USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > The story of Essex County, Volume III > Part 29
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The manufacture of glue was started in Peabody more than a century ago, and the gelatine interests with which Mr. Goodhue is associated are among the largest of their kind in the United States. His success in his undertakings has brought him to the fore in social and civic life. He is a mem- ber of the Eastern Yacht Club, the Union Club of Boston, and the Salem Country Club, as well as of the Harvard Club of New York and the Harvard 'Varsity Club.
To every enterprise or project with which he has been connected he has contributed substantially of his fine energies, with the result that he is honored, trusted and re- spected in his community and county, as well as in the larger reaches of industry.
On December 2, 1909, Albert Goodhue married, at Salem, Elizabeth Burrill Mans- field, of that city. By this marriage have been born two sons, who attend Harvard University : I. Nathaniel Mansfield, class of 1935. 2. Albert Goodhue, Jr., class of 1937.
The Goodhue residence is at No. 38 Chest- nut Street, Salem.
FREDERICK CHARLES ATKINSON, M. D .- Since the end of the World War, Frederick Charles Atkinson, M. D., has been an increasingly important figure in the medi- cal fraternity of Essex County and North Andover. He brought to his practice not only the training of the schools, but more than a year of valuable experience in the Medical Corps of the United States Army. Dr. Atkinson was born in Lawrence, June 14, 1892, son of James Henry and Mary (Matthews) Atkinson, his father a native of Lawrence, and the mother of Ireland. Grandfather William Atkinson was of Eng- lish birth and came to Lawrence at an early date. He married, and for the greater part of his life was connected with the textile industry, as was his son, the father of Dr. Atkinson.
Frederick Charles Atkinson attended local public schools and was graduated from the Methuen High School in 1912. He matricu- lated at Tufts Medical College, from which he received the degree Doctor of Medicine with the class of 1917. Immediately there- after he was an interne in St. John's Hos- pital, in Lowell, for nearly a year, but when the United States became involved in the World War, he offered his services to the
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government. With the rank of first lieu- tenant in June, 1918, he became a member of the United States Medical Corps. Lieu- tenant Atkinson was stationed for a larger part of his service at Camp Lee, Virginia, from which he was honorably discharged in August, 1919, after having been attached to the Base Hospital as medical officer.
Upon his return to civilian life, Dr. Atkin- son vacationed for a time, and in November, 1919, established himself in practice at North Andover. He not only has gained a fine clientele, but has been a progressive and active citizen. He is a member of the North Andover Improvement Society, the North Andover Historical Society, chairman of the school committee, and the school physician. Along professional lines he is a member of the American Medical Association, the Mas- sachusetts State Medical Association, the Lawrence Medical Club, and is treasurer of the Greater Lawrence Medical Society. His Greek letter fraternity is Phi Chi, and he is first vice-commander of the local American Legion Post.
In October, 1923, Frederick Charles Atkin- son, M. D., married Mary E. Soucy, of North Andover.
NATHAN H. POOR, 2d-The name of Poor has long figured prominently in the New England leather industry. Nathan H. Poor, 2d, elected president of the Nathan H. Poor Company, of Peabody, Massachusetts, in April, 1927, has given his best efforts to the management and operation of this enter- prise. To Mr. Poor must go much of the credit for industrial development in this region of the Commonwealth of Massachu- setts, for, though carrying forward the poli- cies of his forebears, he has added his own strength and vision to the work.
He was born in Danvers, Massachusetts, on October 26, 1890, son of George H. and Mary J. (Fuller) Poor and of the third gen-
eration connected with the leather industry. His grandfather, Nathan H. Poor, born in Peabody on April 14, 1842, was the founder and promoter of the present company in 1875. If one considers, not the present com- pany, but the leather industry as a whole, the Poors were active in the same trade even before his generation. The first Na- than H. Poor was a shoemaker at fourteen years of age, and at sixteen was apprenticed to the morocco dressing trade as an em- ployee of Roberts and Moore. At nineteen he was given full charge of the factory. About 1863 he was made manager of the finishing work in the factory of Pemberton and Son, of Peabody, and was advanced in 1870 to superintendent of the Peabody fac- tory of Charles H. Tigh. For five years he so continued, then engaged in business for himself as a partner in Hutchinson and Poor. His was the spirit of the pioneer. He adopted new methods as they became known and the plant that he established in Lowell Street was one of the best equipped and most modern to be found anywhere, the machines being operated by electric power generated by the company.
