USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Petersham > Sketches of Petersham natives and adopted citizens > Part 4
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George Stearns
George Stearns, son of Joel, and grandson of the preceding. Born on the William Negus place, educated in the district and High schools of this town, became clerk in the store of the late Mr. Wetherell, and is still another example of the successful business training that gentleman gave his clerks. He went to Baltimore at an early age, opened a dry goods store, resulting
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in a gradually increasing trade, until he became a prosperous merchant and a wealthy man. He has a desirable record for generous and ready aid rendered to Union troops, while "pass- ing through Baltimore."
G. W. Stevens
G. W. Stevens, son of S. M., grandson of Samuel, born 1836. Attended District and High school. Went to Ware at the age of 16, and was employed in a store 4 years. Thence to Minnesota, where he remained three years and brought home a wife, in 1860. Went again to Ware for a short time, and en- listed in the 31st Mass. and went to Newburne with Gen. But- ler. Belonged to his body guard, when he left the boat for the Custom House in New Orleans. Soon after he was detailed in- to the signal corps. When the latter was made a separate branch of the service, he was made sergeant. He was in all the principal engagements in that department, Port Hudson, Red River and others, served the three years, received an honorable discharge, returned to his old home, spent a year there, thence to Athol Centre, where he opened a grocery store, which he has continued for 19 years. During that time he has steadily won the regard, esteem, and confidence of all who have met him. Calm, quiet, obliging and gentlemanly, he makes no promises he does not fulfill, and no statement that cannot be relied on.
Genery Stevens
Genery Stevens, brother to the above, born 1846. Educated in "the little red school house," and the High school in Tem- pleton. Went to Worcester in 1866, served two years in a pro- duce store for S. E. Staples, 6 years more in the same line for J. Heslor & Co. Then formed a partnership of 5 years dura- tion with S. A. Chamberlain, also a Petersham native, then bought out his partner, since then he has been sole proprietor, doing a wholesale and commission business, amounting to $200,000 per year. Butter, cheese and eggs are the leading ar- ticles, but his trade embraces many others, in the produce line. Of the butter, he has had at one time $40,000 worth, in "cold storage." Of eggs, his trade has averaged 1000 doz. per day for 6 months of the year. He owns a beautiful residence with
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all the modern improvements, that cost $10,000. He "took the tide at the flood, and it flows on to fortune." He came of a stir- ring family, and a large share of the characteristic, go-ahead push and energy, lias descended to him. Whatever his hands found to do, he has done with his might. "God helps him who helps himself."
Jason W. Stone
Jason W. Stone, son of Timothy, born 1830. Left home for California during the "gold fever," remained there but a short time, when he went to Australia. After "prospecting" that country, he recrossed the Pacific, landed in South America, went over the Andes, and brought up at Para. Here he en- gaged in the rubber trade on the Amazon river, buying and col- lecting of the Indians. In time, he was able to run a small steamboat on the river, freighted with suitable goods for the In- dian trade in exchange for the gum, and realizing a large prof- it both ways. He gathered a handsome fortune, and has since added cattle dealing to his extensive transactions. He must be classed among the men that are gifted with Yankee enter- prise.
William Spencer Prentiss
William Spencer Prentiss, son of Capt. Nathan, born 1798, educated at Cambridge College. His health gave way and he was told by the celebrated Dr. J. C. Warren of Boston that he must leave books and work in the open air, or die. The whole current of his life was changed, and in the autumn of 1832 lie was in Michigan hunting for a spot suitable for a farm. He found it, and secured 320 acres in La Grange Co., Northern Indiana. Married a school teacher, Jane Mray Clark, from Sheffield, Mass. Built a log cabin, followed by a good farm house, around which sprung up blooming orchards and broad fields. Sons and daughters grew up to honor them, and, "for forty years their wedded life was full of cares, yet full of cheer. He was grave, earnest and practical, she was sparkling, merry and full of quaint fancies, He was of solid and strong frame; she, lithe, healthy and active. A happy combination-what one lacked the other had. Indians were plenty in those days but friendly, he treated
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them kindly; wolves were also in abundance, but not friendly. His superior education, solid judgment and stainless honor, made him a man of mark and weight. Widows and orphans trusted their all to him; the weak cling to him as a strong sup- port." He shunned office, but that of county Judge was almost forced upon him, and for once he gave way to the inevitable. He died in 1872, and "a life worth living came to its earthly close."
