USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Petersham > Sketches of Petersham natives and adopted citizens > Part 9
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Mr. Brooks married Cordelia R. Smith on June 3, 1866, and they have two children living, a son, Ralph O. Brooks, and a daughter, Miss Annie Brooks.
James Willson Brooks
H. H. Fiske
James Willson Brooks was born in Petersham on August 7th, 1833. His father, Aaron Brooks, Jr., who was also a native of Petersham, practiced law here and in Worcester for about twenty-five years up to the time of his death, in 1845. Aaron Brooks was the grandson of Jonathan Grout, who for seven years was the representative of the town in the General Court ; one year Representative of the County in the Senate ; and a member of the First Congress under the Constitution. He was also chosen a delegate to the Provincial Congress, held at Cambridge, in February, 1775. He was a man of leading in- fluence on the Whig side. Mr. Brooks' mother, Martha Amelia Willson, was the daughter of Rev. Luther Willson, who was the fourth minister of the First Congregational Parish in Petershanı, and its first Unitarian minister. Luther Willson was the minister
JAMES WILLSON BROOKS
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of the Congregational parish at Brooklyn, Connecticut, where he grew to be respected and beloved. At the close of the War of 1812, differences of dogma began to arise in the New England Congregational polity, which finally culminated in the so-called Unitarian movement, and Mr. Willson, as one of the leaders in this movement, was tried for heresy and convicted, against the protests of a majority of his parishioners, and of eminent theolo- gians of the day who were in sympathy with him. In 1819 he was called to Petersham by its broader and more independent congregation. After his trial for heresy, Dr. Channing invited him to visit him in Boston, where he presented him with a watch "in recognition of his sturdy manhood."
Mr. Brooks was educated in the public schools of Peters- ham until he was eleven years old, when he was enrolled at Leices- ter Academy. He remained at Leicester until he was sent to Lawrence Academy at Groton, Massachusetts, to complete his preparation for college. While at Groton he decided that he preferred a business career to a college training, and would have foregone the latter but for the interest which the Principal of Lawrence Academy took in him. He believed him to be a young man of exceptional ability, and it was through his influence that Mr. Brooks determined to pursue a college training, and decided to go to Brown University at Providence, Rhode Island, of which institution his father was a graduate. He entered Brown in 1851 and was graduated in 1855, and the same year entered Harvard Law School, from which he received the degree of L. L. B. in 1858.
After completing his education, Mr. Brooks went to Europe for a pleasure trip, and, while travelling on the continent, met the Hon. John Bigelow. He continued a part of his travels in com- pany with Mr. Bigelow and his family, and during this period they laid the foundations of a life-long friendship. In 1861 Mr. Bigelow was United States Consul to France, and he asked Mr. Brooks to accept the vice-consularship, which he did, remaining in that office until the close of the year 1864, when he returned to America with the body of William Lewis Dayton, who was Minister to France at the time of his death. On leaving Paris, Mr. Brooks decided not to return to the Diplomatic Service, and for this reason Mr. Bigelow insisted upon his taking with him to
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this country a number of letters to some of his friends, setting forth his ability. These Mr. Brooks accepted against his will, and upon his arrival in New York, consigned them to the fire without calling upon the people to whom they were addressed -- deciding that his future success or failure should rest solely upon his own fitness, without external influence.
In 1865 he made the first of three expeditions to Arizona in connection with a mining enterprise. These expeditions were made before the days of trans-continental railways, and the route lay via the Isthmus of Panama, the Gulf of California, and the backs of mules into the interior. When on the San Carlos Indian Reservation. four years ago, I was talking with the Agency Farmer, a pioneer of the early days after the war, in the Apache country, and he was telling me some of his experiences in the old days. I remarked that I had an uncle who came out to Ari- zona in 1865, and he said : "Where did they bury him?"-mean- ing to convey simply that the number of men who ever got out of Arizona alive in those days was so small that it was superfluous to ask if he did. This same farmer told me that when he went to Arizona in '75 there weren't enough white men in the Terri- tory to "man a schooner." Mr. Brooks crossed the desert alone. with eight thousand dollars in gold strapped about his waist, riding nights and hiding day-times, to avoid the Indians. These Indians are known as the most cruel and relentless on this con- tinent, not alone to whites but to other tribes of Indians. This is related merely as indicating the indomitable spirit which charac- terized Mr. Brooks' whole life.
