USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > The story of Essex County, Volume III > Part 44
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William B. Holihan received his prelimi- nary education in local schools and was pre- pared for college in the Lawrence High School, Phillips-Exeter and the Roxbury School, Cheshire, Connecticut. In 1929 he entered Yale University, from which he was graduated a Bachelor of Arts with the class of 1933. In preparatory school and college, William B. Holihan played prominent rôles. He was a member of the Exeter track and football teams, played with his class basket- ball team in Yale, was a member of the 'var- sity water polo team, the Yale Glee Club, captained the junior 'varsity crew and foot- ball team, and was the third ranking scholar. His college fraternity is Beta Theta Pi, and he is a member of the Yale Golf Club, New Haven, Connecticut, and the Rotary Club.
JOHN BURBANK BROSNAN devoted his entire business career to the shoe industry of Haverhill. In this connection he was one of the widely known figures in the industry, being affiliated with a leading concern here with which he occupied highly important and responsible positions. As a native of this city he was keenly interested in the affairs of the community and was well known throughout
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fraternal circles, being prominently identified the Massachusetts Consistory, Aleppo Temple, with the Masonic Order.
John Burbank Brosnan was born at East Parish, Haverhill, on August 21, 1865, the son of Thomas and Sophia (Nichols) Brosnan. His father passed away when he was very young, and with his mother and sister he came to Haverhill proper, where the family resided with John Burbank Nichols, his maternal grandfather, a prominent shoe manufacturer. He received a general education in the Winter Street Grammar School and later attended Haverhill High School, from which he was graduated with the class of 1884. After com- pleting his studies he became interested in the shoe industry and, in the employ of his grand- father, worked during the first few years of his career in various factories as a shoe cutter, which included the Chesley and Rugg firm. After this experience he became associated with the Knights-Allen Shoe Company, an organization he served from that time until his retirement in 1929, with distinction. In this part of his career he was foreman of the cutting room, served as the buyer for upper leather and linings and finally was made a partner in the concern. Due to his proved business ability he was frequently invited by commercial and industrial leaders to offer his counsel in connection with certain problems that beset an enterprise. In this connection he became a trustee of the Five Cents Savings Bank, and served on its investment board.
Socially he was a member of the Pentucket Club and occupied a prominent position in fraternal circles. For many years he was affili- ated with the Free and Accepted Masons, hold- ing a thirty-second degree in that order. As a member of that organization he belonged to the Pentucket Chapter, Royal Arch Masons ; the Haverhill Council, Royal and Select Mas- ters ; the Haverhill Commandery, Knights Templar; the Merrimack Valley Lodge of Perfection; the Merrimack Valley Council, Princes of Jerusalem; the Rose Croix, and
Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. At the time of his demise Mr. Bros- nan was treasurer of the Saggahew Lodge, treasurer of the Lodge of Perfection, and treas- urer of the Princes of Jerusalem. In reli- gion Mr. Brosnan attended the Congregational Church.
Mr. Brosnan married (first), in 1905, Mrs. Mary Brown Chase, who later passed away. He married (second), in 1913, Mrs. Harriet Raymond Lewis, daughter of Frederick O. and Hannah N. (Harris) Raymond.
Mr. Brosnan passed away in Haverhill on May II, 1934. His death occasioned deep sorrow throughout this community, where for so many years he had taken an active part as a leader in industry and society. His life was one of accomplishment. Through his passing the city of Haverhill and the shoe industry have lost one of their most able and unselfish representatives. A trade journal, referring to his death, said in part :
He has left a record of square, upright business dealings and a memory of a splendid character, with all who ever came into intimate contact with him.
JOHN D. EMERSON, vice-president of the Methuen National Bank, has participated in a number of worth while business de- velopments.
Mr. Emerson was born on July 15, 1866, at Methuen, son of Jacob and Josephine D. (Davis) Emerson and member of an old and honorable family. His father came from Salem, New Hampshire, settling in Methuen in the forties of the last century, here work- ing in a mill for several years and at length becoming a manufacturer of hats. In 1870 he entered the banking business, accepting the cashiership of the Methuen National Bank and continuing in that capacity for the rest of his life. He died in 1902. His wife, Josephine D. (Davis) Emerson, was a native of Methuen and a member of the
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family of Davises who were among the early pioneer settlers of this town and were for generations prominent farmers of the com- munity. John Davis, Mrs. Emerson's father, was agent of the Methuen Cotton Mills. Along with his other activities, Jacob Emer- son was a State Senator and Representative, and for years was active in local affairs in Methuen.