He married Mary S. Lufkin, and their son, George H. Poor, was born January 20, 1866. After completing his education, he also be- came engaged in the leather trade, and was admitted to partnership in 1910, when the corporation surrendered its charter and the business was reorganized as a partnership under the name of Nathan H. Poor and Company. The founder's other sons, Arthur K. and Charles F. Poor, and Frank H. San- ger, also became partners. In 1924 the com- pany was again incorporated as the Nathan H. Poor Company, with the founder as president ; George H. Poor, as treasurer and general manager; and Nathan H. Poor, 2d, of this review, as vice-president and super- intendent. The first Nathan H. Poor headed the enterprise until his death, on April 17,
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1927. George H. Poor continued then to direct the financial policy of the company, and his son, Nathan H. Poor, 2d, became president. George H. Poor was trustee of the Danvers Savings Bank. He married, on January 9, 1889, in Danvers, Mary J. Fuller, born June 9, 1863. They had two children : Nathan H. Poor, 2d, of this review; and Marion F., wife of Ernest S. Learoyd.
Of these, Nathan H. Poor, 2d, was born in Danvers, as already noted. He received liberal technical training for the business to which he has since devoted himself, supple- menting his public school work with studies at the Lowell Textile School and Massachu- setts Institute of Technology. In 1912 he became associated with the business of the Nathan H. Poor Company, Peabody. Under his headship of the business, it has prospered and made rapid strides, as was the case in previous years. He continues today to be active in the management, and maintains the company's high reputation.
Mr. Poor married Naomi Kearns, of Dan- vers. They had three children.
Nathan H. Poor, 2d, is also active in the Free and Accepted Masons, belonging to York Rite bodies, and is a member of the Salem Country Club.
FRED W. PEABODY-Choosing music as his profession, Fred W. Peabody became widely known as an instructor of violin and as a player and conductor in orchestras. But, finding conditions unsatisfactory for the artist in the modern world, he determined to change his work. He altered the em- phasis of his musical training and built up what was one of Haverhill's most important business enterprises and one of the leading music stores in this region of Massachusetts.
Mr. Peabody was born on February 8, 1857, in Groveland, Massachusetts, son of Walter Scott and Mary (Poor) Peabody, of Bradford, Massachusetts. His father, who
was a widely known farmer, died on De- cember 31, 1928.
In the public schools Fred W. Peabody received his early formal education, and he was still a small child when he became inter- ested in music. Seeming to possess a sym- pathetic feeling for all that pertained to melody, harmony and rhythm, he studied music, so perfecting himself in the art that he became one of the well-known teachers in his community. He taught the violin, played the instrument in different orches- tras and became an orchestra leader of abil- ity and repute.
Feeling the need for a larger remunera- tion than this work offered, Mr. Peabody went into business for himself in 1884, open- ing a small store in Water Street. Not long afterward he bought the business of Orin W. Tasker, who had the largest and most successful music store in Haverhill. Re- moving to No. 208 Merrimack Street, Haver- hill, Mr. Peabody afterward was able to buy the land and construct the building where the Peabody store now stands, at No. 73 Merrimack Street. Earning the very high esteem and respect of his contemporaries, he enjoyed, among the many customers who frequented his store, the distinction of being a music dealer who really knew music and musical instruments. Since Mr. Peabody's passing, the work has been carried on by Mrs. Peabody and their son, Allan K. Pea- body, who is president, treasurer and gen- eral manager of the enterprise. The store, which is one of the oldest east of Boston, is, as many commentators from other places have said, worthy of a much larger city and in most ways is comparable to a great metro- politan establishment. This was chiefly due to his great desire to present a complete service in the field of work in which he was engaged. Its extensive stock and equipment are deserving of note-especially its large supply of instruments, music and art goods.