This mining enterprise was not a success, and Mr. Brooks returned to the East to the practice of law. After a comparative- ly brief period. Mr. Gordon Mckay, who had purchased the patents to a device which later revolutionized the manufacture of shoes, persuaded Mr. Brooks to give up the law and take over the management of the business of putting this new device on the market. Though finding his surroundings and associates in the law far more congenial than the anticipation of this new business, Mr. Brooks' needs seemed to point to the advantage of some more immediately remunerative pursuit, and he accepte:1 Mr. MeKay's proposal. Mr. Brooks' management of this infant industry brought it from insignificance to the inception of that
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immense organization. the United Shoe Machinery Company. With the rapid growth of this industry there came to Mr. Brooks that degree of affluence which enal led him to return to his native and dearly-beloved village of Petersham, and there to purchase the old homestead in which he was born, and which was built by his father. The old place was soon remodelled and from that time on Mr. Brooks spent more and more time in Petersham until his retirement from active business, when he took up his per- manent residence here.
It would seem superfluous to dwell upon Mr. Brooks' loyalty and devotion to his native hill-town. Those who knew the old town, and who knew him, have an ever-present memorial before them of his love for and interest in the present and future welfare of the town.
Additional Sketch of James W. Brooks By C. K'. Wilder
In 1890 Mr. Brooks, after a long and successful career, re- turned to his native town to make it his permanent home. He first remodeled the old house, but retained its outward appear- ance as much as possible so as not to obliterate old associations. making changes principally in the rear. He bought the old "Nichewoag" hotel and real estate of the heirs of the late J. D. Foster. also later many farms and woodlands of those who were eager to sell. Mr. Brooks was a great lover of Nature. He built irany driveways through his forest lands, of which he had several hundred acres. After the "Nichewoag" hotel was burned he decided not to rebuild and had the cellar filled up. Later upon the earnest solicitation of friends he was persuaded to rebuild, which is today the present new Nichewoag or "Petersham Inn."
After the Baptist church and the residences of Capt. Mudge, Ceorge Foster and George Marsh were burned in August 1892, Mr. Brooks bought the sites and graded the ground, leaving an open space and a fine unobstructed view from the "Inn." He tore down old useless buildings and removed others that obstruct- ed fine views, removed many unsightly walls, dug drains and did much grading, was instrumental in having the common graded so it could be mowed by a machine ; remo leled many houses he
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bought and fitted them up for city summer residents. In all these activities he employed his townsmen to do all they were capable of doing.
He was an ardent advocate of forestry and was the means of establishing the Harvard School of Forestry in Petersham. He gave the site for the Public Memorial Library, also the site of the Petersham Agricultural High School and 18 acres of land connected with it. Mr. Brooks' legal services were freely given to his townspeople and were highly appreciated. He provided extensive golf links in connection with his Inn, for the entertain- ment of the summer patrons and visitors. Mainly through his instrumentality in inducing city people to locate in town the val- uation increased from $600,000 about the time he took up his residence in 1890. to $1,152.425 in 1913.
Francis J. Bosworth
Francis J. Bosworth, son of George, Jr., son of George, son of Henry, who was one of the early settlers of Petersham, was born in the town and lived in the town until he was of age, was married and one son was born to him before he went away to Milford, Conn .. in 1864. He was a permanent resident there for the remainder of his life. He went there to help his oldler brother, C. F. Bosworth, in the development and use of the machines he had invented for sewing straw braid into hats. He was so useful and gave such satisfaction that there was no reason for him to change. He was a man who could be depended upon to do his best and was raspected by all who knew him or had dealings with him. He was always faithful in his trusts and was never self-seeking.
He went to England and France in the interest of parties who had purchased the patents of the straw hat machines of his brother. C. F. Bosworth. He was very successful. He remained in Europe about a year until other men could do well without him. After his return he remained in Milford till the end of his life, being employed in responsible positions by the manufactur- ers of the hats. He was a deacon in his church for many years and was worthy.
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Artemas Bryant
Born June 17, 1790. Died June 1, 1858.