In the public schools of Methuen, John D. Emerson received his formal education, being graduated from high school in 1885. Since that time he has been continuously engaged in banking. He was cashier of the National Bank of Methuen, holding the same position that his father held before him, until the reorganization of this institution as the Methuen National Bank, in 1925. From 1907 until 1930, in the old bank and in the new and reorganized company, he served as cashier. In 1930 he retired on account of his condition of health, but was made vice- president, and he has, since then, been active in a less strenuous way in the conduct of the bank's affairs.
General civic and social life have also interested him. Mr. Emerson is a member of the Methuen Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons; in 1898 and 1899 he served as a selectman in his community ; for many years he acted as a trustee of the Nevins Memo- rial, and in a variety of fields he has revealed his deep public spirit and his eagerness to render what aid he can to worthy causes and community undertakings.
On June 18, 1896, John D. Emerson mar- ried Anna P. Homer, of Methuen. They be- came the parents of a daughter, Josephine H. Emerson, who is unmarried.
JOHN GEORGE KELLETT-As treas- urer of the Treat Hardware Corporation, of Lawrence, John George Kellett occupies a position of importance and high standing among his contemporaries. His contribu-
tion to the life of his times has been of last- ing value and worth, and is representative of the progressive spirit of Lawrence.
Mr. Kellett was born on May 30, 1883, in Lawrence, son of Ernest and Mary (Pear- son) Kellett. His parents, both born in England, came to America in 1881, here set- tling in Lawrence, where the father was a carpenter and builder. In the public schools of his birthplace, John George Kellett re- ceived his early education. Early in life he started participating in business affairs, going into the hardware business in partner- ship with F. W. Kidd. Later this enterprise was owned by Turner and Schwarenberg, and still later it came to be known as the Treat Hardware and Supply Company. It finally evolved into the present Treat Hard- ware Corporation, which is one of Law- rence's foremost business institutions. Mr. Kellett has continued his association with this store, through all its changes in organi- zation, since he was sixteen years of age. After many years of participation in the business, he was made secretary of the com- pany, and still later he was made treasurer.
He has also busied himself with the general life of the city, and has come to be known for his work in civic, social and fraternal groups, and particularly as a member of the Lawrence Lions' Club. In the Free and Accepted Masons he belongs to the Blue Lodge in Methuen, other bodies in Lowell, several departments of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite (in which he holds the thirty- second degree), and Aleppo Temple, Boston, of the Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine.
On October 19, 1904, John George Kellett married Mabel Turner. To this marriage were born two children : I. John Heyworth, a graduate of Norwich University. 2. Merle Amory, a student at high school. The Kel- lett family residence is No. 34 Olive Street, Methuen, though Mr. Kellett has his busi- ness headquarters in Lawrence.
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JOHN J. CONNOR-Few journalists have enjoyed a more complete professional train- ing in their business than John J. Connor, who, from a modest position in the printing trade, rose to become one of the leading pub- lishers of this section, owning some of the most influential dailies in Essex County, among which publications is the Methuen "Transcript," which he directs today. In his journalistic capacity he has come to exert a healthy and beneficial influence on the social, civic and business life of his surround- ings, moulding public opinion with an open and tolerant breadth that has won for him the respect and admiration of the citizenry.
A native of Methuen, Mr. Connor was born here September II, 1862, the son of John and Mary (Byrne) Connor, both natives of Ire- land. His parents came to this country about 1850, and settled here, where his father was engaged as a currier. When Mr. Con- nor had received a general education in the public schools of his native community, he became associated with the Lawrence "Jour- nal," then under the direction of Patrick Sweeney, and began to learn the printing trade. During this period he also worked as an office boy and gained further journal- istic and printing experience on the Boston "Evening Star," the Boston "Advertiser," and the Boston "Record." After serving in the city of Boston for some time he returned to Lawrence, resumed his associations with the "Journal" and later purchased a sub- stantial interest in the paper. After the death of Patrick Sweeney, this publication was sold and became the Sunday "Register," a property which Mr. Connor purchased in due time and operated for a number of years. About 1912 he acquired the Methuen "Tran- script," which he has published since with appreciable success on a weekly basis.
