USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Petersham > Sketches of Petersham natives and adopted citizens > Part 6
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Charles A. Carruth
Charles A. Carruth, son of Alfred, grandson of Jonas, and great-grandson of John, one of the early settlers and noted for the constant attendance of himself and wife at church over a long road in all weathers. Born Dec. 13, 1853. Educated at the District, High and Highland Institution in his native town, and there also taught school, after which he became clerk in Athol in the store of Parmenter & Tower in 1871. He then bought the interest of J. Sumner Parmenter, and became of the firm of Parmenter & Carruth at the corner store for two years, when the firm sold to Holbrook & Twitchell. Thence for a short time he was clerk for Walter Thorpe. In 1877 he bought Win. Bixby's stock and trade, which stand he occupied until the great fire of 1890, where he had built up a large and flour- ishing and steadily increasing trade in clothing and gents' fur- nishings. He lost every dollar he had made during these years. He was the leader in establishing the one-price system, and the
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experiment proved highly successful and profitable and has been cordially endorsed by his numerous customers, who respond to moderate prices and square dealing. Cheerful, hearty, cor- dial, active and business-like, he has won the goodwill and confidence of the public, and kept it.
He has held most every office in town-Assessor for twelve years, Selectman, Road Surveyor, Water Commissioner, Ceme- tery Commissioner, and for two years Representative of his district, and I am told he was the only one ever elected inde- pendent of the two great parties in said district. That showed the esteem he was looked upon by the people where he had lived his whole life. Before the great fire he was a Mason, Blne Lodge, Chapter and Knight Templar. When he belonged he was head one that got up the first grand ball that paid its own way, and members did not have to go into their own pockets for deficiency. He was an Odd Fellow and an active member of Tully Lodge, Encampment and Canton. At the time of the fire he had to give all up as the dues were so much, and he did not see fit to show partiality to any and dropped all. He was one of the promoters of the Poquaig Club and one of three members to buy the furnishings, which went into the thousands. He was the first man, for years he raised the money for sprinkling streets by subscription before the Town paid for the same. He was foreman on water works when they put in the new reservoir, and now at the present one of the firm of Athol Granite Works, Sawyer & Carruth, and doing a succes- ful business at Island Street, Athol, Mass. Whether in a fair day or rainy weather he is always the same.
Seneca F. Deane, M. D.
Son of Capt. Daniel and Jerushia (Houghton,) brother of Erastus P., mentioned in the early part of these sketches. Born 1816, raised on a farm, commenced his schooling at district, No. 10, supplemented by home study, after his day's work. Learned the carpenter's trade, then commenced as journeyman millwright at Mayo's mills, in the vicinity of his home, worked at this two or three years, and then continued it for three years more in the employ of Lysander Richardson, Athol. Receiving an injury to his arm that was pronounced permanent by one of
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the foremost physicians, he commenced the study of the Botanic practice of medicine, and was graduated in Vermont, 1843, when Dr. Silas Wilcox of Bennington was president of the Board. Subsequently his arm regained its strength and lie again took up his mechanical employment. In 1851 he left his native state for Wisconsin where he remained but five months, when lie removed to western New York where he took up the practice of medicine, and soon obtained the confidence of a large circle of patrons. In 1857 he again removed to Wisconsin where he continued the practice several years, then moved to Darlington, Lafayette Co., and resumed his trade as millwright, to which he added the office of referee in deciding the law of water rights and privileges, a matter he had studied, and hence became master of the situation, building the motive power of flouring mills that worked with the utmost nicety and satis- faction, continuing eight years, when his lungs become serions- ly affected, and the case aggravated by the dust attendant on his work. As a last resort he moved to Carleton, Nebraska. where he once more resumed the practise of medicine, which he has continued for eleven years, and is still perscribing for the benefit of patients.
In early life he was a strong pro-slavery man, but on getting nearer the field, and becoming better acquainted with the in- stitution, he became a convert to the other side, and took a bold, outspoken and prominent part in behalf of the slave, even to being conductor on the underground railroad and assisted the escape of the fugitives, in every way that a fearless and de- termined man could.
Always temperate himself for forty-five years he has done his best to inculcate the principle to those around him by practice and precept, and for nearly the same length of time he has been a staunch believer in "the good time coming" when the women shall vote. Of stalwart figure, decided opinions, keen perceptions, he is a good representative of New England pluck and perseverence.