Samuel Bryant came from Framingham, Massachusetts, and settled on Loring Hill in the south part of Petersham, in 1752. Some time later he bought of the State a large farm on the old stage road to Barre on the east side of Petersham, this farm hav- ing been confiscated from a tory by the name of Beaman.
The earlier history of the family has not been recorded, but from their habits and the style of their home they would be classed with those pioneers who taught their traditions about the firesides in olden times : but being required to give up their culture for the new clerical learning that was being forced upon Europe from the South, they took the opportunity to leave Eng- land and, like the Puritans, made a home in the new world. They moved from place to place until they located on the ideal spot already mentioned. The home site gave a view of the well chosen rolling fields which spread out around it. These were traversed by a brook, flowing over moss-covered stones, forming a deep pool at the bridge crossing it. To this, cherished after the man- ner of their forefathers as well as native custom, clung many traditions of the locality. It was put to usefulness turning the mill wheel, watering the stock, its groves serving for picnic grounds and neighborhood rendezvous.
The old house was distinctive in style : its fire-places were the outcome of generations of fireside circles, differing in their own way from other styles of "Old Colonial" architecture.
Samuel Bryant had two wives, Lydia, who bore him two sons, Thomas and Samuel ; and Betsey Bowker, by whom he had two children, Joel and Lydia.
His son Joel (born October 10, 1762) married Sybillah Bragg (born May 20, 1760) in 1788. He had five children, Arte- mas, Amasa, Rufus, Eliza and Lucy. About 1801. Sybillah hav- ing died, he married Hannah Grout Lord, by whom he had two children, Nancy and Harrison. Joel Bryant raised a company for the Revolutionary army and a captain's commission was given him. He died in 1825.
Artemas Bryant, the eldest child of Captain Joel Bryant, was born June 17, 1790. He grew to be a man of medium height,
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and was noticeable for having one blue eye and one black one. He was a man of great energy and started out in life with the thought that a trade was valuable for every young man to have, and accordingly went to a town near Boston and served his time as a tanner. At the same time he learned to play the violin and cello. At the end of his apprenticeship he returned to his native town and started in his business as a tanner in a small way. Not long after, September 11, 1819, he married Mehitable Wilson, a daughter of Major John Wilson and Sarah Fisk of Newton. John Wilson, the father of Major John Wilson, came over from Eng- land at an early age and settled in Newton. Mehitable Wilson was born November 23, 1796. Artemas Bryant lived with his wife in the village until his father died, when he moved out to the farm.
Being an active man in all town affairs he was made post- master, receiving the mail at his house, and later justice of the peace, with authority to marry, thereby acquiring the title of "Squire," which he abhorred. He had large executive ability and was given many large estates, as well as small ones, to adminis- ter ; he was also called in to settle great failures, and exercised a respected public influence. He was deeply interested in poli- tics, and was a strong Jeffersonian democrat. Voting days his horses did active service in hunting up the feeble and indifferent voters and taking them to the polls. He was twice sent to the Legislature.
For twenty years he was chairman of the selectmen and an assessor, levying taxes regularly every year-his house was often the meeting place where the books were worked upon and other business transacted.
One interesting incident occuring during his term as se- lectman is related by one of his daughters: Mrs. Hosea Carter lived away from the main road and wanted to get a town road so her children could go to school. The selectmen were willing to build the road, but not where she wanted it. Being a woman of tact and finesse she gave a fine dinner to the selectmen and the home-made grape and currant wines for which she was famous flowed freely-and she got her road.
Artemas Bryant was too busy a man to be a great reader, nevertheless he was a subscriber for the Barre Gazette (which
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publication is still in existence) and the Boston Statesman. At one time he brought Tom Paine's "Age of Reason" into the house. It was considered heretical by the Puritans and his wife hid it in a cupboard over the china closet, where it lay until after his death, when she burned it.
His musical talent was put to good use for in those days the singing was always accompanied by different kinds of instru- ments, violin, cello and double bass viol-Mr. Barr was choirister, Artemas Bryant played the cello. and Stephen Spooner the bass viol. They were faithful to this service for years, often meeting at "early candle light" by announcement after church service by the choirister. He had a pipe organ in his home which afforded his children great pleasure. Every winter there was a singing school and everyone who could sing the scale was permitted to join, and all who played an instrument of any kind at any of the churches assisted. Artemas Bryant never missed joining any pleasure party, whether singing, dancing or sleighing, and was known for his great hospitality.