Essex-15
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The credit for founding and building this business must go to Fred W. Peabody, who devoted himself untiringly to the work and paid the strictest attention to its many de- tails. Mrs. Peabody and her son have effec- tively carried forward the task thus com- menced, so that Haverhill may well be proud of this important business undertaking. Mr. Peabody himself gave his energies so exten- sively to the store that he took little time for membership and activity in community affairs. Though not a "joiner" by nature, he did enjoy memberships in the Pentucket Club and Saggahew Lodge of the Free and Accepted Masons. He also took part in the work of the Haverhill Chamber of Com- merce and was a trustee of the Pentucket Savings Bank. His church was the North Congregational. Each of the organizations and projects with which he was concerned was in some definite way the gainer from his efforts, and, as a result, he was honored and trusted in a wide circle of acquaintance and was frequently sought as a guide in impor- tant matters.
In 1889 Fred W. Peabody married Lena L. Allan, of Maine, daughter of Winckworth S. and Susanna C. (Knowles) Allan. Her father was a builder. To Mr. and Mrs. Pea- body were born the following children : I. Pauline, who completed her education at the Castle School for Young Ladies at Tarry- town, New York. She is proprietor of the Community Cafeteria at Haverhill. 2. Allan Knowles, who attended Andover Academy, Yale University, Dartmouth College, and the Bryant-Stratton Business College. 3. Blanche, who attended the New England Conservatory of Music, and the University of Wisconsin, and became well known as a skilled pianist. She was married in 1934 to Alexander J. Newett, a civil engineer, and they reside in Dallas, Texas.
The death of Fred W. Peabody, on De- cember 31, 1926, was a cause of deep sorrow.
His associations with the people of Haver- hill and Essex County did much to spread a knowledge and appreciation of good music, and his influence was for the best. Loved by a host of friends, he was known as a kindly, generous and sincere individual, who was devoted to the best interests of his con- temporaries, and their institutions and whose life was worth while to the fullest extent.
JOSEPH D. A. HEALEY was born in Lynn on February 28, 1878, the son of John J. and Mary J. (Jackson) Healey. His father was born February 20, 1850, in Lynn, and died on July 13, 1929, after having been for many years in the shoe manufacturing busi- ness in Lynn. Mary J. (Jackson) Healey was born in Saugus, Massachusetts, April 15, 1851, and died in Lynn on April 7, 1923.
Joseph D. A. Healey received his early education in the public schools of Lynn. He was graduated from Boston University Law School in the class of 1899, with honors, tak- ing the degree of Bachelor of Laws, and in the same year he was admitted to the bar of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. He began his practice of law in Lynn and con- tinued in general practice for thirty-one years up to the time of his death, which occurred in Lynn on January 23, 1930. In the profession of the law he made an out- standing success and was widely and favor- ably known in legal circles in the city of his practice and throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. In his professional capac- ity he served many institutions and busi- ness organizations and carried his realm of public service beyond the boundaries of any individual profession or business.
He was a man of sterling integrity and devoted to the best interests of his profes- sion and the community. He was honored and loved by all who knew him for his de- lightful personal qualities. His kindliness, his ideals of living and thinking, his deep
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understanding of men and their motives and aspirations were qualities that were domi- nant in his make up of character and mind, and these qualities carried him far along the pathway of his ambitions and aims.
He was ever ready to render public serv- ices and was for twenty-five years chairman of the board of registrars of voters in the city of Lynn. During the World War, he was secretary of the District Appeal Board, with offices in Boston. He was a trustee of the Lynn Institution for Savings, a director of the Essex Trust Company, of Lynn, trus- tee of the Lynn Hospital, and a member of the board of managers of the Lynn Home for Aged Men.
Professionally he had many affiliations. He was a member of the Massachusetts Bar Association, Essex Bar Association, and Lynn Bar Association, and was also a mem- ber of the Massachusetts Conveyancers' As- sociation and one of the official Land Court examiners for the Land Court of Massachu- setts. His clubs were the Oxord, of Lynn, and the Tedesco Country. His contributions to these groups were of great value, each of them gaining definitely and in worth while ways from his activities in their behalf. His chief work, however, lay in his profession. He and his brother, Albert Jackson Healey, a record of whose life and works appears in the following biography, carried on the firm of Healey and Healey, attorneys, which concern represents various banking and business enterprises and carries on a gen- eral law practice, specializing in real estate, probate, corporation, business, and civil law.
Joseph D. A. Healey died January 23, 1930. At his passing he was survived by his brother, Albert J. Healey, who lives in Lynn and carries on the business of the law firm of Healey and Healey, and also by his sister, Bessie L. Healey, who for many years was a student and a teacher of music. To these members of the immediate family, the
death of Joseph D. A. Healey was an occa- sion of deep personal sorrow, but the grief- stricken ones included also many dear friends, as well as those members of his com- munity who had the opportunity to observe and appreciate his work.
