USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Petersham > Sketches of Petersham natives and adopted citizens > Part 3
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William A. Hodges
William A. Hodges, son of Jerry, M. D., an able and skillful physician, and father of 11 children. This son had the benefit of a common school education, left home in 1848 at the age of fourteen, went to Boston, thence to Milton and Roxbury. Was apprentice, journeyman and master of the Baker's trade for ten years. Took a trip to California of two years, delved in the mines and at his trade, returned east to his old work and loca- tion, tried Iowa for a short time as a site for business, returned east again, and in 1866 bought a share in a bakery in Quincy, Mass., then became sole owner, and increased the production to $80,000 per year, employing twenty hands and occupying two localities. Meantime he was piling up a fortune and winning the esteem and respect of his fellow citizens by his public spirit his capacity and faithfulness. He has filled, and is filling many offices of trust, among them Representative, and in 1878 was state senator. He is the owner of the home so long occupied by the late Dea. Willard in this town.
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Henry J. Hill
Henry J. Hill, son of Elias, studied law with Judge Charles Allen of Worcester, and then with Judge Thomas. Admitted to the bar in 1844, and opened an office in Barre, where he re- mained only four months, but in that time in conjunction with the late N. F. Bryant, established and edited the Barre Patriot, a Whig paper, the Gazette at that time being Democratic. He then returned to Worcester and formed a connection with Judge Thomas, which lasted until 1848. Next he was alone until 1856, when a partnership was formed between Judge Devens, George F. Hoar and himself, lasting two years, when he was alone until 1874, when he formed a connection with Geo. A. Ball, changing to Hill, Ball & Hill by the admission of his son; again J. Henry Hill & Hill, and now the veteran is "holding plough and driving" also, with no falling off in the perfect lay of his furrows, the same neat turnings at the ends and the same attractive appearance that marks the handiwork of the skilled and practical husbandman. He is solicitor and secretary of the Worcester Co. Inst. for Savings and has been for thirty-two years, commencing when the footings were $1,600,000, 110W $10,000,000. He made his debut in Worcester when it was a town of 7,000 inhabitants; now it is a city of nearly 80,000. He has filled many positions of trust and responsibility, has built and planted one of the finest homes in the city, amassed a hand- some fortune, educated three sons at Harvard, and been devot- ed to his family. He has worked with a diligent hand and won. Neatness, correctness, promptness, good taste, energy and per . severance have been some of the servants he used on the road to success, but of all his well employed time, the four months, spent in Barre, paid the best-when he won the mistress of his home and heart.
John J. Loring
John J. Loring, youngest son of Israel and Hannah, the lat- ter at her death in 1871, had reached 99 years, and some months and stood at the head of five generations, all living. She made cheese for So consecutive years, and was a specimen of the New England woman of 100 years ago-hardy, resolute, helpful and able. Could milk, feed the cattle and split wood, if the case re-
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quired, and was known to have waded through snow drifts for long distances, to aid those in sickness who were needing help. The kindly disposition remains, but the physical strength and endurance is lacking at the present day. John learned the cabi- net maker's trade, worked as a journeyman for the late P. W. Barr, drifted to New York City, and eventually became partner in one of the largest Furniture Manufactories in that city, ac- cumulated a large fortune and has retired to a beautiful home of his own construction on Long Island.
John Edwin Mason, M. D.
John Edwin Mason, M. D. Born, 1831, entered New Salem Academy at the age of 14, took a four years' course, graduated in 1850. Entered the Medical Department of Georgetown University, District of Columbia, graduated doctor of medicine, and was elected alumni orator, In the late war he was com- missioned Lieut. in Co. F 9th N. H. Vols., was promoted to Capt. and assistant Adjutant General of volunteers, and served for three years on the staffs of Generals Nagle, Sturgis, Fry, Potter and Burnside. Was twice promoted by order of the Secretary of War, "for conduct on the battlefield." Was ap- pointed examiner in the United States Pension office at Wash- ington in 1865, which position he still holds. He is a member of the American Medical Association of the United States, of the American Antiquarian Society, of the Humboldt Association of London, and of several learned societies in England, France, and Germany. He came of a clear headed, intelligent and wit- ty family.
Major Joseph Negus.
