USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > The story of Essex County, Volume IV > Part 38
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THE STORY OF ESSEX COUNTY
After completing his education in the local schools of his birthplace, Charles L. Ryan for two years was superintendent of the Lawson Pink Food Company, at Boston and Hopkinton, Massachusetts. He then be- came a traveling salesman, from which he went to the firm of Ingalls, Ryan and Yosell, upper leather manufacturers, serving as vice- president until 1920. He was a member of the Officers' Training Corps during the World War, and on January 28, 1920, be- came a partner of James E. Conlon in the organization of the Conry Leather Com- pany, manufacturers of cut sole leathers. He was treasurer of the corporation from its beginning and an important factor in its success because of his proved ability and experience. The Conry Leather Company first located at No. 96 Washington Street, but rapidly increasing sales forced the re- moval to a larger plant and the present fac- tory at No. 104 Essex Street was acquired, where ample space is available. Their trade which extends over most of the United States is provided for efficiently.
Mr. Ryan is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Chamber of Commerce and the American Legion Post, all of Haverhill. He and his family are members of St. James' Roman Catholic Church. Devotion to business has never prevented him from active participation in civic and welfare projects, nor a construc- tive part in the promotion of the affairs of the community. Among his intimate friends was the late Hon. Albert LeRoy Bartlett, educator, author and prominent public offi- cial, the "Grand Old Man" of Haverhill. Mr. Ryan has a watch and many autographed books, the gifts of Mr. Bartlett.
In 1919, Charles L. Ryan married Mary A. Hessian, of Amesbury, Massachusetts, and they have a son, Charles L. Ryan, Jr., born March 17, 1920.
JAMES E. CONLON-Beginning his busi- ness career as a clerical worker on the staff of a railroad, James E. Conlon, of Haverhill, soon found better scope for his abilities in the leather industry. Since January 28, 1920, he has been president of the Conry Leather Company, which he organized with Charles L. Ryan. The first plant was located on Washington Street, Haverhill, but the neces- sity for more space, growing out of a con- stantly increasing trade, forced a removal to the present location at No. 104 Essex Street. Here some 12,000 square feet of floor space is utilized for the manufacture of sole leather. The distribution of the company's products is national in scope, and the stand- ing of the concern in the leather trade is high.
James E. Conlon was born in Haverhill on December 12, 1895, the son of Charles H. and Anne (Judge) Conlon, both of Ireland. Mrs. Conlon died in 1914. After receiving a public school education, he became con- nected with a local railroad in a clerical capacity. Then came America's participa- tion in the World War, and Mr. Conlon joined the army and was assigned to duty at Camp Meigs, Washington. He held the rank of sergeant at the time of his honorable discharge. Upon his return to civilian life he became interested in the sole leather industry with the results already indicated. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Benevo- lent and Protective Order of Elks, and for- merly was a member of several clubs and other organizations. His religious affilia- tions are with the Church of the Sacred Heart (Roman Catholic). He has always taken an active, if quiet, part in civic enter- prises, being proud of his native city.
In 1922, James E. Conlon married Sabina G. Moran, of Amesbury, and they are the parents of two children : I. Eleanor M., born February 10, 1924. 2. Madolyn F., born October 13, 1929.
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C. FRANK LINNEHAN-After success- fully establishing himself in that modern method of goods transportation, the motor truck business, C. Frank Linnehan, of Haver- hill, Massachusetts, changed the line of his endeavors to become a funeral director. He is a native and lifelong resident of Haver- hill, born June 24, 1899, the son of Martin and Margaret (Bresnahan) Linnehan, both of whom came from County Cork, Ireland. The elder Mr. Linnehan died in 1902, and Mrs. Linnehan in 1908.
Parentless at the age of nine, C. Frank ยท Linnehan early proved his mastership over himself and his life. After being graduated from the parochial and St. James' High School, he entered Boston College. Ambi- tious to be in business for himself, Mr. Lin- nehan, shortly after he became of age, found his opportunity in motor trucking between Haverhill and Boston. At that time it was somewhat of a new procedure to load the products of the various manufacturing plants at their doors and deliver the goods directly to those to whom they were sent. He met the competition of the railroads and rival express firms, and ran a large fleet of trucks between Boston and Haverhill for about ten years. During this period he made many friends and became well known over a wide range of territory around his native city.
