USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > The story of Essex County, Volume III > Part 23
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From the Rev. Mr. Harriman, rector of Trinity Church in Portland, the following tribute was received : "As I enjoy the pros- perity of this old and firmly planted parish, I often acknowledge my indebtedness to the
wise master-builders who preceded me, and I feel that others have labored and I have entered into their labors. In these days of change and short rectorships we need to learn the secret of success which enabled Dr. Emery to labor thirty-five years in one place."
In a minute adopted by the vestry of Trinity Church we read the following ex- tract: "From 1835 to 1870 he broke the bread of life to feed the flock of God com- mitted to his care ; he went in and out among us, as a faithful imitator of the Good Shep- herd, and an example to the believers in word, in conversation, in charity, in faith, in purity.
"Two generations of parishioners remem- ber with gratitude his gentle, kindly mini- strations, and look to see him receive the crown of life when the Chief Shepherd shall appear."
ELIPHALET EMERY-The Emery family has played an outstanding part in the history of Newbury. For generations they have been prominently identified with the social, religious, civic and business welfare of this community. Among them is Elipha- let Emery, who was born, lived, and died on his paternal estate which was settled by a son of the first American ancestor of the Emery family, shortly after his arrival from England during the early part of the seven- teenth century. As one of the leading citi- zens of this section Mr. Emery occupied im- portant governmental positions here and by his public-spirited participation won the deep esteem and respect of his fellowmen.
Eliphalet Emery was born on September 5, 1781, in that part of Newbury which is now known as West Newbury, the son of Nathaniel and Sarah (Short) Emery, both natives of this community. He received a general education in the common schools of this district and improved by self-study
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and extensive reading. He early embarked on his career as a farmer, an occupation in which he became a leader in this part of the State.
Though much of his time was devoted to the cultivation of the ancestral lands that had been entrusted to his care, he did not neglect his civic duties, but rather entered into this phase of life with a characteristic vigor and enthusiasm that commanded the recognition of his fellow-townsmen who saw fit to elect him a member of the Board of Selectmen of West Newbury, between 1821 and 1853, serving this body continu- ously during this period with the exception of thirteen scattering years. The enviable record he established as a lawmaker led to his appointment as a representative to the General Court, from 1829 to 1831 and again in 1834. During the Civil War he was one of the most active supporters of the govern- ment in this community and while he could not participate actively in the conflict he rendered invaluable service to the city of Newbury which was then undergoing one of the most troublesome periods in its his- tory.
On April 4, 1820, he married Sarah Hale, daughter of the Rev. Moses Hale of Box- ford, and the granddaughter of the Rev. Moses Hale of Newbury. Mrs. Emery died March 4, 1865. Mr. and Mrs. Emery were survived by one daughter, Mary Hale, who married Samuel Moody Emery (q. v.), son of Eliphalet's cousin.
Eliphalet Emery died at his ancestral home in West Newbury on April 20, 1869, after fulfilling a successful and fruitful life as one of the most able and unselfish public servants this community has had in its long and distinguished history. In his career he maintained the illustrious traditions of his forebears and the fruits of his labors remain today an undying tribute to his memory.
JOHN PATRICK SHIELDS MAHO- NEY-In the legal realm of the city of Law- rence, John Patrick Shields Mahoney has occupied an outstanding position for the past forty years and in the pursuit of his professional activities has become a leading figure in the civic, social and business life of the community. His influence plays an im- portant part in moulding public opinion through his direction and ownership of the Lawrence "Telegram" and the Lawrence "Sunday Sun," two of the largest publica- tions here.
Mr. Mahoney was born in North Andover, Massachusetts, October 21, 1869, the son of Cornelius and Mary (Shields) Mahoney. For a number of years his father was engaged in farming in this section. Mr. Mahoney re- ceived a general education in the public schools of his native community, graduating from the Johnson High School. After com- pleting his studies he attended Boston Uni- versity, where he gained his legal education. On August 8, 1893, he was admitted to the Suffolk County bar and started on a career which in the ensuing years was to stamp him as one of the foremost attorneys of this sec- tion. During this period he was admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States in October, 1910, and was counsel in fourteen murder cases, one of the most famous being the Ettor, Givenette and Caruso case, which grew out of the big Law- rence textile strike in 1912. The jury granted a verdict of acquittal in this case, which has been the longest murder trial in the point of trial hours in the State.
