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 36
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Lapham, F. De Witt, was born in Littleton, Mass., July 6, 1845, and is a son of Luther and Desiah (Needham) Lapham. When eighteen he went to Eastman's Commer- cial College at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., and after finishing his course he went to Boston, en- gaging with the tobacco houses of Brown & Co. and Susmann & Co., passing twenty-one years with these concerns. In 1886 he started in the real estate and insurance business in Somerville, and he is now one of the most active and prosperous men in those lines.
He married Jennie H. Dickson, daughter of Thomas Dickson, of Salem, in 1869, coming to this city at the time. They had two daughters : Mrs. Jennie I. Knowles, lately deceased; and Carolyn F., now twenty-one years of age.
Mr. Lapham is quite an association member, being a member of Soley Lodge, Somer-
F. DE WITT LAPHAM.
Residence of CHARLES H. LOCKHART, 352 Elm Street.
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ville Royal Arch Chapter, Excelsior Council, Royal Arcanum (in which for eighteen years he has been secretary), Somerville Home Circle, the Ancient Order of United Workmen, Order of the Eastern Star, Howard Lodge and Somerville Encampment of Odd Fellows, in both of which bodies he has been at the head, and is Lieutenant-Colonel, Second Regiment, Patriarchs Militant.
In 1895 and 1896 he was elected a Common Councilman, and the last year has seen him a most valuable member, having served on the committees on highways, public grounds, and claims. The indefatigability with which Mr. Lapham supported his order for the ex- tension of the City Hall, and the new boulevard in the eastern section of the city, show the official's interest in the city's welfare. Whatever he enters upon, he pursues to the success- ful close. Mr. Lapham is a member of the First Universalist Parish, and resides on Hathon street.
Lawrence, Bernard W., was born in East Lexington, Mass., June 15, 1846. His education was obtained in the grammar and high schools of that town. He came to Boston in 1863, and was engaged in the fruit and produce business in Faneuil Hall Market until 1890. He then removed to 103 and 105 Commercial street, and embarked in the foreign and domestic fruit trade and in the sale of cigars. He resided in Boston from August, 1863, until April, 1872, when he moved to Somerville, where he still lives. Mr. Lawrence joined the Fire Department in 1873, and was elected foreman in 1874, which position he held for eleven years. He was a member of the Common Council in 1885, served for two years, and was then elected as a member of the Board of Aldermen, and held that office in 1887 and 1888, being chosen as president of the board in the last year of his term of office. He re- sides at 289 Highland avenue.
Lincoln, Charles Sprague, was born in Walpole, N. H., April 20, 1826. He was graduated from Harvard University in 1850. He taught school for a while after gradua- tion, coming to Somerville for the purpose in 1852. He was admitted to the bar in 1860. He was Selectman and Solicitor for the town for many years. He served on the School Committee of Somerville from 1858 to 1867, and again from 1877 to 1883. He has twice represented the city in the Legislature, and rendered valuable service on the Boards of Health and of Overseers of the Poor. The Public Library owes much of its success and development to his efforts as trustee, which office he has held since 1879.
In his long career as a public official, during a residence of forty years, he has con- tributed greatly to the prosperity of the city, and has won the respect and gratitude of his fellow-citizens by the honesty, the ability, and the fidelity displayed in the management of the trusts committed to his care. In 1866 the Lincoln School, then located on Elm street, and now on Clarendon Ilill, was named in his honor.
Locke, Marshall Hammon, was born at Lexington, Mass., April 12, 1822, the son of Hammon and Rebekah (Nevers) Locke. His early life was passed on the paternal farm, and his education was obtained in the schools of his native town. His employment in after- life has been varied, he having been a farmer, milk-dealer, miner, house-carpenter, ship- carpenter, storekeeper and painter. December 26, 1848, he married Lucy A. Wyman of Lexington, daughter of James and Betsey (Locke) Wyman, and resided in that town until October 31, 1849, when he went to California, where he remained about eighteen months, and then returned to Lexington. He came to Somerville, January 1, 1865, and has been a resident of this city since that time. Mr. Locke is not a club man, and belongs to none of the so-called secret societies, being quiet and domestic in his tastes, and happiest at his own fireside. He has been a director of the Somerville Co-operative Bank, and a trustee for the Somerville Savings Bank since they were established. He resides on Summer street.
