of Fall River. They have two children: Eunice Howard and Ida Chace Cross. Mr. Cross is the inventor of a new and useful device for an attachable rubber heel on shoes, and is actively engaged in its manufacture and sale.

Crowell, Ezra, was born in Philadelphia, Pa., May 24, 1829, a son of Ezra and Nancy (Flinn) Crowell. He was educated in the public schools of Centerville, Mass., to which place his parents removed when he was six years old. After leaving school he learned the trade of painting and glazing, at which he worked until 1855, when he came to Taunton and started in business for himself, which he has followed up to the present time (1898), making forty-three years he has been in business for him- self. During this time he has had three partners; the first was Mr. Lincoln and the firm was Lincoln & Crowell. and when he retired Mr. Hinckley took his place, the firm being Crowell & Hinckley, and in 1875 Mr. Crowell engaged with Mr. Savery under the present style of Crowell & Savery. They carry on a business of hard- ware, paints, oils, glass and paper hangings Mr. Crowell has been married twice, first to Sarah Tripp of Fairhaven, now deceased, and second to Eliza J. Waldron of Dighton. He has two children: William W. and Eva M.

Crowell, Henry P., was born in Fairhaven, November 8, 1840, a son of Thomas C. and Sally (Mallowes) Crowell. His father was a sea captain in the coastwise trade and resided in Fairhaven about thirty years. He was lost at sea in November, 1857.

PERSONAL REFERENCES.

Mr. Crowell attended school until he was fourteen years of age and at seventeen be- gan to learn the moulder's trade, at which he worked during the greater part of his active life, and retired in 1893. He has been a registrar of voters for over twelve years and has also served on the School Committee. In June, 1869, he married Helen Wrightington. On his mother's side Mr. Crowell descends from old Knicker- bocker stock, and on the paternal side is a lineal descendant of Paul Crowell, who was born in England and is recorded as the first white settler in the vicinity of the town of Chatham, Mass.

Crowley, John D., was born in Liverpool, England, in 1820. He received a com- mon school education and then engaged in the purchase and sale of second-hand clothing in his native city. In 1858 he came to America and engaged in the same business in Philadelphia, remaining six years and then returning to Liverpool to look after his original enterprise, which had been continued during his absence. Two years later he closed this business and returned to Philadelphia. He came to Fall River in 1867 and started a store in second-hand clothing and jewelry, at the corner of Annawan and Brady streets; and in 1873 engaged in the purchase and sale of cotton and woolen stock, new prints, old metals, etc., at the same location. In 1885 he removed to the present location of the business, 189 Annawan street. Mr. Crowley was an active, conservative and enterprising citizen. His business life was a remarkable example of success due to industry and ability, and at the time of his death, besides business enterprises, he owned fifty-nine tenement houses in Fall River and other real estate, He was a vigorous, intelligent and sincere advocate of temperance, and took a keen and lively interest in all things designed to promote the welfare of the public. He died on April 24, 1897, holding the respect and esteem of all who had known him. Mr. Crowley had married in England in 1849 to Abby McCauliff. Of this union were eleven children: John A., Mary, Annie, Abbie, James D., Daniel A., P. Henry, Michael V., Thomas J., George L. and Louis A. (deceased). Of these, four sons now conduct the business: P. Henry, Michael V., Thomas J. and George L. They are all natives of Fall River. Possessed of thorough business educations and inherited abilities they are conducting the affairs of the business with encouraging success.

Cummings, Benjamin, was born in Dartmouth, Mass., on April 7, 1797, and died in New Bedford on September 28, 1863. He was the son of Benjamin and Mehitable (Ryder) Cummings, being the youngest of a large family. In his early years he was engaged in business with his brothers, William and John, in Dartmouth, where they had a large and successful store. On January 27, 1820, being then twenty-two years old, he married Cynthia Smith, daughter of Henry and Mary (Almy) Smith, who owned a large tract of land in Dartmouth on the Paskamanset River, which is still kept in the family. Soon after his marriage he left the store and devoted his atten- tion to his farm and the many business interests connected with it. There was a valuable water power which was used for a saw mill, grist mill, and fulling mill, all of which called for his attention and were successfully managed. At that time the whaling business flourished greatly and naturally attracted him, and he soon began to invest in whaling vessels. He found interest and profit in this, and increased his investments until he was part owner in a large number of whalers, one of which was named for him, and bore as a figurehead a full length likeness of him carved in wood,

OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.