He was one of the committee that built the Unitarian church in 1844. The old church they made into a town hall. When the new church was built the stringed instruments gave way to the organ.
The end came to Artemas in the fields June 1, 1858, and when he was laid to rest his two musical associates bowed down and kissed him a last farewell. Mehitable Bryant died May 29, 1884.
There were nine children born to Artemas and Mehitable Bryant: John Wilson, born Aug. 1, 1820, died March 30, 1900 ; George Atwell, born May 16, 1822, died March 8, 1883; William Hyde, born June 27, 1824, died June 29, 1824; Eliza Ann, born Nov. 5, 1825, died August 15, 1844 ; Charles, born July 12, 1827, died August 5, 1891 : Adelphia, born August 20, 1829 ; Frederic. Lorn Jan. 20, 1831 ; Sarah Elizabeth, born May 26, 1833; Eleazer Henry, born Sept. 25, 1837, died Sept. 4, 1843.
John Wilson Bryant made his home in Orange, Massachu- setts ; George Atwell Bryant stayed on the old homestead in Petershanı: Charles Bryant lived in Minneapolis, Minnesota ; Adelphia Bryant Schaefer lives in Chicago; Frederic Bryant in Petersham, and Sarah Elizabeth Bryant Winsor in Boston.
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The descendants have many heirlooms of Artemas and Me- hitable Bryant, such as spoons, chairs, stand, warming pan, and- irons, looking glass, etc.
Frederick Bryant
Frederick Bryant, the youngest son of Artemas and Mehit- able ( Wilson) Bryant was born Jan. 30. 1831, in Petersham, He received his education in the schools of his native town, living at home a greater part of the time, learning his trade of tanner working with his father until the death of the latter in June, 1858.
After settling his father's estate, he enlisted in 1862 in Co. F. 53rd M. V. M., under Capt John G. Mudge, as a nine months man. The climate of the South never agreeing with his health, he was unable to endure the long marches with his company, much to his regret, but usually found lighter employment and "would not go home until the boys went," which was in Sept .. 1863. He was never able to do manual labor after.
In 1880 he was elected one of the Assessors of the town and served thirty consecutive years serving as chairman most of the time. Col. Josiah White was chairman at the time he went on the board and he always felt he owed his success to the "Col." for his kindness in starting him right. He lived only two years after giving it up and passed away Aug. 29th, 1913.
George Washington Cook
Son of Ellis and Mary (Loring) Cook, was born at Peters- ham, March 22, 1853.
His first ancestor in America, Major Aaron Cooke, was born in England in 1610, and came to Dorchester, Mass., in 1630, later residing in Windsor, Conn., Hadley, Westfield and North- ampton, Mass., where he died Sept. 5, 1690. His son, Capt. Aaron Cooke, and Sarah Westwood Cooke were the first couple married in Hadley. His grandson, Rev. William Cook, was a graduate of Harvard College, and minister at Sudbury for over forty years.
Capt. Samuel Cook of the fifth generation from Major Aaron, grandfather of George W. Cook, was born Feb. 18, 1753. and married Lydia Parmenter of Westminster, Mass. From
FREDERICK BRYANT
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this marriage ten children were born, William, Samuel, Mary, Sarah, Jane, Elizabeth, Nathaniel, Sewell, Catherine and Ellis. His early life was spent in Worcester, Mass., and Clinton, New York. He was a volunteer in the Revolutionary war from Worcester in the Capt. Samuel Bigelow company. His sister married Nathaniel Maccarty, a successful and widely known merchant of Petersham, who accumulated a large fortune for those days. He built the old colonial dwelling on South Main street in Petersham now occupied by William S. Macnutt and family.
For many years Capt. Samuel resided on a farm situate in the southerly part of Petersham, which was later occupied by his son, Nathaniel. Here Ellis, father of George W. Cook, was born May 27, 1819. His education was received at the public schools in Petersham and Leicester Academy. On Aug. 24, 1844, he married Mary M. Loring of Petersham, daughter of Artemas, formerly of Barre, and Mercy (Sears) Loring, formerly of Greenwich, near neighbors.