Major Joseph Negus, son of William, born 1742, one of ten children. A farmer and stone Mason, a prominent soldier in the Revolution. Was a member of Col. Ephraim Doolittle's regi- ment that left town April 19, 1775, and went into camp at Cam- bridge. Was at Newburg on the Hudson while it was Wash- ington's headquarters, and superintended the building of Fort Clinton at West Point. After the battle of Bennington, August 16, 1777, he joined Capt. Wing Spooner's company, under Gen. Ben Lincoln and went to reinforce Stark, participating in the
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taking of British posts at the outlet of Lake George, with prisoners, armed vessels and provisions for Burgoyne's army, Sept. 17th, same year. He was father of five daughters and four sons. He was commissioned captain by Gov. John Han- cock in 1789, and Major by Gov. Samuel Adams in 1794. He was a large, handsome man, kind, generous, cheerful and quick at repartee.
Joel Negus, Esq.
Joel Negus, Esq., son of the above. A militia captain, Jus- tice of the Peace, land surveyor, conveyancer, appraiser, town clerk, school teacher, designer, decorator, house and sign painter, and builder of hand looms. The old adage, "Jack at all trades and master of none," did not apply to him at all. His chirography is perfect as copperplate. His taste was exquisite, his execution rapid and skillful, and whatever came from his hand, however modest, was a bit of high art, a gift. In the way of transmission some of it was handed to the succeeding generations. He died before he was 50, the result of an acci- dent, leaving a family and an untarnished reputation.
Mary Negus.
Mary Negus, youngest sister of Joel, of fine personal pres- ence, a beautiful girl at 18, a handsome matron at 60. While a girl she named the apple trees on the old homestead after dif- ferent Revolutionary generals, as Washington, Ward, Lee, Greene, Putnam, etc. Further on she married Gen. Mann of Brattleboro. Her daughter Mary married Gen. Randolph Mar- cy, Inspector General U. S. Army. Her daughter Fanny be- came the wife of Major Russell, also of the regular army, who was killed in the late rebellion. Mrs. Marcy, as is well known, was the mother of Mrs. Gen. McClellan.
Nathan Negus.
Nathan Negus, son of Joel, and displaying wonderful artistic gifts from early boyhood. His slightest sketches showed genius and talent of the highest order. Practice and close application was not required, the power was born in him. But he was not
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robust and it was said of him that "he never experienced a day of real health." He went South with the hope of improvement and his days were probably prolonged by the visit. He painted portraits and scenery for the Mobile theatre, but came home a physical wreck, lived but two weeks and died of consumption, at the age of 24.
Caroline Negus
Caroline Negus, youngest sister of the preceding, showed the artist at an early age, studied under Chester Harding in Boston, became a successful and accomplished miniature and crayon artist, was highly appreciated in that city, married Rich- ard Hildreth, the historian. Went to New York, where she practiced her profession with an increased recognition of lier power, and where her husband was on the staff of the Tribune. Thence she visited President Lincoln and obtained the consul- ship at Trieste, Austria, in 1861 for her husband, and died at Naples of cholera. She was a sweet singer, an accomplished musician, a lover of the beautiful, and whatever her hands touched she adorned.
John Cutler Paige
John Cutler Paige, son of David C., and grandson, on the maternal side, of Capt. Levi Houghton, a well known and fa- vorite citizen. His first mercantile experience was as clerk for Wetherell & Mudge, followed by a varied history that made him a sojourner in Worcester, Boston, New York, New Orleans, Cincinnati, St. Louis, and again to New York, in the employ of A. T. Stewart, who eventually sent him to Berlin, in Prus- sia, as purchasing agent, a position he filled with ability, good judgment and complete success until the time of his death. He won the confidence of all who knew him and his business capacity was confined to no narrow limits.
Chas. F. Paige
Chas. F. Paige, brother to the above. Born on an excellent farm, early introduced into its mysteries and management under mild and pleasant conditions. Educated at New Salem, Barre,
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Vt., and Worcester. Took charge of the "Howe farm," in the easterly part of the town, made it a dairy one and produced gilt edged butter, that still remains in the memory and on the palate of those who partook. In 1882 he bought the stock and trade of the principal store, corner of Main and East street, and took up the situation as if "to the manor born," increased the traffic and the number of his friends. Sold out two years after, enjoying a vacation at Worcester. Two years more and he was again at the old stand with H. N. Tower for partner, car- rying the largest stock and most extensive variety of goods ever contained in one store in town. Nov. 1, 1886, he bought out his partner and what with enterprise, good taste, executive capacity, gentlemanly deportment, the improvement and addi- tions to stock he is making, his store will be a favorite and pop- ular place of trade. In his natural make-up,he has the keen sense of the ludicrous, can see a joke without looking for the label, can make a joke and is inclined to do his walking "on the sunny side of the road." In this some of the older ones think he inherits some lines from the aforesaid Capt. Levi.
