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 32
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44
Forster, Charles, was born in Charlestown, June 13, 1798, and died there September 1, 1866. He was engaged in mercantile pursuits until 1856, when he retired from active business. He held many public offices in Charlestown, and was the representative at the time the Convent was burned. In 1845 he removed to Somerville, and lived until 1863 at the corner of Sycamore street and Broadway. As a citizen of Somerville, he was always interested in the public welfare. The city is largely indebted to him for the trees which now adorn the streets of Winter Hill. In 1854 the Forster School was named in his honor. One who knew him well said of him - " He occupied a place second to none in the hearts and affections of the people of Somerville, and left behind him a reputation which any inan might envy- the reputation of a man who, by the purity of his life and character, his sweetness and kindliness of disposition, his unostentatious benevolence, the years of a long life devoted to charity towards the poor and suffering, had endeared himself to all who knew him, and grown deep into their hearts."
Frazar, Douglas, was born in Duxbury in 1836. He attended the schools of the town and Dixwell's private school in Boston, from which he graduated. His father was a prosper- ous State-street merchant, owning ships that sailed all over the globe, and while every opportunity was open to the boy to enter a mercantile life, he chose the sea as a profession.
534
SOMERVILLE, PAST AND PRESENT.
He made his first voyage as a boy before the mast, going around the world, receiving a salary of $2.00 a month. This trip occupied fourteen months. He advanced rapidly through the grades of seamanship, and when but twenty-one years of age he sailed from India Wharf, bound for China, as master of the bark Maryland, fitted out for him by his father. Arriving in China in 1859, a good prospect for business was opened to the young man, which he decided to accept, and he became the junior partner in the house of Frazar & Co., now one of the largest of the American East India houses. At the breaking out of the Civil War, Captain Frazar came home, offering his services to Governor Andrew of this Statc. As no cavalry regiment was at that time recruiting here, Captain Frazar received autograph letters of introduction to Governor Seymour of New York, from Governor Andrew, Charles Sumner, Henry Wilson and Josiah Quincy, and went to New York, where he took part in quelling the draft riots, and was, for his services, made major of the Thirteenth New York Cavalry by Governor Seymour, having gained the position on his own merits and without the use of his letters. During the war Major Frazar was promoted to the colonelcy of one of the South Carolina colored regiments, with Vice-President Wilson's only son as his lieutenant-colonel. At the close of the war he was brevetted by the President as hrigadier- general of volunteers, "for faithful service during the war."
Soon after, by personal request of Vice-President Wilson, General Frazar went to Virginia on a special mission to the freedmen. He remained two years, establishing schools, and otherwise assisting the colored people in their new positions as citizens. In 1870 he re-entered business with his father, Captain Frazar, but in the crisis of 1873 their property was swept away. Mr. Frazar was married in 1872 to Mae Durell, daughter of Rev. and Mrs. George W. Durell, and after a period of residence in Boston they came to Somerville to make their home. Mr. Frazar was widely known in Somerville, hoth on account of his public service and his literary attainments. He held the position of city auditor for sixteen years, and was for fifteen years clerk of the Common Council. Besides these offices, he held other positions of trust. During the long period of sixteen years of his connection with the city departments, he was for eleven years joint auditor for the Boston & Maine and the Eastern Railroads, and also for five years confidential clerk to General Manager James T. Furber. As a writer, General Frazar gained considerable prominence. He had been a con- tributor to " Harper's Magazine," the " Youth's Companion," and other high-class periodicals. He was the author of three books: "The Log of the Maryland," " Perseverance Island," and " Practical Boat Sailing." He also wrote several plays, and as a lecturer made an enviable reputation. He had studied in Paris, and during his extensive travels had crossed the Atlantic forty times. While in China in 1860, General Frazar was present at the capture of Pekin by the allied French and English forces. He was the first American, unattached to an embassy, to enter Pekin. After the war he continued to take great interest in military affairs, and was for two years major of the Tigers, a well-known Boston company of infantry. He was at one time a member of Williard C. Kinsley Post. Gen. Frazar died February 20, 1896, leaving a wife, Mrs. Mae D. Frazar, and two sons.
