USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Somerville > Somerville, past and present : an illustrated historical souvenir commemorative of the twenty-fifth anniversary of the establishment of the city government of Somerville, Massachusetts > Part 28
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Bell, Luther V., M. D., LL. D., was born in Chester, N. H., December 20, 1806. He was graduated from Bowdoin College before he had finished his seventeenth year. IIc received his medical degree from the Hanover Medical School. He early distinguished himself in the practice of his profession, particularly in surgery and in the treatment of the insane. In January, 1837, he entered upon his duties as superintendent of the McLean Asylum for the Insane, and for twenty years conducted the institution with rare ability and success. He was everywhere acknowledged as an authority on all questions connected with his profession. He was always interested in whatever affected the welfare of Somerville, and was chairman of the School Board from 1843 to 1847. In 1850 he was a member of the Executive Council, in 1852 a candidate for Congress, and in 1856 for the office of Gov- ernor. In 1856, in consequence of failing health, he retired from the McLean Asylum, and thenceforth resided in Charlestown. In 1861, animated by an intense love of country, notwithstanding his feeble health, he offered his services to the State, and was commissioned as surgeon of the 11th Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteers. He engaged immediately in active service, being soon promoted to the post of Brigade Surgeon and finally to that of Division Surgeon. As a result of exposure and the rigors of the service, after a brief illness, he died February 11, 1862.
By vote of the School Board on March 1, 1862, the primary school on Cherry street was named the L. V. Bell School in his memory. In 1867 this school was closed, and in 1874 the school on Vinal avenue was named the Luther V. Bell School in his honor.
Residence of DANA W. BENNETT, 48 Putnam Street.
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Bennett, Clark, was born in Londonderry, Vt., November 3, 1810. His ancestors were among the early settlers of Groton, Mass. His grandfather, David, early joined the Continental Army, and served in the siege of Boston. Mr. Bennett was the eldest son of nine children. When he was twenty-one years old he settled in Somerville, then Charlestown, where for twenty-five years he successfully carried on the brick business, then a leading industry of the town. Later he followed the insurance business.
Mr. Bennett's actions on all public matters requiring his attention were controlled by a conscientious desire to do right, as well as a full knowledge of the requirements, present and future, of our growing city. The abatement of the Miller's River nuisance, the inauguration of an excellent sewerage system, more especially for West Somerville, the widening and grading of Somerville avenue, and the construction of the public park, all bear witness to his unremitting efforts to place Somerville on a par with her sister cities. The record of Mr. Bennett's official service includes eleven years on the School Committee, a part of the time its chairman, the town treasurership, and three years' service in the Board of Aldermen. Mr. Bennett died January 6, 1882. The Bennett School was named in his honor by vote of the School Board, April 8, 1868.
Bennett, Dana W., son of Clark Bennett, was born in Somerville, February 28, 1859. He received his education in the Somerville schools, from which he graduated with great credit. He is now engaged in the insurance business at 82 Water street, Boston, and rep- resents for that city and Massachusetts large fire and accident insurance corporations. He was a member of the city government for five years, serving three years in the Common Council, and retiring from the Board of Aldermen in 1887 after two years' service. Mr. Bennett is a member of John Abbot Lodge, F. A. A. M. He resides at 41 Putnam street.
Bentley, George William, son of John and Caroline Bentley, was born September 14, 1859, at Sutton-Coldfield, England. Coming to America in 1881, he settled in Massachusetts in the year 1882. In 1883 he entered upon the line of business in which he is now engaged. In 1892 the "George William Bentley Company " was incorporated under the laws of Massachusetts, for the purpose of transacting business as manufacturers' agents, and Mr. Bentley is in charge of the business. He is a member of Soley Lodge, F. A. A. M., of Somerville Royal Arch Chapter, and of De Molay Commandery of Knights Templar; also of Unity Council, Royal Arcanum. For the greater part of the time since coming to Massa- chusetts he has resided in Boston and Somerville, being at present located at the handsome residence, No. 19 Adams street, Winter Hill. He was married to Miss Emma J. Myers of New York City, and they have three children.
Berry, William H., son of Robert Berry and Maria (MacMahon) Berry, was born March 25, 1855, in New Jersey. His father died while William was a child in New York, after which event his mother moved with the family to Lexington, Mass., where he remained until he was twelve years of age. The family removed to Somerville about 1867. He was educated in the public schools of Lexington and Somerville, and in a commercial college in Boston. He was employed for three years in the wholesale department of R. H. White's store, and at the age of eighteen commenced learning the mason's trade with John W. Leighton of Boston. He was engaged in that trade in California for three and one-half years from 1874. He was engaged in the hacking and carriage business at 14 to 20 Custom House street, Boston, for four years, and in May, 1889, purchased the property which is known as the Custom House Stables, where he puts up from one hundred to two hundred horses daily.
