USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > The story of Essex County, Volume III > Part 46
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In the parochial schools of Lawrence Au- gustine P. McMorrow received his prelimi- nary education and then attended Lawrence High School, from which he was graduated in 1915. He began his career as a foreman in a textile factory in Lawrence and might have continued in this industry, rising to an executive position perhaps, but the entry of the United States into the World War con- flict altered the course of his career. Mr. McMorrow enlisted in 1918 in the United States Navy Aviation Corps and was sta- tioned at the United States Naval Base at Norfolk, Virginia, and at the Navy Yards at Charleston, South Carolina, and at Pensa- cola, Florida. He was honorably discharged from service in 1919 and returned to Law- rence. Attracted to the profession of law by the opportunities for personal advance- ment and for public service, Mr. McMorrow entered the Suffolk Law School and in 1923 was graduated from that institution with the
degree of Bachelor of Laws, and in the same year was admitted to the bar.
Thereupon, he returned to his native city and began to practice general law, and was not long in establishing a satisfactory clien- tele. A man of thorough and persistent effort, Mr. McMorrow's outstanding quali- ties have made his practice of law unusually successful, both for himself and for his many clients. He is a member of the Lawrence Bar Association, and the American Legion, Post No. 15, Lawrence. He is well known to civic groups for his staunch support of all community enterprises and for his intelli- gent cooperation in public matters. His recreations are outdoor sports and when his private affairs permit him, he engages in his favorite diversion of hunting and fishing.
ERNEST DEAN WALEN-In the tex- tile industry of New England, Ernest Dean Walen figures prominently, being agent of the worsted division of the Pacific Mills, at Lawrence. He is also merchandising man- ager of the same company, with offices in New York City.
Mr. Walen was born in Gloucester, Mas- sachusetts, on May 19, 1892, son of Sey- mour A. and Marietta (Jacobs) Walen, both natives of Gloucester. His father was treas- urer of Tarr and Wonson, Limited, manu- facturers of copper paints, having held that office for many years until his death in 1932. His mother now makes her home in Gloucester.
In the public schools of Gloucester, his birthplace, Ernest Dean Walen received his early education, and in 1910 he was gradu- ated from high school in Gloucester. In 1914 he took the degree of Bachelor of Tex- tile Engineering at Lowell Textile Institute. In 1916 he took the Mechanical Engineer- ing degree at the Engineering Department of George Washington University, Wash- ington, District of Columbia, and thereafter
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he was connected for a time with the Bureau of Standards, at the National Capital. Dur- ing the World War he served as chief of the textile division of the Bureau of Stand- ards, and on the fabric committee of the National Advisory Committee on Aero- nautics. Holding the position of associate physicist in the Bureau of Standards he so continued until, in 1920, he came to Boston to manage the Cotton Research Company, an organization initiated by the Pacific Mills and Lockwood-Greene and Company. Then, about 1924, he came to Lawrence, Massa- chusetts, as assistant to Irving Southworth and with the title of assistant agent.
It was in 1930 that Mr. Walen was made agent of the worsted division, and in March, 1931, he took over the merchandising of the worsted division of the Pacific Mills, in New York City. He has under his super- vision about three thousand employees. He has spent practically the whole of his busi- ness career in the textile industry, and has risen rapidly to his present position of high standing. He is now a member of the Na- tional Association of Cotton Manufacturers, the National Association of Wool Manufac- turers, the U. S. Textile Research Institute of Boston, and the Textile Institute of Eng- land.
Ernest Dean Walen married, on Decem- ber 22, 1919, Blanche Gertrude Boober, of Lee, Maine. To this marriage three children were born: I. Edward D. 2. Donald A. 3. Virginia A. The family residence of the Walens is No. 68 Salem Street, Andover.
RUSSELL H. LORD-As general secre- tary of the Lawrence Young Men's Christian Association, Mr. Lord occupies a prominent position in the social and civic life of this community, with which he has been identi- fied since 1930. His experience in this work has carried him extensively over New Eng-
land and during the World War he was on the mission that went to France to carry on the work of the association among the sol- diers.
