USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Royalston > The history of the town of Royalston, Massachusetts > Part 43
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Mr. Cross's natural bent toward the study of history has been followed by an especial interest in the story of the Civil War. During the past dozen years he has made several trips to Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia for the express purpose of visiting and studying the battlefields that dot that region. His travels have taken him over the fields of First Bull Run, Fair Oaks, the Seven Days Battles, Second Manassas, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettys- burg, the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Drury's Bluff, Cold Harbor and Petersburg. In addition to an extensive history
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library he has a large collection of relics and treasures which he has brought from battlefields.
Since the year of his graduation from college he has delivered over twenty Memorial Day Orations besides nu- merous addresses before educational, historical and military societies. His latest work has been the compilation of the military history of his native town. In August 1901 he married Ida May Kimball, daughter of Rev. Henry S. Kimball of Troy, N. H. They have two daughters: Bertha May born Oct. 19, 1902 and Dorothy Kimball Oct. 26, 1906. He gave the Historical Address at the 150th Anniversary of Royalston in 1915. In November, 1913, Mr. Cross was elected Representative from the First Worcester District to the General Court of Massachusetts as a Progressive. He immediately dis- tinguished himself in debate and in his service on the Com- mittee on Education, of which he was a member. Near the close of his first term in the House, the Springfield Republican said of him : "Mr. Cross of Royalston, Progressive, has made a mark as a new member. He is one of the most forceful and direct members in making points. He never wearies the House or takes more than the necessary time in which to put in his reasoning." He was also repeatedly commended by the Boston and local papers for his good sense, independence and non- partisanship. In the Fall of 1914 he was re-elected, this being the first time that Royalston had sent a representative two terms in succession for sixty years. Thus to Mr. Cross fell the honor of representing the district in the Legislature on the One Hun- . dred and Fiftieth Anniversary of the incorporation of Royals- ton. He was again re-elected to represent the First Worcester District in the House for the year 1916, and in the Fall of that year received still higher honor in being elected as Senator for the Fourth Worcester Senatorial District by a large majority, being the fourth citizen of Royalston, in the one hundred and fifty years' history of the town, to be elected to the Massachu- setts Senate.
FREDERICK LYSANDER DRURY
Frederick Lysander Drury, son of Elisha and Lucinda (Stoddard) Drury, was born in Readsboro, Vt., April 14, 1856. His father, Elisha, was of the eighth generation from
FREDERICK L. DRURY
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SONS OF SOUTH ROYALSTON
his ancestor, Hugh Drury, who came to this country from England in the ship Abigail in the year 1635 at the age of nineteen.
Elisha Drury was a farmer and woodworker, residing successively in Winchendon, Mass., Fitzwilliam, N. H., and Readsboro, Vt., in which latter place Frederick was born.
His father's death led his mother to remove to South Royalston, Mass. when the child was very young, and it was in the public schools of that village that Frederick and his two older brothers Edwin and Leander received their educa- tion.
In 1875, at the age of nineteen he journeyed to Boston and secured employment in a fancy goods store where he remained about two years. In 1877 he went to Fitchburg to enter the employ of Walter P. Guy in the grocery business, where by perseverance and industry he succeeded in saving his earnings to such good advantage that in 1886 he was able to lease a hotel in the heart of the city, which under the name of the "Drury House," he conducted with marked success for four years.
In 1890, in company with Ezra Coleman, he purchased the grocery store which had given him his first start in the city, and in 1900 acquired his partner's interest and became sole proprietor of what had then become and still is Fitch- burgh's leading grocery establishment.
On Sept. 25, 1878, soon after going to Fitchburg, he married Flora Estelle Sherwin, daughter of Addison and Amanda (Partridge) Sherwin of South Royalston. They have two sons, Leon Arthur, born Oct. 23, 1880 and Ralph Sherwin, born Jan. 10, 1890. Both are graduates of the Fitchburg High School and Brown University, and are now associated with their father in business under the firm name of F. L. Drury and Sons.
Leon married Daza Page Mowry of Providence, R. I., a graduate of Brown University on Oct. 12, 1904, and they have two children, Harriet born Oct. 5, 1907 and Leon Arthur, Jr. born Jan. 13, 1911.
Ralph married Florence Farnsworth of Leominster, Mass., a graduate of Mt. Holyoke College, May 2, 1913.
