USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Holden > The history of Holden, Massachusetts. 1684-1894 > Part 22
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His purpose was now to acquire an education. He began his studies in the first High School organized in Holden, which were continued in the High School in Worcester, and in the Academy in Amherst, receiving from his instructors en- couragement and aid in obtaining positions to teach, by which he defrayed his expenses, choosing the independence of self- reliance. The School Committee of Holden honored him with the position of principal of the High School of which he had been a pupil.
By strict economy, self-denial and courage, he was fitted for college and entered Waterville College, now Colby University, in the fall of 1829. In his first interview with the president of the college he was asked if he proposed to take a full college course. " I expect to remain as long as I can pay my bills," was the prompt reply. This answer contained an im- portant principle which has governed him through life,-" Owe no man anything." In the summer of 1833 he was graduated, having completed the full course of study and paid the last bill of indebtedness. Before leaving the college, Professor Keely, in behalf of the faculty and trustees, waited on him with the request that he remain connected with the college as tutor, adding as an inducement, -- " We know of no one who would be so welcomed by the students." This request was respectfully declined, Mr. Howe feeling that this was not the calling for which he had so long struggled.
In the fall of 1833 Mr. Howe entered the Newton Theo- logical Institution to pursue a course of study to fit himself for the gospel ministry. This gave great satisfaction to the Holden Church of which he continued a member, and by their unanimous vote he was licensed to " preach as called of God,"
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December 3d, 1833. Soon after he united with the Federal Street, now Clarendon Street, Church, Boston, from which he received an invitation to take charge of a mission Sunday- School in Boston, which work he immediately entered upon, walking from Newton into Boston on Saturday afternoon, and walking back to Newton again on Monday morning every week while pursuing his studies. During this time he had a full view of the moral and religious destitution of the large city. His appeals were often heard in public in behalf of those for whom " no man cared." After completing his course of study in Newton he received an urgent call from the churches in Boston to inaugurate a more permanent work in the city, which he accepted, consenting to continue his work for one year, having in view the pastorate of a church. A simple incident in this connection shows the general interest awak- ened in this work. Mr. Howe received a note from a deacon of a Congregational church, who was ever alive to the interests of the city, desiring him to continue in his own way his work already begun in the city, giving him assurance that he would guarantee his salary.
The story of Mr. Howe's twenty-seven years of public life in Boston and subsequent work in Cambridge can not here be fully told. Inspired by faith in the power of the Gospel, guided by the Invisible Hand that hitherto had led him, he continued his work till he had eight mission Sunday-Schools under his supervision and direction, supplied with superintend- ents and teachers from the Baptist churches, making them centers of Christian work, which resulted in the formation of other churches which still continue their progressive work. One of these schools, established in the northern part of the city, which began with eleven scholars and a few teachers, so increased in numbers, and developed such interest on the part of the parents and friends in the vicinity, in attending upon Mr. Howe's preaching, that a council, called at Mr. Howe's request, deemed it advisable to establish a church, consisting only of his teachers. This church was called the Union Baptist Church. The little company made unanimous choice of their
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leader in the enterprise, as their pastor, he having previously been ordained by the Federal Street Church. Thus Mr. Howe became pastor of a church of his own choice, whose work, with the signal blessing of God, proved a success surpassing the most sanguine expectations of pastor and people, namely, a commodious house of worship, a Sunday-School of six hundred members, an aggressive Church, self-supporting and contribut- ing to the religious and benevolent objects of the day.
During these years of his public ministry Mr. Howe became widely known and appreciated. He was elected member of the Boston school committee, and took active part in organization and management of various Christian and charitable associa- tions. At length the strain upon his physical system became too severe, and he was compelled to resign his beloved charge. Thus closed Mr. Howe's first pastorate. The Church, later, by request of other churches, changed its location to Tremont Temple, and still carries on its aggressive work.
After taking a prolonged rest abroad, visiting Egypt and Syria, he returned invigorated and ready for further service. He was immediately sought by the First Baptist Church in Cambridge, to dedicate and occupy a new chapel built for the accommodation of a Mission Sunday-School.
The field was new, many doubts were expressed as to where- unto this enterprise would grow. But his faith in the great commission, his experience and success in the past and the spirit evinced by the teachers,-"We will go up and possess the land,"-brought from him a hearty response. He entered upon his work the first Sabbath in March, 1863. The Sunday- School and attendance upon preaching services increased. The new chapel was soon enlarged and a church of fifty members organized, consisting of the Sunday-School teachers and those in sympathy with them. Mr. Howe was unanimously elected their pastor.