Leroy C. Parmenter
Leroy C. Parmenter, son of Dea. Horatio, and cousin to the foregoing. Born 1852, went to Athol at the age of 12, educated at the district and High school in this town, and finished at the High school in Athol. Was clerk for L. K. Sprague six years, until he sold to Frank Hutchinson, and then for the latter three years, whom he bought out, and has since headed the firm of L. C. Parmenter & Co. For the last nine years he has been doing a safe, well-conducted, increasing and prosperous business, amounting to about $25,000 a year. He has built a fine resi- dence, and is well worthy to be classed among successful mer- chants wrought out by close application, order, energy and abil- ity
Frederick L. Sanderson
Frederick L. Sanderson, son of Lewis, his mother of the Willards, his grandmother, daughter of Capt. Wing Spooner. Born 1841. Took his first rudiments at the "Bell school house," followed by obtaining a good education at other sources. Worked on the farm in his boyhood, and enlisted in the 53d Regiment in 1862. Here he came to be one of the bravest sol- diers in Co. F. Was wounded in the right shoulder and went to the hospital, before recovery, and contrary to all precedent, he left his quarters without the surgeon's knowledge or con- sent, took part in another action, received another shot in thie same place, was put in an ambulance, conveyed over 15 miles of rough road, crazed with pain and agony. The hospital reached and the good right arm was given up, with a narrow escape from death.
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"' 'Good bye, old arm!' the soldier said, As he clasped the fingers cold.
And down his pale but manly cheeks The tear-drops gently rolled. 'My strong right arm, no deed of yours, Now gives me cause to sigh;
It's hard to part such trusty friends, Good bye, old arm, good bye.' "
Returning home it was said to him, "pity it hadn't been the other arm." "The choice was not left to me," he said quietly. He taught himself to write with his left hand, and became mail agent for 8 years, thien back on to the old farm where he did a man's work at all kinds of farm labor, until the sad and sudden end came at seed time, 1886. He stood high with his towns- men, was one of the selectmen, and at the time of his decease was chairman of the school committee.
George A. Trumbull
George A. Trumbull, son of Dr. John. The active part of his life was spent in Worcester, where fr 111 1818 to 1823, he was one of the owners of the Spy. He was Cashier of the Central Bank for 7 years, and when the Citizens' Bank was organized lie became Cashier, an office he held from 1836 to 1858. He was a cheerful, entertaining and intelligent man, a good citizen, and the possessor of many friends.
Col. W. A. Tower
Col. W. A. Tower, son of the late Orren, born 1824. Left home at the age of 15, and was clerk in a store in Lancaster for two or three years, thence to Boston, where he began business on his own account, as Tower & Stratton, in the flour and grain trade. After a successful experience of some years, he sold his interest in the business and became banker. The firm of Tower, Giddings & Co., is widely known, and no banking house in Boston enjoys better credit. He has twice represented in the Legislature the historical town of Lexington, his home for most of the year. He was councillor during Gen. Butler's guberna. torial term, but opposed to some of his erratic schemes. He was
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also on the staff of Gov. A. H. Rice. He is accounted a mill- ionaire, and is exceedingly popular as a gentleman of high so- cial instincts.
Rev. Frank E. Tower
Rev. Frank E. Tower, half brother of the above, born in 1836. Prepared and entered as sophomore at Amherst College, graduating as valedictorian in the class of 1860. For several years following he taught school, notably and with flattering success the High school in Bangor, Me. Later, studied for the ministry, and after several months passed at the Newton Theo- logical Institute, was'ordained to preach at Amherst, where he remained two years, after which he accepted a call to Allston, where he remained twelve years and then accepted the pastor- ate of the First Baptist church in Brattleboro, Vt., where he continues to officiate. He is scholarly in his tastes, and a vig- orous writer upon Theological subjects.