Lombard, Frank G., was born in Charlestown, Mass., April 4, 1855. He attended the public schools of his native city, and graduated from the Bunker Hill School in the summer
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of 1871. In the autumn of that year he entered the Bryant and Stratton Commercial College of Boston, leaving that institution in the autumn of 1872, to take a position with the well-known crockery-house of Abram French & Co., Boston, the largest establishment of its kind in the country. In the spring of 1879 he moved to Mt. Vernon street, East Somer- ville, where he now resides. Ile has served the city as a member of the Council and of the Water Board, and has been identified with many things pertaining to the welfare of Somer- ville. He is a member of various organizations, among which may be named the Soley Lodge, F. A. A. M .; the Somerville Royal Arch Chapter; the Cœur de Lion Commandery of Charlestown; the Excelsior Council, Royal Arcanum; and the Webcowit Club. He is a director and clerk of the board of directors of the Abram French Company, with whoni for twenty-four years he has had a business connection, and is highly esteemed both in social and mercantile circles.
Lombard, Henry F., was born in Truro, Mass., July 20, 1853, son of Henry S. and Betsey M. Lombard. He came to Somerville when quite young, and was educated in our public schools. After his education was completed, he entered business, and was for many years connected with his father in the clothing trade on Clinton street, Boston. On the death of his father, which occurred about 1893, he formed a partnership with his brother, and they succeeded to the business, which is still carried on under the old firm name at 22 to 26 Merchants' Row, Boston. Mr. Lombard is a member of Joseph Warren Lodge F. A. A. M. He resides with his mother on Pearl street.
Loring, George Fullington, son of Captain George and Harriet A. (Stoodley) Loring, was born in Boston, March 26, 1851. His father was of Barnstable, Mass., and was the son of David Loring, and his mother was a daughter of James Stoodley of Berwick, Me. Mr. Loring was educated in the public schools of Boston. In 1868 he entered the office of the City Engineer at the City Hall, Boston, and was the principal draughtsman of the surveying department for many years. He began the study of architecture early in life, and in 1882 left the employ of the city of Boston, and entered an architect's office; a few years later he opened an office on his own account, and in 1889 formed a partnership with Sanford Phipps of Watertown, Mass., under the firm name of Loring and Phipps, which association has since continued. Among the more important buildings which this firm has erected are the school buildings at Greenwich, Conn., the gift of H. O. Havemeyer of New York City; the High School of Montelair, N. J .; the High Schools at Everett, Athol, Ware, Winsted, Conn., and many other high and graded schools, churches, etc. Many of the elegant residences in Brookline, West Newton and Wellesley are from plans by this firm, who were also architects of George H. Derby's residence on Highland avenue, Mr. Haigh's residence on Summer street, and many other of the better class of dwellings in Somerville. The Public Library, Odd Fellows' Building, Masonic Building, Divinity (Miner) Hall, Tufts College, the Glines and Pope Schools were also from plans by these architects.
Mr. Loring is a member of John Abbot Lodge, F. A. A. M., and De Molay Comman- dery of Knights Templar; he is also an Odd Fellow, a member of American Order United Workmen, a member of the L. A. W., and belongs to the Central Club. He was married to Sarah Frances Johnson, daughter of the late John B. Johnson, a descendant of Captain Edward Johnson, Kent, England, who died at Woburn, 1699; her grandfather, Jotham Johnson, was chairman of the Board of Selectmen of Charlestown at the time of the Nunnery Riot; her grandmother was Susannah Tufts of Charlestown, daughter of Samuel Tufts; and her mother Sarah Ann (Poor), daughter of Samuel Poor of Woburn, and Lydia Sprague of Malden. They have four children : Ernest Johnson, architect, who is in business with his father, and is a graduate of class '95, M. I. T .; Ralph Stoodley, Gladys and Marjorie Loring; and they reside at the corner of Higland avenue and Putnam street. It is worth mentioning that this family are living on land that is a portion of the farm of their earliest ancestors. Mr. Loring has been closely identified with the interests of our city since 1868.
Residence of GEORGE F. LORING, 78 Highland Ave.