Mr. Berry has also considerable real estate in Somerville and Winthrop. He served in the Common Council of Somerville in 1894-95, and on the Board of Aldermen of 1896. He is a member of Mt. Sinai Lodge, I. O. O. F., North Cambridge, and the Somerville Encampment; also of St. John's Lodge, F. A. A. M., of Boston, Somerville Royal Arch
EDWARD BACKUS.
HIRAM R. BISHOP.
J. ALBION BRIGGS.
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Chapter, Orient Council, and De Molay Commandery. He was married in 1881, and has three children. He resides at 39 Cherry street.
Bingham, Norman Williams, was born in Derby, Vt., May 19, 1829, and educated in the public schools and in the academies at Derby and St. Johnsbury, Vt. He studied law at Irasburgh, and in 1855 was appointed Clerk of Orleans County Court, and thus became ex officio Clerk of the Supreme Court and the Court of Chancery as well. During the war for the Union he held several important places of trust, both State and national, and his services were of great value to the country. In 1866 he was made special agent for the United States Treasury Department, and three years later was placed in charge of the cus- toms revenue district of New England, comprising thirty-two collection districts. He held this important position until 1885, and discharged its arduous and exacting duties with great ability and fearless independence. His experience and influence led to the modification and improvement of the customs laws, and to a marked increase in the efficiency of that depart- ment of public service. Mr. Bingham removed to Somerville in 1869, and has always been influential in furthering the interests of the city. He was elected to the School Board in 1880, and served without interruption for fifteen years. His labors in connection with schools have been marked by a discriminating regard for their interests and by constant effort to secure their advancement. The school on Lowell street, erected in 1886 and en- larged in 1894, was named the Bingham School in perpetuation of his name and memory.
Binney, Martin, second son of Barnabas and Jane (Binney) Binney, was born at East Cambridge, Mass., February 24, 1831. He comes of Old Colony stock, which dates back to 1635, in which year Capt. John Binney, the ancestor of the family in America came from England and settled in Hull, Mass. Mr. Binney passed his earlier days at East Cam- bridge, and received his education in the Cambridge schools. At the age of seventeen he was engaged in the clothing business, and subsequently was bookkeeper with How & Leeds in Boston, and after that entered the real estate and insurance business. Since the age of nineteen he has been connected with the militia of this State, he having joined the old Bos- ton Light Infantry and the Fusileers at that period.
In 1860 he joined the Somerville Light Infantry, Capt. Francis Tufts, and in April, 1861, was one of the first to enlist in this company (Co. I, 5th Mass. Vols. ) for three months' service, during which he participated in the battle of Bull Run, July 21, 1861. He was honorably discharged, August 1, 1861, and in October following was commissioned second lieutenant in the 10th Maine Volunteers. He was detached early in 1862, and appointed assis- tant adjutant-general upon the staff of Col. Dixon S. Miles, in which position he took part in several skirmishes and in the siege of Harper's Ferry in June, 1862, after which he was com- plimented in general orders for "gallant and meritorious services in action." He was in this siege promoted first lieutenant, had his horse shot under him and was himself badly injured. At the surrender of Harper's Ferry to the Confederate general, A. P. Hill, Lieut. Binney was with the other troops a paroled prisoner of war, and remained such until Jan- uary 1, 1863, at which date he was exchanged. He immediately reported to Maj .- Gen. John E. Wool, commanding the Department of the East, headquarters in New York City, where he remained until June, 1863. Again enlisting he was at once (March 18, 1864) commissioned first lieutenant, and assigned to Co. B, 28th Mass. Vols. (Faugh-a-Ballaghs), and soon after was appointed upon the staff of Gen. Thomas Smythe of the Irish Brigade, Ist div., 2d (Hancock) corps. In May, 1864, he was promoted to captain in that regiment, and in July was appointed personal aide-de-camp to Maj .- Gen. Frank C. Barlow, commanding the Ist Div., 2d corps, and was retained in the same position by Maj .- Gen. Nelson A. Miles, who succeeded Gen. Barlow, until August 25, 1864, on which date, at the battle of Reams' Station, his horse was killed beneath him, and he was wounded in the leg and received other injuries which incapacitated him from further service in the war, and he was honor-
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ably discharged December 19, 1864. In his army service Capt. Binney participated in upwards of twenty-five battles and engagements, and had the reputation of being a most competent, daring and intrepid officer and soldier. After the close of the war he was rec- ommended by Maj .- Gens. Hancock, F. C. Barlow and Nelson A. Miles for a commission in the regular army.