Frazar, Mrs. Mae Durell, was born in Calais, Me., but came to Somerville when very young with her father, Rev. George W. Durell. She was educated in our schools, and is an example of the value of our public school system for a good foundation in intellectual life. In 1872 she married Gen. Douglas Frazar, Mrs. Frazar carefully cultivated her taste for study, and acquired able command of her pen. Her interest in social and home life induced her to start an enterprise, which under her admirable executive ability won pronouneed success. It was a periodical entitled "The Home Life," and she secured for it a circulation of 20,000 subscribers. In 1887 Gen. Frazar desired to visit Mexico with some intention of making a prolonged residenee in that country. Mrs. Frazar accompanied him, surrendering " The Home Life " to other hands. She still, however, retained her hold on the pen, and eon-
FREDERICK C. FULLER.
536
SOMERVILLE, PAST AND PRESENT.
tributed interesting and instructive articles to the Boston papers; this she did for something over a year. On her return to Somerville her own experience in travel and her quick appreciation of a traveler's annoyances and necessities prompted her to undertake -- what no other woman has done so continuously and successfully - a number of European tours; these tours were rendered delightful by her earefully arranged routes, and by her own per- sonal oversight of those who patronized her enterprise. Mrs. Frazar has crossed the Atlan- tie eighteen times in furthering her tours. It might well be thought that such business cares would entirely engross one's energy, but, on the contrary, she made extensive notes on her travels, and has given lectures upon the cities and countries she has visited, replete with interesting information, eareful descriptions and characteristic humor. Besides lecturing in many of the cities of the United States, she has written and published poems and sketches of travels, and has prepared, and has ready for the press, a unique guidebook of foreign lands, containing legends, historical facts and much general information, all of which have been gleaned and selected with care, and will prove of great value not only to the tourist, but to the home reader.
IIer social life is as broad and intense as her literary and business life. She was one of the founders of the Heptorean Club, is an honorary member of the Daughters of Maine, and a member of the New England Women's Press Association. All these absorbing cares do not decrease her interest in others. She is attentive to the needs of those who deserve charity, and her gifts are wellnigh without stint. Altogether she is a remarkable woman. No woman has ever had the conduct of such large excursion parties. No woman can be more diligent in deed, in speech or with pen. Her knowledge of books is extensive. She has facile use of several languages besides her own, and it goes without saying that she has friends in all parts of the world.
Somerville is to be congratulated in having such a eitizen, a woman who is at once an incentive to, and an example of, all that is most praiseworthy in true womanhood.
Fuller, Frederick C., son of John and Martha T. Fuller, was born in Rockland, Me., June 2, 1884. When six years of age he moved to Norridgewock, Me., where he remained until twenty years of age, being a farmer's boy. He then removed to Lewiston, Me., and was working in the Androscoggin Mills, when he enlisted in the Seventh Maine Battery Light Artillery. At the close of the war he went to Lowell and worked for the Boott corporation, where he stayed three years, and then went to Wilton, N. H., and learned the carpenter's trade, remaining four years, going thence to Nashua and afterwards to Boston. Mr. Fuller eame to Somerville in 1870, and after serving as journeyman and foreman for several car- penters went into business in 1881 for himself, and he has erected a number of important buildings, and has remodeled the City Hall several times. In November, 1895, after being five years in the hardware business, he was appointed inspector of buildings and has proved himself most admirably fitted for the position, issuing over 600 permits last year, and revolu- tionizing the plumbing and building ordinances.
Mr. Fuller married Emma J. Law of Lowell, and two sons were born to them. Mrs. Fuller died recently. He is a member of Pentucket Lodge, A. F. and F. A., Somerville Royal Arch Chapter, Cœur de Lion Commandery, Orient Couneil, Paul Revere Lodge, Unity Council, and the Central Club. He lives at 41 Dartmouth street.
Fuller, Stephen W., the son of Stephen and Dorcas Fuller, was born in Charlestown, Mass., at " Craft's Corner," January 1, 1836. Commencing at the Primary School on Bow street, he afterwards attended the Training Field School under the late Stacy Baxter, and the Harvard and High Schools, leaving the latter in 1854, to earn a living in the lumber business at the Prison Point lumber yard. He remained at this place until 1858, when he went to Charlestown Neck on the Greenleaf Wharf. In 1860 he and Mr. John F. Ayer commenced business together as lumber dealers, and the firm continued until 1875, when Mr. Fuller took the
STEPHEN W. FULLER.
Residence of STEPHEN W. FULLER, 151 Walnut Street.