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Lovejoy, Benjamin P., the son of Jeremiah and Betsy Lovejoy, was born in Gloucester, Mass., May 29, 1833, the residence of the family being then on the present site of the new post-office and government buildings. When he was five years of age his family moved to Lynn, where they remained six months, and thence removed to Reading, where his father purchased a farm. lIere Mr. Lovejoy remained for fifteen years, assisting in the farm work, and obtaining such education as he could at the common school, which he was able to attend a few months only in each year. In 1853 he left the farm, and came to Boston, where he found employment with A. Aldrich & Co., butter merchants in the Quincy Market, with whom he remained six or eight months. He then entered the employ of N. D. V. Taylor & Co., who were engaged in the foreign fruit trade in Merchants' Row, and at the expiration of twenty months left them, to take a position with the firm of Cyrus Carpenter & Co., dealers in furnaces, etc. In 1867 he was admitted a partner in the house, and in 1893, after the death of Mr. Carpenter, his interest was purchased by Mr. Lovejoy, and he is now the sole owner of the business. He married Miss Emma S. Carpenter, February 27, 1856, and has two children, a son and daughter, both of whom are married.
In September, 1861, they removed from Boston to Somerville, and in July, 1883, took up their residence in the handsome house that Mr. Lovejoy erected at No. 141 Highland avenue. Mr. Lovejoy was a member of the Common Council in 1874 and 1875, serving on the committees on public property, and fuel and street lights. He was one of the foremost promoters of the park, and has been very earnest in forwarding its interests. He is a member of the Royal Arcanum and Home Circle, but is not a club man in the usual acceptance of the term, his tastes being quiet and domestic.
Lowe, Rev. Charles. Charles Lowe was born in Portsmouth, N. II., November 19, 1828. His parents removed to Exeter, N. H., while he was very young. He graduated at Exeter Academy, and entered Harvard University in 1844, as sophomore, and, on his gradua- tion, entered the Cambridge Divinity School, having decided to become a minister. When his course was finished he received a call to the Unitarian parish of New Bedford, as colleague with Rev. John Weiss. After a year or more of good work there, his health failed, and he went to Europe, and traveled in England and on the Continent, and also went to Egypt and the Holy Land. He then attended lectures in the theological schools of Germany, becoming a proficient in the German language. On his return home he accepted a call to the North Church of Salem. He remained there two years, when, his health giving way, he resigned his position. He married, in 1857, Miss Martha Perry of Keene, N. H., and rented an old-fashioned homestead in the vicinity of Salem, where he could work out of doors and restore his health. At the end of two years he received a call to Spring Hill, Somerville, as minister of the First Congregational Unitarian Church. He accepted it, and removed here with his wife; and built a house on Summer street, in 1859, and devoted himself earnestly to the religious and practical interests of his parish. He worked vigorously for the cause of tem- perance in the community, and, at one time, with the help of one or two gentlemen, succeeded in persuading all the liquor dealers in the town to give up selling intoxicating drinks, in case the rest would keep the contract. During the War of the Rebellion he addressed our soldiers in his church, and also at Union square. He went down to the South twice to preach and distribute tracts and other literature, and afterwards on a mission to the freedmen. He stimulated his people by his letters home, and obtained from them liberal help for our soldiers, and also induced them to pay the salary of a lady teacher for the freedmen.
Mr. Lowe had made himself, in the meantime, so efficient in the Army Committee of the American Unitarian Association, and elsewhere, that they wished to secure his permanent services, and invited him to be their secretary in 1865. His voice had become weakened, and it was doubtful how long he would be able to preach, and so he resigned his pastorate with many regrets, and accepted the new position for which he was so admirably fitted. He
BENJAMIN P. LOVEJOY.
Residence of BENJAMIN P. LOVEJOY, 141 Highland Avenue.
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Residence of CHARLES W. LOWELL, 45 Kidder Avenue.
HOWARD LOWELL.
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kept this situation until 1871, managing the affairs of the association with such tact, earnest- ness, and religious catholicity of spirit, that he won friends in all denominations, and when he gave up the office, not only his co-religionists, but prominent men in other walks of life, expressed their profound regret.
He had now two daughters, and a very attractive rural home in Somerville, and he decided to remain here ; but his friends were anxious that he should go abroad for a time and he embarked in a French steamer for Havre, with his family, and remained nearly two years abroad, visiting England, France, Germany, Italy and Spain, where his brother-in-law, Mr. Perry, resided at Madrid. On his return, with somewhat improved health, his active mind led him, by the advice of friends, to start a religious magazine and review in the interests of his denomination. He worked on it with great eagerness until the spring of 1874, and with encouraging prospects, when he was prostrated with a hemorrhage of the lungs, in the month of May, from which he could not rally. After an illness of about three weeks, he passed away June 20, 1874, in the forty-fifth year of his age, leaving a place vacant in his home, his church, and the community, which could not be soon filled.