J. Sumner Parmenter
J. Sumner Parmenter, son of Joseph. Born 1827, clerk for Wetherell & Hamilton at 12 years of age. Two years after went to Athol, obtained a situation with Thorpe & Simonds and at- tended school. In 1848 he became one of the firm of Thorpe & Parmenter; lasting to 1865 when he joined with his brother and the firm was J. S. & F. C. Parmenter until 1870, when his brother retired and his son F. S. took his place for four years, when the subject of this sketch retired. He was member of the Legislature in 1878. He was a strong temperance man, a Christian, a Republican, and at the time of his death in 1881 he was vice-president of the Athol Savings bank, clerk of Miller's River Manufacturing Co., treasurer of the Athol Public Library, trustee of the Uphamn Machine Co., and had been Town Clerk six years. "A genial and lovable man, his manners were re- fined and cultivated. He was a gentleman of gentlemen." He was prominent in the building up of business enterprises and was identified with the prosperity of his adopted town.
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F. C. Parmenter
F. C. Parmenter, brother of the above. Left home at the age of 15,experienced a mercantile apprenticeship with Bassett, Chickering & Co. until 1848, then became head clerk for Thorpe & Parmenter in Athol for 3 1-2 years. In 1851 returned to Petersham and commenced trade under the firm name of F. C. Parmenter & Co., where he remained ten years. In 1863, re- turned to Athol and commenced business at the Center. Two years later, he sold to L. Thorpe and became one of the firm of J. S. & F. C. Parmenter, which continued five years. He was bookkeeper for a year in the office of Hunt Bros. In 1871 he bought the brick block and became lead of the firm of Parmell - ter & Tower, to which he still gives his daily presence and attention. He is a member and deacon of the Cong. church, forward in every movement to promote temperance, a director of the Athol National Bank, an active and skillful business man and a scion from Petersham stock that has helped make Athol what it is.
Daniel Bigelow Parkhurst
Daniel Bigelow Parkhurst, son of William M. D. and neph- ew of Hon. Lewis Bigelow, studied for the ministry in the Theological school at Harvard, went to Savannah, Ga., in the autumn of 1840, to pass the winter for his health. He returned early in the spring following and was settled over the first parish in Deerfield, Mass. "Excepting only the precariousness of his health, the auspices of his settlement were of the happiest kind. He preached to his people, however, but four and a half Sab- baths and survived his settlement only seven months, leaving his flock in deep grief, at the sudden blight that had fallen 011 their hopes." The cold hand was laid upon a young life that was wonderfully promising.
Paul Peckham
Paul Peckham, son of William. The family came from Rhode Island. He was born in the westerly part of the town, educated at the district school, worked on the farm, showed a rare gift in mechanical skill at an early age, learned and prac-
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ticed the carpenter's trade for five years, went to Worcester and established a plow manufactory, made several improvements in that implement, and a reliable article. Returned to his native town and commenced the making of ladders. He cut the tim- ber in the winter in a spruce swamp in the southeast part of Phillipston, halved the poles with a circular saw, let the mate- rial season and then applied his patent "for dressing conical and tapering surfaces," where the turning chisel revolved around "the object acted upon," while the latter, remained comparatively quiet. The thorough workmanship, the strength and lightness of the product was at once seen and appreciated and his ladders were scattered and welcomed in every state in New England. He died in 1875, leaving a competence and some of his mechanical genius to three sons.
Sally Reed
Sally Reed, daughter of Rev. Solomon Reed, second min- ister of the First parish in this town, from 1780 to 1800, was mother of the late Judge John Wells of Boston, President of the Unitarian Association.
Hannah Reed
Hannah Reed, sister to the foregoing, wife of Dr. Joseph Flint, mother of Dr. Austin Flint, senior, as aforesaid, and grandmother of Sara Jewett, the actress. "Comely in person, well mannered, sweet voiced, of gentle presence, and of high repute." This was written of her by Miss Sarah Howe about 1800:
This maid so frank, so sweet and fair That her soft smile made swains despair, A Reed so kindly tuned to love, A spirit like the gentle dove, Whose eye had only kindness in't, Hath changed, and now becomes a Flint.
Samuel G. Reed
Samuel G. Reed, son of Capt. Micajah Reed, went to Boston when quite young, in a store on North Market street hie com- menced as clerk and before his majority became part of the firm of Clark & Reed. Later the firm changed to Reed & Wade,
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who did a large wholesale business. In '49 and '50 they bought and built clipper ships and were among the first to send those fast sailers around the Horn to San Francisco. This trade they continued for several years and amassed half a million or more, when the firm dissolved, Mr. Reed continuing. He was pres- ident of the Grocers' Bank of Boston during its existence of six or seven years. Later, he invested largely in real estate in Boston and Roxbury and died five or six years since.