Frederick L. Drury is one of Fitchburg's best known citizens, having been president of the Fitchburg Merchants'
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Association, Vice-President of the Massachusetts Retail Grocers' Association, Director in the Fitchburg Co-operative Bank, and prominent in many civic organizations. He is a member of the Aurora Lodge A. F. & A. M., Thomas Royal Arch Chapter of Masons, Jerusalem Commandery Knights Templars, Aleppo Temple, Mystic Shrine, Lady Emma Chapter Eastern Star, Mt. Roulstone Lodge of Odd Fellows, and E. Victoria Morse Lodge Daughters of Rebeckah.
He is a prominent member of the Rollstone Congrega- tional Church, having served as a member of its Finance Com- mittee for many years.1
In politics he has always been a staunch Republican, but strict attention to business has precluded his acceptance of any political office.
GEOFFREY B. LEHY
One of the most successful business men that South Royalston has ever sent out is Geoffrey B. Lehy; he was born in South Royalston, September, 1855. His early education was obtained in the South Royalston schools, plus one year in Holy Cross College. To this was added (he says) what the world gave me, as it gives to all.
About 1879 he went to Leominster, Mass., with Leander W. Jones and engaged in the grocery business. The firm was Jones & Lehy; Mr. Jones was obliged to sell out on account of his health, and a Mr. John Goss bought him out, the firm becoming Lehy & Goss. Mr. Goss died about two years later, and his brother Michael F. Lehy was with him and continued about two years, when they sold out to local parties, and Geoffrey sold goods on the road for a Fitchburg produce house, and later sold groceries for Henry Callender & Co. of Boston, wholesale grocers. He left this position and purchased an interest in the firm of F. L. Hale & Co., produce dealers. Mr. Hale was one of those who were lost on the steamer City of Columbus when she sank off Gay Head.
The firm then became Fales & Lehy and continued about seven years, when Mr. Lehy sold out to Mr. Fales and associated himself with W. S. Quimby and M. A. Packer as
GEOFFREY B. LEHY
John F. Jeely St
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SONS OF SOUTH ROYALSTON
W. S. Quimby & Co., dealers in butter, cheese and eggs. After one year Mr. Packer retired, and the partnership was changed to a corporation, the W. S. Quimby Co. In 1900 the W. S. Quimby Co. changed to the tea and coffee business and so continues to-day. Mr. Lehy has always been president of the company.
In 1901 he was elected president of the Fruit and Produce Exchange, and served one year. He is at present one of the trustees of the surplus fund of that organization, also a trustee of the real estate of the Boston Chamber of Com- merce. He was the first president of the Boston City Club, an organization of thirty-two hundred men which has been of much civic and social benefit. His term of office was from the inception of the club throughout its organization, a term of five consecutive years. July 1, 1909 he was appointed by Governor Draper a member of the Finance Commission for the City of Boston for a term of one year, and in July 1910 he was re-appointed by Governor Draper for a term of five years.
He married Abbie M. Lewis of South Royalston, a daughter of Hugh and Ellen Lewis.
JOHN F. LEHY
John F. Lehy, one of South Royalston's most distinguished sons in the educational world, was born in South Royalston, Nov. 7, 1850, a son of Geoffrey and Eliza (Kelly) Lehy. He received his early education in private schools and at the Templeton High School. He entered Holy Cross College at Worcester, Mass. in 1872, and in 1874 became a member of the Society of Jesus, and was ordained to the Roman Catholic priesthood in 1887.
He was Professor of Mathematics at Holy Cross College from 1879 to 1884, at Georgetown University 1887, '88 and Woodstock College 1892, '93; was Vice-President of Gonzaga College, Washington, D. C., 1889, '90 and President of Holy Cross College from 1895 to 1901, at Woodstock College 1901 to 1904 and Boston College 1904 to 1906, since which time he has been treasurer of Holy Cross College.
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WILLIAM H. BULLARD
William H. Bullard, one of the successful sons of South Royalston was born in that village Sept. 25, 1856. When four years old his parents moved to Athol where the greater part of his school life was spent.
He attended the Athol High School four years, from 1869 to 1873, walking to and from school a distance of over three miles each way. He attended New Salem Academy in 1874- '75, and taught several terms of school in Petersham Mass., and Ashuelot and Winchester, N. H.
In 1875 he entered the employ of Parmenter & Carruth, dry goods and carpet dealers in Athol. He received fifty dollars and board for the first year's salary.