Samuel S. Tower
Son of Col. Jonas, brother of Oren and H. Nelson Tower, of Worcester. Born 1817 at the old family homestead under the
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Elms, one mile west of the centre. Educated at the district school, wrought on the farm at first, then went to Worcester, learned the trade of carpenter, remaining three years, thence to Wisconsin for one season, then returned to Worcester for a while, thence to his native place, where he engaged in the man- nfacture of palm leaf bonnets for a few years. He was next employed in the manufacture of covered buttons for the firm of D. J. Foster & Co. Thence to Boston for ten years, after which he returned to Petersham, where he recommenced the making of palm-leaf hats and hoods, transfering the business to Athol which he continued for some time, thus adding another "Native" to the long list who have been engaged in the fabri- cation of popular and useful goods from that tropical plant. The increased use of straw and the importation of summer hats from Manilla, Fayal and other places have shorn the trade of its fair proportions, and he changed once more and this time to horse blankets. He began as foreman, then bought the stock and trade and manufactured for several mills and finally merged the industry in the Millers River Manufacturing Co., where he still holds forth after an experience in this branch of eighteen years. Take the last two days of February, and anyone can see the usefulness, even the necessity, of such a provision for the dumb but noble animal. So skillful has he become in the fit- ting and strapping of the horse costume, that his customers in- dulge in the feeling that they are wearing "Tailor made" clothing, and are inclined to put on airs in the presence of those not so lucky, while hitched in front of the Athol
stores. Mr. Tower comes of old and reliable stock and has a natural and decided capacity for business, giving it his undivided attention, a person of large experience, upright in his dealings, cheerful and cordial in his bearing and an active, useful and conscientious citizen.
Lewis Edgar Whitney
Son of the preceding Lewis, born 1855, educated in the district and high schools, quick to learn, vivacious, active, im- pulsive from childhood, and a favorite with the elders, as well as his companions. He was positive, decided and energetic in opinion, but he was so dashing and pleasant, so original in ex-
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pression that he gave no offence. He liad a natural respect for the aged and he had a kind feeling for the lowly and un- fortunate. He won the immediate good will of strangers, his bearing toward his fellowmen was genial and intimate, and he was in high esteem because he loved his kind. He was a favorite clerk in the insurance office of Foster & Scull of Boston for four years and returned on the death of his father and took charge of the homestead. He was chosen Town Clerk as a complimentary continuation of his father's twenty-six years of service and held the office three years, retiring from his duties at noon on the March meeting of 1879, and was buried a week later after a short and impressive life, at the age of 24. Wher- ever a quick and correct accountant was required, or a rapid, distinct and beautiful penmanship was appreciated, he was at home. Where a bright, sparkling, witty and sun-shiny com- panion was valued, he filled the requisition. Previous to his death, he was travelling agent for the Athol Machine Company. "A young man of great promise, brilliant personal qualities, a warm and generous friend."
Col. John Wilson
Col. John Wilson. One of 10 children of Major Joli Wil- son, who was born in Newton, and his wife Sally Fiske, of the fifth generation from the English emigrant, who arrived in this country in 1710, and the fifth of that name. Born 1802, mar- ried Eliza A. Rugg of Lancaster, and was engaged in the meat business in that town for ten years, then moved to Watertown, and was the landlord of a hotel, in the days when that occupa- tion was a prominent, useful and prosperous one. Thence to Waltham in the same calling until the death in 1854. He was genial, cordial, full of kindness, and well beloved by all liis broad circle of acquaintances.