The work no longer being looked upon as an experiment, the friends of the enterprise resolved to erect a suitable house of worship to meet the demands of the growing congregation. As a result the Broadway Baptist Church, Cambridge, was erected
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and dedicated November 22d, 1866, to which the Church and Sunday-School were removed. The new Sunday School room was ere long filled with the five hundred pupils.
The prosperity of Church and Sunday-School continued under Mr. Howe's unwearied efforts. At length, his cares and responsibilities becoming too heavy for his declining years, he resigned his charge in July, 1870, closing his second pastorate, having gathered both churches from the world, under the guid- ance and blessing of the Great Shepherd, never having "built on other men's foundations." He has enjoyed for fifty-six years in one locality continued religious and ministerial associations.
Dr. Howe, now in his eighty seventh year, is passing the "evening of life " in Cambridge, enjoying his well earned rest, surrounded by many grateful friends who love him for his work's sake.
SILAS M. HUBBARD.
Deacon Silas M. Hubbard was the youngest son of Elisha and Mercy Hubbard.
His father, Deacon Elisha Hubbard, was the son of Samuel and Eunice Hubbard, and was born December 20th, 1744, in the north part of the town of Holden, on a farm lying along the east road leading from Holden to Princeton, on the hill still known as " Hubbard Hill." He was active in all matters per- taining to the general interests of the town, and was ready to do his part whenever and wherever he had an opportunity to do so. He was chosen one of the Selectmen of the town in 1781, 1782, 1783, 1786 and 1787. He was chosen Assessor in 1774, and held the office for fifteen years. At the age of twenty-three years, together with his wife, he united with the Congregational Church, July 31st, 1768. He was a worthy and consistent member, ready to support and sustain the Church in all mat- ters relating to its spiritual growth and its high standing in
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SILAS M. HUBBARD.
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pure and undefiled Christianity. He served as deacon of the Church from July 31st, 1793, until his death, July 14th, 1814. He married, December 3d, 1767, Mercy Hubbard, who sur- vived him, dying April 21st, 1825, at the age of seventy-eight. They had nine children, of whom one died before reaching the age of two years, the others all lived to have families of their own. These children were :
John, born August 24th, 1768 ; married Lydia Raymond, October, 1790; died in Windsor, November 22d, 1849
Sarah, born April 16th, 1771 ; married Ethan Davis, May 27th, 1792 ; died December 24th, 1818.
Molly, born May 27th, 1773 ; married Peter Hubbard, Jan- uary 11th, 1794; died in Berlin, Vt., May 3d, 1852.
Azubah, born August 13th, 1776; married Moses Holt ; died August 9th, 1857.
Eli, born January 21st, 1779; married Lucy Walker, March 17th, 1801 ; died in Hinsdale, October 20th, 1814.
Benjamin, born March 18th, 1781 ; married Polly Walker, April 7th, 1803 ; died February 23d, 1836.
Samuel Woodard, born September 28th, 1783 ; married Betsey Hubbard, January 10th, 1811 ; died Decem- ber, 1850.
Silas Moore, born April 9th, 1788.
Deacon Silas M. Hubbard was received into the Congrega- tional Church, October 5th, 1817, at the age of twenty-eight. He became deacon May 3d, 1839, and held the office twenty: six years, until his death, February 22d, 1865. He was a much respected and honored citizen of the town, always advo- cating that which was right, just and good. He never was known to encourage or tolerate anything that was demoralizing or inconsistent with an honest, upright Christian character. His example was one worthy of imitation.
He married January 10th, 1811, Abagail Allen. They had five children :
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Harriet Moore, born April 10th, 1812; married Harding Hunt, May 21st, 1844 ; died in Palmer, December Ist, 1882.
Elisha Murdock, born July 2d, 1814; married Caroline Coolidge, April 25th, 1843; died February 11th, 1 863.
Dorinda Davis, born November 5th, 1815; married John Cowden, May 19th, 1842 ; died in Princeton, Octo- ber 8th, 1863.
Sarah Alona, born March 2d, 1820; married John B. Fay, October 7th, 1841.
Cyrus Kingsbury, born March 12th, 1823.
