USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Worcester > Proceedings of the Worcester Society of Antiquity, 1877, Volume I-5 > Part 20
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Washington Square, continuing at the latter place till the death of thesenior Mr. Gates. which occurred Dec. 12, 1877.
Although there have been times within the past six years that the estate of John Gates & Co. was variously estimated at from $75.000 to $100.000. yet at this time the depression in the val- ue of real estate, together with severe losses in trade, compelled those interested in the matter to close up the business.
Thus we have followed out the course of the oldest humber firm in the number of years engaged, yet connected with the history of Worcester, and one whose varied experiences are but a rep- resentation of the history of families, neighborhoods, towns, states and nations. Rise and fall. addition and diminution, suc- cess and adversity seem to be fixed laws of the universe.
Mr. John Gates was twice a member of the City Council, and twice a representative to the General Court.
In 1858. Charles Baker and William JJ .. his brother. purchased the estate on Manchester street now owned by them, where they, in company, began the manufacture of boxes. purchasing native country lumber in considerable quantities for their own use, and offering for sale such portions of the stock as the trade might demand. From this they gradually grew into a larger trade, and for many years their business continued to increase. finally call- ing for the erection of their new brick shop on U'nion street, where they added the manufacture of builders' finish and general planing mill work, using the estate on Manchester street as well as their yard on Grove street, which they took possession of in Nov .. 1871. for storing lumber. For many years they have been extensive dealers in all kinds of lumber. doing business in the name of Charles Baker & Co.
They are sons of Mr. James Baker of Phillipston in this county. where they were born, William J. in May, 1821. He came to Worcester in Dec., 1848. going to work for Mr. Alvin Waite at the carpenter's trade. He was subsequently in the em- ploy of Mr. Osgood Bradley on car work. after which he went to Norwich Ct .. where for three years he worked on cars, retur- ning to Worcester in 1852. to engage in the iron business with Mr. Alvin Waite and a Mr. Chadsey of Whitford R. I. The burning of their foundry in Jume. 1855, caused a dissolution
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of the copartnership, and Mr. Baker, in Oct. following, started the box business in the Adriatic mill, at South Worcester, re- maining there until 1858. Charles Baker was born in April, 1828, and came to Worcester in 1855, and was engaged in mer- cantile and insurance business until 1858, when he became asso- ciated with his brother, William 1. Baker.
About the year 1860, Mr. William P. Daniels, a native of Pel- ham, Mass, a carpenter by trade, succeeded Eli Goulding and William O. Thompson at the Grove street yard. Mr. Daniels never attempted to do a large lumber business, but for about two years occupied the yard in a small way, mainly in furnishing house frames, and hemlock boards in car-load lots. He after- wards rented the old wooden freight house at Lincoln Square, of the Worcester and Nashua R. R. Co., where he continued the sale of lumber until May, 1871, when he retired from active business, and lived but a few years afterwards.
In Feb., 1862, Mr. Joseph Chamberlin came to Worcester, and succeeded Mr. Wm. P. Daniels at the Grove street yard, selling lumber as agent for John W. Hooper, of Orange, N. H. In the spring of 1866 Mr. Chamberlin, in company with Mr. Marshall S. Ballard, of Worcester, purchased Mr. Hooper's interest and con- tinued the business in the name of Chamberlin & Co. .
Mr. Ballard sold his interest to Thomas J. Hall. of Upton, in the spring of 1867, who in the fall of that year disposed of it to Mr. C. B. Knight, who remained with Mr. Chamberlin something more than a year, and retired in the spring of 1869, to make room for Mr. Charles W. Wright of New Hampshire, who in the autumn of the same year, gave way for the incoming partner, Mr. William H. Sawyer, who also withdrew. Feb. 1. 1871. In Nov. of that year, Mr. Chamberlin sold out the remaining stock, with the lease of the yard, to Messrs. Charles Baker & Co.
Mr. Chamberlin was born at Milford, N. H., Feb. 22, 1821, son of Joseph and Sally (Abbott) Chamberlin, who removed to Lyndeborough, N. H., when their son Joseph was but two years of age. Mr. Chamberlin is a man who has passed through many experiences of a social, financial and political nature, even before making his residence in Worcester. Since 1871 he has done something in the way of wholesaleing lumber, as agent for various
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manufacturers and other persons dealing in such merchandize.
