USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > Professional and industrial history of Suffolk County, Massachusetts, Volume II > Part 62
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The parents of our subject were Jonas Clarke and Harriet Eliza (Bosworth) Wellington. His father was born in Lexington, November 30, 1815, where he served as assessor from 1852-54, and town treasurer in 1855. In 1856 he removed to Cambridge, where for many years he was engaged in the coal business. He was an ardent supporter of the Union during the war of the Rebellion, and rendered valuable service to the soldiers. He frequently visited the battlefields, and by his kind- ness, encouraging words and attention to the wants of the "boys" at the front won their love and respect. After the war he ever took a deep interest in the Grand Army of the Republic. The J. C. Welling- ton Sons of Veterans, Camp 14, in Cambridge, was named in his honor, and received from him its colors. He was for several years presi- dent of the Massachusetts Convention of Universalists, and was a gen- erous donor to religious and philanthropic objects. He served as a member of the Board of Aldermen of Cambridge; was also a member of the Board of Overseers of the Poor, and treasurer of Dean Academy. He died April 22, 1889.
Our subject was educated in the public schools of Lexington. He came with his parents to Cambridge in 1856, when he entered the em- ploy of S. G. Bowdlear & Co., flour merchants of Boston, as book- keeper, remaining with them until his enlistment in the Union army. During the three years that followed, Mr. Bowdlear, the senior member of the firm, kept up a correspondence with him, one of his letters attest- ing to his faithfulness and their affection for him, as follows: "We have only pleasant memories of our model clerk."
With the blood of ancestors who were ready to sacrifice their all for their country's welfare, flowing in his veins, he could not be an inactive factor when the great struggle began between the States. He was then in the full strength of robust manhood, and he cheerfully and readily offered his services in behalf of the Union cause. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Company F, Thirty-eighth Massachusetts Regiment, and was offered a commission, but he refused, preferring to win by actual serv- ice whatever promotion he might merit. His regiment left Boston August 26, 1862, and for two months was encamped in the vicinity of Baltimore. It was then transferred to New Orleans, and took part in the Red River expedition and the campaign in the western part of Louisiana. In July, 1864, it was transferred from the Gulf to Wash- ington, and formed a part of Sheridan's army during the closing period of the war, at which time Lieutenant Wellington, who had been pro-
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moted through all the grades, was acting as adjutant of the regiment. He participated in the battles of Bisland, sieges of Port Hudson, Cane River Ford, Mansura in Louisana, and Opequam, Fisher's Hill and Cedar Creek in Virginia. He was mustered out June 30, 1865. His regiment during its nearly three years' service suffered great depletion from killed and wounded. As a soldier Lieutenant Wellington was re- spected and beloved by his comrades in the field. Of this period of his career an ex-mayor of Cambridge writes: "He was a noble young man ; a splendid type of manhood; one of those who went to the war because they felt as if their country needed their services, and were ready to serifice their lives if need be in her defense." His tent-mate testifies that "he performed thoroughly his duty under any and all eir- stances. A soldier without fear or reproach, always to be relied upon in the march, bivouac or battle, his record is without stain, an honor to himself, to his State and the country he served so well. His patriot- ism, fidelity, intelligence and courage were conspicuous, winning for him words of commendation from commanders high in rank, whose achievements cover many of the brightest pages in the history of our country."
Upon his return to private life Colonel Wellington engaged in the coal business, which he developed to large proportions, becoming widely and favorably known as manager and treasurer of the Austin C. Wellington Coal Company, one of the largest concerns in this line in New England, and which at the time of Colonel Wellington's death controlled wharves in Boston, South Boston, Cambridge and Brighton. He devel- oped remarkable business ability, and attained enviable success in any enterprise in which he embarked. His sterling integrity, enterprise and untiring industry united to a magnetism and graciousness of man- ner peculiarly his own, made him a valued factor in any project with which he was associated. He had that dauntless courage which never
seems to consider defeat, and this spirit was evinced in all of his under- takings, enthusing his business associates, and in no limited measure accounting for his marked success in the business world. His interest in his employees, his kindness manifested in all his relations to them begot in return feelings of the tenderest regard and affection.