His place in Lynn was one that will be difficult to fill, for he had always close to his heart the best interests of the city, county and State, and his influence was for good, as is the influence of his memory and his spirit today.
ALBERT JACKSON HEALEY was born in the city of Lynn, where he is now actively engaged in the practice of law and is an esteemed and respected member of his com- munity. He holds a position of leadership in civic and social affairs, not only in Lynn, but throughout Essex County. He was born on March 13, 1888, the son of John J. and Mary J. (Jackson) Healey. His father, who was born February 20, 1850, in Lynn, and died here on July 13, 1929, was for many years a shoe manufacturer in this city. Mary J. (Jackson) Healey was born in Saugus, Massachusetts, on April 15, 1851, and died in Lynn on April 7, 1923.
Albert J. Healey received his early educa- tion in the city of his birth and was gradu- ated from the Lynn Classical High School. He later was engaged in business in Boston, being connected with the merchandising department of William Filene's Sons Com- pany, of Boston. In 1915 he was graduated from Boston University Law School with the degree of Bachelor of Laws, and in the same year he was admitted to the bar of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and took up the active practice of law. He joined his brother, the late Joseph D. A. Healey, form- ing the law firm of Healey and Healey, No. 25 Exchange Street, Lynn, which conducts a general practice and is especially known for its work in corporation, probate, real
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estate, banking, and civil law, and represents various banking and business interests.
Joseph D. A. Healey died in Lynn, on January 23, 1930, but the firm continues under the old name of Healey and Healey. Albert J. Healey has always been interested in public affairs and has ever been ready and willing to aid in those things which have for their purpose the best interests of his community. He was a member of the Lynn school committee from 1918 to 1932, when he retired from office, having served for many years as vice-chairman of this com- mittee. During his service on this commit- tee, he was instrumental, by his efforts, in building up the school department of his city to a high degree of efficiency. Old buildings were replaced by new, and the school system was modernized in every way, until it is one of the most efficient systems in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Mr. Healey is a trustee of the Lynn Insti- tution for Savings, a director of the Essex Trust Company, a trustee of the Lynn Hos- pital, and a member of the board of man- agers of the Lynn Home for Aged Men. He is also a director of various corporations. He is a member of the Lynn Chamber of Com- merce, the Oxford Club of Lynn, the Te- desco Country Club of Swampscott, and is past president and past district trustee of the Lynn Kiwanis Club. He is a member of the Lynn Bar Association, the Essex County Bar Association, and the Massachu- setts Bar Association. He is also a member of the Massachusetts Conveyancers' Asso- ciation, and is an official examiner for the Land Court of Massachusetts.
Each of the activities and organizations with which Mr. Healey has concerned him- self has benefited from his labors in its be- half. The reputation of Mr. Healey and the firm of Healey and Healey stands high in the legal profession, not only in Lynn, but
throughout the Commonwealth of Massa- chusetts.
Mr. Healey has one sister, Bessie L. Healey, who has been a student and teacher of music.
AITKEN WELLS THOMAS-Lynn numbers among her leading business men many from Nova Scotia, Canada, who came to the "States" when young and have since contributed their full share to the progress and prosperity of the city. Aitken Wells Thomas is one of these who, both as an asso- ciate of his father in the building trade and in his own right, has aided in the physical development of Lynn and played important rôles in the life of the municipality. He was born in Smith's Cove, Digby County, Nova Scotia, on February 22, 1878, the son of George B. and Laura Bell (Potter) Thomas, both of whom were natives of Digby County. The family moved to Lynn in the early 1890s, and here George B. Thomas estab- lished the contracting and building business which the son has continued for a number of years. George B. Thomas was the son of James and Amey (Bent) Thomas, natives of Smith's Cove and Bentville, Nova Scotia, respectively. The progenitor of the Thomas family in Nova Scotia came originally from Wales. Mrs. Laura Bell (Potter) Thomas was a daughter of Charles and Susan (Chute) Potter, both born in Nova Scotia, and who died there.