Capt. Wing Spooner,
Capt. Wing Spooner, son of Dea. Daniel, who came from Dartmouth, Bristol County, Mass., who died at the patriarchal age of 103. The son stands out in bold relief as a prominent, useful and trusted man, "in the days that tried men's souls." From 1772 to 1786 he was placed by vote of his town on these committees: On that of correspondence, to pay the soldiers, to supply the town with firearms, to hire soldiers, to estimate past services of the same, to examine the constitution of the state con- vention, in 1780, to settle with Rev.Solomon Reed, dividing the county, to plan the new meeting house (1784), selling the pews, to estimate soldiers' services, on the ministerial lands, to take charge of the school money. Inside of this period he was serving several times as constable and collector, moderator and selectman, besides filling the minor offices of highway surveyor, deerrieve, tythingman, school committee, etc. Some of his mil- itary experience was in being a member of Capt. John Wheeler's company that left the town for Cambridge, April 19, 1775. He took a flying visit to his home that year July 19, and found the corn in his field came up to his hips. It proved a rousing crop, and since then, for three generations the crop has been gauged by that date and if not found wanting, a good yield follows. Directly after the battle of Bennington, Ang. 16, 1777, he com- manded a company from here to reinforce Stark, and the haste and SANS CEREMONIE of the occasion is shown by the fact that two experienced captains, Asa Howe and John Wheeler, enlisted as privates. Let no reader suppose that Capt. Spooner was the only man in town during those trying times, for there were a dozen fearless patriots that stood shoulder to shoulder with him and many more to "close up ranks in the rear." He owned
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a large farm and cultivated it well, a large mulberry orchard and silk worms in proportion for making cocoons, a malt house and mill, where the soaked grain was cured on perforated tiles over a fire and where at times a countless number of hams be- longing to his neighbors were smoked by the burning hickory wood, for a small stipend. He reared a large family of sons and daughters, who made the world better by their presence.
Town meeting, May 9, 1785. "Voted that the town will grant the old meeting house toward building a court house, provided the town of Petersham be made a shire town within two years from this date." Park Holland, town clerk.
Lucius Spooner
Lucius Spooner, son of Capt. Clapp, grandson of Phillip, who was brother of Capt. Wing Spooner. He planted his homestead at the S. E. part of the town, near Reed's mill, and on the Swift river, built a trip-hammer and led off in the manu- facture of hay forks that were so light and well designed that it was a recreation and a pleasure for the haymaker to use them. The use of iron was dropped and spring steel substituted, with a temper he gave them as subtle and delicate as the Damascus blade, that took the place of the old and heavy "broadhorns," and lessening labor 100 per cent. He commenced the reform on a limited scale; he opened the door. Large companies have since followed in the line, but he was the pioneer. He was a skillful and successful horticulturist, and reared an exemplary family.
William B. Spooner
William B. Spooner, son of Asa, grandson of Capt, Wing Spooner. Born in 1806. Learned the trade of tanner and cur- rier of an uncle in Vermont while a boy. At the age of 17 he commenced as clerk in a store, served two years, and then de- voted two years to procuring an education and teaching school. At 25 he became one of the firm of Simpkins & Spooner, leatlı- er dealers, for two years. Then awhile alone, followed by a 12 years partnership with Mr. Arnold. Again alone for a brief space, then with Mr. Nutting. The firm of Wmn. B. Spooner & Co., Boston, continued to 1873, the last 15 years of which he
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was associated with Mr. C. S. Butler, later Butler, Drum & Co. He was First President of the N. E. Shoe and Leather Associa- tion, for 38 years a director of the Shoe and Leather National Bank of Boston, and for many years Director of the Boston Five Cents Savings Bank. He was a pronounced Republican, Anti- Slavery, a strong temperance man, and a member of the House of Representatives from Boston during the winter of 1857 and I858. President of the Massachusetts Temperance Alliance from 1857 to '69. President of the Mass. Total Abstinence So- ciety from 1871 to 1880. He purchased the beautiful home of the late Seth Hapgood, Esq., in Petersham, and there enjoyed his summer visits. He was a prepossessing man, handsome, genial, cheerful and friendly. Always working with heart and hand "for the greatest good to the greatest number," was liber- al to a rare extent, and made his gifts with quiet discrimination. He died in 1880, and the quotation, on the occasion, was never more appropriate. "Mark the perfect man and behold the up- right, the end of that man is peace."
