USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Petersham > Sketches of Petersham natives and adopted citizens > Part 2
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Hon. Lewis Bigelow
Hon. Lewis Bigelow, graduated at Williams College 1803, studied law with his father, Daniel. Was a member of the Senate from 1819 to 1821, when he was chosen to Congress for one term. In 1818 he published a Digest of the Massachusetts Reports, followed in 1825 by a second and enlarged edition, to which was added a supplement-a work of great labor and ac- curacy, which has never been surpassed by any American Di- gest. He was a sound and learned lawyer, and died at Peoria, Ill., in 1838.
Samuel Bigelow
Samuel Bigelow, son of Charles, grandson of Samuel, a Captain in the Revolution. Is a successful and wealthy whole- sale and commission merchant, and dealer in produce and provisions at Springfield, Mass.
Amory Bigelow
Amory Bigelow, brother of the preceding, a still more ex- tensive dealer in the same, with the addition of canned goods and groceries in unlimited variety.
Aaron Brooks
Aaron Brooks, son of Major Aaron, graduated at Brown University in 1817, and was subsequently a tutor in that insti- tution. He studied law partly with Hon. Levi Lincoln and partly with Hon. Lewis Bigelow. He settled in Petersham, where he continued in successful practice in the counties of Worcester and Franklin, to the time of his death in 1845.
Francis A. Brooks
Francis A. Brooks, son of the above, practiced law in P. for a short time and removed to Boston, where his skill in his profession, his energy and indomitable perseverence, largely exercised in railroad matters and disputes, made him a recog- nized power and crowned him with wealth and success.
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Sumner J. Brooks
Sumner J. Brooks, of a branch of the preceding family, born 1828, served a clerkship of 4 years in a Boston importing and commission house, doing business with Hayti. Appointed U. S. Vice Commercial Agent to Gonaives in 1849, at the age of 21, took out an assorted cargo, entirely on credit, established a commercial house, of which he was head and director for 12 years amid revolutions, yellow fever, and the sweeping fire that destroyed three-fourths of the town. Of the 20 white men en- gaged in business there at the time, friends and companions of his, all have died. He retired from business in that quarter 1870, after amassing a fortune. He next bought a fine farm in Framingham, which he occupied 3 years, thence removed to Cambridge, to one of the most sightly homes in that beautiful city where he resides, a specimen of New England pluck, per- severance, honesty and clear sightedness.
Oscar T. Brooks
Oscar T. Brooks, cousin to the above, successor to Brooks & Sears, and extensive dealer in groceries, provisions and family supplies in Athol. Well known for carrying a heavy stock, unlimited variety, choice goods, low prices, close person- al attention, cordial, energetic; a practical and prosperous mer- chant.
C. F. Bosworth
C. F. Bosworth, son of Geoge, and inventor of a sewing ma- chine that used the straw braid from the roll, and manufactured it into hats and bonnets, leaving no trace of the thread on the right or outside of the goods. By his ingenuity, intellect and Yankee shrewdness, he has accumulated a fortune and resides in Milford, Ct.
John Chandler
Jolını Chandler, son of John, (the constructor and owner of the "Deer Park") was of commanding statue and intellect, with a liberal education and great business tact; was head of the house of J. and N. Chandler, "the favorite centre of trade of 7
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or 8 of the neighboring towns and their teams, largely of oxen, could be met every few miles between liere and Boston. Large quantities of farmer's produce, shingles, received in barter, at the store, potash from 3 manufactories, and barrels, the product of nearly a score of coopers were the principal exports, while the goods required for so large a trade amply loaded the return wagon." He bore half the expense, with District No. 2, in the purchase of a bell, that had done service in San Domingo be- fore the rebellion, and bore an inscription in Spanish, and was well known as the "Plantation Bell." This was hung upon the building, which became the "Bell School house" hence- forth. He removed to Boston, and belonged to an extensive wholesale and commission house. Was present at the sale of Gov. Hancock's furniture in 1794, and secured several articles, which he sent up to his country home, and are still in existence. In the decline of life he spent much of his time here, keeping open house and a male cook. He issued numerous placards in gilt frames, bearing precepts from Washington, Franklin, Cin- cinnatus, to which he added some of his own signed "Old Farmer." The selections were excellent, but far more impress- ive when recited, as was his wont, in his powerful and ringing voice.
Nathaniel Chandler, Esq.