June 30, 1869, he was married to Caroline Louisa Fisher, daughter of George and Hannah C. (Teele) Fisher. She was a woman of marked literary attainments, and of refined, cultivated nature. She was the author of a book of poems entitled: "Leaflets Along the Pathway of
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Life," while her prose contributions were numerous and varied. ller death occurred November 23, 1849. Eight years later, November 29. 1887, Colonel Wellington married a sister of his deceased wife, Sarah Cordelia Fisher, well known in Boston musical circles as a soprano singer of decided merit. Her interest in philanthropic and literary as- sociations has been marked, presiding over the Ladies' Aid Association Auxiliary to the Soldier's Home in Chelsea, director of the Cambridge Conservatory of Music, and also taking a prominent part in other or- ganizations. Her father was one of the earliest members of the Handel and Haydn Society, and is well known as a musical enthusiast. He was editor and publisher of the Cambridge Chronicle fifteen years. He is especially remembered as one who substantially aided and encour- aged his friend, Elias Howe, the sewing machine inventor, when the project seemed likely to fail for lack of funds. For two years he repre- sented Cambridge in the House of Representatives of Massachusetts.
One of the most distinguishing features of Colonel Wellington's career was his brilliant record in the Massachusetts Volunteer Militia. May 2, 1870, he entered the service as captain of the Boston Light Infantry, otherwise known as the famous "Tigers," being Company A of the Seventh Regiment. While captain of this company his command ren- dered efficient service at the great Boston fire in 1822. In 1813 he was eleeted major of the Fourth Battalion, which under his leadership be- came widely known as the craek organization of the State, and at the general inspection of the military forces of Massachusetts in 1818 ranked the highest for general military excellence. February 24, 1882, he was elected colonel of the First Regiment, and the record of this regiment from the time Colonel Wellington assumed command until his untimely death, was brilliant and unparalleled, and what it accom- plished at home and abroad was due almost wholly to the untiring zeal of its gallant commander, who instilled into the regiment an esprit de corps, which had not before existed. Notably on two occasions, at the funeral of General Grant in New York in 1885 and at the Constitutional celebration in Philadelphia in 1887, it did great credit to the State, and reflected honor upon its talented and idolized colonel.
From the beginning of the Grand Army of the Republic, Colonel Wellington took an active part in its affairs. In 186; he became a com- rade in Post 15; in 1814 was chosen commander of Post 30, of which he was one of the charter members, and also served as commander of Post 113 in 1881-1888, till his death. He also served as inspector-gen-
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eral of the Grand Army for the Department of Massachusetts. He was a member of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery, one of the Military Examining Board, of the Sheridan Veterans, one of the trustees of the Soldiers' Home, Chelsea, chairman of the Boston Coal Exchange, pres- ident of the Charles River Towing Company, in 1811 a director in the Boston Mercantile Library Association, and later its president, vice- president of the Central Club and chairman of the House Committee, a member of the New England Club, the Executive Business Associa- tion and the Art Club; secretary of the Irving Literary Association in 1861, a member of the Cambridge Shakespeare Club, the Handel and Haydn Society and the Ceclia Club, the last two being musical organ- izations of Boston. He was especially fond of music, and possessed a fine sympathetic baritone voice. He had cultivated literary tastes; was fond of reading, and excelled in declamation.
During 1815 and 1876 Colonel Wellington was a member of the House of Representatives, serving on the Committee of Military Affairs. where he accomplished much in procuring needed legislation affecting the State militia. Everything pertaining to military matters indeed strongly appealed to him and enlisted his active support. Hle fre- quently acted as judge of the military prize drills of the Boston public schools. He acted as chief marshal of the Republican torchlight demonstration in 1884 in Boston, and of the Thackeray Carnival and Music of the Centuries in 1886.