Though he has centered his energies on his journalistic enterprises, he has found time to enjoy the social and civic life of his
surroundings and in this connection is a former chairman of the board of registers, a position which he occupied for twelve years. Socially he is a member of the Me- thuen Club, the Methuen Board of Trade and fraternizes with the Knights of Co- lumbus.
Mr. Connor married Anna F. Morey and they are the parents of two sons: I. Leslie, who is now residing in Birmingham, Ala- bama. 2. Lewis S., who is in New Orleans.
FREDERICK W. MILLAY-Founder of the business which bears his name, Frederick W. Millay, of Haverhill, has fairly estab- lished himself among the successful manufac- turers and business men of this city. In this respect he has followed the example of his father for the name of Millay has been identi- fied with the manufacturing industry for many years ; his father, Philip E. Millay, having been a manufacturer of lasts. Philip E. Mil- lay was a native of Whitefield, Maine, born in 1828, died at the advanced age of eighty- four years in 1912, and was married to Amanda M. Rollins, a native of Pittston, Maine, who died in 1865.
Frederick W. Millay, son of Philip E. and Amanda M. (Rollins) Millay, was born on February 19, 1854, and in the public schools of Hudson, Massachusetts, received his educa- tion, attending school until he was fourteen years of age. He then obtained a position with the Tower Brothers Machinery Company, of Hudson, and for five years devoted himself to learning the trade of machinist. Mr. Millay left his machinist's work to help his father in the last business and this he learned thor- oughly. He worked for his father for eight years and then, with three other young men, purchased the business interests of Mr. Millay, Sr., who went to California. Under the firm name of the Millay Last Company, of Hudson, the partners continued the business for a year, at which time Mr. Millay returned from the
Fredrick W. Millay
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West and bought back his business, neces- sitating a change of the firm name to Philip E. Millay & Son.
Under their joint management the business enjoyed a large measure of success that com- pelled them to find larger quarters, and to increase their operations a corporation was formed, the incorporators being: Philip E. Millay, president ; Frederick W. Millay, treas- urer ; and Dr. Cochran, secretary. The cor- poration name became the Millay Last Com- pany, of Hudson, and manufactured lasts for the shoe and rubber trade and again the busi- ness made decided progress. Four years later the leather last business was removed to Ha- verhill, and after a year this part of the indus- try was sold to J. H. Sutherland & Sons, which later removed to Lynn.
Remaining with the Sutherland interests for about a year in order to give them the bene- fit of his experience, Frederick W. Millay then left that company to engage in business on his own account under the name of the Frederick W. Millay Company, of Haverhill. Subse- quently he consolidated his interests with those of Harold F. Blake, of Haverhill, and as the Stewart-Porter Last Company, the firm con- tinued for fifteen months. At this time Mr. Millay disposed of his interests and once more engaged in business for himself under the name of the Frederick W. Millay Company, Inc., under which name he has since contin- ued to do business. The first man to under- take the specializing of old lasts into new styles, he is also one of the most successful manufacturers of this product and through- out the shoe trade the name of Millay stands supreme for quality. Constantly working, his success has been hard won and is well earned.
Aside from his business interests, Mr. Millay has found time to support the many affairs of a municipality and in this respect his citizenship has been well demonstrated. He has achieved a position of financial
security but he is not unmindful of the strug- gles of others and insofar as he is able, contributes to the welfare of his fellowmen. His fraternal affiliation is with the Independ- ent Order of Odd Fellows.
In 1887, Mr. Millay married Mary R. Brackett, of Peterboro, New Hampshire and they are the parents of a daughter, Ella A., who is now the wife of Waldo R. Flanders, of Haverhill and they have two daughters, Arline, wife of Herbert McGrath; and Mil- dred M., wife of Charles Croston, all of Haverhill. Mr. and Mrs. Millay attend the Universalist Church of Haverhill, and are active in its affairs.