The extent of his political activities is re- flected in the offices he held, which included that of Republican moderator for the com- munity of North Andover, president of the Lawrence council and Lawrence city solici- tor. He is a member of the Lawrence
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Knights of Columbus and adheres to the hill "Gazette" as proofreader. He continued Roman Catholic faith.
On June 26, 1897, in Somerville, Mr. Ma- honey married Mary E. Bradley, daughter of Daniel and Unice (Laverty) Bradley, and they were the parents of six children : I. John P. S., Jr., born May 2, 1898, died June 26, 1899. 2. J. Bradley, born May 2, 1898. 3. Cornelius Philip, born November 21, 1899, died June 26, 1900. 4. Charles Daniel, born February 26, 1901. 5. John Patrick Shields, Jr., born March 21, 1904. 6. Joseph Cor- nelius, born March 8, 1908, died May 9, 1928.
JAMES AUGUSTINE DONOVAN-A prominent lawyer and civic leader of Essex County, James Augustine Donovan, of Law- rence, has brought to public service the wide and practical knowledge acquired in a varied career as a newspaper man, war veteran, political leader, lawyer and business man.
Mr. Donovan was born in Lawrence, on August 25, 1889, the son of James and Mar- garet (Sullivan) Donovan, natives of Ire- land, the former having been born in County Cork and the latter in County Kerry. His father, James Donovan, left Ireland in his youth, lived for a time in New Brunswick, and in 1863 settled in Lawrence, where he engaged in business as a shoemaker and shoe merchant in a store on Essex Street. During the Civil War he manufactured shoes for the Federal Army. James Donovan died in December, 1918, surviving his wife Mar- garet, who died in September, 19II.
James A. Donovan was educated at St. Mary's Parochial School and Lawrence High School, from which he was graduated in 1907. It is significant to observe that Mr. Donovan's entire career has been in quasi public endeavors. Following high school he became a reporter on the "Eagle-Tri- bune," becoming also editor and advertising man of that paper. He later worked on the Boston "Post" as reporter and on the Haver-
his education at Harvard College, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1913, and at Boston University Law School, graduating in 1915 with the degree of Bachelor of Laws. While a student at Harvard, Mr. Donovan was a member of the debating team that met Yale University in 1912.
In 1915, the same year in which he was graduated from law school, he was admitted to the bar and began to practice with the Hon. Frederick W. Mansfield, the present mayor of Boston, continuing with this firm one and a half years. He became a member of the firm of Coulson, Donovan and Harge- don in 1919, and upon the death of Mr. Coul- son, in June, 1930, Mr. Donovan succeeded him as head of the firm. Mr. Donovan is an experienced attorney in all branches of law and is highly regarded by his colleagues for his legal ability no less than for his many personal qualities.
In 1918 he left his practice and his profes- sion to enlist in the United States Navy with the grade of second class seaman, was commissioned an ensign at Pensacola, Florida, in the Naval Aviation Corps, served for the duration of the war, and was honor- ably discharged.
Aside from his practice, Mr. Donovan has been one of the most active citizens in civic and community affairs. Governor David I. Walsh, in 1915, appointed him a member of the board of labor and industry, and in 1912 he was elected a trustee of the Lawrence Public Library, a position which he has held continuously since then, over twenty-two years. He has had practical experience in State finances as an assistant receiving teller in the Massachusetts State treasury depart- ment, while a student at Boston University. Mr. Donovan commands a controlling vote in the Democratic party and has served as a delegate to the Democratic national con- ventions of 1916, 1920, 1924, and 1928. In
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1917 he was elected to the Massachusetts Constitutional Convention. He is well known to business circles of Lawrence through his offices of director of the Lawrence Gas and Electric Company and president of the Law- rence Associated Investors, Incorporated. His professional associations are the Law- rence, Massachusetts State, and American Bar associations. Fraternally he is a mem- ber of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Knights of Columbus. He is also a member of the Clover Club of Boston and the Democratic State committee. A prominent member of the American Legion since its early days, he wrote part of the legion's constitution at the Minneapolis (1919) convention, and served as judge ad- vocate of the Massachusetts Department of the American Legion in 1926-27.