Mr. Lord was born in West Brooksville, Maine, January 19, 1886, the son of Edwin C. and Etta B. (Polk) Lord. His father, who is deceased, was a sea captain. Mr. Lord was educated in the public schools of his native community, and at Coburn Classi- cal Institute at Waterville, Maine, from which he was graduated with the class of 1908. Following the completion of his studies here he entered Colby College and completed his course here in 1912.
Shortly after he left college he became associated with the Ticonic National Bank in Waterville, remained there for four years, and then withdrew to become membership secretary of the Lynn, Massachusetts, Young Men's Christian Association. In December, 1917, he was assigned to France for World War service. In this work he was in charge of organizing entertainment units and his headquarters were at St. Nazaire, where, six months later, he was made divisional direc- tor at Coetquidan, then the artillery camp for the American Expeditionary Forces. Later he was transferred to Tours, as direc- tor of entertainment.
In 1919 he returned to Lynn as educa- tional director of the Young Men's Christian Association, holding this position until 1924, when he went to Northampton as general secretary. He served in this community for six years and then came to Lawrence, where he has built up a membership of some fifteen hundred boys and men.
His career here has identified him with many organizations, among them the Ki- wanis Club, the advisory committee of the Lawrence City Mission, and the Masonic Order, where he fraternizes with the St. Omar Commandery, of Waterville, Maine.
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He is a Baptist and worships at the Calvary Baptist Church here.
On July 14, 1921, Mr. Lord married Zella M. Wharton, of Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, and they are the parents of three children : Russell, Jr., John F., and Mary J.
ROBERT M. DOWE-Although one of the younger members of the city officials of Lawrence, Robert M. Dowe, both before and after the World War, was employed in work connected with governmental affairs. He was born in Lawrence, February 2, 1897, son of Michael and Katherine (Reardon) Dowe, both natives of Ireland, who settled in Lawrence about 1873. Michael Dowe was connected with the mills of the city for more than a quarter of a century, and is now de- ceased.
After being graduated from the Lawrence High School in 1913, Robert M. Dowe also attended and was graduated from the Law- rence Commercial School, with the class of 1915. For about two years he was employed in the cashier's office of the Pacific Mills, Lawrence, resigning in September, 1917, to go to Washington, District of Columbia, as assistant chief clerk in the correspondence division. On January 21, 1918, Mr. Dowe enlisted in the United States Navy and was awarded the rank of chief petty officer assigned to the Intelligence Office, stationed in Washington, District of Columbia. Here he remained until September of that same year, when he was ordered to the United States Navy Yard at Norfolk, Virginia. Dur- ing the next six months he was successively stationed in New York, Boston, and Ports- mouth, receiving his honorable discharge from the navy on July 1, 1919, at Hingham, Massachusetts.
In taking up his civilian activities once more, Mr. Dowe first became adjustor in the Travelers' Insurance Company, in Law- rence, remaining until December 24, 1923, at
which time he resigned to take up his duties as Commissioner of Soldiers' Relief, the office to which he had been elected and has since occupied. Mr. Dowe is a member of the Lawrence Post, No. 15, American Legion, and of the Merrimack Country Club. Fraternally he affiliates with the Knights of Columbus, Ancient Order of Hibernians, and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, of which he is a Past District Deputy.
On April 12, 1926, Robert M. Dowe mar- ried Marie Hennessey, of Lawrence, and they are the parents of two children: Marie E., and Robert M. Dowe, Jr.
CHARLES ANDREW CLIFFORD-In 1846, when Lawrence was the small center of an open farm section, James Henry and Mary (Leahan) Clifford settled in the town. He was a native of St. Johns, New Bruns- wick, Canada, while she was of Methuen, Massachusetts. They married and lived in Boston for a few years prior to making Lawrence their home, where he was en- gaged as a mill contractor and painter. Charles Andrew Clifford, attorney, of this review, is a son of James Henry and Mary (Leahan) Clifford, born October 31, 1883. He has been constructively interested in civic affairs and the development of Law- rence as was that very good citizen, his father.
After attending the local grade schools and being graduated from the high school in 1901, Charles A. Clifford took special courses of study in the Liberal Arts Col- lege, Boston University, and in 1904 was graduated from the Boston University Law School, with the degree of Bachelor of Laws. That same year he was admitted to the bar and commenced the active practice of his profession in Lawrence. During the last two decades he has met with conspicu- ous success and has a large clientele. Mr.