Dea. William Willard
Dea. William Willard, fifth generation, in direct descent from Major Simon Willard, who did such noble service in colon- ial times and in the Indian wars, and the fourth from Rev. Sam- uel Willard, of the Old South Church, Boston, and president of Harvard college. He was also brother of Rev. Joseph Willard, another president of the same College. He was a skillful and ingenious carpenter, trusted and esteemed by his fellow citizens and filled the offices of town clerk. selectman, assessor, school committee, surveyor of boards and shingles, sealer of weights and measures and many others. He was prominent in other committees,such as planning the church, selling the pews, fenc- ing the burying ground, &c. He married Katherine Wilder and reared a large and exemplary family, of which more anon.
Solomon Willard
Solomon Willard, son of William, born 1783, commenced with a common school education, left home at the age of 21. Went to Boston where his first work was fitting piles for wharf construction at 50c per day. Studied drawing, connected him- self with the athenaeum, attended lectures on anatomy, geology,
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and chemistry, studied and practiced architecture and designed and built an extensive winding stairway, made a model of the Capitol of Washington and became a teacher of architecture, drawing and designing. "He invented the principle of the hot-air furnace, which is in such extensive use at this day, tak- ing out no patent for the invention, but leaving the profits to be reaped by others, This in itself was a work of vast utility and a large share of the public buildings of the land are lieated by means of some application of this principle."
But the great work of Mr. Willard's life was as architect of Bunker Hill Monument. The corner stone was laid on the fif- tieth anniversary of the battle, June 17, 1825. He was botlı architect, and during a period of eighteen years superintendent of practical construction. For his services he only allowed his expenses, which were very small, to be paid, giving his labors as an offering to the shrine of patriotism. How great that of- fering was will appear by recalling the fact that the total cost of the monument under his management was only about $100,000, while the cost, at current rates, of stone and labor was estimat- ed at twice that sum. Thence liis services were equal to the whole contribution of the nation. Some of the practical results of this work were that granite was, through improved methods of quarrying and transportation, made more available as build- ing material. The first railway in the United States was built for the latter purpose from Quincy by Gridley Bryant. Mr.
Willard died of apoplexy, Feb. 16, 1861. Circumstances of
peculiar sadness attended his departure. The brave, patient, generous, self-sacrificing man became sadly depressed at the breaking out of the rebellion and was filled with anxiety for the welfare and safety of his country. He harbored gloomy forebod- ings and the thoughit of national dissolution seems literally to have burst the blood vessels of his active brain. He departed in sorrow rather than in peace, because his eyes had not seen the salvation that came to 11s.
Dea. Cephas Willard
Dea. Cephas Willard, son of William and Katherine ( Wild- er) Willard, brother of Samuel and Solomon, born 1786. In 1823 on the death of an older brother, Dea. Joseph, he was
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elected to succeed him in an office the father and sons have filled from the first planting of the church, holding and honor- ing the position to the end of his life. He was several times chosen to represent the town in the Legislature, and his knowl- edge of law, his remarkable judgment and integrity, caused him to be often called upon to arbitrate in important litigations, not only in his own town, but in other parts of the state. He was appointed to collect the statistics of the District for the United States Census in 1860. Such was the confidence of the public in him that his services were many times sought in the settle- ment of estates and the guardianship of children, and never was the confidence betrayed. Before the abolition of imprisonment for debt, his duties as Deputy Sheriff were delicate and often painful, as well as perilous, but never was an instance known where he incurred reproach, even from those who seemed most oppressed by the law. It was said of him by a prominent law- yer, and one who knew, that during his long service in this ca- pacity, "he never made a mistake or a blunder." His gentle but firm manner subdued the most violent a.id stubborn and, what is very rare, won love, while as an officer he was exercising the rigor of the law. Only once did lie refuse any duty imposed
upon him. He was appointed to conduct a criminal to execu- tion, because it was thought his dignity and character would give impressiveness to the scene, but he declined, saying he would resign his office, but he could not perform that act. He was always in deep and active sympathy with every movement for the benefit of the town, county or state and often chosen dele- gate to convention for promoting public interests. His presence carried weight wherever he went, and though not a man of words, his silence was often more eloquent than the speech of others. No clearer idea can be given of his sweet and tender home relation than the fact that twelve years before his deatlı as he sat calmly holding the hand of his dying wife, a lady worthy of him, he said "We have lived together fifty-eight years, and I do not know that ever either spoke a word that gave the other pain."