James A. Donovan married, August 24, 1918, Mary Elizabeth Coughlin, of Lowell. They reside at No. 16 Summit Avenue, Law- rence.
WILLIAM O. EARLE-A man who has figured prominently in the educational work being done in Essex County and this vicin- ity of Massachusetts and New England is William O. Earle, who is principal of the Center School, Salem. A native son of Mas- sachusetts, he is intimately acquainted with New England educational needs and social conditions, and so is well equipped by birth and training for the work that he is doing.
Mr. Earle was born in Fitchburg, Massa- chusetts, on March 4, 1897, son of Harland William and Jennie (Keely) Earle and mem- ber of an old and honorable family. His father was born in Ludlow, Vermont, and his mother in Ireland; the father was a ma- chinist by trade, employed in Charlestown and Watertown, Massachusetts, by the United States Government, and was the in- ventor of the first tool that successfully
bored a sixteen-inch gun for the govern- ment.
In the public schools of Fitchburg and Boston, William O. Earle, of whom this is primarily a record, received his early educa- tion. He was graduated from Brighton High School and later took courses at the School of Business Administration of Bos- ton University. Employed by the Massa- chusetts State Department of Mental Dis- eases, at Wrentham, he was supervisor of manual arts and director of athletics at that institution until, in 1921, he came to Salem to be principal of the Center School, of this city. Since that time he has faithfully car- ried on the work of the principalship here, effectively serving the educational needs in this school, and having so done from the be- ginning though he was, at the time of his selection for the position, the youngest male principal in the State.
For two years he has been broadcasting every Saturday morning the children's pro- grams, so giving the children training in broadcasting. These programs are placed on the air from station WHDH on the Hotel Touraine, Boston. Mr. Earle also puts on junior radio shows for local Salem organiza- tions, using his own amplifiers, microphones and other appliances, enabling him to send ideas of educational value into the minds of his listeners.
Mr. Earle's originality of method has been of value in the schools and in the commu- nity. He has also exerted a wide influence through his work in different organizations. He is a director of the American Red Cross. For a time he served as government wing inspector for the Sturtevant Airplane Com- pany, of Jamaica Plain. He came from high school as a registered cadet major, which ranking permitted him to render further service. He served during the World War with the rank of first sergeant in the 4th
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Battalion, 15Ist Depot Brigade, stationed at Camp Devens. Mr. Earle began his varied career at the age of twelve years, working then in the Jordan-Marsh store, Boston, as bundle boy. Later he was with the Ken- nedy Butter and Egg Company as clerk, serving for the salary of three dollars a week and working twelve hours a day. In 1914- 1915 he was mascot of the Harvard football and baseball teams.
Every organization with which he has been concerned has in some way gained from his efforts in its behalf. In addition to his other duties, Mr. Earle has assumed entire responsibility for the home, being the sole supporter of his mother and sister from the time of his father's death on February 14, 1914. He was then only seventeen years of age. He is unmarried, and makes his home with his mother and sister at No. 247 Lafa- yette Street, Salem.
RICHARD E. BLAKE-In the practice of law Richard E. Blake has distinguished himself in the city of Salem, though he is one of the younger men of his profession. Mr. Blake was born on November 9, 1902, in Charlestown, New Hampshire, son of Elmer T. and Mabel S. (Colcord) Blake. The father, who was a native of Vermont, was a clergyman of the Congregational faith, and the mother was a New Hampshire woman. In the public schools of his native place and at Pembroke Academy, Pembroke, New Hampshire, Richard E. Blake, of this review, received his early education. After being graduated from Pembroke in 1920, he spent a year at the University of New Hampshire, and then, in 1925, was graduated from Bos- ton University Law School. In January, 1926, he was admitted to the bar, and imme- diately thereafter began the practice of law in Salem and later became a partner of the Hon. Robert W. Hill and E. Lawrence Howie.