Since the war Capt. Binney has done a large amount of ornamental pen-work, for which he is celebrated, and was for some time employed by Aaron Sargent, late city treasurer, to write the bonds issued by the city, they having been at that time made with the pen. Ile has also been employed as an accountant in clearing up complicated accounts. He was in the Common Council in 1881 and 1882, was an active member for nearly twelve years of the National Lancers, Boston, and is now an honorary member of that body; is a member (and Past Commander) of the. W. C. Kinsley Post, G. A. R .; of the Damon Lodge, K. P., Washington, D. C .; Antietam Command, Union Veterans' Union; and the Keystone Lodge, A. F. and A. M., of St. Louis, Mo. He is also a life member of the Lancers' Veteran Chari- table Association. He resides at 9 Linden Place.
Bishop, Hiram R., was born in Stanstead, P. Q., Canada, in 1830, and his early life was passed in that town. After completing his education, he taught school three years in Stanstead, and then came to East Cambridge, where he entered the employ of Elijah Space, ladder manufacturer, in which position he remained seven years. He then removed to Somerville, purchased a tract of land on Broadway, where he built a ladder factory, and began the business of manufacturing and continued in it until his death, which occurred Feb- ruary 12, 1888. Mr. Bishop was a member of the first City Council of Somerville and a member of the Flint-street Methodist Church. He was a man of unblemished reputation, and was much esteemed in both public and private life.
Bowman, Selwyn Z., was born in Charlestown, May 11, 1840, the son of Zadock and Rosetta (Cram) Bowman, of that place. His early education was obtained in the public schools and high school of Charlestown, whence he passed to Harvard College, where he was graduated A. B. in 1860 and LL. B. in 1863. He was admitted to the Suffolk bar in 1863, and opened a law office in Boston, where he has ever since remained. Mr. Bowman came to Somerville in 1856. He has served the city as city solicitor in 1872, 1873, and for the last eight years. He represented the city in the Legislatures of 1870, 1871 and 1875; was in the Senate of 1876 and 1877; and represented the fifth congressional district in the 46th and 47th Congresses in 1878-81. Mr. Bowman is a P. M. of John Abbot Lodge, and a member of Soley Lodge, F. A. A. M .; a member of Somerville Chapter, R. A. M; the Central and Middlesex Clubs. Mr. Bowman married Miss Martha E., daughter of Bowen E. and Sarah A. (Mead) Tufts, of Lexington. They reside on Broadway.
Brainard, Charles E., was born at Killingly, Conn., September 14, 1862, the son of James S. and Lucy A. (Chase) Brainard. He graduated from the Danielsonville High School, in the class of 1882, and for the first year thereafter taught at North Killingly, the home of William T. Harris, U. S. Commissioner of Education. For two years he was prin- cipal of the grammar school at Dayville, Connecticut, and for three years principal of the fifth district school at Putnam, in the same State. He then came to Massachusetts and was principal at Wellesley for one year.
That Mr. Brainard was destined to be a leader in school work was evident to the school authorities of Somerville, when, in 1889, they elected him principal of the Edgerly School. The building was an eight-room one at the time, and he was the first male principal the school had ever had. Mr. Brainard brought to his new place an impetus such as few schools have ever enjoyed. His inspiration to make success instant and certain was soon caught up by his able corps of teachers and pupils, and the seven years in which he has held his position have been those of prosperity, earnestness, fidelity, and void of adverse criticism so far as he
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is concerned. He is always ready to add the newest ideas to his work, and is as indefatigable as he is able.
Mr. Brainard was president of the Somerville Teachers' Association for 1894-5, and is now local secretary of the Teachers' Annuity Guild. He is a member of the Massachusetts Schoolmasters' Club, besides various other teachers' organizations. He is also a member of Excelsior Council, Royal Arcanum.
Mr. Brainard's mind has fine business bent, and it has led him to employ his summer vacation time in conducting the Wesley House at Cottage City, Martha's Vineyard. Com- mencing at the lowest round thirteen years ago, first as waiter, he made every department a thorough study, and six years ago became sole proprietor. The many patrons who have vis- ited him can attest to his ability and geniality, it being his one endeavor to please all and give offense to none. In that way he has, in addition to the fine location of the house, made it second to none at Cottage City. Mr. Brainard married Enola C., daughter of Capt. Richard and Carrie Cunningham, at Gloucester, Mass., December 29, 1890.