One of the greatest achievements of Colonel Wellington was the brill- iant management of the Soldiers' Home Carnival in Boston in 1885, a work of great magnitude, requiring tireless attention and great execu- tive ability. It was in every sense a labor of love, and he unreservedly devoted himself to the task. The enthusiastic manner in which he took hold of the project, the confidence his words and actions inspired, and the consummate skill with which he managed every detail, won uni- versal admiration. It was his best work in behalf of the old soldiers, whom he loved, and it was a proud moment for him when as chief mar- shal of the carnival he drew his check for $64,000, the sum netted for the llome after paying all expenses, during the ten days of the car- nival. This undertaking, largely a personal one, was indicative of the man. In it, as in every good and charitable work in Boston and else- where, he was a foremost figure, cheerfully giving of both his time and means to their promotion. Whatever he undertook was always well donc. He had a dauntless, intrepid spirit, a gentle heart, which made
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him unmindful of self and considerate of others. His death occurred at Cambridge, September 23, 1888, of paralysis, after a brief illness. His life ended at the flood tide of his success, and when he was apparently only in the meridian of his powers and usefulness. The death of few have evoked more sincere sorrow. He possessed a social, companion- able nature, which drew around him a charming circle of friends, whose loyal, tender regard he as warmly reciprocated. His funeral was one of the largest ever extended a private citizen in New England, representatives of the State, militia, G. A. R. posts, business and social circles being represented, the long funeral procession being escorted to Mount Auburn Cemetery by his loved First Regiment, which superb organization was his noblest monument as a citizen soldier.
CALVIN ALLEN RICHARDS.
CALVIN ALLEN RICHARDS was born born in Dorchester, Mass., March 4, 1828. His boyhood was passed in and around Boston, and he re- ceived his education in the public schools, although he left school at an early age to assist his father, Isaiah D. Richards, in his business. He soon exhibited the wonderful executive ability which was so power- fully felt in his after life; and his father early learned to lean upon him for assistance and counsel. He denied himself many of the pleasures of young men to devote his thoughts and attention to his business, and to the care of his mother, who was delicate during the closing years of her life, and to whom he was most tenderly attached.
On February 17, 1852, he married Ann R. Babcock, daughter of Dexter Babcock, of the wholesale grocery firm of Babcock & Coolidge, who is now living an honored retired merchant in his ninety-sixth year. Two children were born of this union-a son who was instantly killed by lightning in 1863, and a daughter who survives her father.
Mr. Richards remained in business with his father and three brothers until 1861, when he opened a large establishment on Washington street, and it was while he was in this location, and during the years of the civil war, that he amassed the bulk of his fortune. He was in the Common Council of Boston in 1858-59 and '61, and in 1862 he was an alderman. This parliamentary experience he valued, and he was eagerly sought for by all dining clubs, having always the power to
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move a large assembly to tears or laughter, as was his wish, but his rare wit was always present.
In 1823 he went to Europe with his family and had a very happy and satisfactory journey.
In 18:4 he was indneed to relinquish business cares somewhat, and became a prominent director in the Metropolitan Street Railroad. In this position he soon made his rare executive power felt, and he was asked to become its president, which he did, and found his office no easy one. The railroad was on the verge of bankruptcy, and the former managers had permitted a powerful rival corporation to spring into existence. Mr. Richards desired to restore his railroad to its former position, and how well he succeeded is known to all street rail- way men in the United States. It was a grand achievement, and con- sidered wonderfully so by all, as, when he entered this business, he knew nothing of street railways, always having been a merchant. Under his able management the Metropolitan Railroad became one of the largest and best conducted in the country, rich and strong, and the methods of its president were copied by many other corporations at home and abroad.
In all important debates, either in the Legislature or city govern- ment, he always argued his cases alone and unaided; and with his strong personal magnetism, shrewd common sense, and thorough knowledge of the details of his railroad, in statistics, etc., he almost always succeeded in carrying conviction to the minds of those who, at the outset, were most bitterly and strenuously opposed to him. Those most prominent in the legal profession, who were representing street railways in public hearings, always found Mr. Richards a power- ful antagonist, and felt sometimes he had mistaken his vocation in life, often telling him his strong points in arguments were worthy one of their own brotherhood.
