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 31
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Dunklee, Daniel Denney, son of William A. and Mercy (Joy) Dunklee, was born in Boston, June 23, 1843. He was educated in the public schools of Boston and Charlestown, and in the West Brattleboro, Vt., Academy. March 29, 1864, he enlisted from Boston in the U. S. Signal Corps, in which he served for two years. After his return he was employed by Poor, Towne & Co., druggists. Later he was for seventeen years with Matthew P. Elliot in the hat business. He established himself in that business in 1873, continuing in it until 1883. In 1885 he entered the employ of G. C. Dunklee & Co., his father being the head of the firm. In 1892 he purchased the business and has continued it to the present time at 113 Blackstone street, Boston, under the name of Dunklee & Co. In 1870 he married Miss Jeannette R. Whitehouse, of Topsham, Me. They have had three children, of whom Flor- ence and Lorimer are now living. His son Fred W. died August 26, 1892. Mr. Dunklee
JULIUS A. DURELL.
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is active in the Tremont Temple Church and Society. He is a member of Post 139, G. A. R .; Soley Lodge, F. A. A. M .; Royal Arch Chapter; and Orient Council, all of Somerville; and of De Molay Commandery, of Boston. He is a 32d degree Mason in Massachusetts Con- sistory. He has lived in Somerville ten years, and his residence is at 9 Oakland avenue.
Durell, Rev. George W. A history of Somerville would be incomplete without a tribute to " Father Durell," as Rev. George Wells Durell was lovingly called by old and young. Mr. Durell was born in Kennebunkport, Me. He graduated from Bowdoin Col- lege, and was at once elected principal of Limerick Academy. After teaching four years, he entered the Theological Seminary of Virginia, to prepare for the work to which he devoted his life. He was ordained in Brunswick, Me., by Bishop Burgess. His marriage to Miss Jane B. Moulton, of Topsham, soon followed in the same church, and, full of hope and cour- age, he went to his new labors on the frontier of the State. At Calais he founded the most easterly parish of the United States, and built a church of unusual beauty, where he remained for eleven years, serving all the time upon the School Board of the city. He was then chosen rector of Grace Church, Bath.
In the fall of 1866 he came to Somerville, having been called to Emmanuel Parish, and on the Ist of July, 1869, he became rector of St. Thomas' Parish, and continued in that position until his death, August 24, 1895. Under his direction the St. Thomas' Church was built, and that it was entirely free from debt when he passed away was owing to his earnest work and loving self-sacrifice. Probably no person was better known to the people of Somerville generally than Rev. Mr. Durell. He was to be seen daily upon the streets, and his familiar figure, always recognized in any company, will never be forgotten; he had a kindly greeting and a cheery smile for everyone.
Mr. Durell always took great pleasure outside of his parish duties in his close associa- tion with the Freemasons of Somerville and vicinity, and was honored by them in many ways. He was chaplain of John Abbot Lodge, the Royal Arch Chapter, and the Council of Royal and Select Masters. With the first of these he served twenty-nine years, with the second from its organization, and he was for a long time prelate of the commanderies of Knights Templar of Chelsca and Charlestown. With his other duties he found time to serve the city upon the School Board thirteen years, and when the schoolhouse was built at the corner of Beacon and Kent streets, it was named for him, and it now stands as a perpetual monument to his memory. He was a man strong in his faith, tender-hearted, kind and sympathetic, considerate and unselfish, and in all his relations with the world he was gentle, gracious, and of an affectionate spirit. As a churchman he was broad-minded and consid- erate in his dealings with the clergy and laymen of all other denominations. To all who worshipped the living God and believed in a Christ crucified for man's redemption he ex- tended the right hand of fellowship, and was ready to work with them for the universal brotherhood of man. His work on earth is finished, but as long as the spire of St. Thomas' Church points heavenward just so long will it speak of the love and gratitude of his fellow- men.
Durell, Julius A., son of Henry and Nancy (Mixer) Durell, was born in Boston, Jan- uary 9, 1844. He was educated in the schools of Paris, Me., to which town his family removed when he was quite young, and in the Hebron, Me., Academy. After leaving school he worked at farming five years, and in 1869 came to Somerville, where he has since resided. In 1877 he embarked in the hardware and plumbing business on his own account, establishing himself at 277 Broadway. He remained there three years, when he erected the building at No. 309 Broadway, and has continued there until the present time. His busi- ness is quite large and extends to places far remote from this city, Mr. Durell's work being well and favorably known. He has been twice married, his first wife was Emma A. Jordan, and his second, Mrs. M. Ella Hartshorn. Mr. Durell is a member of Paul Revere Lodge,
BYRON EAMES.
