USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > The story of Essex County, Volume III > Part 50
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Mr. Farwell received a general education in the public schools of Lynn, graduating from the Ireson Grammar School in 1904 and the Lynn English High School in 1909. Shortly after completing his studies he be- came associated with the Sampson and Allen Company of this city and remained with this firm four years. During this period he gained a thorough and rudimentary knowl- edge of the electrical business, not only with the Sampson and Allen Company, but also through a course of study at night school. It was in 1913 that he severed his connec- tions with this concern and decided to launch a business venture of his own, which he did through the founding of the Fred R. Farwell Company, Incorporated, at No. 10
H. W. Russ
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Central Square, of which he became presi- dent and treasurer, positions he maintains today. The important place this company has assumed in the industrial and commer- cial life of Lynn is clearly revealed in the number of large and important enterprises and projects they have been called upon to work on. Among these is the new post office in Lynn, the Paramount Theatre, the Lynn Police Station, the Salem Paramount Theatre, and the Melrose High School, to mention a few.
As one of the business leaders of the city, Mr. Farwell has identified himself promi- nently with many of the leading social and civic organizations of this community. He is a member of the Lynn Chamber of Com- merce, the Electrical Engineering Society of Lynn, the Boston City Club, the Oxford Club of Lynn, and the Colonial Golf Club. He is widely known in fraternal circles, being a member of the East Lynn Lodge, No. 207, of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Paul Revere Lodge, No. 156, of the Knights of Pythias of Lynn. In politics he adheres to the principles of the Republican party and in religion worships at the Congregational Church of Lynn. Al- ways fond of sports and the out of doors, Mr. Farwell finds his greatest recreation in golf.
On January 5, 1912, in the city of Lynn, Mr. Farwell married Edna L. Folkins, a native of Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada, and the daughter of Frank I. and Minnie (Bregaw) Folkins. Mrs. Farwell was edu- cated in the public schools of Lynn and is a member of the Central Congregational Church. Mr. and Mrs. Farwell are the par- ents of one son, Lester B., born Septem- ber 23, 1913, a graduate of the Lynn Classi- cal High School and Tufts College, where he received a degree of Mechanical Engi- neer with the class of 1934.
WILLARD GOODRICH COGSWELL
was born at Haverhill on December 21, 1881, a son of William B. Cogswell (who was born in Derry, New Hampshire, and fought in the Civil War) and Emma (White) Cogswell, a native of South Berwick, Maine. He was educated in the public schools of Haverhill and at Harvard College, from which he was graduated in 1904. He also studied law at Harvard and in 1907 was admitted to the Massachusetts bar.
For many years Mr. Cogswell has carried on a general practice at Haverhill. He is a trustee and a vice-president of the Pentucket Savings Bank, a director of the Merrimack National Bank and a director of the Haver- hill Cooperative Bank; also a member of the Haverhill planning board, a trustee of the Haverhill Public Library and a trustee of the John Greenleaf Whittier Homestead. He is a member of the Monday Evening Club, the Pentucket Club, the Haverhill Country Club, the Haverhill Historical Society, and vari- ous professional organizations. During the World War he served on local boards and committees.
In 1912 he married Julia Hayes, of Haver- hill. They have two children: Julia Cor- nelia, and Anthony.
HARLEY W. RUSS-For over a quarter of a century identified with the shoe indus- try, Harley W. Russ, of Haverhill, has been a prominent executive and has won the esteem and respect of his associates for his ability. In addition to his executive duties he has given much of his time to inventing new methods that are now generally in use in the shoe industry. Mr. Russ was born on January 17, 1879, a son of John W. Russ, who died in 1927, and Lucinda (Austin) Russ, who died in 1925. His father was a well-known shoe manufacturer, and Harley W. Russ, after attending Yale University
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one year, entered his father's business, which was located on River Street, and their large and modern plant placed them among the leading shoe manufacturers of that period.