His stewardship in this large corporation was most faithfully and conscientiously fulfilled, cach important movement receiving his per- sonal supervision. He labored most zealously for the interest of the stockholders, feeling his position to be a sacred trust, while at the same time he tried to satisfy that most exacting body-the public.
Mr. Richards had also a most wonderful hold upon the hearts of all the men in the employ of the great railroad, and although a firm and strict master in all points of duty on the part of any man in serving the publie in a respectful and courteous manner, no one of the employees
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could ever come to him with any unjust claim made against him, with- out having justice and reparation demanded from the person who ap- peared before the president with his complaint. No one of the men could have illness or death come to him or his dear ones without a personal call from Mr. Richards, or a speedy messenger sent with pecuniary aid, or flowers and delicacies for their sick. In all the labor disturbances which occur in large corporations employing so many men, it was his habit to appear personally before their different organi- zations, and before leaving they were satisfied and happy, cheers tak- ing the place of any ill feeling of unrest or uprising in opposition to established rules. The warm love of the men for their president was most touchingly displayed by heartfelt expressions of sympathy tendered to his family after his death. They all felt they had lost a personal friend and adviser, to whom they could ever come for comfort or counsel.
In 1885 Mr. Richards became the president of the American Street Railway Association, composed of the executive forces of almost all the street railroads in the United States and Canada, and until he severed his connection with railroad life he always greatly enjoyed attending the annual conventions of this organization, held each year in the different cities. At these conventions he made himself a power by his wonderful foresight and wisdom, and was almost the first inan to predict the electric power for street cars, which he did in a most thrilling speech at the convention banquet, held at the Fifth Avenue Hotel in New York city, October, 1884, and those who were present will not soon forget it. He was greatly beloved by his associates in this organization, and always received an carnest and heartfelt invitation to attend the conventions long after he turned aside from railroad life.
After the consolidation of all the street railways of Boston, the Metropolitan, with the others, being absorbed in the West End, a com- plimentary banquet was given to Mr. Richards by the directors of the Metropolitan Company, and with earnest expression of affection and regret in severing their connection with their president, they presented him with a massive bronze, on which was a silver plate inscribed :
Presented to CALVIN A. RICHARDS BY THE METROPOLITAN RAILROAD COMPANY, In recognition of his valuable services as President, By vote of the Directors, Oct. 24, 1887.
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This testimonial of regard touched the president most deeply.
After the consolidation, Mr. Richards became associated with the new organization as general manager under President Whitney, but after a few weeks in that position he resigned.
For a short time thereafter he was connected with the Boston Heat- ing Company, but soon retired to private life, and purchased and en- tirely remodeled the large office building, 114 State street, which bears his name. In this building he had a finely appointed office, where his business friends enjoyed meeting him, and where he managed his own personal business matters.
Mr. Richards died on February 15, 1892, after an illness of nearly two years' duration. His funeral was attended by an unusually large number of prominent business and professional men, and the floral tributes were very numerous and elegant.
Ilis life needs no eulogy from those who knew him-a strong, firm, conscientious business man, who achieved a wonderful success, leaving an ample fortune. Ile was a kind and sympathetic neighbor, who could never listen to a tale of distress or sorrow without tears in his eyes and ready pecuniary aid; while his tender, loving home life, those only can appreciate who knew him there. He always extended a warm and genial welcome to all his guests, and his cordial manner and hearty grasp of the hand were ever extended to all those friends who crossed the threshold of his happy home, where he loved to linger, always pre- ferring life by his own hearthstone to that enjoyed by so many men in a life in the world and at their clubs. As a husband and father, his relations were inexpressibly beautiful, and his death has left a terrible void in the home where he lived so happily, amid every luxury and comfort.
Il. A. BLOOD.
HIRAM ALBRO BLOOD, was born in Townsend, Mass., February 3, 1833, and is a son of Ezra and Lydia Ann (Jefts) Blood. He received an academical education in the town of his birth, and lived there until the age of eighteen, at which age he went to Worcester in search of employment. Two years later he entered the employ of the commis- sion house of Bliss, Sutton & Co., of that city, as elerk, and became a member of the firm in 1854. at which time he opened a branch house at
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Fitchburg, where he has since continued to reside. In 185; he dis- solved his connection with Bliss, Sutton & Co., and entered into a co- partnership with William O. Brown, of Fitchburg, under the name of Blood & Brown, which existed until 1860, when Mr. Brown withdrew to enter the United States army, becoming a major of the Twenty-fifth Regiment, and a new firm was formed under the name of H. A. Blood & Co., which continued to carry on the business.