Since that time he has successfully con- tinued his legal work, and has connected himself with some of the leading organiza- tions of his profession. These affiliations include memberships in the Essex County Bar Association and the Massachusetts State Bar Association, as well as the local Salem Bar Association. In the Free and Accepted Masons, Mr. Blake is connected with Essex Lodge, and he belongs also to the Square and Compass Club of Salem. The bar asso- ciation of the city has specially honored him by choosing him to be its secretary, and his service in this position has been of value to the organization and to the people whom it serves. While a student, Mr. Blake joined the Delta Theta Phi Fraternity, in which he still holds membership. His work has been general in its nature, for he has preferred to include all phases of the law in his activities to specializing in a particular sphere of the profession. His work, both in the law and in the different civic activities that he has undertaken, has been of value to the com- munity, county and State in which he lives.
Richard E. Blake married, on September 13, 1930, Joan Chapman, of Salem, Massa- chusetts, a native of Leeds, England, who came to this country in 1917 and settled in Salem. To this marriage was born, on June 13, 1933, a daughter, Susan Blake.
TIMOTHY W. FITZGERALD -The varied and successful career of Timothy W. Fitzgerald, of Salem, shows in a steadily ascending line of usefulness and service in the commercial, civic and community life of his native city. Beginning as an apprentice to a trade, he has cultivated his talents for leadership and has won his way through many obstacles to a position of respect and trust in business and public office. Born in Peabody on March 24, 1879, Mr. Fitzgerald is the son of William and Hannah (Dono- . van) Fitzgerald, natives of County Cork,
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Ireland, who came to America in 1869 and settled in Peabody, where his father engaged in business as a builder and contractor. Wil- liam Fitzgerald died in 1927 and Hannah (Donovan) Fitzgerald in 1881.
Attending the public schools of Peabody, Mr. Fitzgerald was graduated from high school in 1897, became an apprentice to the bricklaying trade and learned methods of building construction. He continued in this trade for many years and became a leader of his craft, being elected president of the Bricklayer's Union, a position he held five years, and also serving as delegate to the international convention four times, includ- ing those held at St. Joseph, Missouri, and Houston, Texas. In 1921 Mr. Fitzgerald engaged in business for himself as a con- tractor and builder. His many years experi- ence as a workman, combined with his natural ability as a clear thinking business man, led his business on a path of steady progress to its present place among the solid and representative concerns of Salem. Dur- ing the World War Mr. Fitzgerald held the responsible position of supervisor of con- struction at the Charlestown Navy Yard.
For many years active in political affairs, Mr. Fitzgerald's entrance into public life began in 1922, when he was elected a mem- ber of the city council and his able service in this body has resulted in his reelection every two years since then. In 1928 he be- gan his present office as president of the city council. In September, 1933, he was ap- pointed branch manager at Salem for the Home Owners' Loan Corporation. He is prominent in fraternal circles, being a mem- ber of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, in which he has held all offices, including that of Worthy President, serving also as dele- gate from his aerie to the national conven- tion held in Washington, District of Colum- bia ; is a member of the Benevolent and Pro- tective Order of Elks, and the Knights of
Columbus. His support of all worthy causes has been generously and gladly given.
Mr. Fitzgerald has a son, William D., born in 1913.
GEORGE C. WADLEIGH-Among the leaders of the shoe industry of Haverhill was George C. Wadleigh, who successfully di- rected the activities of L. C. Wadleigh and Son, one of the oldest concerns in this com- munity, which was founded by his father, Levi C. Wadleigh. As one of the foremost manu- facturers and business men here, Mr. Wad- leigh was prominently identified with many of the leading social and civic organizations, taking a keen and active interest in the affairs of his surroundings.
A native of Haverhill, George C. Wadleigh was born on December 1, 1846, the son of Levi C. and Susan (McCrillis) Wadleigh, the father a native of Hill, New Hampshire, and the mother of Amesbury, Massachusetts. Mr. Wadleigh, of this review, received a general education in the public schools of his native community and, after completing his studies, entered a business career. From the outset he was associated with his father who, along with other shoe manufacturers, suffered a severe loss during the disastrous fire of 1882, which completely razed all the factory properties from the Merrimack River to Wingate Street. Unabashed by his reverses, however, the elder Wadleigh proceeded to form the firm of L. C. Wadleigh and sons, which consisted of him and his sons, George C. and Levi C., Jr. The last named died about six years later. After the retirement of his father, George C. Wad- leigh continued to direct the activities of this organization in an able and highly successful manner until he sold out the business to Nel- son Hunt, and retired from active business pursuits to devote himself to personal interests. His career made him known as one of the fore- most business men of this community and in this capacity he was frequently invited by
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other enterprises to discuss the problems that beset them. In this connection he became, and remained until his death, a director of the Ha- verhill National Bank.