Nathaniel Chandler, Esq., brother and partner of the above, continued the business after the departure of the same, and af- terward removed to Lancaster, Mass., where he superintended the cultivation of a farm of more than 200 acres. He was the father of six children. One daughter married the jurist, Theo- pholas Parsons, who practiced in Taunton and Boston, was con- tributor to the N. A. Review, founder and editor of the U. S. Literary Gazette, and author of 10 or 12 volumes, mostly law books. Another daughter married Dr. John Ware. Mr. Chandler was courteous, upright, reliable, descending to no small "tricks of the trade," and a fine specimen of the "gen- tlemen of the old school."
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Theodore Clement
Theodore Clement, son of John, father and two uncles were soldiers in the Revolution. Commenced as an apprentice in the extensive shoe manufactory of Andrew Stratton, hence to an extended sojourn in Alexandria, Va. Returned to his native state and opened a retail boot and shoe store in Boston, after which he became a member of one of the largest and most prominent wholesale houses in that line in the city ; successful from the first, with a constant increase of business, until he re- tired with a large fortune, which he gathered unassisted. Familiar with every detail of the manufacture, he judged, in an instant, of both make and material, calm, quiet, but decided -he won.
Avery Clark
Avery Clark, son of William, clerk for the aforesaid broth- ers Chandler, after which he became partner of W. Wadsworth and conducted a store in his native town. In the course of events he removed to Ware, established and managed one of the largest manufactories of straw goods then in the state, em- ploying a large number of hands and producing superior fabrics. Eventually he went to New York, made a home in Brooklyn, and was connected with a large druggist establishment of three branch houses, a position he occupied even to the end. He was skillful, intelligent, cheerful and courteous. In war time he ob- tained a large empty store in Broadway for quarters for the 53d Regiment, and members of Co. F. will long remember his many and fatherly kindness he so generously rendered to them.
Erastus P. Dean
Erastus P. Dean, son of Capt. Daniel, born 1810, went South in poor health, taught school for a time, became robust, com- menced surveying, went West followed his profession, became ai lroad surveyor and engineer, and continued in the develop- ment of that industry and enterprise until death closed his labors in 1882. He had a keen intellect, good judgment, fore- thought and energy, accumulated a handsome competence and a model home in Wolfsboro, Pa.
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John Flint, M. D.
Jolın Flint, M. D., son of Dr. John, who was a skillful and well-beloved physician who with two children, died of that ter- rible scourge, "spotted fever," in 1810. The widow of the latter took her only remaining child to her father's home, in Northboro, and never revisited the scene of her sorrows. The subject of this sketch then went to Leicester, lived with kind friends. attended the academy, thence to Harvard College, studied medicine, and was an able, trusted, successful and prosperous physician in Boston for fifty years, closing life and practice in 1875.
Austin I. Flint, M. D.
Austin I. Flint, M. D., son of Dr. Joseph, (who was a nephew of the older John, M. D., ) and of the beautiful Hannah Reed, daughter of Rev Solomon, minister from 1870 to 1800. Born 1812, educated at Amherst and Harvard, practiced medi- cine in Boston, Northampton and Buffalo, New York, was Professor at Rush College, Chicago, Louisville, Kentucky, New Orleans and New York. Established and edited the Buffalo Medical Journal for ten years ; was the author of six or more medical works, lectured to an unlimited extent and in 1872 was chosen President of the New York Academy of Medicine. He had been invited to deliver the address before the British Medi- cal Association at Brighton, Eng., Aug. 1886. He died 5 months before the appointed time, but the lecture had been written and was found among his papers. He prophecied for the future better sanitary conditions, improvement in diagnosis and less dependence upon drugs. "The grand old man" stood at the head of his profession in this country.
Wm. Hammond Foster
Win. Hammond Foster, son of John, born in 1809. At 16, a clerk in the store of C. and W. Wadsworth in his native town, subsequently a like position in Lancaster and New Bedford. In 1834 was cashier in a bank in Bangor, Maine, thence to a more lucrative position in a large importing house in Boston. In 1846 he assisted in the organization of the Grocers' Bank in that city and became its cashier. Two years later he re-
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signed to take the same office in the Bank of Commerce in the same city, and was so active and prominent in its management, and so highly appreciated by the directors that he received a gratuity of $8000 on his resignation. During twenty-five years' residence in Boston he held many offices of trust, among them a member of the School Board and Chairman of the Board of managers of the House of Correction. In 1864, with other capitalists he helped to establish what is now the Central National Bank of New York ; of this also he was cashier, and subsequently acting vice president with a salary of $10,000 per year. After this he was a member of a banking firm of three, doing business in Wall street, but since 188t he retired from active business, making a rare record, marked executive capacity, energy and integrity.