In 1924 he entered the New England Insti- tute of Embalming, from which he was duly graduated in 1925. In Haverhill, in 1929, he established a funeral home on White Street, equipping it with everything necessary and desirable. He uses only motorized vehicles, and has a clientele that spreads over a radius of ten miles from the center of the city. Mr. Linnehan is a member of the Kiwanis Club, the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, and is fraternally affiliated with the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Fraternal Order
of Eagles, and the Massachusetts Catholic Order of Foresters.
In 1929 C. Frank Linnehan married Helen J. Connell, a native of West Newbury, Mas- sachusetts, and they have a son, John Joseph, born November 30, 1932.
CECIL R. WARBURTON-From a mod- est position Cecil R. Warburton has come to occupy an outstanding place in the dairy industry of Essex County and today directs the activities of one of the largest concerns of this type in the city of Haverhill. As one of the leading business men of this commu- nity he has become identified with many of the leading organizations here, where he holds the confidence, respect, and esteem of the public.
Mr. Warburton was born in Rochester, New Hampshire, August 5, 1878, the son of Edward H. and Mary E. (Shorey) Warbur- ton. His father, who was a native of Eng- land and died in 1899, was in the mercantile business during his career. Mr. Warburton received a general education in the public schools of his native community and after completing his studies decided to learn the shoe manufacturing business. He came to Haverhill and entered one of the big shoe shops, where he began to gain his first ex- perience in his chosen vocation. During this period he was residing at a farm at No. 226 Kenoza Avenue, and among the live stock he kept here was one cow. He was unable to use all the milk the animal gave daily and told one of his shop mates about it. His friend suggested he sell him some and from this meagre start of two or three quarts a day in 1903, the foundation for the present Cloverleaf Dairy was laid. He remained in the shoe shop until 1908, during which time the fame of his product spread beyond the confines of the factory. Business increased
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to such an extent at the end of this period that he abandoned the shoe making industry to devote all his time to the growing dairy business. In 1926 the enterprise was incor- porated with Mr. Warburton as treasurer and general manager and Clinton Speare president. Three years later they added the manufacture and sale of ice cream to their activities and today this company is produc- ing over a hundred gallons of this delicacy daily, distributing to the public through a large organized system of chain stands. The three-quart capacity of three decades ago has grown at times to four thousand quarts daily and the limited equipment of one horse and one house in which to transact busi- ness has been replaced by modern facili- ties, among which are five wagons and four trucks. Cloverleaf milk is distributed not only in Haverhill and Bradford, but Ames- bury, Newburyport, Merrimac, Salisbury, Salisbury Beach and Seabrook Beach are also supplied.
In 1932 Mr. Speare's interest was pur- chased by Mr. Warburton and his sons, John B. Warburton becoming president, Cecil R. Warburton, Jr., vice-president and secre- tary, and Cecil R. Warburton, subject of this sketch, continuing as treasurer.
Throughout his career Mr. Warburton has maintained deep interest in his thirty-five acre farm at No. 226 Kenoza Avenue, where he raises and breeds some of the best Jersey cows in the State of Massachusetts. At present it is estimated he possesses some thirty animals of this type. Mr. Warburton is a member of the Grange, Patrons of Hus- bandry, and he worships at the Congrega- tional Church in the city of Haverhill.
In 1901 Mr. Warburton married Eva C. Greenlay, of East Kingston, New Hamp- shire, and they are the parents of three chil- dren: I. Cecil R., Jr., born in March, 1903; married Florence Paull, and at present is
associated with his father's dairy business. 2. John B., born in February, 1906, and mar- ried Mary Lane. 3. Lettie, born in 1921.
HON. WILLIAM J. HATCH-A native and long a resident of Gloucester, the Hon. William J. Hatch is today effectively serv- ing his community and county as judge of the District Court of Eastern Essex. His background of newspaper work and legal practice admirably equip him for his public activities as a member of the Massachusetts judiciary.