Widely known for his club affiliations he was prominently identified with many of the leading organizations of this type here, among them the Pentucket Club, the Haverhill Coun- try Club, the Algonquin Club of Boston, the Ponkapaug Club, the Whittier Association, and the Haverhill Historical Society. In his fraternal connections he was a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, and in religion he worshipped at the Universalist Church. Mr. Wadleigh had a natural fondness for the artis- tic, and, after he retired from business, was able to gratify his desires in that direction. He became a connoisseur of the finer works of art, possessing many valuable objects, all of which are retained by Mrs. Wadleigh. He made a study of this field and was considered an au- thority, his advice and judgment being fre- quently sought on the subject. A lover of the outdoors he was fond of all types of sports, especially hunting and fishing. In his philan- thropic work he was noted for his generosity and was a liberal donator to worthy charitable. organizations.
In 1889 Mr. Wadleigh married Alma Laura Hodgdon, daughter of Reuben S. and Abbie A. (McClinch) Hodgdon, both natives of the State of Maine.
Mr. Wadleigh died on December 9, 1922. His passing was regretted as a loss to Haver- hill of one of its progressive citizens ; one who had come to be respected and admired for his accomplishments and his keen and public- spirited outlook. In the shoe industry and in the city of his residence he contributed sub- stantially to the welfare and happiness of his fellowmen.
WILLIAM O. SAFFORD-Prominent in the civic and community life of Salem is William O. Safford, who has given a meas-
ure of service to public affairs and to the improvement of conditions among his fel- lowmen that is representative of the ideals of American citizenship. Equipped with a strong intelligence, a devotion to public welfare, and an ability for administration, the record of Mr. Safford's career is an in- spiration to younger men to acquire the same qualities that have made him an out- standing constructive influence. He was born in Salem on January 23, 1863, the son of James O. Safford, born in Danvers, and Nancy Maria (Potter) Safford, a native of Salem, both families long resident in Salem and adjoining communities and of English descent. His father was engaged in the leather commission business for many years and was active in the business and civic affairs of Salem, having served as trustee of Essex Institute and in other ways contribut- ing to community service. He was known in business circles of Boston, and was a member of the board of directors of a Bos- ton bank.
William O. Safford received his education in the public schools of Salem and Harvard University, from which he was graduated in 1884 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, and started to prepare for a career in law at Harvard Law School, but left at the end of two years. He then engaged in the broker- age and investment business in Boston for several years.
Long interested in civic affairs, his active participation in these matters began in 1915, when he was elected commissioner of health of Salem and served one year. He was elected to the office of city counselor in 1916 and has filled that office continuously since then with the exception of one term of two years. Mr. Safford has also been chairman of the welfare board since 1915. In this posi- tion he has given ample evidence of his pub- lic spirit as he has received no financial com- pensation, the office being gratuitous. His
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interest in the youth of Salem resulted in 1926 in his election to the presidency of the Salem Fraternity, the oldest boys' club in Essex County. Other institutions receiving his support are the Essex Institute and the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Chil- dren. He is a member of the board of trus- tees of both organizations.
Mr. Safford resides at No. 13 Washington Square, in a three-story Colonial house erected in 1818 and owned by his family since 1870. He is a member of St. Peter's Episcopal Church and has been a warden for twenty years.
STEPHEN A. WHIPPLE-Among the business men who have taken an active part in advancing civic and community affairs of Salem is Stephen A. Whipple, who, for a number of years, has been a well-known coal dealer and who has continued the traditions of a family that has contributed largely to the progress of Salem and Essex County. Mr. Whipple was born on March 20, 1886, the son of Charles L. Whipple, who was born in Salem, and Louisa (Abbot) Whip- ple, a native of Peabody. The Whipple fam- ily came from England and were early set- tlers in Ipswich. Mr. Whipple's father and grandfather were engaged in the coal busi- ness and were among the first to import from Africa, copal, a product used in mak- ing varnish. Both served in the Salem city council.
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