-- -
539
SOMERVILLE, PAST AND PRESENT.
whole business, occupying the same office for thirty-six years. Finding that the old quarters were not large enough for his increasing trade, he removed to 482 Rutherford avenue, Charles- town, where he is now located and carrying on a very large lumber business, the railroad cars running into his yard direct from the mills of all parts of the country. In 1860 Mr. Fuller married Miss Lavina P. Turner of Lyme, N. H .; they have one daughter, who is mar- ried to Mr. Charles E. Prichard of this city. In 1860 Mr. Fuller removed to Somerville. In 1873 he served the city as a member of the Common Council, and in the following year was a member of the Board of Aldermen, and chairman of the Board of Health and the Highway Committee. At the expiration of his two years' city service he retired, and devoted himself entirely to his business. His residence is at 151 Walnut street, in the house which he erected for his own occupancy in 1861.
Fulton, Justin D., D. D., pastor of First Baptist Church, was born in Earlville, N. Y., March 1, 1828. His father, Rev. John J. Fulton, was descended from North of Ire- land stock, and his mother, Clarissa Dewy Fulton, found a birthplace in Great Barrington, Mass., and was heir to many of the shining qualities of the Puritan element. In 1836 he removed with his parents to Brooklyn, Mich., and at the age of eleven united with the Baptist Church.
Ministers in Michigan, as a rule, were poor, and Mr. Fulton was not an exception. When eighteen years of age, the son, who up to this time had studied as best he could when not employed on the farm, hung up the harness one night, and on not taking it down next morning was asked the reason why. " Am going to college !" "How?" "Don't know, but I start this morning." At once he began preparations, and in the fall of 1847 entered the University of Michigan, and remained there three years, paying his way by working for his board during term-time and by selling books in vacation. At once he took a foremost position. In his Junior year he was elected president of the college literary society, an honor generally reserved for students of the Senior Class. In his fourth year he entered the University of Rochester, that he might take Hebrew and be ready to enter the Theological Seminary in advance. He was graduated from the University of Rochester in 1851, and entering the Theological Seminary, he remained through a part of the second year, when, urged by the Rev. Spencer H. Cone, D. D., and William H. Wyckoff, LL. D., to take charge of a Bible Union paper in St. Louis, Mo., he went there in December, 1853. The paper sprang into a large circulation. In it he printed the " Roman Catholic Element in American History," which at once arrested attention and excited opposition. Its ringing words called attention to the man, and twenty-four men and women, meeting in Biddle Market Hall, having had their attention directed to him, invited him to preach for them.
It was to him a providential call. He was ordained in May, 1854, over the Tabernacle Baptist Church. He loved to preach, but the characteristics which made him a success as an editor interfered with his success as a minister. He was bold, radical and outspoken. The young editor had given himself to the ministry years before, providing God opened the way. Now that the door was opened, he entered it with avidity. The committee in charge of the paper objected to the arrangement. The editor replied, "I believe that I am called to preach the gospel. If editing your paper interferes with this duty, I can give up the paper, but I will not give up the ministry." IIe began to preach with great acceptance to the people, and with unalloyed pleasure for himself. In 1855 the church became so large and the paper so important that Rev. James Inglis, of Detroit, came and took the pastorate of the church, becoming assistant editor of the paper, while the editor of the paper remained associate pastor of the church. This was in April. In May at Palmyra, Mo., the stock- holders of the paper met, and it was resolved "that it is not enough that the editor of the Gospel Banner be a gentleman and a Christian; he must believe that slavery is right per se
540
SOMERVILLE, PAST AND PRESENT.
and defend it." One man, born in New Hampshire, voted for the resolution; no one voted against it, and the resignation of the editor was offered and accepted. The committee in charge of the paper lived in St. Louis. The editor-elect, in his first issue, made an attack upon the man who built up the paper; the committee saw it, stopped the press, confiscated all published, and never permitted an issue of the Gospel Banner under the new regime. Almost penniless, he turned his back on this city of his love, accepted the invitation of his brother, Dr. S. J. Fulton, then residing in Toledo, O., to make his house his home until he had prepared for the press "The Roman Catholic Element in American History," and while engaged in this work received an invitation to supply the pulpit in Sandusky, Ohio. The result was a call to the church and the securing of a helpmeet in the person of Miss Sarah E. Norcross, who for twenty-seven years was the companion of his life and the mother of his four children. In 1859, after a successful pastorate, he removed to Albany, N. Y., and became pastor of the Tabernacle Baptist Church, and spent the ensuing four years in a very successful ministry. In December, 1863, he was for the third time invited to the charge of the Tremont Temple Church. His success in Boston was immediate. He began with fifty members, and when he left it, ten years later, the membership had reached over a thousand and the income over $23,000. In 1873, he became pastor of the Hanson-place Baptist Church of Brooklyn, N. Y. In 1887, he resigned his pastorate in Brooklyn, and became the pioneer of the great A. P. A. movement.