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and Winter Hill Encampment, I. O. O. F .; Erminie Lodge of Daughters of Rebekah; Har- mony Council of the Home Circle; O. O. U. W., etc. He has been treasurer of the Winter Hill Baptist Church for the past ten years.
Durell, Dr. Thomas Moulton, son of Rev. George Wells and Jane Berry (Moulton) Durell, was born at Calais, Me., October 2, 1858. He is of the Durell family that came from the Island of Jersey in 1678 and settled in Arundel, now Kennebunkport, Me., where his father was born. His parents moved to Somerville while he was a child, and his early edu- cation was received in the schools of that city, graduating from the high school. Enter- ing the Harvard Medical School at the age of eighteen, he was graduated in 1879. He studied for six months in Europe and one year in the Connecticut General Hospital in New Haven. In 1881 he commenced practice in Somerville, and in 1882 was appointed city physician, which office he held till 1889. In the year 1887 he was appointed, by Gov. Robinson, Medi- cal Examiner for the Second District of Middlesex County, and was reappointed in 1893 by Gov. Russell. He is now professor of legal medicine in the Medical School of Tufts College, a member of the Medical Board of the Hospital, and has been on the Board of Ilealth of Somerville. From 1884 to ISSS he was surgeon of the first battalion of Cavalry of Massachu- setts militia. He is a member of Massachusetts Medical Society, and the Massachusetts Medico-Legal Sociey. He is a past master of John Abbot Lodge of Masons, a member of Somerville R. A. Chapter, Cœur de Lion Commandery, K. T., of Charlestown, and a past district deputy grand master of the sixth Masonic district. He is a member of Oasis Lodge, I. O. O. F., member of the Central Club, Somerville, and the University Club of Boston. He has been a member of the School Board of Somerville for many years, which office he now holds. On June 3, 1886, he married Miss Alma L. Brintnall of Charlestown. Their children are Thomas and Ralph Brintnall Durell. Dr. Durell resides at No. 23 Bow street.
Durgin, Asa, was born in Limerick, Me., on the 10th of April, 1831. In 1849 he came to Massachusetts, and for several years was in the employ of Gage, Hittinger & Co., the well-known ice dealers. In 1858 he went into the ice business on his own account in Cambridge, and he has built up a large and successful enterprise, being favorably known over a wide territory for strict and honorable dealings.
Although not a politician in the usual sense of the word, his abilities have been recog- nized by his fellow-citizens, and from 1876 to 1883 he represented them in the City Govern- ment to their entire satisfaction, serving two years in the Council, and five years on the Board of Aldermen. He has been a resident of Somerville for thirty years, and is much respected by all who know him.
Eames, Byron, son of John and Caroline F. (Day) Eames, was born at Groveton, N. H., Nov. 2, 1859. After three years' study in Charlestown schools, he attended the St. Johns- bury, Vt., Academy, from which he graduated in 1877, taking a full scientific course and fitting for college. He was engaged with his father in the lumber trade about ten years, and at the age of twenty-six came to Boston and embarked in the milk business, in which he has con- tinued until the present time. October 30, 1886, he married Miss Mary Richey of Groveton, N.H., and they have one son. Mr. Eames is engrossed with his business, and has had no time to devote to society and club affairs, the only Somerville organization that he has joined being the Winter Hill Club, of which he is one of the directors. He resides on Sycamore street.
Eberle, Philip, was born in Baden, Germany, June 22, 1833. At the age of fifteen he left school to learn the shoemaker's trade, and three years later, after obtaining permis- sion from his guardian, his parents having died when he was a child, he came to this coun- try, landing in New York in July, 1851. Ile subsequently removed to Boston, and in conse- quence of his inability to speak our language was obliged to work for very small wages, his first year's salary amounting to only thirty dollars. After spending five years in Cambridge he came to Somerville in 1857, opened a shoe-store on Somerville avenue, opposite the
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Bleachery office. In 1867 he was a member of the association that was formed to erect the Union Hall Co. Building, and when the structure was completed, he, in June, 1868, established in it the shoe store in which he has continued business until the present time. In 1884 hc erected the so-called Eberle Building in Union square, in which Eberle Hall is located. Mr. Eberle has been connected with the Somerville Savings Bank since its origin, and has been on the investment committee of the bank for the past seven years. He married Miss Cather- inc Murtugh, and their family consists of two sons and one daughter. They reside at 47 Columbus avenue.