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Clifford is a member of the American Bar Association, the Massachusetts State Bar Association, Essex County, and Lawrence Bar societies. He was city solicitor for Methuen from 1917 to 1919, inclusive, and was assistant district attorney from the spring of 1925 to 1931. Among his clubs are the Merrimac Country and the Home.
On March 31, 1906, Charles Andrew Clif- ford married Mary I. Garry, of Metheun, and they are the parents of three sons : I. John G., associated with the National Dairy Products Corporation of New York. 2. James H., with the Jersey Ice Cream Com- pany of Lawrence. 3. Charles A., Jr., at- tending high school.
JEREMIAH J. TWOMEY-Deputy as- sistant clerk of the courts of Lawrence, Jere- miah J. Twomey was appointed to his pres- ent office in 1922, after a long and unusually interesting service in the United States Navy. He was engaged in secretarial work when America entered the World War and he enlisted in the navy. Sent overseas with the rank of chief yeoman, he was associated with Admiral Sims, Admiral Pratt, and Ad- miral Huse, chiefly in court martial duty in England. He then went to Constantinople, Turkey, in the same service, with Admiral Mark L. Bristol, and was not mustered out of the navy until June, 1922, after nearly five years of service.
Jeremiah J. Twomey was born in Law- rence, Massachusetts, September 29, 1888, son of Cornelius and Hannah (Buckley) Twomey, both natives of Ireland who set- tled in Lawrence in 1882. Cornelius Twomey, now deceased, was connected with the Bos- ton and Maine Railroad Company for forty- six years. Jeremiah J. Twomey attended parochial schools and was graduated from the Lawrence High School with the class of 1906. For a time he was employed by the Boston and Maine system, but took a secre-
tarial course in Cannon College, and then became associated with the old "Sun-Ameri- can," in the capacity of reporter. Later he gave up the newspaper business to become secretary to the cashier of the Pacific Mills Company, of Lawrence, a post at which he remained until he enlisted for service in the World War. In December, 1922, he was ap- pointed to his present office, which he has since filled with efficiency and success. Mean- while, Mr. Twomey studied law in the Suf- folk Law School, from which he was gradu- ated in June, 1933. He is a former com- mander of Lawrence Post, American Legion (1931), and a vice-commander of the State body, and was, in 1934-35, commander of the Massachusetts Department of this organi- zation. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Knights of Columbus, Ancient Order of Hi- bernians, and the Holy Name Society.
On June 14, 1921, Jeremiah J. Twomey married Hilda North, of South Hampton, England, and they are the parents of three children: Gerald North, Madge Mary, and Mavis Gertrude.
JOHN FREDERICK HUSSEY is a liv- ing example of that energetic and sagacious group of business men who lived and worked during an era crowded with development, an era wherein the fruits of previous explora- tion in the field of industry were nurtured and built up to substantial and outstanding businesses. Rigorously schooled in every branch of the coal business, this man whose life so closely parallels that of his father, William Penn Hussey, was equipped to assume the management of properties which had been developed in the face of almost insurmountable obstacles.
Mr. Hussey was born on September 12, 1874, at North Berwick, Maine, the son of William Penn and Nellie Morrill (Neal) Hussey. His father, who was responsible
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for the development of coal areas at Broad Cove, now known as Inverness City, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, served an apprentice- ship in mining in the Western part of the United States during his youth and was well equipped for the task which he later undertook. His first contact with this field was in 1890, when he journeyed to Broad Cove in Nova Scotia to inspect the proper- ties and country and purchased the mine. At the time it was considered an unfeasible project by the mining and governmental authorities because of its inaccessibility, but with determination the elder Hussey raised capital, dredged a channel from McIsaac's Lake, that bordered the mine, to the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and began operations. The success of this enterprise was rapid. John Frederick Hussey was educated in the pub- lic schools of Danvers, Massachusetts, and the Burdette Business College of Boston, and, following the resignation of his father, he became treasurer and manager of the Broad Cove Mines. From the time he com- pleted his education in 1891 until he replaced his father he had been managing a large retail coal business for the elder Hussey in Danvers.