Emory B. Foster
Emory B. Foster, brother of the above, born IS11, was clerk in a country town, but returned, learned the wheelwright's trade, settled in Hardwick where has been his home for fifty years, and where he has won a good name, not alone for his skill and thoroughness as a mechanic, but as a pillar of the church and honest uprightness of character.
John B. Foster
John B. Foster, brother ot the foregoing, born 1819. A pupil at New Salem, and then of Friends Academy, New Bed- ford. Went to Bangor in 1837, became a merchant the next year, enjoyed a prosperous and increasing trade, until it reached large proportions, and continued until 1885, when wealth and success induced him to retire. He was president of the Exchange Bank of Bangor in its palmy days, also for many years of the Marine Insurance Co., city, alderman, member of the Maine Senate, two times, one of which he was President, and subsequently member of the Gov's Council. "Good wine needs no bush."
Ruel Farrar
Ruel Farrar, son of Rev. Joseph. First business experi- ence,-a member of the trading finn on the west side of the
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common, known as Howe & Farrar, sold his share to Cyrus Wadsworth, drifted into general and promiscuous trading and dealing with profitable results and then struck Palm Leaf. He took a hat of that material, imported from France, unbraided it, became familiar with its construction, procured leaf, split and prepared it, instructed some females in the mysteries of braid- ing, and a great industry was commenced. This mannfacture with the improvement in splitting, braiding, bleaching, press- ing, packing and boxing, received his personal and undivided attention-thenceforth and to the end. He was shrewd, active and preserving, trotted through life in single harness and gath- ered a handsome competence.
Gardner Farrar
Gardner Farrar, nephew of the preceding, educated at the "Bell School house, " and the "Zoological Institute and Frank- lin Club," where the pony was promoted, and the monkey rode him, where the ringmaster snapped his whip and once got a black eye from a kick from the pony. Where the animals were stirred up and growled according to their kind, where the seri- ous faced showman lectured on Natural History, gave the mneas- ure of the Royal Bengal Tiger and the number of his stripes, not omitting the characteristics of the Kangaroo, to delighted audiences. After graduating, he stood for a part of the firm of Brooks & Farrar on East street, wholesale manufacturers of boots and shoes. The firm did some custom work, but it was a secondary consideration and attended to with a limited degree of promptness, and was the cause of a very narrow escape. This from a customer : "Twice you have set the time to have those boots done, and twice I have been for them, and you haven't touched 'em, now I'll give you 'till next Saturday af- ternoon, and if not done then-I'll tear the shop down over your heads, and murder every one of you." The boots were "made to order." He then removed to Fitchburg where for thirty-five years he has dealt in palin leaf in its various branches, conducted it with energy, good judgment and success, and ac- cumulated a handsome fortune, naturally active, cheerful, fun loving, and fun contributing.
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Robt. Lewis Goddard
Robt. Lewis Goddard, youngest son of Robert. A clerk in a country store at an early age, some experience in hotel- keeping in young manhood and eventually engaged in the palm leaf industry in Fitchburg, increasing it to an extensive scale, some years to the amount of $40,000, and giving the business the closest personal attention and energy. He con- tinued it with flattering success for 20 years, became wealthy, moved to Palmer about 12 years since where he followed the same lead. He came of old, reliable stock, where sound sense and judgment predominated, and industry was of every day nse.
Capt. Park Holland
Capt. Park Holland, son of Jonas and third generation from Nathaniel, the emigrant from England in 1633. One of 5 sous who were soldiers in the Revolution, two of them captains. Two sisters also had soldier husbands ; so much for patriotic stock. He worked on the farm in his youthful days, but en- listed early in the war, and served through the whole of it, sometimes acting paymaster and quartermaster. "A stalwart, noble man of strong mental powers, retentive memory, fine presence, great endurance and undoubted courage." After participating in the battles of Harlem Heights and White Plains, he and an older brother, Capt. Ivory H. joined the Con- tinental, or regular army. To quote his own words. "It was but a day or two before we left Fort Edward, that Miss McCrea was murdered. I often saw her. She was a very beautiful girl, and her horrid death excited great feeling among us." He took part in the battles at Fort Stanwix, Bemas Heights, Saratoga and the surrender of Burgoyne, Oct. 17, 1777. While encamped at White Plains, 1781, he was present at a dinner party given by Washington to his officers, when a young officer from New Hampshire let slip an oath. A rap on the table by the host which was followed by a reprimand in these words : "Gentlemen, when I invited you here, it was my intention to have gentlemen only. I am sorry to add that I have been mis- taken," and retired from the table. The offender was crushed, and he would rather have been shot, but there was no more profanity at headquarters thenceforthi.