which was thought singularly true to life. He also invested largely in real estate in New Bedford and the accuracy of his judgment has been indicated in the develop- ment of the city. In 1857 the built the "Cummings Building" on the corner of William and Purchase streets, in which enterprise his brother William joined. At that time the building was the largest and finest in the city, and the wisdom of it from a financial standpoint was doubted by many, but the result proved his judg- ment correct, and his building did much to fix the business center of the city. In 1855 he moved from Dartmouth to New Bedford to the house where his widow still lives, and in which he died seven years later. He had ten children, of whom four daughters and a son are still living. 'His life was one of intense activity and he was just beginning to relax his attention to business at the time of his death. He had found time to be a trustee of Antioch College, in which he was much interested. He liked trees and flowers and all out of door things and took great pleasure and pride in his garden. The old age to which he had looked forward as a time when he could enjoy these things and the property he had accumulated, to which he had looked as a means rather than an end, was denied him, and he died leaving the reputation of an honorable and upright man in whom his family can feel just pride.

Curran, J. V., was born in Providence, R. I., May 18, 1861. His father, George E., was a native of the north of Ireland, and came to the United States when a boy and was always identified in railroad matters; he died in 1884. J. V. Curran, at the age of four years, lost his right arm in a railroad accident. He was educated in the public schools and was engaged in the railroad business. In 1880 he was appointed station agent at Hebronville, which position he still holds. In 1889 Mr. Curran mar- ried Mary Cavanaugh, and they have two children: George D. and Mary E. Mr. Curran was appointed postmaster in 1895; truant officer; secretary of American Le- gion of Honor; the Red Men; member of Co. C., of Attleborough, and through his influence a kindergarten has been added to the public schools. He was elected a member of the Attleborough Republican town committee for the year 1899. He has been a delegate of his party both in district and State conventions and in October, 1898, was appointed one of the seven members of the Republican district committee of Bristol county for the term of three years. The Attleborough Daily Sun, under date of March 23, 1898, has this to say of Mr. Curran, among other things: " He cast his first vote in the town of Attleborough, and ever since that time has taken a deep interest in public affairs. He takes to politics as naturally as a duck takes to water. Possessed of a superabundance of good humor, even his political opponents are always glad to greet him. Mr. Curran in politics is vigorous and aggressive and infuses much enthusiasm into whatever cause he espouses. He is a wide awake, public-spirited, progressive man, fully alive to the interests of his section of the town."

Cushing, John King, retired carpenter and builder, is descended from (1) Thomas Cushing, (2) William Cushing, (3) John Cushing. (4) Thomas Cushing, and (5) Peter Cushing, all of England; (6) Matthew Cushing, who married August 5, 1613, Naz- areth Pitcher, came from England in the ship Diligent in 1638, and commenced the settlement of Hingham, Mass. ; (7) John Cushing, born in 1627, married January 20, 1658, Sarah Hawke, and died March 31, 1708; (8) Matthew Cushing, born February 23, 1665, married December 27, 1694, Deborah Jacob, and died June 23, 1715; (9)

PERSONAL REFERENCES.

Hezekiah Cushing, born March 14, 1703, married July 28, 1726, Lydia Jones, and died January 7, 1790; (10) Nathaniel Cushing, youngest of eleven children, born March 30, 1753, lived in Scituate, and married Alice, daughter of Joseph Cushing ; and (11) Warren Cushing, youngest child, born December 14, 1785, married Abigail Gibbs Kempton, and died November 8, 1827; his wife died in August, 1876. Warren Cushing came to New Bedford about 1812, and engaged in ship building and later in the grocery business. His children were William Thomas, William Warren, John King, Deborah Kempton, Alice Eliza, Ann Sophia, Albert Warren, Thomas Kemp- ton, and Samuel Warren. John King Cushing was born in New Bedford, Mass., November 17, 1816, received a public school education, and when sixteen began learning the carpenter's trade, which he followed successfully until about 1878, when he retired. For many years he was an active contractor, building many fine dwell- ings, school houses, the wood work of the present Friends Academy, etc. He was a member of the Common Council at one time, and was a charter member of the New Bedford Guards. In 1885 he married Mrs. Ruth (Potter) Caswell of New Bedford.