Dr. Fulton is a prolific writer, a forcible lecturer, and a stirring preacher of the gospel. IIe has been greatly blessed in his ministry, and has won to himself a great company of friends, who are loyal as any man could wish. Among the more notable of his works are the following : "The Roman Catholic Element in American History," already mentioned; "Life of Timothy Gilbert, the Founder of the Tremont Temple " ( Boston) ; "The True Wo- man," "The Way Out," "Show Your Colors," " Sam Hobart, the Railroad Engineer," " How to win Romanists," " Washington in the Lap of Rome," "Why Priests should Wed," "Spurgeon our Ally," etc., etc. A tract from his pen on the Sabbath has had a circulation of over one hundred thousand copies. In all the great reforms of the day he takes an active interest. The above sketches of Dr. Fulten's life are from the pens of the Rev. Robert S. McArthur, D. D., of New York, Bishop Gilbert Haven, and others.
Furber, William H., was born in Boston, October 1, 1828, the son of Thomas and Sophia (Monroe) Furber, of that city. His education was obtained in the public schools. Mr. Furber came to Somerville during its existence as a town, and here exercised a large in- fluence. He was a member of the Board of Aldermen for 1872 and 1873, one of the trustees of the Public Library for 1873, 1874, 1875, and mayor in 1874 and 1875. He delivered the centennial address on the history of Somerville in 1876. Mr. Furber married Miss Joanna, daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Boynton) Parker. They now reside in Newton.
Galpin, Mrs. Barbara. Among New England newspaper women Mrs. Barbara Gal- pin, of Somerville, enjoys the distinction of being one of the brightest and best equipped in the profession. She is best known to the majority of Somerville people, perhaps, as the edi- tor of the woman's page of the " Somerville Journal," with which paper she has been connected for nearly a score of years, and as the originator of the Heptorean Club, and treasurer of that organization since its inception. But these are not the only, nor even the principal causes of her distinction. Through her long connection with the " Journal," beginning as compositor, and being promoted to proof-reader, bookkeeper, and now having the direct charge of all the details of the large and growing business of the "Somerville Journal." newspaper and job printing establishment, she has had a remarkably varied experience, and has gained an in- sight into active newspaper management such as is enjoyed by few women. Her woman's page in the " Journal " is easily one of the best and most readable published. In its columns she has done much for the social and home sides of life, and also in assisting local charities.
Residence of AIME E. GIROUX, 67 Pearl Street.
Leving
JOSEPH J. GILES.
543
SOMERVILLE, PAST AND PRESENT.
She has contributed frequently to other papers, and her brilliant letters of travel and grace- ful poems have been widely read; in short, she is a thorough, all-round newspaper woman, With all her excellent business ability Mrs. Galpin is eminently modest and womanly, and her social life is peculiarly brilliant and charming. One published volume has come from her pen, " In Foreign Lands," an entertaining description of travel in Europe. Besides her con- nection with other organizations, Mrs. Galpin has for several years been the efficient treasurer of the New England Woman's Press Association; she was also one of the founders of the " Daughters of Vermont," is an associate member of the " Daughters of New Hampshire," and is an active member of the American Authors' Guild, of New York City.
Giles, Joseph J., was born in Somerville near the site of the present Union square, in March, 1842, his birth being the first in the town after its incorporation. His early education was obtained in the Somerville schools, and it was completed in the old High School building which is now the City Hall. In April, 1861, after the opening of the rebellion, he went to the front with the Somerville Light Infantry, Co. I, 5th Regiment, and participated in the first battle of Bull Run. In August, 1862, he enlisted for three years in the Somerville Guard, Co. E, 39th Regiment, and was commissioned as its first lieutenant. He subsequently served eleven months as an aid-de-camp to Gen. Martindale, the military governor of Washington, D. C. In 1891 and 1892 he represented his district in the Legislature, serving on the com- mittee on insurance, and administrative boards and commissions. He has been engaged in the real estate and insurance business in Union square since 1876, and is well and favor- ably known by the residents of Somerville, his business and social acquaintance being un- usually wide and varied. His residence is at 34 Putnam street.