In 1881 he moved to Holyoke where he continued as dry goods clerk until 1887, when he went into business for him- self. He was successful in this, and some years later gave up the retail business and gave his attention to the dry goods and notions jobbing business, which also proved successful.
In December 1903, Mr. Bullard organized and had in- corporated the Bullard Thread Co., of which he was chosen Agent and Treasurer, which positions he continues to hold at the present time. The products of the Company are widely known and are sold in every state and territory in the country.
He is active in the business and social affairs of his adopted city, has been President of the Holyoke Board of Trade several terms, is a member of the Holyoke Canoe Club, the Holyoke Club, and several other organizations and societies. He was elected president of the New Salem Academy Alumni Association in 1912 and held that office for several years. He has been a prominent candidate for Mayor of Holyoke.
He married Evelyn B. Tandy of Royalston Aug. 25, 1880.
J. HERBERT KING
J. Herbert King, son of John King, was born in South Royalston June 20, 1856, where he lived until sixteen years years of age when he went to Fitchburg to attend the High School, remaining there during one school year; he then went
WILLIAM H. BULLARD
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to Athol and took a position in the dry goods store of Par- menter & Tower.
After a short time at this place he went to Hartford, Conn., rounding out an experience of about three years in the dry goods business. About this time he was taken with the "Go west, young man" fever, which caused him to migrate to Colorado, where he remained about four years, the latter part of the time of which he was engaged in the sheep rais- ing business. His father was taken seriously ill and at his request he returned to Massachusetts.
On Oct. 25, he was married to Miss Nellie M. Hitchcock of Southbridge, Mass., and in the fall of 1882 they moved to Baldwinville which was their home for about thirty years, all of which time he was engaged in the chair business. In 1912 he moved to Gardner which has since been his home, and where he is employed in the Brown Bros.' chair factory. He has two children: Mary B. born in 1888 and Herbert L. born in 1892. While in South Royalston he was a member of the Congregational Church, and in Baldwinville of the Baptist. He was also a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Odd Fellows and Good Templar organizations in Baldwinville.
FRED D. WEEKS
Fred D. Weeks was born in Warwick, Mass. July 15, 1865, received his education in the schools of South Royalston and Cushing Academy, Ashburnham. He was superintendent of the George Whitney Woolen Mill in South Royalston, the Baltic Mills at Fitchburg and mills in Enfield, N. H.
He established the F. D. Weeks Extracting Co. at Shirley, Mass., and is also president and treasurer of the Gould Manufacturing Co. at the same place. He served several years as Selectman, Assessor and Overseer of the Poor and Chairman of the Board of Water Commissioners. He is a member of the Odd Fellows. He has been twice married, first to Mary Sweeney and second Emmaline French. Has three children.
CHAPTER XXV BIOGRAPHICAL
EDWARD A. CARPENTER
Among the prominent citizens of Royalston whose memory it is a delight to honor, should be placed the name of Edward A. Carpenter. Although not a "native born," he was as deeply interested in the welfare and development of the town as any one could be. He was born in Walpole, N. H., on July 22, 1846. His parents, Albert H. and Mary Wilder Carpenter, were most estimable people of sturdy New England stock, with an ances- tral record running back into early pioneer history. His edu- cation was acquired in the public schools in Walpole and at Bellows Falls, Vt. When the civil war came, young Carpenter's patriotic ardor was stirred to the deep and he enlisted and gave efficient service in Co. H., 15th N. H. Volunteers, and filled out the term of his enlistment in the valiant service of this heroic regiment during the Vicksburg and Port Hudson campaign. On his return north from the army he located at Athol, Mass., being engaged in the manfacturing of shoe pegs, then an impor- tant industry, conducted by his uncle, Mr. George Wilder. Two years later he removed to South Royalston and for twenty- one years was employed in the Brush and Shoe Peg factory of Mr. Caleb W. Day. The disastrous fire of 1884 burning down the factory, Mr. Carpenter engaged in the grocery business with Deacon Jonas M. Turner for about a year. In 1886 in company with Mr. F. S. French, who had been a close business asso- ciate for years, he removed to North Reading, Mass., where the general store of Obadiah Walker was bought and the firm of Carpenter and French was a synonym for just methods of dealing. For nineteen years these partners worked faithfully together, until October 1, 1905, when owing to the ill health of Mr. French, Mr. Carpenter bought out his interest and con- ducted the business alone until the time of the closing of his eventful career. It is not too much to say that it was due to the peculiar genius in business of Mr. Carpenter during his
EDWARD A. CARPENTER
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EDWARD A. CARPENTER
business life in North Reading, evinced by his executive ability, industry and hard work, that success was warranted.