Three children were born from this marriage, Sarah J. on Nov. 24, 1846, who always lived in Petersham, where she died Aug. 29, 1882 ; Samuel F., on March 9, 1849, who, when twenty- one went to Barre into the dental office of Dr. Howland, and later to Brooklyn, N. Y., where he was successful in his profes- sion until his death August 4, 1891.
The home farm was situate about one-fourth mile southwest of Petersham Center, opposite the present high school grounds, where all their children were born. The buildings were struck by lightning in 1855 and entirely destroyed. After which the family resided at the place nearby now owned by Charles E. Osgood.
Ellis was a member and regular attendant with his family, of the Baptist church, of which the late well-known Rev. John Shepardson was pastor. He died at Petersham, June 12, 1871, and his wife at Barre. Aug. 4, 1910.
George W. Cook was educated in the public schools and at the Highland Institute in Petersham. He prepared for college, but the death of his father in 1871 changed his plans, and the following year he entered the employ of Wetherill & Mudge of Petersham, general merchants. He went to Barre, March 3.
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1874, having obtained a position in the same line of business with Follansby & Dearborn. Several changes in the management oc- curred during the following six years, through which Mr. Cook remained. In 1880 Mr. Cook and Mr. C. H. Follansby purchased the business, which was successfully conducted under the firm name of Follansby & Cook, later Cook & Simonds, and Cook. Simonds & Bacon, until 1889, when poor health compelled him to seek other employment.
On March 13, 1878, Mr. Cook married Mary Louisa Davis of Barre, daughter of James F. and Lydia ( Holden ) Divis.
In 1891 he and his father-in-law formed a general insurance agency under the firm name of Davis & Cook, the business having been previously carried on by Mr. Davis for more than twenty- five years. The business was largely increased under the new management, and since the death of Mr. Davis in 1903 has been continued by Mr. Cook under the old firm name.
In 1894 Mr. Cook, with others, formed the Barre Water Company, raising the necessary funds for the construction of the works, which were completed and used for the first time October 25. 1895. This undertaking was carried through against the strongest opposition of a large majority of Barre's best citizens who were confident it would prove a failure, not only as a water supply, but financially. A fire the following summer, which threatened the destruction of a large portion of the village, set- tled the question of its value and desirability as a protection against fire ; and a plentiful supply of excellent water during later years, its convenience for domestic use. It having proved its financial worth as a paying investment, in 1906 the town by unanimous vote decided to acquire the property, which it will eventually own free of cost to the taxpayers. Mr. Cook has held the office of water commissioner and superintendent since the works were constructed, and only for his persistent efforts it may be doubtful if the town would have a water system today.
With the exception of one year as assessor, he has refused all town offices other than his connection with the water works.
For many years he has been trustee of the Barre Savings Bank and a member of its Board of Investment. He is also a director of the Barre Library Association and a member of the finance committee.
GEORGE W. COOK
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He was chairman of the building committee of Barre's beau- tiful high and grammar school building, which was presented to the town by the late Henry Woods of Boston. He is one of the public administrators of Worcester County, and for twenty-five years has done extensive probate business and settled many com- plicated estates.
In 1896 he purchased the property near Barre Center known as Barre Falls, one of the most interesting and picturesque places in this section of the State. This has been enlarged by the pur- chase of additional land, portions of which are covered with heavy timber. More than twenty thousand trees of different varieties have been planted, dams built and roads constructed. From the bottom of the gulch the banks rise to the height of one hundred twenty-five feet, and in the early springtime the water tumbling over the stony decline is turned into a white foam. The roar of the falls, with the rugged scenery, make it one of the most attractive spots in New England to which the public has free access. Coming years will tell the wisdom of preserving and improving this natural resting place and pleasure resort. In this lovely retreat, made beautiful at large expense, the owner takes justifiable pride.
A great lover of horses and an enthusiastic automobilist, with these he finds enjoyment and recreation.
During his residence in Barre he has Leen a constant attend- ant and liberal supporter of the Unitarian church. He has al- ways taken an active part in all matters pertaining to the best public interests. While he is a member of numerous organiza- tions, he is essentially a home man. He believes that success comes only by the closest attention to every business detail, and constant, persistent, honest effort will always bring its reward in dre season.
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