Gilman, Charles E., was born in Shrewsbury, Mass., January 1, 1809, son of Joseph and Lucy (Sawyer) Gilman. His father died when Charles was an infant, and his widowed mother was alone left to provide for him. Coming to Medford he received his education in the public schools, and was then apprenticed to learn the baker's trade; this was found un- congenial to his inclinations, and he received a position on the Boston and Lowell Rail- road, in which he sold the first ticket from Boston to Lowell. He remained with the road several years, and then secured a position in the New England Bank of Boston, where he remained until Somerville became a city. Mr. Gilman was town clerk of Somerville dur- ing its entire existence as a town. and when it became a city he was elected city clerk, which position he retained until his death, which occurred at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Geo. C. Skilton, at Bedford, Mass., Feb. 22, 1888. On the fortieth anniversary of his service as town and city clerk he was tendered a banquet, Monday evening, January 2, 1882. On this occasion he was presented with a watch, chain and seal, the presentation speech being made by ex-Mayor Geo. A. Bruce. Mr. Gilman came to Somerville about 1838, purchasing a property of several acres and house on Walnut street. Here he resided for 45 years, his wife and son during that period passing away. In 1883, and until his death, he made his home in Somerville and Bedford with his son-in-law, George C. Skilton.
Giroux, Aimé E., son of Joseph and Cecilia Giroux, was born in the Province of Quebec, October 6, 1851. He was educated in the celebrated Jacques Cartier Normal School of Mont- real, and in the Lancaster, Mass., High School. In 1881 he embarked in the wholesale milk business in Boston, handling at that time about forty cans; the business has steadily in- creased since that time, and he is now regarded as one of the largest and most reliable dealers in this vicinity, his daily sales amounting to about one thousand cans. Mr. Giroux came to Somerville in 1883, and resided on Columbus avenue two years; he then removed to Rox- bury, and returned to Somerville in 1895. He married Miss Marguerite MacNally of Bos- ton in 1885, and they have two children. They reside at 67 Pearl street.
Glines, Edward, son of Jacob T. and Sarah A. (Washburn) Glines, was born in Somer- ville, August 13, 1849. Graduating from the High School in 1869, he entered the fancy gro-
5.44
SOMMERVILLE, PAST AND PRESENT.
cery store of 11. T. Parker & Co., of Charlestown, where he remained two or three months. He then undertook an express business on his own account between Winter Ilill and Boston, carrying it on for two years. In 1872 he went into his father's establishment as a clerk, be- ginning practically at the bottom, and going through every department of the business, which was in tea, coffee and spices, until, finally, after buying an interest in the business, he succeeded to it when his father retired in 1880. Mr. Glines was married to Frances (., daughter of Ziba P'. and Nancy L. (Henderson) Hanks, of Augusta, Me. They have no children. Mr. Glines has always felt an intense interest in politics, and has been prominent in many of the battles that have been fought in this city, and in state and national contests be- sides. lle was a member of the Common Council in 1878, was re-elected in 1879 and made president of that body. In 1881 and 1882 he was elected to the House of Representatives, and did valuable service on important committees and in debate. In 1884 he was elected a member of the State Central Committee, and served for two years both on the executive and finance committees.
In the fall of 1886 Mr. Glines was nominated for the Senate, and was elected by a large majority; he served on some of the most important committees, and did important work; he was re-elected to the Senate in 1887, and was chairman of the railroad committee and of the committee on Federal relations, etc. Since his retirement from the Senate in 1888, Mr. Glines has not taken a public part in politics, but he has not lost his interest in public af- fairs. He has always been connected with all enterprises to benefit the community, and fore- most in charitable works. Ile was interested in the formation of the Central Club, of which he was president in 1894-95; was a member of the Webcowit Club, is a life member of the Somerville Improvement Society, and is now a member of the Winter Hill Club of this city, and the Central, Middlesex, New England and Taylor Clubs of Boston. He has held offices in the Somerville Volunteer Fire Department, in the Odd Fellows and Knights of Honor, and is a Knight Templar. In addition to his other services to the city he was one term an over- seer of the poor, and as president of the Common Council was ex officio a member of the School Committee in 1879. He was elected a delegate to the Minneapolis Republican Con- vention, was a presidential elector in 1892, and was a candidate for Congress in that year.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.