Judge Hatch was born September 6, 1874, in Gloucester, son of Henry J. and Anna J. (Fogarty) Hatch. His father was of Ger- man birth, and his mother Irish. Henry J. Hatch was a seafaring man the greater part of his life, but came to Gloucester about 1850 and here lived until death severed the earthly link in 1931.
In the public schools of Gloucester, Wil- liam J. Hatch received his early education. Afterward he was employed by the pub- lishing and bookselling firm of Proctor Brothers who owned the Gloucester "Times." With that paper he had full charge of the circulation department, and was so engaged for eleven years. In 1901 he entered Boston University Law School, from which he was graduated in 1904 with the degree of Bachelor of Laws. Beginning his practice in Gloucester, he afterward con- tinued his work in this city as a general practitioner of law. His appointment to the district judgeship came in March, 1934, at the hands of Governor Ely and on the bench he has distinguished himself by the dignity of his bearing and the fairness of his decisions.
Though skilled as a lawyer and thor- oughly versed in the intricacies of legal codes Judge Hatch nonetheless recognizes the human considerations that come to his
William gHatch
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attention on the bench as transcending mere formality. He himself is a man of strongly human and friendly characteris- tics, and his deep understanding of human personality combines with his knowledge of the law to make him solid and sound in his position in the judgeship. He is an ac- tive member of the Essex County Bar As- sociation and is respected and trusted in the ranks of the legal profession. Though he has little time for the recreational side of life in his strenuous days in the judge- ship, he has always enjoyed all sorts of athletics, particularly baseball, his hobby of earlier years.
Judge Hatch is unmarried.
FREDERIC R. KNIPE-In the financial realm of Haverhill, Frederic R. Knipe occu- pies an outstanding position through found- ing and establishing the first investment counsellor's office in the business history of this community. Through the able manner he has conducted this enterprise he has gained the respect and confidence of a wide public.
Mr. Knipe was born in Lowell, Massachu- setts, September 2, 1906, the son of D. Roy and Edna C. (Root) Knipe. His father, who is a native of Haverhill and retired, was engaged in the shoe making industry here for forty years. Mr. Knipe attended public schools of Haverhill and Brown University at Providence, Rhode Island, from which he was graduated with a Bachelor of Arts de- gree with the class of 1928. He entered Harvard University and was graduated with the degree of Master of Business Adminis- tration.
He started his financial career with the firm of William H. Coburn and Company in Boston and three years later he resigned to embark on the business venture he directs today. He returned to Haverhill and estab- lished offices at No. 151 Merrimack Street,
where, during his brief business career, his enterprise has met with success. The extent of the progress he has made in this city can be attributed directly to the scholarly and profound knowledge he has acquired rela- tive to financial and industrial matters. His authority on these subjects has been widely recognized and on a number of occasions he has been asked to write articles on finance for some of the leading magazines and news- papers.
Though his interest and energy have been centered on his business pursuits he has found time to enjoy the social and civic life of his surroundings and in this connection is a member of the Fortnightly Club, one of the most exclusive organizations of this city. He also belongs to the Haverhill Chamber of Commerce, the Haverhill Country Club and the Pentucket Club. He is an active Republican worker, being secretary of the Lincoln Republican Club of Haverhill, and a member of the Republican city committee.
ARCHIE S. McKEEN-For thirty-five years Archie S. McKeen devoted his artistic genius to the profession of photography and he has won lasting fame and recognition for the splendid and beautiful works he has pro- duced. In his chosen work he became dean of the photographic fraternity of Essex County and though his studio was located in Haver- hill, his efforts were not confined to this city alone but to the surrounding vicinity as well. The fame he attained through his artistry locally and nationally stands today as endur- ing tribute to his memory.
Mr. McKeen was born in Philips, Maine, January 23, 1875, the son of William and Nellie (Golder) McKeen. His father, who was also a native of that State, engaged in the carpentry trade throughout his life. Mr. McKeen attended public schools and fol- lowed his father's trade of carpentering for a few years. In the early nineties he began
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his first work in photography at Water- ville, Maine, and was employed in that line in various places in Maine and Massachu- setts until 1902, when he came to Haverhill and purchased the Anderson photographic studio.