Eleazer Metcalf Wilson
Eleazer Metcalf Wilson. Brother of the above and also of Mrs. Artemas and Mrs. Rufus Bryant, of Mrs. Seth Hapgood, Mrs. S. Wetherell, Mrs. B. F. Hamilton and others, who were model wives, mother and helpmates in their day and genera- tion. He was born 1804, married Julia A., sister of Lewis
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Whitney, aforesaid, in 1830, by whom he had six children. He has been a marketman and drover for fifty-eight years, and some of his droves numbered more than 1000 head of cattle and sheep, driven from Canada to Brighton, a distance of 250 miles. As cattle dealers, the two sons followed in the footsteps of their father, the Major and like him they were not only prominent for the magnitude of their transactions, but for honest, upright and square dealings. Mr. Robert Goddard, of this town, had a flock of large and fat wethers, and the Major was negotiating for them. They had matured under the careful hands of the thrifty farmer, and he felt that he had more than a passing acquaint- ance with them. He estimated their weight, at what seemed, to the buyer, rather high figures. "Never mind," said Mr. G., "take them along and allow what they are worth." On these terms they went to market, and the report was, "they were heavier than I thought, weighed more than you set them at and herewith I return you more than you asked for them." It is pleasant to note the trust and confidence between the old friends.
Mr. Wilson's home is in Pembroke, N. H., he is an active, energetic man, accomplishing what he undertakes, no equivo- cation, no "mental reservation," but outspoken, ready for a trade and prompt to the moment to meet an engagement, keenly alive to the enjoyment of life, never forgetting the value of amusements to the young, but ready to expend time and money for their pleasure. For May Day, 1861, he had a large carriage built capable of holding more than a hundred lads aud lasses, beside the band. In the centre, was a large elevated seat on which rode the May Queen. Trimmed with flowers and ever- greens, it was a fascinating sight, and as it passed Suncook Vil- lage, the Superintendent of the Mills ordered the works to stop and gave permission for all the operatives to look at the novel turnout. On its return to Gymnasium Hall, the May Pole Dance and a general merrymaking closed the features of the day. During the Rebellion he was an earnest worker in the in- terests of the soldiers, and in word and deed to cheer them. On the eve of the departure of Co. K, 14th N. H. Regt. Capt. O. H. Mastedon, he gave a ball for their pleasure at the aforesaid Hall, and furnished the supper at his house. Thoroughly
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awake to every good work, earnest and resolute in the right, he has ever been and still remains, a useful, cheerful and valuable citizen, and a source of honest pride to his native place.
The list of Natives changes at this period, not from lack of material, but from delays and difficulties in gathering necessary facts. If these are obtained, there will be no hesitation in tak- ing the belated travellers on board the train.
Luther Holland Eaton
Luther Holland Eaton. Grandson of the aforementioned Capt. Park Holland and Lucy (Spooner) Holland, his wife. Born at Eddington, Maine, on the Penobscot river, in 1821, and moved to Bangor in 1832. From boyhood he worshipped Na- ture by "close communion," and not by hearsay. He used his vacations in camping out in the woods, and could paddle a birch canoe with all the fearless grace and speed of an Indian. He entered the Bangor High School, and thence went to Fox- croft Academy, finishing his education at the Deerfield, (Mass.) Academy and several of his old schoolmates here can testify to his sterling qualities of lead and heart. Like his grandfather, he adopted the profession of Surveyor and Civil Engineer and one of his first public services was making a survey and map of the northern part of his native state, and with such complete success that the legislature gave him a vote of thanks. He was employed on the railroad from Augusta to Portland, on the completion of which he went to Athens, Ohio, and engaged in building a railroad in that state. After his return he received an appointment from the government in 1862 as Engineer at Fort Knox, Bucksport, where he remained seven years. Re- turning to Bangor in 1869 he received an appointment as assist- ant engineer in the construction of the Bangor & Piscataquis Railroad of which he was elected Superintendent of the same, a position he occupied for several years. After closing his con- nection with said road he was engaged in the construction of the Bucksport railroad bridge across the Penobscot River. He served as City Engineer at various times for several years. In 1874 he was appointed a member of the Water Board, and in
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1876 the dam was built under his immediate supervision. He has served the state in various occasions, examining and cor- recting boundaries, making maps, etc. The last work of his useful life was examining the State titles to the islands on our coast. In 1844 he was married to Miss Lydia Lane and died 1877, leaving a son and daughter. He was a cheerful, useful, capable and big hearted man.