The year he assumed the executive posi- tions in the mining properties he married and, with his bride, left for Cape Breton, where he had been located for three years, and there they spent approximately two years. During the period he served here he showed the same characteristic energy his father had exhibited and was responsible for the completion of a canal from McIsaac's Lake to the Gulf of St. Lawrence. At this period he was also in charge of erecting breakwaters to protect the waterway. He returned to his home, "Riverbanks," at Dan- vers, and became interested in real estate development in Boston, Salem and other places, at the same time entering into the financial and social life of the community.
In 1924 he moved to Salem, purchasing the fine old Saltonstall-Saunders home at No. 43 Chestnut Street. For a period he served as director in the Merchants' National Bank of Salem ; trustee of the Beverly Trust Com- pany, and is a trustee in the Salem Savings Bank. During the war he was a dollar a year man for the government, acting as head of the inspection division of the Sugar Department of the Massachusetts Food Ad- ministration. At this time he was president of the American Red Cross at Danvers and chairman of the Family Welfare Depart- ment of Danvers. Mr. Hussey is a vice- president of the Essex Institute in Salem, a trustee for the New England Home for Deaf Mutes in Danvers, a trustee for the Associa- tion for Relief of Aged and Destitute Women in Salem and a trustee for the Salem Athe- næum. He fraternizes with the Masonic Order, being a member of Amity Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, Danvers ; Philan- thropic Lodge, at Marblehead ; Holton Chap- ter, Royal Arch Masons, of Danvers ; Massa- chusetts Consistory; and Winslow Lewis Commandery, Knights Templar, Salem. He is also a member of the Eastern Yacht Club and the Salem Country Club.
On March 23, 1898, Mr. Hussey was mar- ried, at Chelsea, Massachusetts, to Bessie Cushman Ingalls, and they are the parents of a daughter, Marguerite Ingalls, who was born in Danvers, July 8, 1899, is the wife of William Chisholm, of Marblehead, and they have one son, William Hussey.
CHARLES ARTHUR BLISS-No keener appraisal can be made of the character and distinguished life of Charles Arthur Bliss than that which we find in a local press dispatch printed shortly after his untimely death, which reads in part: "A man most highly respected and beloved-of strict in- tegrity-a splendid example of a public- spirited citizen of sunny, friendly disposi-
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tion he had those qualities that endeared him to all." In a terse but forceful manner, this praise is more than richly merited when we review his accomplishments and achieve- ments in the departments of public service, business and society. He was a man pri- marily and deeply interested in the welfare of his surroundings, striving ceaselessly in its behalf and in so doing bringing into play unique and outstanding business and ad- ministrative talents. He was renowned in business as an outstanding financier and executive, and in his social and civic efforts was prominently identified with the leading movements and organizations of this vi- cinity.
Charles Arthur Bliss was born in New- buryport, October 26, 1867, the son of Charles H. and Emily A. (Lydston) Bliss. He was afforded a general education in the public schools of his native community. After completing his studies at the high school he became associated with the Me- chanics' National Bank, now the Ocean Bank, as a clerk; later entered the Trades- men's Bank in Boston in the same capacity and remained here until he matriculated at Harvard University where, between 1890 and 1892, he took a special course. It was after leaving college that he joined the old N. D. Dodge Shoe Company in Newbury- port, and started to learn the shoe manu- facturing business. He made rapid strides with this organization and during his asso- ciation here secured a thorough and well rounded experience in the business which was to fit him eminently for the important and responsible tasks he was about to un- dertake. During his career with the Dodge Company the firm was reorganized under the name of the Bliss and Perry Company, and he was made treasurer of the new con- cern, a post he filled with distinction until his death.
Apart from this business activity he was also prominent in banking circles, serving as a director of the Merchants' National Bank, vice-president of the Five Cents Sav- ings Bank and a member of the Institution for Savings. Perhaps the work that really brought out his financial genius is to be found in his association with the Towle Manufacturing Company, an industrial unit which at the time he joined it, was in seri- ous and embarrassing financial difficulties. It fell to his lot to rejuvenate this dying enterprise and through his efforts and sound judgment he was chosen chairman of its finance committee. The prosperity and revival enjoyed by the Towle Company during Mr. Bliss' administration is splendid evidence of his ability and a tribute to his sagacity.