Lowell, Howard, was born in Kennebunk, Me., August 4, 1852, the son of Marshall and Celestine M. Lowell. He passed his boyhood there, and, at sixteen, came to Somerville, and worked for A. M. Angier, a well-known expressman. He returned to Maine, and at twenty-one years of age came back to Somerville and drove a team for B. F. Chase, a baker in East Somerville. In 1875 he was appointed a patrolman, and remained on the police force seven years, when he started the Standard Cab Company in Boston, and was very successful. He built a stable on Gilman street, and, in June, 1896, built another in front of the older one, and has now the finest constructed stable in the city. In January, 1896, he sold out the cab business, and commenced paying his sole attention to his business in Somerville. The hay and grain and storage warehouse departments were added, and now the firm of Howard Lowell & Son has one of the best equipped buildings to be found anywhere. In 1874 he married Laura E. Moulton of Cambridgeport. They have a daughter, who is a general favorite among the young people, and a son, George E., who became a partner with his father in June, 1895, and is a very ambitious and upright young man. Mr. Lowell resides at 46 Gilman street in a cozy house, which he bought some time ago. Mr. Lowell was elected a Common Councilman from Ward 3 for 1896 and 1897, and has done good service for the city. He is a member of John Abbot Lodge, F. A. A. M., Odd Fellows, Somerville Council Royal Arcanum, and the Sons of Maine.
Lowell, Joseph Q., son of John and Mehitable (Bailey) Lowell, was born at Methuen, Mass., April 8, 1842. He received his education in the schools of Haverhill, Mass., and was brought up as a farmer's boy, assisting in the home farm-work until he reached the age of twenty-three; he then came to Boston, and entered the fruit and produce business in which he has been engaged on his own account for upwards of thirty years, his firm, Lowell Bros. & Bailey, being known as one of the largest and most prosperous in the trade. Mr. Lowell was married in 1867 to Mertilla J. Dutton of Stanstead, P. Q., by whom he has had two daughters and a son. They removed to Somerville from Charlestown in 1888. Mr. Lowell is a member of the Boston Chamber of Commerce, and the Boston Fruit and Produce Exchange; he also belongs to a number of fraternal associations, such as the I. O. O. F., Royal Arcanuni, etc. He resides at 371 Broadway.
Luce, Robert, was born in Auburn, Me., in 1862, son of Enos T. and Phoebe L. Luce; he attended the public schools of Auburn and Lewiston, Me., and the High School of Somer- ville, graduating from the latter in 1877. He subsequently entered Harvard College, gradu- ating in 1882, and taking the degree of A.M. in 1883. He then became connected with the "Boston Globe," filling an editorial position on that paper until 1888, since which period he has been a partner with his brother, Linn Luce, in conducting the Press Clipping Bureau in
JOSEPH Q. LOWELL.
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Boston and New York, an institution that employs forty people and reads about two thou- sand papers daily. Mr. Luce has done a large amount of literary work in addition to the above: he was one of the founders of "The Writer," the author of "Electric Railways," and " Writing for the Press," and has issued various essays. His avocation outside the Bureau work is that of lecturing, and he is well and favorably known in this department of his work. Mr. Luce is a member of John Abbot Lodge, F. A. A. M., and the Central Club, and is an ex-president of the Somerville Democratic Club. He married Miss Mabelle C. Farnham, daughter of Hiram L. and Elizabeth (Davis) Farnham of this city. They reside at 44 Highland avenue.
Macomber, George H., son of William and Mary S. T. (Leeds) Macomber, was born in Boston, April 16, 1857. He was educated in the public schools of that city, attending the Dwight and English High Schools. He started in the clothing business in 1874 with Chamberlin and Currier, and is now one of the officers of the well-known Standard Clothing Company. He married Miss Hattie Osgood, of Charlestown, January 23, 1883. Their children are Lawrence and Robert Leeds Macomber. He moved to his present residence, 102 Thurston street, in 1890.
MacQueen, Rev. Peter, was born at Inchbreed, Wigtonshire, Scotland, January II, 1863. IIe is a descendant, on one side of his family, of the MacGregor clan, and on the other side, of the stern followers of Knox and Cameron. He has been in America since his boyhood, having come here alone, and pushed his way by dint of energy, industry and per- severance to his present position. He was an honor man in the class of 1887 of Princeton University, a graduate of Union Theological Seminary, New York City, and was for two years pastor of the Reformed Church, in Bronxville, N. Y. His work in that parish was very successful, and his popularity there was universal.