Edgerly, John S., was born November 30, 1804, at Mercdith, N. Il., and, like many others, early left his home in the country to get a better living in the city of Boston. About 1836 he moved to Winter Hill, then a part of Charlestown. IIe was always interested in public affairs, and was one of five who were instrumental, by their earnest zeal, in having what is now Somerville set off from Charlestown as a separate town. He was for fourteen years one of the Board of Selectmen and most of that time its chairman. He served on the School Board, and as an Overseer of the Poor in those early days, and "no night was too dark or road too bad for him to start with his lantern and shovel to break out any place that his horse could not get through, whenever there was need." He died January 20, 1872. The Edgerly School, named in his honor, was established in 1871.
Elliot, Charles D., was born in Foxboro, Mass., in 1837, son of Joseph and Zenora (Tucker) Elliot. His ancestors were early settlers of Taunton. His great-grandfather, Joseph Eliot, a revolutionary soldier, served in the siege of Boston, and in campaigns in New Jersey and in New York against Burgoyne. Another ancestor, John Hicks, was a member of the " Boston Tea Party," and was one of the " men of Cambridge " killed in the battle of Lexington. His great-grandfather Tucker's family were among those who fled from their burning homes in Charlestown during its destruction by the British. Mr. Elliot came to Somerville in 1846, and was educated in its grammar and high schools, and in the " Hopkins Classical " at Cambridge, -studied civil engineering in office of W. B. Stearns (late Pres. Fitchburg R. R.) and Danicl A. Sanborn, and was engaged in railroad and other engineering, on surveys of Somerville, and upon Charlestown Water-Works, until he was appointed by the War Department in 1862 as Topographical Engineer and assigned to 19th Army Corps, serving under Generals Banks, Franklin, Grover and Asboth, in the Teche, Port Hudson, Sabine Pass and Red River campaigns and in Florida, on reconnoissance and in charge of construction of field fortifications, etc. In 1863 he married Emily J., daughter of Judge Hyer of Louisiana. From 1866 to 1868 he was engaged in a manufacturing business. He was in partnership with W. A. Mason, C. E., from 1869 to 1872; in 1871-1872, engineer of Arlington Water-Works; was city engineer of Somerville in 1872-1874 and 1875; on surveys and estimates for Cape Cod Canal, 1881-1882 and 1884; and in 1894-1895 he laid out the proposed " Mystic Valley Parkway" He is engaged in professional practice, and is agent for estates of J. C. Ayer in Somerville and Brookline. He is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, of the N. E. Historic Genealogical Society, Sons of American Revolution, and other orders. Resides at 59 Oxford street.
Elliot, Miss Mary E., was born in Somerville, February 2, 1851, and is a daughter of the late Joseph and Zenora (Tucker) Elliot, and a sister of Charles D. Elliot. Her ancestors on both sides were among the earliest settlers of Massachusetts. She is a lineal descendant of two revolutionary soldiers, Joseph Eliot and John Hicks, both of whom died in the service. Her grandfather, Stephen Tucker, was a schoolboy in Charlestown at the time of the battle of Bunker Hill, and was among those who fled to Medford for safety during the siege. In later years he settled in the Green Mountain State, and was the first town clerk of Mount Holly, Vt. Miss Elliot's father was one of the founders of the First Univer- salist Church of Somerville. She attended the Prospect Hill School, and later a private school
RUSSELL C. ELLIOTT.
Residence of ABRAHAM A. ELSTON, 25 Preston Street.
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in Foxboro, where she lived from 1862 to 1866. During a residence in Cambridge she was active in temperance work, and continued her interest on returning to Somerville, where she has resided the past twenty-five years. She has given addresses in behalf of the cause in many parts of the State, and has served as secretary of local, county and state organizations. She was president of the Somerville W. C. T. U. in 1877. In 1878 she assisted in forming Willard C. Kinsley Relief Corps, and served as is first president, continuing in the office six years. She was a delegate to the national convention at Minneapolis in 1884, and has at- tended every subsequent national convention, serving several years on the press committee, and as assistant national secretary at San Francisco. In July, ISS5, Miss Elliot was appointed secretary of the Department of Massachusetts W. R. C., which position she still holds. This department has supervision of one hundred and seventy corps, whose work is conducted on a systematic basis, similar to that of the Grand Army of the Republic. She is a writer for the press, and was chairman of the history committee of the Department of Massachu- setts W. R. C., under whose charge a volume of four hundred pages has recently been pre- pared. Miss Elliot has delivered six memorial-day addresses, and has spoken in nearly every part of the State at patriotic gatherings. She is one of the original members of the Ladies' Aid Association of the Soldiers' Home in Massachusetts, and has served on the Board of Directors and as a vice-president. She is secretary of Bunker Hill Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, and is a member of several local societies.