Prior to removal to North Reading, Mr. Carpenter was an enthusiastic school committee, efficient constable, and most faithful tax collector for the town of Royalston and his admira- tion and loyalty for the town never ceased, as he kept in touch with all vital affairs to the date of his decease. He joined the Second Congregational Church of South Royalston in 1870, and retained his membership from henceforth never failing financially, or otherwise, to honor the church. The basic prin- cipals of his Christian life ever abounded in sympathy, charity and in benevolence. While living in North Reading he was a continuous helper in all practical church work and an advisor and loyal friend and brother to every pastor. Mr. Carpenter was a member of Parker Post, No. 123, G. A. R., of Athol, Mass., but on going to North Reading he relinquished his member- ship though retaining loyal interest in all Memorial events of the volunteer soldiery. He was marshal of every Memorial Day celebration, and was so chosen by the united voice of the veterans and people in North Reading. His personality and ability was such that he was in constant demand for office and he acquiesced in serving the common weal of the town, more often than otherwise, at the sacrifice of his own personal interests.
Chairman of the Board of Selectmen and Overseer of the Poor, Treasurer of North Reading Grange, President of the Board of Trade, Trustee of the Public Library, Director of the First National Bank and Trustee of Mechanics Savings Bank of Reading, and one of the twelve organizers of the first named. He was also a member of the Men's Good Fellowship club of Reading, and Assistant Postmaster of North Reading for twenty- six years. Mr. Carpenter was married to Miss Effie F. Brooks of South Royalston in 1868; one son, Albert Eugene, was the fruit of this union, but the parents' hearts were saddened by his death in 1872. Several years afterwards, a daughter, Annie C., was adopted and for all of subsequent life the home life was of an ideal character. Miss Carpenter was married some years ago to Mr. Charles F. Burditt of North Reading, who later entered into the employ of Mr. Carpenter. Mr. and Mrs. Burditt have three children, two sons and one daughter. One of the saddest blows to the town of North Reading was the quick demise of Mr. Carpenter. The shock was sudden and numbed
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the senses of all. The funeral services were held at the Union Congregational church in North Reading on Sunday, Novem- ber 15, 1914, and was the largest in attendance and sympathetic interest, ever held in the town. The floral tributes were abun- ant and from organizations, business friends and citizens gen- erally, thus evincing the truest sentiments of the loved and honored dead. The services were conducted by his friend and former pastor, Rev. Eugene E. Colburn, Yarmouth, Mass., who also conducted the funeral services at South Royalston the day following. Thus the sterling, ethical and religious uprightness of Mr. Edward A. Carpenter will stand as a per- petual memory in the communities in which he dwelt.
EVERARD B. HANSON
Everard B. Hanson was born in China, Maine, Oct. 25, 1855. a son of Elihu and Minerva (Starrett) Hanson. He received his education in the graded and high schools of China and Maine Wesleyan Seminary at Kent's Hill, Maine. After grad- uating he engaged in farming, teaching and surveying until 1882, when he moved to Athol, Mass., where he was employed in the shops of his uncle, L. S. Starrett, for four or five years when on account of ill health he was obliged to give up work in the shops. For several years he was in the employ of the Fitchburg Railroad Co., at Athol and Keene, N. H., until 1891 when he removed to South Royalston and was employed by the George Whitney Woolen Co., as bookkeeper, superinten- dent and agent till 1907. When the American Woolen Co. purchased the mills he was retained by that company as agent and superintendent, which position he continued to hold for a number of years.
After coming to South Royalston Mr. Hanson was prominently identified with the interests of the village and of the town. In 1909 he erected green houses for the growing of cucumbers and flowers for the wholesale markets, which were the only green houses in the town. He served the town in several town offices and on important committees. He was a member of the school committee three years, was town auditor several years, a member of the finance and appropri- ation committee since it was inaugurated, was chairman of
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the committee to rebuild the Second Congregational church, school house and hall after the disastrous fire in 1904, and also on the committee to build the Phinehas S. Newton library. He was chairman of the Prudential Committee and Clerk of the Second Congregational church for many years. He was a prominent Mason having been a Master Mason in Dirigo Lodge China, Maine, in 1882; was Worshipful Master of Star Lodge Athol, in 1902-1903; Eminent Commander of Athol Comman- dery, Knights Templars, in 1905, and was a 32d Degree Mason. He was a charter member of Artisan Lodge Ancient Order United Workmen; was commissioned a Justice of the Peace in 1891, a Notary Public in 1894 and so continued to the time of his death, and was also a Special Justice to solemnize marriages.