In 1893, when the Day-street Church in this city was without a pastor, Mr. MacQueen preached there as supply, and shortly afterwards received a unanimous call to that church, which he accepted. He has done good, conscientious work in it; the membership and at- tendance have rapidly increased, and in 1896 the church was able to expend $8,000 upon the repairing and beautifying of the edifice and upon an elegant new organ. The " Somer- ville Journal," in commenting on the church, says: " In the remodeled edifice of the Day- street Congregational Church, Somerville will have one of its most attractive church build- ings." Mr. MacQueen is a frequent contributor to the " Cosmopolitan " and " Munsey's," and is well known in newspaper circles, both in New York and Boston. He is a brilliant, suggestive preacher, a genial, social man, and has friends in every corner of West Somerville. He is an enthusiastic traveler, and has visited every country in Europe, except Russia and Scan- dinavia. His most noted European trip was that made in the summer of 1896, when he conveyed to King George of Greece a poem, "Our Laureled Sons," written by Henry O'Meara, in commemoration of the Olympic games, and dedicated to the King. The mis- sion was a splendid success, Mr. MacQueen bringing back from the King and the city of Athens presents and compliments to the mayor of the city of Boston.
Since his return Mr. MacQueen has been more successful than ever in his stereopticon lectures, which he had already made one of the features of the Day-street Church. He is interested in all that concerns Somerville, and always endeavors to promote its welfare. He is unmarried.
Magoun, John C., was born in New Hampton, N. H., December 11, 1797, son of a soldier in the Revolutionary War. He was educated in the schools of his native town and in Atkinson Academy, and came to Charlestown at the age of twenty, where he engaged in farming and in the milk business. Ile was captain of a militia company, and was present with his command at the reception to Lafayette on Boston Common, and also at the laying of the corner-stone of Bunker Hill Monument. Mr. Magoun held office as an assessor thirty-
Residence of GEORGE A. MACOMBER, 102 Thurston Street.
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four years, and also served on the School Committee and as a member of the Board of Over- seers of the Poor. He was one of the founders of the First Unitarian Society. He died January 8, 1882.
Mann, Alfred E., was born at Merrimack, Mass., November 17, 1851, but has lived in Somerville since 1852. After obtaining his education he embarked in business, and in 1887 opened his undertaking establishment at No. 4 Warren avenue, where he has been success- ful in building up a large and lucrative business. He stands high in his profession as a funeral director and embalmer, having received instructions from the leading professors in the art of embalming. He is now connected with various trade associations, and is a member of Oasis Lodge, I. O. O. F., Somerville Encampment, Ivaloo Lodge, D. of R., Arcadia Lodge, K. of P., Wonohaquaham Tribe, R. M., Delft Haven Colony Pilgrim Fathers, Putnam Com- mandery, U. O. G. C., Central Club, Mystic Valley Club, Somerville Veteran Firemen's Asso- ciation, National Lancers, Signet Commandery Knights of Malta, and King Solomon Priory. Mr. Mann was married, in 1873, to Miss Emilie A. Galletly of this city. They reside at 75 Washington street.
Mann, Jairus, was born in Charlestown, October 29, 1825, the son of Joseph and Eunice (Jacobs) Mann. His father died when he was nine years old, and after attending a private school for a year he entered the law office of William Sawyer, of Charlestown, at that time the leading lawyer and the only trial justice in the town. In 1853 he was ap- pointed a police officer in Somerville, and was afterward an assistant engineer and secretary of the Fire Department. He was made lieutenant of the police in 1865, and held the posi- tion until he was appointed city messenger in 1872; since then he has held this office con- tinuously, every mayor having made him his first appointee. He is now the longest in the service of the city of any of its officers. He has been a member of John Abbot Lodge, F. A. A. M., since 1859. He is a member of Somerville R. A. Chapter, Excelsior Council, R. A., Washington Council, Home Circle, and Iron Hall. He is a member of the National Lancers, where he has held the positions of corporal and sergeant, and was the originator of the Massachusetts City Messengers' Club, of which he is now secretary. Mr. Mann has been twice married : his first wife was Miss Emeline, daughter of John Runey, of Somerville; his second wife was Miss Martha A., daughter of Josiah and Nancy (Smith) Spofford, of Buxton, Me. He resides on Richdale avenue.
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