His first wife died July 31st, 1848. May 23d, 1850, he mar- ried Mrs. Eunice C. Wheeler, who died February 7th, 1891, aged ninety-four years.
CYRUS KINGSBURY HUBBARD.
Cyrus Kingsbury Hubbard, the youngest son of Silas M. and Abagail Hubbard, was born in Holden, March 12th, 1823. He married, March 18th, 1849, Mary E. Rice of Worcester. They have one child, Martena Eldora, born December 12th, 1853. At his marriage Mr. Hubbard located with his father on the home farm, where he remained four years. Removing then to Worcester, he was with a firm in the agricultural implement business for six years and a half. He then engaged in the fruit and restaurant business, in which he continued until 1871. For the last twenty-one years he has been in the real estate busi- ness, renting property and having the care of it.
He was the youngest son in the fourth generation of Holden Hubbards. When twenty-one years of age, he had fifty own cousins, all of whom were married. Some of the points of interest connected with this branch of the Hubbard family are ; every member of the family for four generations, so far as known, was connected with some evangelical church, there
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were four who were deacons in Congregational churches, the family were never given to strong drink, and not a member of it has ever been known to be a drunkard. Almost all of the family down to the fourth generation have passed away, but the fifth generation is very numerous, and representatives of it are to be found in nearly every state in the Union.
MARTIN V. B. JEFFERSON.
The Hon. Martin V. B. Jefferson, was born in Uxbridge, May 19th, 1833. His grandfather was a soldier in the Revolution and also in the War of 1812. His father died when Martin was but eight years of age, and he was " put out to live " with an uncle in Holden, on a farm, where he received ten weeks' district schooling and his board and clothes as compensation for his labor. At the age of sixteen his natural independence asserted itself, and he went back to Uxbridge and learned the trade of shoemaking, by the practice of which, working mornings, evenings and during school vacations, he earned money enough to pay his expenses at Uxbridge Academy which he attended for four years. In 1853 he went to work on the Providence & Worcester Railroad as brakeman and baggage-master, but hav- ing an arm and leg broken by a railroad accident, he was obliged to suspend work. On his recovery, in 1854, he went to Cali- fornia, where he remained for six years. The first year he kept a restaurant at San Jose, the second year he so d fruit trees at Sonora, but the remainder of his stay in California was devoted to selling milk from a large ranch where he kept from eighty to one hundred cows.
Having acquired a considerable sum of money, Mr. Jefferson, in 1860, returned to Holden, where he married a daughter of Deacon William Howe, of the firm of Hall & Howe, who were then running a small, one-set woolen mill in Drydenville, now Jefferson. In November, 1860, he purchased Mr. Hall's inter-
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est in the mill, and for twenty-six years he was in partnership with his father-in-law in that business under the firm name of Howe & Jefferson. I Meanwhile the little one-set mill was enlarged six-fold, and a second mill with six sets of machinery was added, making a total of thirteen sets, the two establish- ments employing two hundred and fifty hands. The little village has grown to eight times its former size, and now sup- ports two railroad stations on the Fitchburg and Central Massa- chusetts Railroads and a post-office. In 1880 Mr. Jefferson bought his partner's interest in the business, and now runs the mills himself, by the name of the Jefferson Manufacturing Company, making woolen goods.
About noon, December 8th, 1892, the mill property caught fire from the picker house, and the lower mill, together with the picker house, a stock house and a two-tenement dwelling were burned. The loss was nearly $150,000. Arrangements were at once made for building on the site of the burned mill a new mill of brick, embodying the latest and best ideas on mill construction. In March, 1893, the Jefferson Manufacturing Company also purchased the real estate of the Holden Mills.
For ten years Mr. Jefferson served as selectman of Holden, a portion of the time as chairman of the board. In 1875 he removed his residence to Worcester for the sake of better edu- cational advantages for his daughter. He was a director of the Boston, Barre & Gardner Railroad for several years, is a director of the Cotton and Woolen Manufacturers' Mutual Insurance Company, and also of the Quinsigamond National Bank of Worcester.
In politics he has been a staunch Republican since he cast his first vote for John C. Fremont for President in 1856. He was elected to the State House of Representatives of 1880, from the Nineteenth Worcester District, by a handsome major- ity, and was returned in 1881. He brought to his legislative duties the same stirring qualities he has displayed in other things, and served on the important committee on the Hoosac Tunnel, Troy & Greenfield Railroad. Mr. Jefferson was elected to the State Senate from the First Worcester District which
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comprised the city of Worcester, in 1884 and 1885, and served on the committees on Railroads, Treasury and Labor. In 1888 he was chosen an alternate delegate to the Republican National Convention from the Tenth Congressional District.