In 1866 Mr. Blood withdrew from all mercantile pursuits and became entirely interested in railroads, to the construction and operation of which he has since given his time and attention. He first became connected with the Fitchburg and Worcester Railroad as a director, and as a superintendent and general manager. He afterwards built, or was largely instrumental in building, the Boston, Clinton and Fitchburg, the Framingham and Lowell, the Mansfield and Framingham, and the Fall River Railroads, of which he successively became superintendent and general manager, and afterwards united and consolidated them, together with the New Bedford and Taunton and the Taunton Branch Railroads, into one system, under the name of the Boston, Clinton, Fitchburg and New Bedford Railroad Company, reaching from Fitch- burg and Lowell in the north to Mansfield, Taunton, New Bedford and Fall River in the southern part of the State. This system of railroads was for a time operated by Mr. Blood as general manager, and was afterwards united and consolidated with the Old Colony Railroad Com- pany, of which it now forms an important part. In the construction of these railroads, and in their subsequent operation and consolidation, Mr. Blood was the moving and directing spirit.
In 1875 Mr. Blood procured the charter for the Wachusett National Bank of Fitchburg, obtaining all the subscriptions to its capital stock, established the bank, and became its first vice-president.
He was the third mayor of Fitchburg, and was first elected by the Board of Aldermen and Common Council, November 2, 1875, to fill out the unexpired term of Hon. Eugene T. Miles, and at the subsequent annual election in December he was elected by the people, and was inaugurated in January, 1826, and discharged the duties of mayor for one year and two months.
Mr. Blood is now chiefly interested in railroads in the State of Ohio, being the president of the Cleveland, Canton and Southern Railroad Company in that State, which position he has held since May, 1884. While still retaining his residence in Fitchburg, most of his business
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affairs are transacted in Boston, which for several years has been his business headquarters. By sheer native force of character, great busi- ness generalship, and remarkable executive ability, Mr. Blood has gained a place in the fore rank of the railroad men of the country.
DAVID THAYER, M.D.
DAVID THAYER, A. M., M. D., Boston, son of Deacon Nathaniel Em- mons Thayer, was born in Braintree, Mass., July 19, 1813, and is a direct descendant of John Alden and Priscilla of the Mayflower company who landed on Plymouth Rock in December, 1620. He was educated in the common schools of his native town, in the Weymouth and Braintree Academy, in Phillips Academy at Andover, in the Appleton Academy at New Ipswich, N. H., and at Union College, Schenectady, N. Y. Ilis medical education was acquired chiefly in Boston, in the Medical Department of Harvard College and in the Massachusetts General Hospital. At this time it was not his intention to become a physician, but he began the study of medicine with Prof. B. F. Joslin, M. D., LL. D., in 1836, while an undergraduate at Union College, with the intention of preparing himself for a life of travel and exploration. He went to the Medical College at Pittsfield, Mass., where he took his degree preparatory to his departure for Rio Janeiro, but the death of his father, and the earnest desire of his mother, caused him to abandon for the present the long cherished plan of becoming a traveler, and he took an office in Boston, where he has remained till the present- through a period of fifty years in the practice of medicine.
For a year previous to his leaving Braintree he sat under the preach- ing of Rev. Edwards A. Park, whose ministry was the beginning of a new chapter in the lives of many of the young people as well as of those of middle age. Prof. Park was a brilliant scholar, an eloquent speaker and a model minister. His services were less perfunctory than those of other ministers had been, and he seemed to love his vocation and to seek the good of his people. He impressed the more intelligent with the sincerity of his heart, and he taught them the Better Way. Many became more serious minded, and the subject of the future life was a more common topic of conversation among all classes. He held private meetings for conversation on the great and important subject
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