Mr. Russ continued in the firm for several years and subsequently became associated with the Merrimack Wood Heel Company as treasurer and remained with that concern until 1927. At that time he resigned to accept the position of vice-president of the Fred W. Mears Wood Heel Company, In- corporated, of Salem, New Hampshire, with which he is still associated. The F. W. Mears Company is a subsidiary of the United Shoe Machinery Company. Mr. Russ is widely known among the shoe industry as one of the best informed men on conditions peculiar to that business. He is the inven- tor of many improvements important to the industry and has patented these inventions in his name. A recognized leader in his field, Mr. Russ has been known throughout his career for his personal qualities as well; a friendly disposition, the ability to win friends and to hold them, and a strong char- acter. He has supported all efforts further- ing community and civic conditions and has contributed generously to all worthy causes.
In 1914 Mr. Russ was married to Jennie M. Page, of Haverhill, a daughter of George H. and Mary (Hughes) Page, and of this union there were born two children: I. J. Wesley, who was born on September 6, 1916, and is now a student at Phillips Andover Academy, class of 1936. 2. Priscilla A., who was born on July 29, 1921. The family attends the Universalist Church.
MYER T. ORNSTEEN-Active in the shoe manufacturing industry of Haverhill, Myer T. Ornsteen occupies a position of im- portance and leadership in his community. He has done everything in his power for community betterment and has proved him-
self a loyal citizen of the United States, his adopted country.
Mr. Ornsteen was born in Russia on Jan- uary 10, 1881, son of Isador and Anna Orn- steen, who were both Russians by birth. His father, who died in 1900, was a farmer. Com- ing to America with his parents when he was seven years of age, Myer T. Ornsteen received his early education in the public schools. As a young man he obtained em- ployment in Haverhill in the shoe industry. In 1903 he started a small business of his own, under his own name, in Railroad Square. Later, as the enterprise expanded, he opened his new establishment in Phoenix Row, Haverhill, where the business has since been situated. At the time of writing it occupies five floors with a total floor space of 50,000 square feet, and operates a branch factory at Marlborough, Massachusetts. The two plants employ more than six hundred people, and the company distributes its products to all parts of the United States. Mr. Ornsteen has established himself as one of the largest and foremost manufacturers of shoes in Haverhill, but, more than that, has participated in the general civic and social life of his community.
Fraternally he is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and several Jewish societies. He has given considerable attention to the work of certain Haverhill clubs and organizations, and has been active in Jewish affairs in the city, as well as one of the leading members of the Jewish Synagogue. A resident of the United States since 1898, he has, by virtue of his own ability and initiative, built up one of the largest manufacturing organizations in this region of Massachusetts, and has made a definite place for himself in Ameri- can life.
He has been devoted to home and family and the finer things of life. Taking particu-
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lar pride in the education of his children, he has seen to it that all of them have received a good college training. In fact, he has con- sistently advocated better educational facili- ties for Haverhill. Myer T. Ornsteen mar- ried, in 1905, Rebecca Tribanar, a native Russian. Their children have been: I. Al- fred (q. v.). 2. Melvin, graduated from Har- vard University in 1930, a Bachelor of Arts ; he married Sybil Rodosky. 3. Lester, gradu- ated from the University of Michigan in 1932, a Bachelor of Arts. 4. Selma, a stu- dent at Smith College.
RAYMOND V. McNAMARA-One of the best known and leading citizens of Haverhill, and a man who is active in all movements for the general good of the city and community, Raymond V. McNamara is a native of Haverhill, born April 17, 1888, son of Lot X. and Elizabeth Anne (Downes) McNamara. His father was postmaster dur- ing President Woodrow Wilson's adminis- tration, and was otherwise prominent in the community. Both parents are now deceased.
In the parochial schools of Haverhill, Ray- mond V. McNamara received his early edu- cation. He was graduated from St. James' School and, after some years of business en- deavor, in which he obtained a complete grounding in business methods, technique and procedure, he became one of the organ- izers of the Wright Shoe Company. That company was founded on August 16, 1920, by W. C. Wright, Louis Gorentz and Mr. McNamara at No. 97 Essex Street, and there commenced the manufacture of high grade boots and shoes on a small scale. Produc- tion began on September 18, 1920. Soon afterward the name was changed to Wright, Gorentz and McNamara. On July 3, 1931, Mr. Wright withdrew from the organization, and the present name was adopted-the Gorentz-McNamara Shoe Company. Mr. McNamara became president of this cor-
poration and successfully directed its affairs until November, 1933, when he resigned. Under his able direction the business steadily and gradually increased until the company ranked among the foremost manufacturers of high grade boots and shoes in Haverhill.