Elliott, Russell C., was born in Concord, N. H., June 5, 1842, son of Captain Enoch B. and Jane (Bowers) Elliott of that city. He attended the Oliver Grammar and High School of Lawrence, Mass., where he spent his boyhood. Ilis war record is a remarkable one. Enlisting a private, he attained the rank of Captain in the Third Massachusetts Cav- alry by an unequalled service in his regiment. Participating in all the battles the regiment was engaged in, he was ten times wounded, and carried a Minie ball twelve years. In the engagements of Sabine Cross Roads, Jackson, Bayou Rapides, Snaggy Point, Old Oaks, Natchi- toches, Piney Woods, La., and at Winchester and Cedar Creek, Va., he performed such ex- ceptional acts of gallantry the officers of his regimental association, his old commander and other comrades petitioned the War Department for a proper recognition therefor, and Con- gress awarded him a Medal of Honor for " distinguished gallantry." At Jackson, La., he led twelve men in a charge through the enemy's cavalry and infantry lines, and brought away four prisoners with only one man killed. At Bayou Rapides, again surrounded, he led his whole company through two lines of the enemy, both armies cheering the dashing act. He is in business at 43 Milk street, Boston, and has made great improvements in electric heating, lighting, power and telephoning apparatus. His opinions on patent rights " seem phenome- nal " to quote others, having been invariably sustained when submitted to court decision. Captain Elliott married Miss Julia Greer, daughter of Andrew and Jane (Green) Greer of Boston. Mrs. Elliott was a most lovable and accomplished lady and a remarkable vocalist. She died April 18, 1891. Through Captain Elliott's efforts many houses have been built and much real estate improved in Somerville. He came to live here in 1878, and has resided at the corner of Perkins and Florence streets since 1883. Though taking an active interest in politics, Mr. Elliott never aspired to official position, and many times has refused appointive offices.
Elston, Abraham A., the son of Benjamin and Hannah (Bartlett) Elston, was born in St. John, N. B., April 15, 1858. He has resided in Somerville since 1867. He started busi- ness as a contractor, and has taken down more than 2,000 buildings, including many of the largest and most famous of the older Boston buildings, such as the Tremont House, Tremont Temple, Boylston Market, etc. He was married June 16, 1886, to Miss Mary E. McCann. They have three children. He has served in the City Council of Somerville, and is a mem- ber of the Young Men's Democratic Club, the Knights of Columbus and Good Fellows. He
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has a large yard and storehouses at the corner of Sixth street and Broadway, Cambridge. Ilis Boston office is at 166 Devonshire street. He has resided at 25 Preston street since 1890.
Farrell, Michael F., was born in the city of Kilkenny, Ireland, September 13, 1848. HIe came to New York City, where he was educated in the puplic schools. He came to Somer- ville in 1864, and finished his education at Boston College, Mr. Farrell studied law in the of- fice of Edwin S. Hovey in Boston, and was admitted to the Middlesex Bar in 1871. From 1874 to 1879 he was a member of the Somerville School Board. In 1877 he was admitted to the bar of the Circuit Court of the United States. When Judge Brown resigned his office of Special Justice of the Police Court of Somerville in 1888, Mr. Farrell was requested to ac- cept the position, but declined in favor of Charles G. Pope, who was appointed. After the death of Judge Pope in 1893 he was appointed, and was unanimously confirmed by the Council. Ile married Elizabeth M. Treanor of Boston in 1874.
Fitch, Nathan A., son of Nathan and Louisa (Burnham) Fitch, was born in Bedford, Mass., 1836. He was educated in the public schools in that town, and at New Hampton, N. H. He came to Boston in 1852, and entered the employ of Ilervey & Moore, provision dealers, on Leverett street, 'where he remained for seven years; he subsequently entered the Faneuil Hall Market, where he is at present located, engaged in the poultry business. Soon after coming to the city he united with the Baldwin-Place Church, but shortly after removed to the Baptist Bethel, then under the pastorate of the Rev. Phineas Stowe, where he has been for thirty-eight years actively engaged in the work of the church and Sunday-school, having served the school thirty-six years as its superintendent, and eighteen years as treasurer of the church and society. He is trustee of the Phineas Stowe Sailors' Home, the Howard Lodge, I. O. O. F., and the N. E. O. P. He is also a member of Soley Lodge, F. A. A. M., the Boston Fruit and Produce Exchange, the Chamber of Commerce, the Excelsior Council, R. A., the Knights of Honor, and A. O. U. W., Beacon Lodge, Boston. He served the city in the Common Council in 1882, and Board of Aldermen in 1883 and 1884. Mr. Fitch married Calista F., daughter of Reuben and Beatrice (Beard) Tarbell of Rindge, N. H. They have resided for twenty-two years on Franklin street.