George Fuller
George Fuller. Son of Aaron and Fanny (Negus) Fuller, grandson of Joel Negus, Esq., and great-grandson of Major Joseph Negus of the Revolutionary army. Born in Deerfield, 1822. Took his first lessons at a little brown school house al- most overhanging the canal that supplied itself from the Deer- field River and turns the wheels of Stebbins' Mills about half way between old Deerfield Street and South Deerfield. At the age of six by the request of his maternal grandmother who kept house with another elderly lady, he spent a winter at Peters- ham, made himself useful to his ancient hostesses, and attended the centre school, a season of home sickness, but for the daily intercourse with three boy cousins. Soon after this he was a pupil in the well conducted Academy in his native town, and at the age of 14 he joined the surveying staff of Col. Arthur W. Hoyt of D., who was locating railroads in Illinois. Home again, another renewal of his studies at the Academy, then a year's experience in Albany in the studies of H. K. Brown and Joseph Carew, sculptors in Stanwix Hall. They had a strong liking for the lad, shared liberally with him their knowledge of art, and were henceforth his life-long friends. Next he was a portrait painter in county towns for two or three years, and meantime his friend Brown was visiting Europe, and Carew moved to Boston, which was also Fuller's next headquarters where he worked and studied. Stuart's coloring and Copley's draperies were his constant admiration ; his liking for Allston was not so strong as has been represented, though he gathered instruction from his works. Thence 12 years' active work and study in New York. His first decided public success was in 1857 when his fine portrait of his friend Brown procured his el- ection of associate member of the National Academy. He vis-
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ited Europe in 1859, and returned the next year his mind well stored with fruits gathered from many fields. Previous to this he had spent three winters at the South and gathered items that marked some of his later works.
In 1860, owing to the death of a brother, it fell to him to re- turn to the homestead and take charge of the farm, a decision that was made by necessity and circumstance, rather than by choice, and not as some have said, from discouragement with his slow rise, or distrust in his own powers in the art he had chosen, for he never entertained that feeling or a lack of confidence in him- self for a single day.
Here he labored with head and hands for sixteen years, and skillfully managed a farm that produced two hundred tons of hay per year, twenty-five acres of tobacco, with corn, cranber- ries, grapes, etc., beside a large, well managed and wonderfully productive garden. Meantime he constructed a studio, for the art-love was strong within him, stole a few hours as occasion permitted, and under his hand grew new and beautiful crea- tions, some of which, to the number of 14, he was persuaded by friends to exhibit in Boston in 1876, resulting in bringing him immediate patronage and fame. Two years later, he exhibited the "Turkey Pasture in Kentucky" at the N. Y. Academy, and thence followed an array of works that made his name fam- ous and more and more admired and appreciated until his death in 1884. "Personally he was a fine and sweet character, ex- tremely simple and unaffected, full of kindness, and charity for others, and his conversation was charming. Among his con- temporaries he found much to praise, but when he was unable to do that, he held his peace and never uttered a word against a fellow laborer."
In his boyhood he was esteemed and respected by his com- rades, cool, prudent and thoughtful-an acknowledged leader, ready for boyish amusements and frolics, but countenancing 110 excesses and holding up in time. Though his period of farm- ing showed skill, energy and intelligence, the feeling still ex- ists that some other hands should have guided the plough, while he guided the brush, but it was otherwise ordered. Reaching a high point of excellence as a Painter and a Man, he did not arrive at the downward steps. So Death and its twin
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sister Sleep, joined. Genius folded her hands and a light went out.
James H. Hammond
James H. Hammond, son of Elisha Hammond, a native of this town, who graduated at Dartmouth College in 1802, and became President of South Carolina College. The son, James H., was Governor of that state from 1842 to 1844, and U. S. Senator from S. C. for four years, viz: 1857 to 1861.
Charles T. Holland
Charles T. Holland, son of Capt. Park Holland aforesaid, born in Eddington, Maine, and with a rare and decided genius for mechanics. He constructed a dooryard, portable fence, at once handsome, substantial and unaffected by winds or frosts. He manufactured veneered picture and mirror frames in quan- tities sufficient to shingle the state of Rhode Island, articles that commanded an extensive and rapid sale, and were recognized and distributed throughout New England. His regular trade was that of cabinet maker, but with that to start from, he "sought out many inventions." Among them was a bedstead fastener, working with screws, a cork rubber, for scouring and polishing. To continue, there was the "Maine log rule," that showed in an instant how many feet of boards the log would produce before subjected to the saw ; rules for wood measurers, glaziers, tailors and yard sticks for the retail dry goods dealers. In all these, and many more, it was not in the article produced that showed the exhaustless talent, but the inventing and per- fecting of machinery that produced satisfactory results, with such speed, perfection, finish and cheapness with water power.