Mr. Jefferson's business capacity, shrewdness and integrity have secured for him a merited success in business and the confidence and esteem of a large circles of acquaintances. He is accustomed to congratulate himself that he has always paid one hundred cents on the dollar, a phrase which fully expresses the general estimation in which Mr. Jefferson is held socially and politically, as it does his financial and business standing.
REV. THOMAS F. JOYCE.
The Rev. Thomas F. Joyce, second pastor of St. Mary's parish, was born in Worcester, March 6th, 1849. He was educated in the public schools of Worcester, and at Ottawa and Holy Cross Colleges. His course in theology was made at the Seminary of St. Sulpice, at Montreal, Canada, where he was ordained priest in December, 1878. His first appoint- ment was to West Stockbridge, and at different times he did the work of an assistant in Worcester, Uxbridge, North Brook- field and West Boylston. He was appointed to succeed Father McCloskey in Holden, and began his work in October, 1886. After only fifteen months of labor he took a severe cold, in the faithful performance of his duties, and died January 17th, 1888. His remains lie buried in the Roman Catholic cemetery at Holden. During his brief stay in town Father Joyce won the warm affection of her people and the high respect of all who knew him.
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IRA JUDSON KELTON.
Ira Judson Kelton was born in Warwick, September Ist, 1837. In early youth, he removed with his parents to Holden, where he lived until the attack on Sumter called him to the defence of his country.
Before the breaking out of the war, he became ambitious for a cadetship in the Military Academy at West Point. Application was made for an appointment, but sufficient influ- ence was lacking, and he failed to get it. When Governor Andrew called for volunteers in April, 1861, his opportunity came, and he quickly improved it by enlisting in Company B, Third Battalion, as a private.
Kelton's eminent fitness for promotion was so apparent that he was soon appointed Corporal, and then Sergeant. His quickness and accuracy in the manual of arms and his soldierly appearance on drill made him the best drill officer in the company, and he was detailed to that duty. Sergeant Kelton was discharged at the expiration of his term of service, at Worcester, August 3d, 1861.
He immediately interested himself in recruiting for the Twenty-first Regiment, enlisting himself, drilling recruits and acting as Adjutant with a soldierly bearing that marked him as worthy of a commission, which he received, as Second Lieu- tenant, bearing date of August 21st, 1861. He was assigned to Company C, and February 28th, 1862, he was commissioned First Lieutenant. May 17th, following, he was promoted to a Captaincy.
His regiment joined General Burnside's expedition to New- bern, N. C. He was engaged in the battles of Roanoke, New- bern and Camden, always distinguishing himself as a daring and intrepid soldier. His regiment was afterward ordered from Newbern to join the Army of the Potomac under Gen- eral Reno, and he participated in all the battles in which his regiment was engaged.
In the battle of Chantilly, September Ist, 1862, Captain Kelton was wounded twice in the knee, and taken prisoner.
CAPT. IRA J. KELTON.
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After his leg was amputated by rebel surgeons, he was im- mediately paroled. He was removed in an ambulance, by a long and tedious route, to Georgetown, where he arrived September 8th, at Seminary Hospital, worn by suffering and exposure. He received the best of care, but there was not vitality enough to rally the exhausted forces of nature, and he died September 2Ist, 1862.
By his death the country lost one of its heroes, - one whose ambition and eminent merit, close application to the study of his profession, and undaunted courage would have carried him to high rank and honor, had his life been spared.
His remains lie buried in Grove Cemetery and his grave is one of the first to be decorated on each Memorial Day.
REV. GEORGE W. KINNEY.