Fitz, N. Everett, was born in Charlestown, February 24, 1830, the eldest son of Abel Fitz, who carried on the grain mills at Charlestown Neck until 1840, and who removed to Mt. Vernon street, Somerville, in 1846, and served on the Board of Assessors with John C. Magoun. N. Everett Fitz entered the employ of W. B. Reynolds & Co. on Commercial Wharf, Boston, in 1846, and in 1850 went to Charlestown as bookkeeper for his brother-in-law, Nathan Tufts, Jr., at the mills previously operated by his father. In 1857 he married Harriet A., daughter of John C. and Sarah A. Magoun, and moved to the house now occupied by him on Broadway, Winter Hill. In 1864 he embarked in the coal and wood business in Charlestown and still continues in the same at 541 Main street.
Flewelling, Dr. Douglas S., was born in Clifton, K. C., N. B., in 1861, and is a grand- son of the late Hon. W. P. Flewelling, Surveyor-General of New Brunswick and a colonel of the militia. In the American Revolution his maternal ancestors fought on the side of the loyalists, while his paternal grandmother was a New York lady of revolutionary stock. He was educated in public schools and the Normal College, from which he was graduated at the age of eighteen. He was principal of Graded School in Kingston, second master of Sussex IIigh School, organist in Trinity Church, and was identified with the Eighth Regiment of Cavalry. He was three years principal of Brigus Academy, Newfoundland, and during his vacations improved the opportunities for sport with rod and gun. He lectured in Schmidt's Educational Institute in New York one year. After a three years' course in the University of New York he was graduated as physican and surgeon. He spent one term in the Lying-in- Hospital, and took private course with Dr. Gibbs of New York, a specialist in the treatment
DOUGLAS S. FLEWELLING, M. D.
A. WARD FOLLETT, M. D.
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of diseases of women. The doctor is fond of field sports, especially tennis and cricket. He is a member of the 1. O. O. F., the A. and I. O. K. of M., and Fellow of the Massachusetts Medical Society. He is located at No. 9 Carlton street, and has an extensive practice.
Follett, Dr. A. Ward, was born in Royalton, Vt., January 27, 1858, the son of Annie and Arvilla (Dodge) Follett, now of Sharon, Vt., and direct descendant of Robert Follett of Salem, Mass., born in 1625 and died in 1708. His early education was obtained in the schools of his native town, afterwards graduating from the Randolph State Normal School. He taught several years in the Vermont schools, and graduated from Dartmouth Medical College in 1881. Dr. Follett served as assistant physician in the Butler Hospital, Provi- dence, R. I., from 1881 to 1886, when he moved to Cambridge, Mass., and in 1888 com- menced the practice of his profession in Somerville. He is a member of Somerville Royal Arch Chapter, R. A. M., also member of the Vermont State Medical, Somerville Medical and Massachusetts Medical Societies. In 1886 he married Carrie B., eldest daughter of Charles S. Gove of Cambridge. They reside at 488 Broadway.
Foote, Edward, was born in Lee, Mass., in October, 1824. He was educated in and graduated from the Lee Academy in 1842, and was a teacher in the public schools six seasons - winters. In 1844 he came to Boston and entered the employ of A. A. Frazar, father of the late Douglas Frazar, then engaged in the East India trade, but returned to Lee in the spring of 1845, where he remained several years in the farming and lumbering busi- ness. In 1851 Mr. Foote bought a farm in Smithtown, Long Island, N. Y., and during twelve years of his residence there was engaged in handling stock, which he bought in the north and west, and sold in the markets of Long Island. In 1864 he came to Somerville and entered into partnership with the late George Skilton and his son George C. Skilton, under the firm name of Skilton, Foote & Co., for the manufacture of what is well known as the Bunker Hill brand of pickles. Since the death of Mr. Skilton, Sr., there have been associated with him, under the same firm name, George C. Skilton and Edward H. Foote. For a term of six years, from 1877 to 1882 inclusive, he was a member of the Somerville Water Board, four years of which he was [its president. Mr. Foote is the oldest living charter member of the Winter Hill Lodge, K. H., and has been a member of the Broadway Congregational Church of Somerville for more than a quarter of a century, and during the last twenty years one of its deacons. He married Mrs. Emily Chapman, daughter of David and Eliza (Jones) Curtis of Curtisville, and for twenty-five years has resided at 419 Broadway terrace.
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