His completeness of character was simply wonderful; in his general make-up there seemed nothing lacking to produce "the noblest work of God." A giant physically and intellectually,
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he retained his faculties to the last year of his life. With a memory that never failed liim, well stored with historical facts. and pleasant anecdotes, he was a genial companion, a judicious friend, a kind husband, loving father and as an active and use- ful citizen was beyond all praise. When complimented in his old age on his unfailing cheerfulness, he explained, "I always walked on the sunny side of the road, when the choice was left to me."
He was Deputy Sheriff forty-eight years, town assessor for- ty-nine years, town treasurer, Deacon of the Unitarian Church fifty six years, Parish Treasurer thirty six years, and voted for governor seventy-two times. He died August 17, 1878, aged 92 years and 9 mos.
Rev. Samuel Willard, D. D.
Rev. Samuel Willard, D. D., son of William, and brother of Solomon and Cephas. While his ancestor, Rev. Samuel, five generations back was minister of the "Old South" church in Boston, Mrs. Elizabeth Foster was a member of the same "in good standing." She was the original "Mother Goose, " and wrote the "Melodies," to amuse her grandchildren. Her son- in-law was a printer, and recognizing their value, saved them to the world by printing and publishing them.
The subject of this sketch was born in April 18, 1776, the day before the battle of Lexington and Concord. As a local weakness somewhat incapacitated him for work on his father's farm, it was decided that he should be fitted for Harvard Col- lege, of which institution his uncle, Rev. Joseph Willard, D. D , was then President. Accordingly he entered in 1799 and grad- uated in 1803. He fitted for the ministry in part under Dr. N. Thayer of Lancaster, and was ordained in Deerfield, Mass., 1807, having been refused ordination by the first Council called, on account of his heretical views. He was the pioneer of Lib- eral Christianity in the Connecticut valley and Western Massa- chusetts, preceding Dr. Channing by six or more years. He was earnest and active in the various reforms, peace, temperance and anti-slavery. He married Miss Susan Barker of Hingham in 1808. Early in 1819 his sight failed him to such a degree, that he became unable to read, write or drive; but continued to
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discharge the duties of his office until 1829, when he took his dismission by his own request, on thie 22d anniversary of his or- dination1. He then removed to Hingham, where he opened a private school, in connection with his future son-in-law, Luther B. Lincoln. In 1836 he returned to Deerfield, where he passed the remainder of his life, preaching occasionally, and sometimes taking charge of some pulpit, for months together. His last preaching was Sept. 18, 1859, when he went through all the double services of the day. He was seized with pneumonia that evening, and passed away Oct. 8th.
Mr. Willard took an interest in the state of the country. In- deed this was almost the only subject on which he allowed his composure to be disturbed. Twice he went at the risk of his life to cast his vote, when some vital point was at stake.
He published many books, the principal ones a series of school books, the Franklin Primer, Improved Reader, General Class Book, Popular Reader, Treatise on Rhetoric, a collection of sacred music, called the Deerfield collection, a volume of original hymns, a collection by other writers, including his own and a Latin grammar, containing extracts from about forty Lat- in writers. He left in manuscript several hundred original hymns, and an essay on Phonography, written when the sub- ject had scarcely received any attention.
One who in his youth, shared the blessing of the kind tuition of the aforesaid Mr. Lincoln, remembers how tenderly the blind preacher was led to and from his pulpit, with what close atten- tion his words were listened to, and with what love and rever- ence the aged, faithful, and gifted minister was held by every listener.
"Sun of the soul, beneath thy beams All things may bloom within, And ripening fruits in frosty age, May beautify the scene." -From one of his hymns.