Several important honors have come to Mr. McNamara, both in his own industry and in general civic realms. He is a director of the National Boot and Shoe Manufac- turers' Association and the Associated Shoe Manufacturers, Incorporated, and treasurer and a director of the Shoe Manufacturers' Board of Trade. As chairman of the board of water commissioners of the city of Haver- hill and president of the Haverhill Boosters' Club, he has taken part in civic life here. He has constantly given his support to worth- while projects for the betterment of the city, and in recent times has been more than ordi- narily active in unemployment relief work. In 1933 he was appointed appeal agent for the Haverhill district of the War Veterans' Bureau, the appointment coming to him from General Frank E. Hines, supervisor of the bureau at Washington, District of Co- lumbia. Mr. McNamara served in this posi- tion until its duties were transferred to Washington. In November, 1933, he was appointed, by Governor Ely, a member of the State Labor and Industry Commission. On August 22, 1934, he was appointed an administration member of the NRA Code Authorities for the pasted shoe stock, stay manufacturing and shoe pattern manufactur- ing industry.
Fraternally he is affiliated with the Be- nevolent and Protective Order of Elks, in which he is a past exalted ruler of his lodge ; the Knights of Columbus, in which he has attained to the fourth degree; the Fraternal Order of Eagles; and the New England Order of Protection. He also belongs to the Kiwanis Club and a number of other local groups, and is a director of the Chamber of
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Commerce of Haverhill. His church is St. James' Roman Catholic. Without doubt he is one of the outstanding citizens of Haver- hill, and this city has materially and richly benefited from his labors in its behalf.
In 1918 Raymond V. McNamara married Mary Ruth Mclaughlin, and they have one son, Adrian Clement McNamara, born March 16, 1920.
DENNIS A. KELLEHER-Since early boyhood Dennis A. Kelleher has been inti- mately associated with the shoe industry of Haverhill and today represents the Shoe Workers' Protective Union as agent in this territory.
Mr. Kelleher was born in Haverhill, Mas- sachusetts, on February 4, 1884, the son of Jeremiah and Joanna (O'Shea) Kelleher, both natives of MacCroom, in County Cork, Ireland. His father, who was engaged in municipal work, died in 1911. After com- pleting his general education in the public and parochial schools of Haverhill, Mr. Kelleher started work in a shoe factory in this city and by 1909 was made foreman of the plant he was employed in. For a period he left the shoe industry to become asso- ciated with the Haverhill Police Depart- ment, where during the course of his duties he became an inspector. In 1918 he re- signed from the department to reenter the shoe industry, this time as a manufacturer and he established his factory in this city. Nine years later he disposed of the business and was appointed district agent for the Shoe Workers' Protective Union, a position he is eminently fitted to occupy in view of his past experience and his close association with the manufacturing units of the busi- ness. The reputation he has established in this post has carried him beyond his own district and he enjoys the confidence of both the worker and manufacturer throughout the State. An example of his honesty is
illustrated in the fact that he severed con- nection with all fraternal orders upon assum- ing his union post, because he believed it would be unethical for him to continue as a lodge member while serving his union's members.
In 1908 Mr. Kelleher was married to J. Grace Galvin, of Haverhill, and they are the parents of two children: I. Bertha E., born May 9, 1910. 2. Neil J., born July 6, 1915.
ARTHUR HAROLD KNIPE-Arthur Harold Knipe, of Ward Hill, Haverhill, was born in Haverhill, July 8, 1871, the son of William A. and Ada (Penley) Knipe. His father, who was a native of England, came to this country as a boy, and was the founder of what is now Knipe Brothers, In- corporated, which today is one of the larg- est and most successful shoe manufacturing concerns in Essex County. An extended record of the life of William A. Knipe ap- pears elsewhere in this publication. Arthur Harold Knipe received a general education in the public schools of his native commu- nity and after completing his studies here attended a commercial school.
Shortly after having finished his commer- cial training he became associated with his father's shoe manufacturing business and was connected with it from 1892 until 1915, much of which time he was a traveling sales- man. He then became interested in a com- mercial banking business which he con- ducted for eight years, until 1923, when he became treasurer for the W. H. Root Com- pany of Boston, a post he occupied for two years.