In April, 1862, Messrs. Garfield and Parker sold country lum- ber in Worcester, having a yard at first on Front street, at the corner of Salem, where now stands C. C. Houghton's boot man- ufactory. In 1867. they moved to Church street, where the Last factory now stands, and from there to School street, in 1869. Their sales of lumber were strictly confined to country stock, bringing in from the country mills with their own teams.
Moses M. Garfield, son of Moses, is a native of Princeton in Worcester County. David F. Parker, son of Timothy, is a na- tive of Holden, and at the present time is commissioner of high- ways for the city of Worcester, which office he has held for sev- eral years.
In April, 1867, Jonathan C. French and Ellery B. Crane formed a copartnership for the sale of lumber, styled French & Crane, and opened a yard on Madison street. Mr. Crane soon purchased the interest of Mr. French, and for five years carried on the business alone. In the summer of 1871, he leased the James Estabrook estate at the corner of Southbridge and Madi- sou streets, where he erected new lumber sheds and continued the business. On the first day of May, 1873. a copartnership was formed by Mr. Crane and William S. Perry Jr., since which time the business has been transacted under the name and style of E. B. Crane & Co.
In 1868, Mr. Charles A. Tenney established the Shrewsbury street yard. After his retirement from the firm of Earl, Tenney & Co., he had been somewhat engaged in selling woolen cloths, having a store or salesroom on Main street opposite the city hall, but his strong energy and extensive experience in the lumber trade had unfitted him for anything so tame as selling woolens. He displayed great care and spared no expense in fitting up this vard with every convenience for doing a large business, but died in 1870, without long enjoying the fruits of his labor.
On the first day of Sept .. 1870. Lorenzo L. Kenney, Lucius D. and Louis T. Hazen, and Hazen W. Fiske, formed a copart- nership for the sale of lumber, and leased the Shrewsbury street vard just before Mr. Tenney's death. They were men of means, with large experience as manufacturers of lumber in northern New
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Hampshire, but little as retail dealers. Prosperity followed them for two years. but in the fall of 1872, the Messrs. Hazens retired from the firm. In 1875 the lease of the Shrewsbury street vard having expired, land was purchased on Mulberry street. where the business was continued by Mr. Kenney and H. W. Fiske, under the style of L. C. Kenney & Co., until their failure, in the spring of 1877. the firm finding relief in the bankruptcy court.
Mr. Kenney soon opened another office for the sale of lumber at wholesale, and after having associated himself with Frederick E. Fay, again began the retail trade on Central street in the name of Kenney & Fay, where they are now in full operation.
Mr. Kenney came to this city from Littleton, N. IL .. where his father Edward O. Kenney still resides. L. D. & L. T. Hazen are brothers, born at Hartford Vt. Lucius in 1834, Louis in 1837, sons or Lucius of Hartford Vt.
William H. Sawyer came to Worcester from New Hampshire in Sept., 1869, and engaged as salesman for Messrs. Chamberlin & Co., April 1, 1870, and became a partner in the business, but on the Ist day of Feb .. 1871, he withdrew from this firm and associated himself with W. P. Daniels. then doing business in the old freight house at Lincoln Square.
After a few months Mr. Daniels retired from the business lea- ving Mr. Sawyer alone, who, in April, 1872, purchased the Dr. Blood estate, or what is more recently known as the Burbank estate, on the westerly side of Lincoln street, some distance above the Square, which he fitted up with sheds &c. for the hun- ber business, and where he is now engaged in conducting a pros- perons trade.
This brings us to the last subject of our sketch in the matter of The Lumber Interest in Worcester, and perhaps the shortest legitimate dealer, and yet the longest one, Mr. Charles B. Knight, he being about six and one half feet in height. He was born in Leicester, son of the late Horace Knight of that town.
His first experience as a retail linnber dealer in this city was with Mr. Joseph Chamberlin at the Grove street yard. beginning in the spring of 1868. which engagement lasted but a brief time, when he associated himself with Mr. W. P. Daniels for a short time. In the summer of 1871 he firmly established himself with
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a partner, Mr. J. C. Davidson, in the huber trade on the yard just then vacated by E. B. Crane, on Madison street, where they did a successful business until the retirement of Mr. Davidson in the spring of 1872. Immediately succeeding this event a co- partnership was formed by Mr. Knight. Sextus P. Goddard and William P. Goddard for continuing the trade, under the style of Knight, Goddard. & Co. The looking after two partners and the business beside, was too much for Mr. Knight, and he soon retired from the firm on account of failing health, the trade con- timing in the name of Goddard & Co. On the first day of Jan. 1878. Mr. Knight had so far regained his health as to encourage him to buy out the entire firm of Goddard & Co., and he resu- med business under the firm name of C. B. Knight & Co. The business was successfully conducted by Mr. Knight till the sun- mer of 1871, when, owing to the pressure of the time. the stock was closed out in such a manner as to reflect credit on his finan- cial ability and skill as a tradesman.