Brastow, George O., was born in Wrentham, September 8, ISII. He came to Charlestown (Somerville) in 1838, and located on Spring Hill; was a large owner of real estate, and built many houses in the town. He was very prominent in the division of the town in 1842, and was chosen selectman in 1845 and again in 1867. He served on the school committee from 1847 to 1862; represented Somerville in the House in 1849, 1850, 1851, and 1862; was a member of the Senate in 1854, and was again elected in 1866, serving four years, the last two as president. He went to the war as captain of the Somerville Company in 1862, and was afterward paymaster in the army. Mr. Brastow was chosen first mayor of Somerville in 1871; was re-elected in 1872; was a member of the Governor's Council in 1874, 1875, and 1876, and was one of the founders of the Middlesex and Somer- ville horse railroads, also of Post 139. He died at Canandaigua, N. Y., November 20, 1878.
Briggs, J. Albion, was born in Westbrook, Me., December 2, 1852, the son of Albion K. P. and Caroline C. (Chase) Briggs. When quite young his parents moved to Woburn, Mass., and after a two years' residence there his father died, and the family moved to Portland, Me., where he attended the public schools. When twelve years of age he came to Boston, and was a graduate of the Mayhew School. He returned to Portland and entered the law office of Hon. W. H. Clifford. Mr. Briggs was afterward engaged in the shipping business in Portland, going from there to Cuba, continuing in the same business and residing in Matanzas. Returning to Massachusetts, he accepted a position as assistant superintendent of the Westboro Reform School, leaving there to accept a similar position in Philadelphia, where he remained five years. He came to Somerville in 1885, and asso- ciated himself with C. C. Davis, under the firm name of Davis and Briggs, in the real estate and insurance business in Union square. Since June, 1890, the business has been con- ducted by Mr. Briggs under the same firm name. He has the care of many large estates. He is the Supreme Governor of the United Order of Pilgrim Fathers; member of Wonoha- quaham Tribe, I. O. R. M .; Somerville Lodge, A. O. U. W .; Central Club, Sons of Maine, Middlesex Club ; was chairman of Ward 2 Republican City Committee, three years. He resides on Vinal avenue.
Brigham, William E., editor and manager of the Somerville " Citizen " since Christmas, 1894, and to whose personal energy the marked increase in the growth of the " Citizen" and the organization of the new company, in consequence, are due, was born in Boston, Feb- ruary 16, 1865, but since the age of three and one-half years has lived at 4 Hillside avenue, East Somerville. He graduated from the Prescott Grammar School in 1880 and from the Somerville High School in 1884, making a special success of the study of literature and kindred branches. He was one of the founders and the original editor of the Somerville High School "Radiator," established in December, 1882, and which he conducted until his
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graduation. After a summer term as clerk at the popular Shirley House, Ocean Spray, Winthrop, Mr. Brigham went upon the Boston "Globe" as a reporter. In due time he was promoted to an editorial position, and was successively assistant night editor, assistant day editor, editor of Sunday correspondence - a very responsible place and requiring the nicest judgment, and which he held four years -and assistant to the assistant managing editor. Mr. Brigham resigned in July, 1891, to become managing editor of the Lynn "Daily Press," and resigned from that paper in October, 1893, to become assistant manager of the Keeley Institutes of Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut, which office he held when called to take charge of the " Citizen," December 22, 1894. During 1893 and 1894 he lived in Lynn, a city to which he is warmly attached.
Mr. Brigham is a charter member of the Boston Press Club, and for several years was a director of it and one of its vice presidents, and is specially remembered for his brilliant work in arranging its popular series of receptions to noted personages, which he originated, beginning with the lamented Frank Mayo, and including such men as P. T. Barnum, George Kennan. Wilson Barrett, Chas. Wyndham, and other famous actors and writers. Mr. Brig- ham is a member of the Central Club, has been a member of the Webcowit Club of Somer- ville, the select Park Club of, Lynn, and has been for seven years a member of Soley Lodge, A. F. and A. M., and of Somerville Council, 103, Home Circle. He was manager of the great Brigham family reunion, which took place in Odd Fellows' Hall, Boston, in October, 1895, was the first president of the Brigham Club of Boston, and is president of the national Brigham Family Association, he having been elected to that position in October, 1896, for a term of three years. Mr. Brigham is a widower, having buried a wife and two children.