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The following anecdote was related by one of the veteran's comrades as occurring at Newburg. A bullying fellow being dissatisfied with the strict administration of the Quarter Mas- ter's department then in charge of the Captain challenged him. The latter took a short, clay pipe from his pocket, seized it by the bowl and pointing the stem toward his antagonist, said, "If this pipe was a pistol, and you were a man, I would go out with you-but under existing circumstances, I don't consider myself called upon."
Capt. Holland was present at a great ball, given at West Point, to comt. emorate the birth of the Dauphin, son of the ill fated Louis XVI of France, on which occasion a bower was constructed eighty rods long, to dance in, and Mrs. General Knox "led off" at the opening.
After peace was declared, the Captain was chosen agent to settle the accounts of three Mass. Regiments, and then to pay the arrears. He was then partner of Gen'l. Rufus Putnam in making surveys in the eastern part of Maine, including what is now Eastport and Calais. He then returned home, and in 1785 married Lucy Spooner, cousin of Capt. Wing Spooner, bought and cultivated a small farm in Petersham, where he spent five of "the happiest years of his life." During this time his towns- men elected him town clerk, assessor, selectman, and sent him as Representative two terms. In 1786 he commanded a com- pany under Gen'l. Lincoln, and followed Shay's men from Had- ley to Petersham, a march of thirty miles without food, a drift- ing snow, an all-night march, and the weather so cold that nearly every man was frost-bitten. "The hardest march of his life." No wonder the breakfasts, prepared per force for the rebels tasted good. He was exceedingly gratified that the par- ties did not come to battle, as the opposite ranks contained many of his old friends and comrades. Shay's troops halted near his own house, and as they were hostiles for the time, his family were in an anxious position, but the wife, "with her usual pres- ence of mind," although sick, had fires made in each room and a plentiful breakfast prepared as a peace-offering, and as such they accepted it, doing no other damage than clearing house and cellar of every eatable thing. In 1793 he was on another surveying expedition in Maine, mostly on the Penobset river.
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Another surveying trip the next year, to the same state when there was much suffering for the lack of food, barely sustaining themselves on roots, leaves and berries, At one time deciding to kill and eat "the small, yellow dog." Just as he was about to be sacrificed, they heard a faint velp from him-he was too weak to bark. It was found he had discovered a porcupine, which was despatched, dressed and cooked, the dog sharing. This helped for two days, when the thing was repeated; another prickly feast, which kept them until they reached the home of an Indian. Here was relief, hospitality and a large pot of hulled corn boiling. The generous house-mother added to the pot two pounds of Moose tallow and a pint of seal oil. The guests would have been satisfied without the amendment, but they did justice to it and found it "not bad to take." The dog was given to the Indian, and seen several times after plump and happy. The party had been given up for lost by their friends and the Cap. lost 83 pounds of flesh and muscle.
In 1801 Capt. Holland moved with his family to Eddington, Me., and established his home on his favorite Penobscot, where he farined, surveyed and made treaties with the Indians who always loved and trusted him. An anecdote would illustrate this fact. An Indian with whom he was on good terms came to his house intoxicated and was abusive. The wife who had dealt so successfully with Shay's men, still possessed that "presence of mind for" which her husband credited her. She took the long wooden shovel, used to convey bread and pies to and from the brick oven, placed its edge near her visitor's thrapple, worked him into a corner, sent a little girl to the field for her father, and entertained her company with the assurance that she would shut his breath off if he did not keep quiet. The husband came, but instead of thrashing him as he was abund- antly able to do, called him by name, said he was grieved and astonished-that a man he had considered his friend should enter his wigwam-while he was away and insult his squaw. A short, kindly lecture, "more in sorrow than in anger," and the fire-water and perspiration were oozing from the red man in about equal quantities. He was sober, swore eternal fealty, kept his word, as did his descendants, and when the brave old man was on his death-bed at the age of 92, two little pappooses
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came daily to enquire how "the Cap-i-tan was too day." They were great grand-children of his Indian friend.
Only "a specimen brick" can be given of the Holland fami- ly, selected, not from any partiality, but because of a better ac- quaintance with his history.