The next regular meeting of the Society was held Tuesday evening, May 7th, there being a good atten- dance of members and several visitors, among whom were Hon. J. Warren Bigelow of Rutland, Rev. Geo. Allen and Albert Curtis Esq. of Worcester.
The following letter from Mr. John E. Russell of Leicester, was read at this meeting :-
LEICESTER. MASS., APRIL 6. 1878. DANIEL SEAGRAVE ESQ .. Secretary Wor. Soc. of Antiquity.
DEAR SIR :- The notification that I had been unanimously elect- ed a Corresponding Member of your Society, was received here in my absence, and mislaid, or I should have sent an earlier ac- knowledgment. I am deeply sensible of the honor conferred upon me by your Society, and gratefully accept it. I shall do all in my power to assist the objects of the Association.
Very truly yours. JOIN E. RUSSELL.
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Among the many letters acknowledging the re- ceipt of our Proceedings for 1877, we take the liberty of printing the following, from Benson J. Lossing, LL.D, an Honorary member of the Society :-
THE RIDGE, DOVER PLAINS P. O ..
Duchess County, N. Y., April 20, 1878.
Samuel E. Staples Esq. President of
The Worcester Society of Antiquity.
MY DEAR SIR :- I have been absent from home, and this fact is my apology for not sooner acknowledging the kind courtesy of the Worcester Society of Antiquity, in sending me a copy of the pro- ceedings of the Society for the year 1877, together with the in- scriptions from the old burial grounds of Worcester. The latter have much more than a local interest, illustrated as they are by valuable notes which are a contribution to our Biographical lit- erature. I cordially thank the Society for it. I have read the record of the Proceedings of the Society, with great interest.
They show a remarkable growth in a brief space of time, not only in membership but in publie esteem, giving a sure prophecy of full success. I heartily congratulate the Society on the success of its work in a most delightful field of research.
I regret that I have not been able to be of some use to the Society. It is not for want of inclination but lack of ability or opportunity. I hold that unless a man ean, by contributions, add, positively, something useful, to the knowledge or the treas- ures of a Society, it is wise for him to abstain from intrusion. I will hope for an opportunity.
If a copy of my HISTORY OF THE CIVIL WAR IN AMERICA, in three volumes, containing an aggregate of 1900 pages and over 1000 illustrations, will be acceptable to the Society, I shall take pleasure in presenting a copy.
With best wishes for the prosperity of the Society, and kind salutations for yourself,
I am, dear sir, Very truly yours.
BENSON J. LOSSING.
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The President transmitted the following, in reply to the very interesting letter of Mr. Lossing :-
WORCESTER, APRIL 24, 1878.
BENSON J. LOSSING ESQ.,
My dear sir :-
Your esteemed favor of the 20th instant was received last evening, and I hasten to make ac- knowledgment of the same, and to thank you for its cordial spirit and your appreciation of the efforts of the Society which I have the honor to represent.
The generous offer which you make of a copy of your valuable "History of the Civil War in America," for the library of our So- ciety. will be a most acceptable gift, and will be highly appreci- ated by our members.
We are doing in a quiet way what we can to collect and pre- serve historical matter, a number of papers of much interest hay- ing been read at our meetings this year, and others are in prep- aration. The "Departments of Work" which have been arran- ged are promising good results.
We hope that sometime we may have the pleasure of seeing you in Worcester, that our members may have the honor of your personal acquaintance.
With sincere regard, I am,
Yours most respectfully, SAMUEL E. STAPLES.
The Librarian reported large accessions of books and pamphlets, among them, the "History of the Civil War in America," in three volumes, by Benson J. Lossing, LL.D.
Francis T. Blackmer Esq., of Worcester, was unan- imously elected an active member of the Society. On motion of Mr. Crane, it was voted to invite Col. Israel Plummer, of Northbridge, to read his "History of the Blackstone Canal," at the regular meeting in June. Mr. Jillson read the first installment of his
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work on "The Death Penalty in Worcester County," giving the Biography of two of the criminals execu- ted previous to 1745, which was listened to with marked approval. Interesting remarks followed the reading of Mr. Jillson, by Rev. George Allen, Hon. J. Warren Bigelow and Albert Curtis, Esq.