The Rev. George W. Kinney was born in Preston, Conn., November 26th, 1841. His father, a farmer, was a godly man, with gifts which he often used in preaching as a simple layman. The son had good common school privileges and sev- eral terms at a school of higher grade, so that at seventeen he began teaching. At eighteen, while teaching, he began to preach as well, and at nineteen, he took charge of the Baptist Church at Lake's Pond in the town of Waterford, Conn., where he was ordained on his twenty-first birthday, November 26th, 1862. He remained with this church from April Ist, 1861, to March 31st, 1863. He was then pastor at Pittsfield, N. H., until July 3d, 1864, when nervous prostration caused a tempo- rary cessation of work. He was pastor at North Lyme, Conn. from September Ist, 1864, to September 30th, 1867 ; at Weth- ersfield, Conn., from October Ist, 1867, to December 31st, 1868; at Holden, from January Ist, 1869, to June 30th, 1871 ; at New Boston, N. H., from January Ist, 1872, to January 2d, 1876, and at Hudson, N. H., from January 9th, 1876, to April, 1880. At this time general impairment of health, including a
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serious affection of the eyes, rendered rest imperative, and accordingly six years were spent on a farm in Pittsfield, N. H. He has since been pastor in Sanbornton, N. H., from March 14th, 1886, to December 31st, 1838, and at Moosup, Conn., from January Ist, 1889, until the present time.
REV. WILLIAM A. LAMB.
The Rev. William A. Lamb was born in Mystic, Conn., in 1844, being descended from a branch of the Lamb family, which has a reputation of bearing ministers. At the age of fourteen he was apprenticed to the machinist's trade. At the age of twenty-four he was a good workman, and living in New Britain, Conn. At that time he became greatly quickened in divine things, and decided to leave the machine shop and prepare for the pulpit. He was graduated from Andover Theological Sem- inary in 1873, and seven years later he returned for a year of advanced study. He was ordained at Peabody in 1874, where for a year he took charge of a mission field, which under his labors developed into a church of seventy-two members. He labored at Holden during 1875 and 1876; at Foxboro during 1877 and 1878 ; at Milford, N. H., from 1878 to 1881, and at Newton from 1884 to 1891. He still resides in Newton.
REV. BENJAMIN HUMPHREY LANE.
The Rev. Benjamin Humphrey Lane was born at Yarmouth, Me., March 8th, 1844. He was educated at the North Yar- mouth Academy, the Reed Institute and the Newton Theologi- cal Institution. He was graduated from Newton in 1870, and was ordained at Bow, N. H., September 14th, 1870. He has been pastor at Bow, N. H., from 1870 to 1872; at Newton, N. H., from 1872 to 1877 ; at North Uxbridge from 1877 to 1882 ; at the Dewey Street Church, Worcester, from 1882 to 1884; at Valley Falls, R. I., from 1884 to 1892, and at Hol- den since April, 1892.
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ALONZO KNAPP LEARNED.
Alonzo Knapp Learned, son of John Knapp and Maria Mil- ler Learned, was born in Westminster, April 15th, 1844. He learned the trade of his father, that of a blacksmith. £ He attended the common schools of his native town, Westminster Academy and Nichols Academy, Dudley. He began teaching at an early age, being employed in his native town for several successive years. As soon as he reached his majority, he was elected a member of the school committee, and was continued in office until his removal from town. He taught in Princeton, Gardner, and was for seven years principal of the Grammar School in Hubbardston. Subsequently, he taught three terms in Rutland, and in 1880 was elected principal of the High School in Holden, a position which he now holds.
REV. JAMES MCCLOSKEY.
The Rev. James McCloskey was born in Worcester in Feb- ruary, 1849. After a course of training in the public schools, he entered Holy Cross College, where he spent some time, but his college course was finished at Ottawa College, Ottawa, Canada. His theological course was made at the Seminary of St. Sulpice, at Montreal, Canada, where he was ordained priest in December, 1876. His first appointment was as an assistant to Father Derbuel at West Boylston. He afterwards assisted Father Walsh in Worcester, and did missionary work in West Stockbridge and Milford. He was made first pastor of Holden at the beginning of the year 1886. He resigned in October, 1886, and was appointed pastor at Northboro. Never of a robust constitution, he at last became unable to perform the duties of the ministry, and, giving them up, went in search of health to Denver, Col. He died there of consumption in Jan- uary, 1890, and was buried in St. John's Cemetery, Worcester.
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REV. JOHN D. McGANN.
The Rev. John D. McGann was born in Milford, September 28th, 1855. After graduating from the Milford High School, he spent a year at Exeter Academy, Exeter, N. H., and then was sent to the Sulpician College and Seminary, Montreal, where he spent six years. He was ordained a priest, Decem- ber 17th, 1881. His first appointment was to assist Father Doherty at Millbury. He spent three years there, and was then sent to Blackstone, where he remained three years more. He became pastor at Holden, January 23d, 1888.
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