Bruce, George A., was born at Mount Vernon, N. II., November 19, 1839, the son of Nathaniel and Lucy (Butterfield) Bruce, of that town. He was fitted for college at the Appleton Academy in his native town, and was graduated at Dartmouth College in 1861. He enlisted in the Thirteenth New Hampshire Volunteers, and served as first lieutenant, aide, judge advocate, and assistant adjutant-general. He was mustered out July 3, 1865, and brevetted lieutenant-colonel. He studied law in Lowell, and was admitted to the bar in 1866, and opened his office in Boston, where he has ever since remained. Mr. Bruce was a member of the New Hampshire Legislature in 1866, and of the Senate of Massachusetts in 1882, 1883 and 1884, being president of the Senate the last year. He came to Somerville in 1874, and served the city as mayor in 1877, 1880 and 1881. Mr. Bruce married Miss Clara M., daughter of Joseph F. and Sarah (Longley) Hall, of Groton. They reside on Highland avenue.
Burlen, Lorenzo Wickliffe, was born in Boston, October 4, 1850. His parents, Moses and Sarah Ann Burlen (nee Dickinson), and brothers M. Prescott, William Henry and Melancthon are all living, an only sister, Sarah Syrene, having died. Mr. Burlen was edu- cated in the public schools of Boston, having had for teacher, in the Mayhew School, Quincy E. Dickerman of our city, to whom he feels greatly indebted for physical as well as mental instruction. After two years of study in the English high school in 1866, he went to Eayr's private school on Somerset street, and became one of the most active members of the base- ball nine of that school, and participated in other athletic sports of those days, rowing, etc. In 1867 he was employed in the office of "The Narragansett S.S. Co." in the Old State House, now " Fall River Line." In April, 1868, he was appointed as messenger of the Na- tional Bank of the Republic, under the late David Snow, president, and Charles A. Vialle (now president), cashier. In February, 1872, he was appointed discount clerk of the Co- lumbian National Bank, the duties of which he faithfully performed for fifteen years until October 1, 1887, when he was elected cashier of the bank, which position he now holds. Mr. Burlen is one of the best known men on State street and in the banking circles, having
LORENZO W. BURLEN.
CHARLES S. BUTTERS.
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attended to the business of the banks with which he has been associated, at the Boston Clearing House, daily almost continuously for nearly thirty years. He was elected pres- ident of the Bank Officers' Association of Boston with a present membership of 619, at the annual meeting of the association in May, 1896. In October, 1850, Mr. Burlen was married to Mary Helen, daughter of William and Jane Kerr (latter now deceased), and has two sons living, Lorenzo Wickliffe, Jr., and William Kerr. IIe has recently purchased a residence in Brookline.
Burns, Mark F., son of Charles A. and Elizabeth (Hutchinson) Burns, was born in Milford, N. H., May 24, 1841. He came of good old New England stock, and his parents were among the earliest and most active of the anti-slavery agitators and always leaders in every good cause. He spent his early life on his father's farm, and obtained his education in the public schools of his native town and at the Appleton Academy, in Mount Vernon, N. H. He taught school in New Jersey for three years, and one year in Milford and adjoin- ing towns. In 1866 he located in Charlestown, Mass., and engaged in the milk busi- ness. In a few years he became one of the largest dealers in the State, carrying on both a wholesale and retail business, which he has continued until the present time, with the assistance of his sons, who now attend to the details of the business. Since 1873 Mr. Burns has resided in Somerville, with his business headquarters still in Charlestown. He has had large. experience in municipal affairs, having been a member of the Somerville Commnon Council in 1880-81, the latter year its president; of the Board of Aldermen in 1882-83; trustee of the Public Library in 1884, and mayor of the city in 1885, 1886, 1887, 1888. He was the first to suggest the formation of the Mayors' Club of Massachusetts, and was elected its first secretary, a position which he held for five years, and was then elected its president. serving the full term. For several years he was president of the Milk Contractors' Associa- tion. He has been a trustee of the Charlestown Five Cents Savings Bank, an institution having assets to the amount of over $6,000,000, since 1891. In March, 1895, he was elected its treasurer, and at the annual meeting held in the following June he was promoted to the office of president. He is also a director in the Monument National Bank, the Charles- town Gas and Electric Co., and the Mutual Protection Fire Insurance Co. On November 17, 1862, Mr. Burns married Elvira Bowers of Dunstable, Mass. By this union they had four children, who are now living, Samuel A., Robert, Maud and Paul S. Mrs. Burns died January 13, 1885, and on April 27, 1892, Mr. Burns married Sarah A. Miles of Somerville. The Burns School on Cherry street was built in 1886, during his mayoralty, and named in recognition of his services.
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