Warren D. Houghton
Warren D. Houghton, youngest of two sons of Capt. Levi, born 1806. At 16 went to Guilford, Vt., serving three years as clerk in a store. Thence to Boston, as a bookkeeper and a salesman in the wholesale department of the large book and stationary store of B. Loring & Co., State St. Here two years' experience qualified him for starting business on his own ac- count as commission merchant and agent for the sale of paper products of Northern mills. Sold out, after a year or two and went to Texas, at that time a Mexican state, but largely peopled by Americans, who were already planning a Revolution to make it independent and under a Republican government. In sym- pathy with this scheme, in which he was an active participator and bore his full share of the responsibility, he joined the Mier Expedition, a company of 100 or more well-armed men, who started to ascertain the nature and value of the vast territory bordering on the Rio Grande. While thus engaged, they were overtaken by a large band of Mexican Cavalry, and after a sharp skirmish, in which some of them were killed, were taken prison- ers and marched to the Mexican Capital, more than 1000 miles
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distant, where as many as survived were thrown into a loath- some prison, scantily and meanly fed for months, until liberated by the intercession of Webster, then Secretary of State. The march from the prison to the city of Mexico was an experience of great hardship. At night the prisoners were huddled to- gether into the smallest and filthiest quarters, with scarce space to stand, much less to sleep, without shelter of cover, and ex- posed to wind, rain and sleet. One cold, dark night, when confined in a cattle corral, they resolved to attempt an escape. In the struggle that ensued several of the guard were killed, but they did not escape, and for this offence, on the following morn- ing, ten of their number were condemned to death. Preceding the execution of the sentence, a jar containing white and black beans was produced, and each prisoner was made to take from it one bean. Those drawing a white were ordered aside, if of the black the victim was forthwith taken out and shot. Our subject suffered so severely from his long imprisonment that he lived but a few months after his return to Texas. He is remem- bered as a gentleman, bright, intelligent, of distinguished and commanding presence, genial and generous to a fault.
George A. Houghton
George A. Houghton, son of Capt. Israel, by first wife, who was sister of Hutchins Hapgood, Esq. Born 1811, in the house now owned by the Flint sisters. Entered Amherst Col- lege quite young, but owing to ill health left at the end of his sophomore year. He then taught school for a year or two, a part of the time in St. Louis, where he subsequently became bookkeeper in a mercantile and banking house, where he con- tinued until 1846, when he went to Boston. There, by the ill- fluence of old friends, he became Secretary of a Marine Insur- ance Company, holding the position about three years; from which he resigned. Next he was clerk and cashier in the office of the Boston City Treasury, which he left to adopt the calling for which he was eminently qualified, that of expert accountant, which he continued until the close of his life, in Cambridge in 1868. He was a gentleman by habit and education, of unques- tioned integrity and honest, and his word was his bond.
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Col. Ephriam Stearns
Col. Ephriam Stearns, a farmer in the easterly part of the town, prominent "in every good word and work" in the troub- lous times between 1770 and 1792. He was a member of Capt: John Wheeler's company, under Col. Doolittle, that went to Cambridge April 19, 1775, and afterward went through the grades of Lieut., Capt., Major, and Col. But little of his mili- tary service is on available records, but he was in direct com- mand of the "Lincoln's men" at the final snuffing out, in this town of Shay's Rebellion in 1787. Commencing in 1776, he was a member of the following committees: To manufacture salt, sal nitre and sulphur, to estimate past services of soldiers, to ac- cept state constitution, to hire soldiers, of correspondence and safety, to examine the form of the state constitution, to instruct the Representative, to regulate jury box, 1787, to settle with the meeting house building committee, to settle with two tories for loss of their guns, (the guns were taken to prevent their use against a good cause, and finally restored after repeated appli- cations, "or their equivalent;") for laying out town roads, to adjust lines between Gerry and P. and New Salem and P, to settle with Dr. Whitney, to finish meeting house, to provide a hearse, 1792, to build and repair school houses. He was a seal- er of leather 21 years, town treasurer 12, selectman, assessor, school committee, highway surveyor, deerrieve, tythingman, and moderator through a large share of those freqnent and pa- triotic town meetings, when he was not on "the war path." The tories did not attend those meetings. They had been skimmed off, counted (14), a list made of them, tabooed, and prohibited from intercourse with their neighbors, and hence the liberal granting of men and money for war purposes was done "without a dissenting vote." Comment on the Col. is unnecessary.
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