A Special meeting was held at the Hall of the Society, on Saturday, May 25th, 1878, at 8 o'clock P. M. The President, Samuel E. Staples, addressed the members as follows :-
Gentlemen of the Worcester Society of Antiquity :-
By a painful and sudden calamity our late associate and friend, RANSOM MILLS GOULD, has been called away from the activities and pleasures of life, to that "bourne from which no traveller re- turns." All present, doubtless, know something of the cirenm- stances that caused the death of our friend.
Returning from Holden. on Friday afternoon. May 24th. 1878. his horse became frightened on Grove street. near the works of the Washburn & Moen Manufacturing Company. at about six o'clock P. M., where he was thrown from his carriage and recei- ved such injuries, that from the time of the accident they were thought to be fatal. He lingered in an unconscious state till two o'clock this morning, the 25th day of May, 1878, when death relieved him from all mortal suffering, and he passed on to the unknown land.
"Beyond the flight of Time. Beyond this vale of death, There surely is some blessed clime Where life is not a breath, Nor life's affections transient fire, Whose sparks fly upward and expire."
Mr. Gould had been for nearly thirty years a resident of this city, filling various positions of responsibility and trust, and was honorably connected with many of its local associations. Ile was
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widely known as an active political worker, being a prominent member of the Republican Party since its organization, and has done meritorious service in the ranks of that party.
As a Deputy Sheriff, he was an efficient officer, and merited the esteem of all with whom he had business relations.
Mr. Gould was a native of Newfane, Vt., and at the time of his death was President of the association, known as the Sons and Daughters of Vermont. In that Society he took a deep interest, and was chairman of the executive committee of the first reunion, held in this city, Feb. 10th. 1874.
As a member of the Society of Antiquity, he manifested his interest by attendance upon its meetings when his official duties did not prevent, and by his willingness to share the burdens and responsibilities of our Association.
By this unexpected bereavement we are again, in a most for- cible manner. reminded of the uncertainty of life, and the cer- tainty of death, showing us that what we desire to accomplish must: if done at all, be done daily and hourly, as each duty pre- sents itself before our eyes.
It seemed to me most fitting and proper that this Society should be called together at this time to adopt some suitable Memorial upon the death of our friend, and we are therefore met to take such action as the circumstances may suggest.
By request of the President, the Rev. Thomas E. St. John prepared the following Memorial, which in his absence, was read by the Secretary.
Died in Worcester, May 25th, 1878, RANSOM MILLS GOULD, aged 56 years. Taken suddenly from the labors of life in the full vigor of his manhood, his death calls for the exercise of seri- ous thought in us all. It is indeed a brittle thread that holds us to this state of existence, and many are the influences that may rend it assunder, and open before us the realities of that world that lies beyond the shadow.
In making a record of this death, the second that has occurred in the list of our active membership since the organization of this
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Society. we are impressed with a deep sense of our own depen- dence and inability to ward off approaching danger. "In the midst of life we are in death." We know not why, but we bow in humble submission to the will that is higher than ours, and trust that what is dark and strange with us, is light with him.
We extend to his bereaved family and friends our most heart- felt sympathy, in this their deep affiiction ; and although our words may be of little avail in alleviating the sorrow or helping them to bear the burden of grief thus suddenly thrown upon them. yet they reveal the common ties that bind us together, and speak of the source from which we may all gain strength and consola- tion in time of need.
We mention with grateful remembrance his interest in this So- ciety, his earnest manliness, his cordial greetings, and conscien- tious life. His record is closed ; but the memory of his living remains. and he has not lived in vain.
Brief remarks in eulogy of the deceased were made by Messrs. Jillson, Barton, Harding, Lovell, John- son, Seagrave and Crane, and on motion, the Me- morial was unanimously approved by a rising vote.
On motion of Mr. Crane, it was voted that the members attend the funeral in a body. It was also voted that the Secretary transmit a copy of the Me- morial to the family of the deceased, and that the same be published in the newspapers of this city.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, the 28th day of May, 1878, at Plymouth church, conducted by the pastor, Rev. George W. Phillips. Appropri- ate remarks were made by Col. W. S. B. Hopkins, Rev. Thomas E. St. John, Hon. Clark Jillson, Gen. A. B. R. Sprague and IIon. Geo. F. Verry, represent- ing the different bodies and associations with which
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the deceased was connected. This Society was rep- resented on the occasion by Messrs. Staples, Crane, St. John, Seagrave, Israel Plummer, O'Flynn, E. F. Thompson, C. R. Johnson, Metcalf, Monroe, Mar- shall, Thos. E. Bartlett, Sumner, Harding and F. P. Rice. Other members were present, but with other organizations.