CLIFFORD W. BROWN-In the textile industry, Clifford Waters Brown, of Me- thuen, has figured prominently. He is pro- duction superintendent of the top and yarn division of the Arlington Mills, of Lawrence, and in this capacity faithfully serves his community and the industrial organization of Essex County.
Mr. Brown was born in Dorchester, Mas- sachusetts, on October 1, 1900, son of H. Clifford and Ella M. (MacGillvary) Brown. Mr. Brown's paternal ancestors were natives of Webster, this State. His grandfather, Frederick D. Brown, was a noted doctor and member of the State Legislature from Worcester County. Alexander MacGillvary, Mr. Brown's maternal grandfather, was also a physician of high standing. The MacGill- varys were early settlers in Sydney, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. In the public schools of his birthplace and at Bartlett High School, in Webster, Clifford W. Brown received his early education, graduating in 1917. Since that time he has been actively engaged in the textile industry, associated with different New England enterprises.
For three years he was with S. Slater and Sons, and then was associated for a time with the Hamilton Woolen Mills, at South-
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bridge, and with the Stillwater Worsted Mills, of Harrisville, Rhode Island, as super- intendent of top making. It was in 1930 that Mr. Brown came to Lawrence to make his home and take up his work, here associating himself with the Arlington Mills. In Janu- ary, 1934, he was made production superin- tendent of the top and yarn departments. He has well earned his present position in the trade, for he has spent his whole career, down to the time of writing, in the textile industry, and has at all times sought to rule his life so that his work would be of the greatest possible value to the communities where he has lived and labored.
Standing high in social, civic and fraternal circles, Mr. Brown is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, in which he is affili- ated with Quinnebaug Lodge and Doric Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, at South- bridge; Lawrence Council of Royal and Se- lect Masters; Woonsocket Commandery of Knights Templar; and Providence Consis- tory of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite.
Clifford W. Brown married, on April 16, 1931, Helen Steere, of Chepachet, Rhode Island, member of an old and honorable Rhode Island family. The Brown residence is No. 42 Brown Street, Methuen.
ERNEST W. HALBACH-As superin- tendent of the Bolta Rubber Company, mak- ers of hard rubber products, of Lawrence, Ernest W. Halbach participates in the gen- eral industrial activities of his community and contributes to the prosperity of the peo- ple and institutions of Essex County.
Mr. Halbach was born at Bad Homburg, Germany, on January 6, 1901, and in his native place received his early education. He was graduated from what is the equiva- lent of our high school at Homburg and from the Technical College at Darmstadt, there receiving an engineer's diploma. Com-
ing to the United States, he was engaged for about three years with several machinery making companies, most of them manufac- turers of textile machinery. In 1929 he re- visited Germany, and in the summer in which he was there he made contacts with John Bolten, the widely known rubber manu- facturer, who had, a short time before, started the factory known as the Bolta Rubber Com- pany, in Lawrence. In 1929 Mr. Halbach joined him as superintendent of the plant, and he has so continued since that time. He has under his direction today about five hun- dred employes, and, in addition to his work in the office of superintendent, serves as an officer and a director of the company.
Mr. Halbach married, on May 31, 1930, Kathleen Ann Holmes, of Reading, Penn- sylvania. They became the parents of two children : 1. Eric Ernest. 2. Doris Eliza- beth. The Halbachs have their residence in Methuen.
WALTER M. HASTINGS-As agent for the Monomac Spinning Company, in Law- rence, Walter M. Hastings occupies a posi- tion of high standing and esteem among his fellow-citizens. A native son of the Bay State, he is thoroughly acquainted with con- ditions here, and his contribution to the in- dustrial life of New England is one of real merit and worth.
Mr. Hastings was born at Newton, Massa- chusetts, son of Charles and Jane (Mackay) Hastings. His father was a native of New- ton, and his mother came originally from Scotland to the United States in her infancy. Charles Hastings was an engineer in the Civil War, connected with the United States Navy Department in naval construction work. Both parents are now deceased.