Rev. Edmund B. Willson
Rev. Edmund B. Willson, son of Rev. Luther, born 1820 at the McCarty house, corner South Main and Oliver Sts. First educational experience at the Centre school, was a pupil at
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Leicester Academy at the age of 9, afterward at Templeton and New Salem. entered Yale College 1834, suffered a severe and dangerous sickness the next year, left New Haven, but contin- ued his search after knowledge, with intervals of teaching until 1840, when he entered the Divinity school at Cambridge. Com- menced preaching at Templeton in 1843, then at Deerfield and Grafton, at the latter place he accepted a call and was ordained 1844. Resigned eight years after and settled in West Roxbury 1852. Resigned seven years after, and in 1859 was installed over the North church in Salem, where he still continues, re- taining the friendship, love and confidence of his parish to an eminent degree, after 28 years service and 44 years experience in the ministry. He served as Chaplain of the 24th Regt. in 1863 and '64. He was State Representative for two years, and was Chairman of the committee on Education. He married the granddaughter of Major Butrick, who gave the first order to fire upon royal troops at Concord, April 19, 1775, thus opening the Revolution. That wife of glorious descent is by his side with her grown-up sons and daughters. He was a true comrade in boyhood, and a faithful friend as the years rolled on. As hus- band, father, pastor or citizen, he fills the measure. He has a modest estimation of himself, and a chronic fear that as the shadows lengthen he may not discover the gathering dimness before others do, but he can be trusted for that.
Joseph Willson
Joseph Willson, brother of the foregoing, and son of Rev. Luther. Educated at the Centre school and Leicester Academy. Entered as clerk in Goddard's store, and went West in 1863 and remained three years. The climate not agreeing with him, he was forced to return in a bad condition of health. Com- menced again at the same old stand, and soon recruited under improved conditions. In 1842 went to Worcester to fill an en- gagement with A. & W. H. Harris, wholesale dealers in flour and grain. When the Boston and Fitchburg railroad was com- pleted, the firm opened a branch store in the latter place, sent him to take charge, and gave him an interest in the business. He was connected with this house also at Keene and Bellows Falls until 1854, when he sold his interest to the firm and re-
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turned to this town, where he remained 3 years; thence to Prov- idence for 5 years in the same trade, and then again to Bellows Falls, where with others, he bought out the old firm of Harris & Co., and where he has done a large and successful business, reaching at times to $700,000 or $800,co0 per year. He can be safely counted with the prosperous ones. A keen foresight, close application, good judgment, and a cordial, cheerful way of his own, he can discriminate the sunny side of life when it exists, is companionable, friendly, and generous, has a delicate taste for a good joke or story, and is well able to contribute his share of the same.
"We twa have run about the braes, And pu'd the gowans fine; But we've wander'd mony a weary foot, Sin' auld lang syne."
Hon. John Sanderson
Hon. John Sanderson, born 1814. His paternal grandfather, Jonathan, born 1740, and was a Revolutionary soldier, and filled many town offices. John, Sr., born 1769, was a man of sterling integrity and great financial ability. He started in life, comparatively poor, and during his comparatively short life, amassed what was then considered a large property. He acquired this principally in working at the tanner's trade, which he learn- ed from a colored man in his employ, and afterwards in farm- ing. He was among the first to join in the Temperance re- form, and to give up the custom of supplying the men in his employ with intoxicating drinks. He was killed in his barn by being pressed against the cast tongue by one of his oxen, while attempting to remove them from the loaded cart, in 1831.
With what education he could obtain at the district school, the subject of this notice was at the early age of 17 called upon to take charge of a somewhat extensive business, his mother having been appointed administratrix of the estate, and in addi- tion, the care of his grandparents, then living at a very advanced age, both feeble and infirm. After their death in 1838, he re- moved with his mother to Bernardston. In October, 1840, he married Mary Osgood of Wendell, and settled in B. His home- stead consists of a valuable piece of meadow land in the very
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center of the village, which was reclaimed by him from an al- most worthless swamp, and brought to a high state of cultiva- tion. Add to this a fine home lot and substantial buildings, his barn being perhaps the first in that vicinity built over a cellar, and with a slated roof. That with large pasture, woodland, etc., in other parts of the town, constitute one of the largest, most valuable and finest estates in that section. His being especial- ly a grass farm, he has devoted his attention to stock raising. He reared in 1862, and sold to Bryan Lawrence of New York City, the great ox, "Constitution," pronounced the handsomest and, as his weight showed, the largest ox ever slaughtered in America. His live weight upon shipment, was 3860 lbs. Mr. Lawrence at first intended to give the beef to needy families of absent volunteers from N. Y. City, but as it brought a very high price, he used the proceeds therefrom, with which he pur- chased over 12,000 lbs. of meat. The animal's skin was stuffed and placed in a building in Central Park.
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