By invitation of the Rev. Mr. Phillips, Rev. Thos. E. St. John assisted in the devotional services, and in behalf of The Worcester Society of Antiquity spoke as follows :-
There is but one thought in our minds to-day. An honored citizen has been taken from our sight. and with sympathizing hearts we come to pay our tribute of respect. "In the midst of life we are in death. No one knows at what hour the summons will come that calls him hence, and it becomes us to consider with serious intent how we can make life worthy of remembrance.
I can cheerfully and heartily endorse what has been said of our brother and friend in regard to his worth as a man. He was warm and cordial in his friendships, earnest and true in his con- vietions of right and duty, faithful and just in his business relations. His love for the old made him an interested worker in The Worcester Society of Antiquity ; and we have always found him to be a wise counsellor and ready helper in all that could contribute to its suceess. When the project of preparing an historical sketch of the lives of the members was proposed to him, he said . It is well, but let it be understood that it shall be a sealed book until the man's work is done." Little did we think that his would end so soon.
It is in the light of a great hope that we can speak of him to- clay. What better record can a man leave, than that which en- ables us to say, "He was true to his trust?" That which is built into one's character. of manliness or devotion to principle, never dies. The worker may lie in the dust, but the work goes on.
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The body may be laid aside, but the spirit still lives. All that made him worthy of our respect here on the earth remains to add beauty and grace to his spiritual nature, and with confidence may we assert that an immortality of light and truth awaits him there.
For those who were associated with him in the nearer relation- ships of the family circle, we woul l express our warmest sym- pathy, and point to that promise of redemption which the Gospel reveals. There is a light beyond the river ; there is a home in the land of the hereafter where the broken ties of earth are re- united. Trust God for all that.
He who made these human hearts, and inspired the love that binds them. will not rudely obliterate all the memories of the past. They live within us forever, and bye and bye the old associations are ours again, in the life that never ends.
The remains of Mr. Gould were conveyed to Upton where they were buried under Masonic rites.
At the meeting held June 4th, 1878, there were seventeen members, and a number of visitors pres- ent. Albert Curtis Esq., of Worcester, was elected an active member, and J. F. D. Garfield of Fitch- burg, a corresponding member.
The Librarian reported 13 volumes, 304 pamphlets and several articles of value, as donations to the So- ciety. Col. Israel Plummer, of Northbridge, read his "History of the Blackstone Canal," which was listened to with much interest. Remarks in relation to the same were made by Mr. Nathaniel Paine and others, and, on motion, it was voted to request of Col. Plummer, a copy of his paper for preservation.
Mr. Paine presented a collection of Portraits and Engravings, for which a vote of thanks was tendered him. The following is the Paper read at this meet- ing by Col. Plummer :-
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HISTORY OF THE BLACKSTONE CANAL.
The project of opening Inland Navigation from the waters of Narragansett Bay, in Rhode Island, to Worcester, in Massachu- setts, through the valley of the Blackstone river, was first seri- ously attempted about the year 1796, by the late . JJohn Brown, Esq .. of Providence, and others. The vast advantages which must necessarily result from still-water navigation a distance of forty-five miles from tide-water, through one of the most fertile traets of country in New England, could not escape the keen sagacity of that enterprising individual. He had no sooner fixed his attention upon this contemplated improvement than he re- solved. if practicable. to carry it into full effect. He therefore, with a promptness. zeal and untiring perseverance which distin- guished him from most men in the prosecution of public enter- prises, hastened, with the aid of an Engineer. to survey the route : and found the plan not only practicable, but easy of execution. Many intelligent gentlemen were disposed to aid in accomplish- ing this desirable work. A deep interest was excited : and all who carefully and candidly considered it, were as fully convinced of its importance as Mr. Brown himself. To effect it. however. an Act of Incorporation from the States of Rhode Island and Massachusetts was necessary. The General Assembly of the former availed itself of the earliest opportunity to testify its ap- probation of the plan by passing an Aet which vested a Company with ample powers and privileges to prosecute the design.
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