Luther Holland
Luther Holland, the second of the name, cousin of the above, settled in Belchertown, inventor and builder of fire en- gines, first in the field, favorably known and extensively used in the central and western portion of the state, and for a long while without a competitor. He made the first one horse road or pleasure wagon used in this town, sold it to a man who had the good fortune to be husband to his aunt, sent them on their
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way rejoicing, packed confidently in that new piece of extrav- agance. The seat combined grace with utility ; formed like an old-fashioned settle, its length conforming to the width of the vehicle, not fastened, but supposed to be capable of "standing on its own bottom ;" capacity just four bushels, the box growing wider towards its base. They had reached town, and the horse was mounting the "Jim Babcock Hill" southwest of the centre. The driver prided himself on rearing and owning good horses, and so pleased was he with the new purchase that he forgot for a moment that his four-footed friend had propelled them 35 miles, so he gave him a very gentle flick with the silken end of the lash. The horse was not so exhausted as he might have been, and responded to the insinuation with a sudden forward movement which caused the seat to recline on its back, and the pascengers to point their sole leather toward the stars. The wagon body was roomy and they did not fall out, in fact, they were wont to relate it as a capital joke.
Josiah G. Holland, M. D.
Josiah G. Holland, M. D., son of the aforesaid Harrison of Petersham, and grandson of Luther, a Revolutionary soldier. Born in Belchertown, 1819. Studied medicine and practiced three years, spent a year in Vicksburg, Miss., where he was Superintendent of Schools. In 1849 he became associate editor of the Springfield Republican, and two years after one of the proprietors of the same, a position he occupied until 1866. In 1870 he commenced às editor and conductor of Scribner's Monthly, afterward the Century, until the time of his death. His mother was Anna Gilbert of Belchertown, and his father's family, which consisted of seven children, dwelt at different times, after leaving Belchertown, at Heath, South Hadley, Granby ard Northampton. His life was a busy one and "one man, in his age, played many parts." He was schoolteacher, doctor, journalist, essayist, lecturer, novelist, editor, moralist, biographer, poet and gentleman. He published near a score of popular works, including his poems, entitled "Gathered Leaves, "that were read with interest, left pleasant memories and flowed from a pure spring.
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Asa Hapgood
Asa Hapgood, son of Artemas, of Petersham stock, on botlı sides of the house. A branch of the family already noted, and his mother a Rice, born in Barre, one of a large family who made useful and prominent marks in their day and generation, natural mechanics and reliable citizens. Two of his brothers were well-known dwellers in Athol, and one of them closed his labors here at a good old age on the 3d inst. Asa learned the wheelwright's trade in Templeton, then continued it with his brother Chauncey in this town, and afterwards established him- self in Athol, but the principal work of his life was the inven- tion and patenting a ventilator for railroad cars while a conductor on a train from Worcester to New York. He was the first, or one of the first, to contrive the sleeping car, now so well known, and make of the same car a comfortable bedroom by night, and a sitting-room by day. The arrangement was at once so popular that the company allowed him to collect pay for lodgings for his share, which was a generous one. As the scheme came into favor, and the demand increased, the road changed the plan of his perquisite or royalty, and made him a large shareholder in the road and its profits. Hence his inge- nuity was rewarded with a large income, and a few years of close application resulted in a handsome competence. Ginery Twitchell supplied him with the capital to fit up the first car.
His maternal grandfather, Major Martin Rice, is still remem- bered here by some of the older natives. Though his credit was good, he used to joke about his limited surplus by saying that he did not carry much money with him, for fear of robbers, or leave much at home, for his house might burn up. He was a Revolutionary soldier and drew a pension of $8 per month. There were drum majors and fife majors in those days, and he was one of the latter, hence his title. A very skillful perform- er, his old comrades said of him. He was in Col. Doolittle's Regiment and Capt. Holman's Company at Cambridge in 1775, and two years later with Washington at Valley Forge during that winter of gloom, suffering and hardship. Sometimes when he attempted to get some cheering notes from his beloved in- strument his breath condensed and an icicle, from five to eight
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