Mr. Knipe is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and in his fraternal affili- ations belongs to Saggahew Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, in which he takes an active interest. He is also a mem- ber of Pentucket Chapter, Royal Arch Ma- sons; Haverhill Council, Royal and Select
Maurice E. Tyler
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THE STORY OF ESSEX COUNTY
Masters; Haverhill Commandery, Knights Templar; Aleppo Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; the Merrimack Valley Lodge, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite; and the Merrimack Valley Council, Princes of Jerusalem. In his civic activities he has served on various boards and committees designed for the advance- ment and welfare of Ward Hill and Haver- hill. Throughout his life he has been very fond of outdoor sports of all types, particu- larly horse racing.
In 1901 Mr. Knipe married Caroline Whit- tier, a native of Fremont, New Hampshire, and the daughter of Charles Hazen and Hattie (Goodspeed) Whittier. Mr. and Mrs. Knipe are the parents of the following children: Virginia, Hazen Whittier, and Arthur Harold, Jr., all three holding posi- tions with the business founded by their grandfather. Mr. Knipe's residence is at No. 25 Oxford Avenue, Ward Hill.
MAURICE ENDICOTT TYLER-The life story of Maurice Endicott Tyler reveals an enviable record of public service. During the fourscore years and ten that he was a resident of the community of Middleton, he served in numerous offices of public trust, occupied a prominent place in the business life of this town, and, in his social affilia- tions, was identified with many of the lead- ing organizations of this vicinity. Through his civic service his fellow-townsmen gave him respect and honor that was an endorse- ment of his efforts and public spirit.
Mr. Tyler was born in Stoneham, Massa- chusetts, January 27, 1843, and was brought by his parents when he was about a year old to Middleton, a residence he was to main- tain for the rest of his life. It was in this community that he received a general edu- cation and here he began his career. From the outset he manifested a deep interest in
public affairs and few in this section could have been more active or equaled his out- standing record for the number of public positions he held and the length of time he occupied them. For twenty-seven years he was a member of the board of selectmen and during the latter part of his career with this body, acted as its chairman. He was asses- sor for Middleton for twenty-eight years, library trustee and treasurer for twenty-four years ; for twelve years was a member of the board of overseers of the poor, and for four- teen years was the manager of the Middle- ton Electric Light Department. In the lat- ter instance he was responsible for the pur- chase of the electric light plant from a pri- vate company and placing it under town management. He also served as a member of the school board and during his member- ship with this body, the various district schools were consolidated in the Center School.
In 1901 and 1902 he was a member of the State Legislature, where he represented An- dover, North Andover, and Middleton. His popularity is graphically revealed during the election to this position, for out of the eight hundred and fifty-one votes cast, he received eight hundred and fifty. He took great pride in attending the various elections and from the time he was twenty-one years of age, it is said, he never missed a State or National election, and not until the sickness prior to his death had he missed a town meeting or election. For many years Mr. Tyler was the Middleton correspondent for the Salem "Evening News." He witnessed the growth of this community from its earliest stages, saw the first steam train run between Salem and Lawrence and then lived to witness the last run made in 1926 before the tracks were torn up. A man of vision and progressive spirit he advocated measures that served to advance the community and its welfare and happiness. In this connection he took an
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active part in the extension of the electric car tracks from Middleton to Lawrence.
In his social affiliations Mr. Tyler was a member of Amity Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, of Danvers, and was a charter mem- ber of the Improved Order of Red Men, and of Middleton Grange. In his Masonic affili- ations he had been a member of the above mentioned lodge since 1870. He was a Con- gregationalist in religion and for fifteen years was clerk of the church parish here.
On June 3, 1866, Mr. Tyler married Mary Howard Esty, of Middleton, and the young couple settled in a house on North Main Street, where they lived throughout their lives. Mrs. Tyler passed away in 1922, after having been a devoted and loving wife for fifty-six years. Mr. and Mrs. Tyler were the parents of two children : I. Marion E., who is a supervisor in the Swampscott schools, and prominent in the organization life of Middle- ton, where she is a member and chairman of the legislative committee of the Woman's Club. She is also a member of the Danvers Woman's Club, and the Danvers Order of the Eastern Star. She is corresponding sec- retary for the Swampscott Teachers' Asso- ciation, and a member of the Congregational Church. For nearly four decades she taught school in the city of Salem. A person of many intellectual attainments she has taken many courses at Boston University. She succeeds her father as correspondent for the Salem "Evening News." 2. Harley M., of the Essex Agricultural School, who is the father of Maurice L. and Harold E. Tyler.