The important posts he held in civic or- ganizations of this vicinity clearly indicate the high esteem and confidence he enjoyed among his fellows. He was a director, for- mer president and a member of the State Commission from Massachusetts and Rhode Island, for the Young Men's Christian As- sociation. In addition he was also manager of a campaign launched by this institution for its building and work and in this capac- ity was instrumental in raising forty-four thousand dollars. A short time prior to his death he was also chosen to direct another campaign for them. Mr. Bliss was a mem- ber of the American Commission for For- eign Missions of the Congregational Church, and a member of its finance committee. He was treasurer of the Moseley Foundation, a trustee of the Anna Jaques Hospital, chair- man of the water commissioners, and presi- dent of the Civic League where he acted as manager for its many successful no license campaigns. He also acted as treasurer for the Newburyport Health Center, was prom- inently identified with the Associated Char-
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ities, was a member of the Merrimac Bible Society, a director of the Oak Hill Cemetery Association and belonged to the Howard Benevolent Society. Furthermore he was a member of the Newburyport Building As- sociation, the Newburyport Business Men's Association, and the Dalton Club, as well as many other organizations of a similar nature. He fraternized with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and in reli- gion worshipped at the Prospect Street Congregational Church, where he had a leading part in the movement that event- ually merged that society, the North and the Whitefield Society into the Central Church of today. Throughout his life he was exceedingly active in the affairs of this church, where at one time he served as a member of the board of trustees and had been a deacon. During the World War he lent his patriotic support to many organi- zations designed to help win the war, act- ing as chairman of the manufacturing com- mittee in the Liberty Loan drives, the Sal- vation Army drives and others. He was also prominently identified with the local organ- ization of the American Red Cross and was interested in the development of war gar- dens, having purchased a lot at the south end of the town in order that it might be cultivated for war measures.
On September 3, 1902, Mr. Bliss was mar- ried to Helen Stuart Tuxbury of Haverhill, and the daughter of George Albert and Emma (Stuart) Tuxbury. Mr. and Mrs. Bliss were the parents of six children: I. Charles Lydston. 2. Stuart Tuxbury. 3. Frederick Warren. 4. Paul Washburn. 5. Randolph Tuxbury. 6. Helen Elizabeth.
Charles Arthur Bliss passed away at his home in Newburyport on October 10, 1920. His untimely death, marking as it did the end of a brilliant career, was a distinct shock to this entire community. He had
been a wholesome and beneficial influence here and his fellows fully realized and ap- preciated this fact. He was an outstanding leader affectionately regarded by the popu- lace, as a man not only of great ability and unusual talents, but also as a very human and magnetic personality that made himself felt. In commenting on this phase of his life a local press dispatch says :
He loved his native city of Newburyport and, therefore, his death at this time comes as a shock to the whole community. No man was more inter- ested in her prosperity and well being and in his affec- tion for Newburyport it extended to her people. . . .. In all of the public activities of Newburyport for the past twenty years, he has been a leader.
Tributes to his memory were received from persons in all walks of life here and among the most outstanding and touching is that one made by James H. Higgins, one of Mr. Bliss' colleagues in the Water De- partment, which says in part :
Seldom is the vision, ability and willingness to serve others, combined in one individual as it was combined in him (Mr. Bliss), coupled with a spirit of energy surpassing his physical strength. . . . As we look around there seems none to fill his place. . Al- ways the champion of right; always a pioneer in every movement for the betterment of civic conditions ; always an active friend of those in need; he gave generously, not only of his time and means, but-in that larger aspect of giving-he gave of himself, exemplifying in fullest measure that
It is not what we give but what we share, For the gift without the giver is bare.
No man could be intimately associated with Charles A. Bliss without entertaining an increasing respect for his freedom from motives of personal advantage in every activity touching the public welfare; nor fail to be impressed with his strength of character and high ideals; nor escape the helpfulness of such asso- ciation. .... There are many substantial monuments in Newburyport that can be visualized today as silent testimonials to the civic activities of this unusual man who loved his native city so well.
Through the untimely death of Mr. Bliss the city of Newburyport has been deprived
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of one of its finest citizens ; a kindly gentle- man who lived in accordance with the high- est Christian ideals and gave unsparingly and unselfishly of himself to the betterment of all. His life should serve as an inspira- tion to those who follow.
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