In the public schools of his birthplace, Aitken Wells Thomas obtained his scholas- tic education. In Lynn he learned the trade of carpenter under various contractors. In 1898, shortly after he had reached his major- ity, he became a partner of his father and the firm name was changed to George B. Thomas and Son. In 1915 his father died and since then the business has been carried on by Aitken W. Thomas under his own
aitken WThomas
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name. During the four decades that he has been actively engaged in the building indus- try, Mr. Thomas has witnessed many re- markable changes in the development of Lynn and in no small measure has been out- standing in bringing some of them about. He built almost all of the ice houses in the Lynn section that store natural ice, and some of the plants which make artificial ice. He was one of the first to finance and build residences of the five to ten thousand dollar class, as a speculation, or at least without having a buyer in view.
Mr. Thomas is president of the North Shore Ice Delivery Company of Lynn which has plants in both this city and Peabody. A Republican in his political faith, he has been a member of the Lynn City Committee and active in municipal affairs. He attends the Lake Side Methodist Episcopal Church, and is a member of the men's class in its Sunday school. Fraternally he affiliates with the Manatahgua Tribe of Red Men, Lynn, and Paul Revere Lodge, No. 156, Knights of Pythias.
On September 6, 1905, in Lynn, Aitken Wells Thomas married Rena Roblee, native of Granville, Nova Scotia, and daughter of Stephen and Anna Bell (Chute) Roblee. Stephen Roblee was born in Granville, Nova Scotia, and died there. His wife was born at Bear River, Nova Scotia, and lives in the Roblee homestead at Granville. She is a de- scendant of Baron La Chute, who was a commander under William the Conqueror in the Battle of Hastings, 1066. Her first an- cestor to settle in America was Lionel Chute, who settled in Ipswich, Massachusetts, in 1635. Mrs. Thomas was educated in the public schools of Granville, and is a member of the East Baptist Church of Lynn; the Lynn Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, and the Women's Republican Club. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas are the parents of two children : I. Reta Belle Thomas, born July
2, 1907. 2. Ernest Wells Thomas, born July 28, 1912, a graduate of Lynn Classical High School, 1931 ; took night courses at Burdett Business College, Lynn; and is studying mechanical engineering at Lowell Institute of Technology.
PATRICK F. SHANAHAN-As a public official of Lynn, Patrick F. Shanahan has won the respect of its citizens for his ability and the capable manner in which he has per- formed the duties of his office. He was born September 21, 1886, at Lynn, a son of Ed- ward W. and Elizabeth (Neal) Shanahan. Edward W. Shanahan was born in 1857, at Boston, son of Patrick and Mary Shanahan, who came to America from Ireland and set- tled at Lynn. He served as constable and assistant assessor; was a Democrat, and a member of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church. Elizabeth Neal Shanahan was born at Lynn, in 1863, where she now resides.
Patrick F. Shanahan attended the public schools, was graduated from Classical High School of Lynn in 1906, and received the de- gree of Bachelor of Laws from Boston Uni- versity in 1909. He was admitted to the Massachusetts bar in the same year and en- gaged in the practice of law. While not yet thirty years of age, he was selected to serve as assistant district attorney of Essex County and occupied this office during 1915 and 1916, leaving a splendid record. He returned to private practice, but was called into pub- lic life again in 1919 as assistant city solici- tor and in 1921 was chosen city solicitor, in which office he still continues. His efficiency in administering its affairs are a credit to the city.
Mr. Shanahan is a member of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church. In politics he is a Democrat. He finds his favorite diversion in reading, and the wide range of his knowl- edge is apparent in his conversation.
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He married, September, 1909, Agnes F. Harrison, a native of Halifax, Nova Scotia, and a daughter of Samuel and Hannah (Comfort) Harrison, who moved from Nova Scotia to Lynn. Mrs. Shanahan is a gradu- ate of Halifax High School. They are the parents of six children : I. Raymond F., a graduate of Lynn Classical High School, and a student at Burdette College. 2. Helen D., a graduate of St. Mary's High School, Lynn, and of Emmanuel College, Boston, where she is engaged in teaching. 3. Linus H., a student at Boston University College of Liberal Arts. 4. Vincent N., attending St. Mary's High School. 5. Agnes M., a stu- dent at St. Mary's Parochial School, Lynn. 6. Elizabeth Ann, also a student at St. Mary's Parochial School.
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