He was married April 16, 1876, to Miss Lizzie E. Tucker of China, Maine, who died in Royalston in 1903. Three chil- dren were born to them: John Tucker, who died 1898; Viola M., who married Arthur C. Oliver of Athol; and Ruth E., who married Stanley F. Smith of Athol. He married (2) Mrs. Mary A. Rowe Oct. 25, 1904. He died at the hospital in Northampton, Feb. 8, 1915.
RUEL ROBY SAFFORD
Ruel Roby Safford, for nearly a third of a century one of the most prominent citizens of South Royalston, was born in Lancaster, Mass., in 1821. He went to Fitchburg when a young man and was engaged in the woolen business, where he met and married Orissa Wood Maynard of Vermont. While in Fitchburg he was prominent as an Abolitionist and during his whole life was an indefatigable worker for the cause of tem- perance. He was a good singer and devoted much time to music, singing in church choirs and serving as president of vari- ous musical societies. He was one of the members of the Second Congregational Society of Fitchburg who left their church be- cause it would not put itself on record as opposed to Slavery, and organized the Trinitarian church in April, 1843. The choir of that church was composed of men and women of the parish and Mr. Safford was the first choirister. He was described as being a man of splendid voice who sang "with the spirit and with the understanding." The choir was a notable one in town, and the writer of a sketch of that church and its choir says:
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"Any one who had seen and heard its leader, Roby Safford, with head thrown back and face aglow, sing that grand old hymn, 'While Shepherds watched their flocks by night,' and others of those inspired and inspiring words and tunes, could not soon forget them." He was also a member of the Masonic fraternity. In 1862 he moved to South Royalston to engage in the manufacture of woolens in the Whitney Woolen mill. He took an active part in the town affairs of Royalston, was a member of the school committee several years and held other town offices. He retired from business in 1878 and died June 16, 1892; his wife died April 23, 1904.
The children of Ruel Roby and Orissa (Maynard) Safford were: Maria O., who married Charles A. King of Royalston, they are now living in Worcester; William R., married Anna King of Royalston and they reside in Athol; Henry A., was a merchant in South Royalston and died from a gunshot wound in 1883; Mary E., married S. A. Sargent of Utica, N. Y., and after his death Henry Totingham, who died in Worcester in 1914, she still resides in Worcester; Edward, died when a child; Myra A., married Dana M. Dustan a former teacher in the South Royalston school, and their home is in Worcester, where Mr. Dustan is engaged in the insurance business.
Charles R. Safford, youngest son of Ruel Roby Safford, was born in Fitchburg, Oct. 2, 1856, and moved with his parents to South Royalston in 1861. He attended the Royalston schools and afterwards schools in Boston. In 1876 with other Roy- alston boys he went to Colorado to engage in the cattle raising business, but returned the following year to accept a position in the United States service, Port of Boston, where he is still employed having received five promotions in the thirty-eight years that he has been there. Owing to his being a government official he is not eligible to accept any elective political office, but has been a Trustee of the Thomas Crane public library in Quincy for many years, also Trustee of the Memorial Con- gregational church of Quincy. He is a member of many clubs and societies and has been president of the South Royalston school association since its organization in 1904. He married Drucilla A. Robinson of New Brunswick; they have three sons: Winthrop M., Henry W. and Loyal R. His home is in Quincy.
ROBY R. SAFFORD
EVERARD B. HANSON
NAHUM LONGLEY
JESSE BODETT
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BIOGRAPHICAL
NAHUM LONGLEY
Nahum Longley, prominent in the business and church life of South Royalston, was born at Westford, Mass., March 16, 1813. At the age of eight years, his father being dead and his mother having a number of children to care for, he was bound out to Dr. Howe of Templeton, with whom he remained until he became of age. His thirst for knowledge was so intense as to induce him to saw wood evenings to enable him to pur- chase text books. This enterprising spirit led Dr. Howe and others to send him to school a few terms and he took advantage of every opportunity to add to his knowledge. After leaving Dr. Howe he taught school for several terms in Templeton.
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