The man whose name heads this review, Walter M. Hastings, received his early edu- cation in the public schools of Newton, later becoming a student at Harvard College. He
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also attended Lowell Textile School for a time, there receiving technical training. His first employment was with the textile indus- try, and he has continuously been engaged in work in this same industry, substantially aiding the manufacturing trade and con- tributing markedly to industrial growth and improvement. For the last thirty years Mr. Hastings has been associated with textile mills in Lawrence, all of them connected with the important Whitman interests. First he was with the Arlington Mills, then, in 1910, he joined forces with the Monomac Spinning Company at its very inception. He came to this company in the capacity of agent, and has so continued since that time. The company normally employs one thou- sand people, and so is an important force in the industrial community of Lawrence.
Along with his other activities, Mr. Hast- ings has sought to take a helpful part in civic affairs. He is a member of the Methuen Club and is actively interested in the work of a number of local organizations. His labors have proven effective, and have shown him to be faithful to the highest standards in his personal and business life.
In 1900 Walter M. Hastings married Vil- lette Burchard. To this marriage three chil- dren have been born: I. Chesley. 2. Walter Maxwell, Jr. 3. Elizabeth.
JAMES EDWIN SEGEE is prominently identified with the industrial life of Law- rence through his position of superintendent of the United States Bobbin and Shuttle Company, in which his entire career has been spent, starting in a modest position and rising through his efforts and ability to his present responsible office. Born in Paw- tucket, Rhode Island, on March 18, 1896, Mr. Segee is a son of James A. Segee, who was a native of Maine and engaged in the wholesale fruit business in Providence,
Rhode Island, until his death, and of Mary L. (Grout) Segee, who was born in Massa- chusetts.
He was educated in the public schools of Providence, attending Technical High School and later was a student at Boston University High School, Boston. After completing his education, Mr. Segee entered the employ of the United States Bobbin and Shuttle Company in their Fall River plant, and his initiative and devotion to his work won the attention of his superiors and he was promoted to foreman. He had served ten years in this position when America entered the World War, and, in 1917, as a true patriot, he gave his services to his coun- try. Enlisting in the Aviation Corps, Mr. Segee was assigned to the 139th Aero Squad- ron and served eighteen months overseas, most of the time at the front with the Ameri- can sector. Upon being honorably discharged at Camp Devens, in 1919, he resumed his association with the United States Bobbin and Shuttle Company in their Philadelphia plant, and was later transferred to their plant in Lowell. Mr. Segee's appointment, in 1927, to the superintendency of the Lawrence plant was the result of having proved in his various positions his capacity for manage- ment and the able execution of broad re- sponsibilities. He has justified the confi- dence placed in him, performing the duties attendant upon his office, and the manage- ment of the more than four hundred em- ployees under his supervision, efficiently and satisfactorily. In his successful record of achievement younger men can find instruc- tion and inspiration to guide their progress.
Aside from his business, Mr. Segee is well known for his activities in civic and munici- pal affairs to which he gives generous atten- tion, and especially is he prominent in fra- ternal circles, being a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, and Godfrey De
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Bouillon Commandery, Fall River, Knights Templar. He is also a member of the Vet- erans of Foreign Wars.
Mr. Segee married Mary A. King, of Bos- ton, and they make their residence in that city.
FRED STEVENS SMITH, M. D .- For many years a professional leader and public servant of the North Andover community, Dr. Fred Stevens Smith effectively aided in promoting the general betterment of this part of Essex County. A physician who was widely known, he was at the same time able to act in a combined professional and public capacity as school physician of North Andover, and he held also the position of school committeeman. His devotion to worth while principles of living and think- ing caused him to be honored wherever he was known, and he was a man whose per- sonal acquaintance was extensive. Kind, generous and sincere, he earned a position of leadership and standing and he will long be remembered as an individual whose life was responsible for giving much to his com- munity and the county of Essex.
Dr. Smith was born on the property on which his wife now lives, the date of his birth having been May 6, 1870. His parents were George Irvin and Laura (Stevens) Smith. The father was a machinist by trade and for some years was chief of police of North Andover. He was active in fra- ternal circles as a member of both the Free and Accepted Masons and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and served as wor- shipful master of his Masonic lodge, as did Dr. Smith himself.
Dr. Smith received his early education in the public schools of North Andover, was graduated from Johnson High School in 1888 and in 1891 from Phillips-Andover Academy. In 1895 he received the degree
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