Mr. Tyler died at his home in Middleton on March 24, 1933, at the age of ninety years. Affectionately known as the "grand old man of Middleton," the term was characteristic . and fitting in view of the outstanding and generous contributions he made. Few men could boast his enviable record as an un- selfish public servant and his record and name stand as an inspirational and exem- plary guide for those who follow.
JOHN L. HOBSON-In the pioneer days of the development of Haverhill as an indus- trial center, John L. Hobson was an enter- prising youth, and at the beginning of a career which was to contribute its full share to the expansion and prosperity of the city. He was born in Rowley, Massachusetts, on October 5, 1841 ; he lived in Georgetown of this same State for a short time, and at the age of ten years was brought to Haverhill, where he completed his education. When nineteen years old he secured employmnt in the Merrimack Valley Bank (Merrimack Na- tional Bank), remaining for four years. About this time the Internal Revenue Bureau of the Sixth Congressional District was established with a central office located in Haverhill, and Mr. Hobson was appointed deputy, a post he held for two and a half years. With the exception of these few years he was connected with the Merrimack Valley Bank from 1860 to 1921, a period of more than half a century. In 1868 he was elected cashier and a director, serving as such to the time of his death. For many years he was also a trustee of the Haverhill Savings Bank.
John L. Hobson was also a leader in in- dustry, more particularly the making of newspaper and wood pulp. He, in associa- tion with Dudley Porter, Isaac Horsford, H. W. Knowles, and other business men of Haverhill, organized the Haverhill Paper Company, the first plant of which was located near the site of the Haverhill Box Board Factory in Bradford. The supply of pulp was found to be too uncertain at this place, and the paper company, after less than a year, decided to move to a location where it could make its own pulp. In 1885 an undeveloped water power station was purchased at Berlin Falls, New Hampshire, and the erection of a mill started. Before the plant had been completed, it was real- ized that to save the cost of the transporta- tion of wood pulp to Haverhill the whole
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plant should be situated at Berlin Falls. The partners formed the Glen Manufacturing Company, with headquarters at Berlin, New Hampshire, and Mr. Hobson was elected president. He was the directing power in the concern until it was sold in 1898 to the International Paper Company. In 1904 Mr. Hobson became interested at the time of its organization in the St. Croix Paper Com- pany, of Woodland, Maine, as a stockholder and director.
The abilities that brought success to Mr. Hobson in banking and industry were de- voted generously to many phases of city activities. He was a member of the Haver- hill school board for several years, a direc- tor of the Public Library from the day it was founded, and was at one time a member of the board of trustees of Bradford Acad- emy. In 1904 he was elected delegate, repre- senting the Sixth Congressional District of Massachusetts at the National Republican Convention, held in Chicago, at which Theo- dore Roosevelt was nominated for President. Mr. Hobson was one of the oldest members of the Algonquin Club, was long a member of the Pentucket Club, and a prominent figure in the Fortnightly Club of Haverhill. His religious affiliations were with the North Congregational Church of the city, and he had a well deserved reputation for philan- thropy and the liberal support of all worthy welfare movements.
On November 1, 1871, John L. Hobson married Ida F. Noyes, daughter of Ira and Maria A. (McIntire) Noyes, and they were the parents of two children: Arthur L., of Haverhill, president of the St. Croix Paper Company, and Mary, who is Mrs. H. C. Tay- lor, of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Mrs. John L. Hobson was a native of Haverhill and resided in that city all her life, and there her death occurred on October 13, 1934. She was a member of the Women's City Club and the Leisure Hour Club. She was one of
the early directors of the Haverhill Young Women's Christian Association and took an active interest in such movements that had for their objects the advancement and bet- terment of the community, and was well known for her many philanthropies.
On December 1, 1921, John L. Hobson died at the age of eighty years. He was one of the few remaining pioneer leaders in the financial and industrial development of Haverhill in the fourth quarter of the last century. He had devoted his fine energies to fields of useful service, winning honor, respect and the affection of his many friends.
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