Parley Hammond
Parley Hammond, son of Enoch, one of II children. Began his business life us clerk in the store of Wetherell & Brown, in this place. Afterward went to Barre, became partner in the firm of A. K. Houghton & Co., and for a time was post Master. From Barre to Hardwick, engaged in trade with Scott Berry under the firm of P. Hammond & Co. Thence to Douglas, in the Axe Co,'s store afterward, in 1835, in trade alone. In 1844 went to Worcester, and became an accountant in the dry goods house of H. H. Chamberlin & Co., where he remained until the organization of the Mechanic's Bank in which he took an active part and became its first cashier. He also helped to establish the City Bank of which he was the first cashier, the First Na- tional Bank of Worcester lik( wise, of which he was the first President. He was secretary of the Manufacturers' Mutual Fire Insurance Co., and one of the Trustees and Treasurer of the State Reform school at Westborough. He afterwards re- moved to Washington, where he resided up to the time of his deatlı. He was for many years custodian of the Bank note plates, &c., in the treasury department.
Timothy W. Hammond
Timothy W. Hammond, brother to the above, also began business life in Petersham with the late S. Wetherell, and it is to his training he considers himself indebted for whatever suc- cess he has had in life. From this apprenticeship he went to Hardwick, where he was clerk for P. H. & Co., then Bush & Delano, and the Merchants' and Farmers' store, having charge of the latter. In 1836 he went to Douglas and was clerk in the Axe Co.'s store after which he was a partner in the firm of Chase & Hammond. Next to Worcester where he engaged in the crockery and glass trade which he continued until the incor- poration of the Worcester & Nashua R. R. company, when he
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became clerk in the office and Treasurer, he having held the latter position 37 years-honest, faithful, capable, exact and highly esteemed.
Harrison Holland
Harrison Holland, nephew of Capt. Park, son of Luther. Went to Belchertown, thence in 1822 removed to Heath, where he settled what is since known as "Holland Dell." At that time every part of a carriage, as far as the wood-work was con- cerned, was built, like the "Deacon's One Hoss Shay," under one roof and supervision. Holland was among the first to dis- cover that force and machinery could be more economically concentrated upon parts of a vehicle ; hence he confined him- self to the wheel and manufactured hubs, spokes and felloes with such success that it was immediately discovered that the product was both cheaper and of better quality. He invented a machine for turning druggists' pills and ointment boxes, as the Lanesboro paper said, "in the twinkling of a bed post" they were put up in nests, of assorted sizes and were, for a long time, in general use. As is frequently the case, the public profited by his many inventions, far more than he did. He was the father of Dr. J. G. Holland, the poet and editor of Scribner's magazine.
Charles H. Hapgood
Charles H. Hapgood, great-grandson of Seth who was an active patriot in the Revolution. Grandson of Hutchins, Esq., who was a prominent man "in his day and generation," son of Seth, an active and useful citizen. Helpful and forward in what- ever movement would benefit the town. Postmaster and Repre- sentative and filling many offices of trust in a skillful and satis- factory manner. On the maternal side, his grandfather was Major Wilson, -honest, upright, capable and of high standing with all who knew him. So much for the heritage, or "kith and kin"; now let the principal stand before the footlights of the world's stage. Born 1836. Graduated 1857, studied law a year with Bacon & Aldrich at Worcester, and another year at Harvard Law School. Put up a shingle in Chicago in 1859. Took down that "shingle" nine years afterward, as he was a
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partner in the firm of Hapgood, Bigelow & Co., mercantile, and Hapgood & Co., manufacturing and both firms needed his per- sonal presence. The Chicago fire of 1871 wiped out the two in- vestments. Three years later a modest establishment was plant- ed in Alton, Ill., by the same persevering talent, commencing with a small factory and arriving at a plant of stupendous mag- nitude. Nearly half a million is invested, and the results are that C. H. H. stands at the head of one of the largest firms in the United States in the way of manufacturing and putting in use agricultural machinery. His implements are perfect in construction and almost endless in variety. He has put in op- eration that system of ploughs and cultivators where the driver sits in an easy seat and the horse, or horses do the work. Know- ing the stock for three generations, the writer feels a peculiar pleasure in making this record. The subject is as modest as he is energetic, and that is saying much, but his loyalty to the old home is perfect and complete, so there has been no hesitation in ringing him in without his consent for his perseverance, good judgment and ready decision under adverse circumstances, make his old neighbors very proud of him.
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