Cushman, Andrew Bernard, M. D., physician and surgeon, was born at East Freetown, Mass., July 10, 1856. His father, a member of Company C, 18th Mass. Vols., was killed at the battle of Yorktown, May 13, 1862, and at the age of six years he was left fatherless He attended the public schools of his native town and of New Bedford, working at various pursuits during the vacations and at odd times, and notwithstanding the obstacles which he knew would confront him, decided to study medicine. He began in 1883 under the tutorship of Dr. Stephen W. Hayes, with whom he remained until well grounded, and then entered the medical depart- ment of the University of Vermont, from which he was graduated M. D., July 19, 1886. In the same year he began practice at South Dartmouth, where he has since been successfully engaged. Dr. Cushman is a fellow of the Massachusetts Medical Society, and at present counselor for the Bristol South District. He has served on the School Committee for eight years; is a trustee of the Public Library; and has always taken an active interest in public and literary affairs. He is a prominent Mason, a member of the Chapter, Council, Commandery, and of Eureka blue lodge of New Bedford. In August, 1887, he married Edith H., daughter of Thomas L. and' Mary (Hamblin) Allen. Three children have been born to them: Helen A., Robert W., and Ruth B. The Cushman family is of old Puritan stock. Dr. Cush- man is a lineal descendant of Robert Cushman, who was born in England and came to Plymouth colony in the ship "Speedwell," among the first settlers.

Cushman, Hiram, was born in Billingham, Mass., November 24, 1856. His father, Martin G. Cushman, was a native of Milford, and was identified in the manufacture of shoes and served three years in the war of the Rebellion; he married Serepta M. Taft and now resides in New Jersey. Hiram Cushman was educated in the public schools and in 1893 came to Attleborough and established his present business of couches, upholstering and carpet cleaning. In 1874 he married Ida Heath, who died in 1881, and in 1887 he again married Lucy M. Amsden. Mr. Cushman is a self- made man, taking an active interest in school and church matters and has ever ad- vanced the best interests of his town and town's people.

Cushman, Seth Leonard, a son of Horatio Leonard and Loretta Horton (Rich- mond) Cushman, was born in Taunton, August 13, 1849, and was educated in the

OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.

Taunton public schools. In 1866 Mr. Cushman engaged with the firm of N. H. Skin- ner & Co., dry goods, as assistant bookkeeper, remaining with them about three years, and in 1869 went to the Bristol County National Bank as teller, which position he held until 1881, at which time he was chosen cashier, retaining that position until 1887, when he was chosen president and has remained in that office up to the pres- ent date. During Mr. Cushman's connection with the bank he held many positions of private trust. In July, 1871, he married Mary F. Taylor of Fall River, and they have one son, Elton Gray Cushman.

Cuttle, John, was born in Yorkshire, England, April 1, 1829, and educated in the .

common schools of his native town. He worked in the linen mills until 1851, when he came to this country. He settled first in Schenectady, N. Y., where he married Maria Moore, who is now matron of the Almshouse, Fall River. Their living chil- dren are Joseph, Mrs. Catherine Keefe, Francis C., John, Thomas and Mary, who acts as secretary for her father. One son, Stephen, died in 1892 at the age of thirty- five; he was a mill overseer and an expert cotton manufacturer. John Cuttle has held many positions of trust in Fall River; since January, 1894, he has been superin- tendent of the City Hospital; previous to which he was engaged in the meat and grocery business. He also served for some time as superintendent of a linen mill for the American Linen Company, and was president of the Herald Publishing Company for ten years. He has lived in Fall River nearly fifty years and during this time has gained respect and confidence. He was councilman in 1869 and alder- man in 1870 from old Ward 2.

Daggett, Homer M., was born in Attleborough, January 27, 1821, son of Ebenezer Daggett, who was also a native of Attleborough, and the family trace their descent from Col. John Daggett. Ebenezer Daggett married Sally, daughter of Josiah Maxey, and through life he was one of the leading farmers; was prominent in his town and in school and church matters, and filled many positions of honor and trust. He died in 1832. Homer M. Daggett was educated in the public schools, afterward entering the employ of Capron Peck, at Attleborough Falls, cotton manufacturer. In 1845, with his twin brother, H. N. Daggett, he purchased the business in which he remained until 1852, when he went Farmer's Village and manufactured yarns, knitting cotton, etc. In 1860 he entered the Attleborough Bank, at North Attle- borough, and in 1875 he came to Attleborough and organized and founded the First National Bank, of which he has been cashier for thirty years. In 1842 he married Angeline, daughter of Otis Daggett, and they have three children: Homer M., jr., Sanford and Alice A. Mr. Daggett is one of the conservative men of his town; takes an active interest in educational and religious institutions; and has ever received and merited the respect of his associates.

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Our country and its people; a descriptive and biographical record of Bristol County, Massachusetts, Part 91

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