A man exceedingly popular among his professional colleagues he served for many years as vice-president of the New Eng- land Association of Photographers, and was prominently associated with many of the leading social organizations of Haverhill, among which were the Haverhill Yacht Club, the Rotary Club, the Haverhill Cham- ber of Commerce, and the Sportsmen's Club. He also fraternized with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and was a member of the Rebeccas Lodge of the Knights of Pythias.
In 1909 Mr. McKeen married Florence I. Whittier, of Methuen, and the daughter of John Gage and Hattie (Neally) Whittier. Mr. and Mrs. McKeen were the parents of four children: I. Harry Lee, who died in infancy. 2 and 3. Russell W. and Philip G., who have succeeded their father in busi- ness. 4. Edna W., who is attending high school.
Mr. McKeen died at his home in Bradford on September 12, 1931. He had won many friends in this community and in Essex County, and these, with his many patrons, will remember him as an artist whose place will be hard to fill. In his death the city of Haverhill has been deprived of a citizen of unusual attainments.
LEWIS E. ADAMS has played an impor- tant part in the business life of Haverhill, where for many years he headed the activi- ties of the city's largest furniture establish- ment, which he founded during his early life.
Mr. Adams was born in Andover, Oxford County, Maine, February 5, 1858, the son
of John Quincy and Susan E. (MacIntire) Adams. His father was a native of this State and engaged in farming until his death in 1881. Mr. Adams received a general edu- cation in the public schools of his native community and during his boyhood made a trip to witness the centennial celebration of the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was on his return from this spectacle that he first became acquainted in a business way with the State of Massachusetts, for he stopped in Lawrence and secured a position with an express company in that city. While here he saw a man making cigars and be- came convinced that he could establish such a business on a profitable basis. He returned to his native State and settled in Norway, where, in partnership with a Mr. Jewett, he began the cigar manufacturing business, under the firm name of Adams and Jewett. He maintained this enterprise for three years and in 1887 came to Haverhill, where he be- came associated with the furniture firm of F. E. Tucker. Later, in partnership with C. H. Davis, he founded and organized the Peoples' Furniture Company, which was operated on a partnership basis for a time and later was incorporated, with Mr. Adams as its treasurer and general manager. Under his able and expert guidance the concern be- came the foremost of its type in the city. In 1920 the enterprise was sold to the Atherton Furniture Company and Mr. Adams retired to a well merited rest.
Though at one time he maintained an active interest in many of the leading social and civic organizations of this community, he has now limited his affiliations to the Masonic Order, in which he is a member of Saggahew Lodge, Free and Accepted Ma- sons, Haverhill Commandery, Knights Tem- plar, and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. In religion he is a Univer- salist and worships at the church of that denomination.
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In 1889 Mr. Adams married Emma S. Davis, of Ashby, Massachusetts, and they are the parents of two sons: I. George A., who is a graduate of Brown University ; married Elinor Shean, and is the father of two children. 2. Frank E., who also attended Brown University, and is a successful shoe manufacturer. He married Helen Hutchin- son, and they have six children.
WALLACE SULLIVAN BRAY-For nearly half a century Wallace S. Bray directed the activities of one of the largest and finest wet leather businesses in the city of Haverhill, to which he came as a youth, learned the shoe trade, and then founded the above mentioned concern, which oper- ated with such success.
Mr. Bray, a native of the State of Maine, was born in Mechanics Falls, October 15, 1851, the son of Sullivan A. and Millie (Moody) Bray. Throughout his life the elder Bray engaged in farming. Mr. Bray received a general education in the public schools of his native community and after completing his studies came to Haverhill in 1870. He entered the employ of Charles E. Tobey, a cousin, for the purpose of learning the leather business. Four years later he entered the wet leather business under the direction of Freeland Archibald, who was then directing the activities of one of the largest firms of this type in this city. Mr. Bray maintained this connection until 1882, when, with his brother, Edwin A., they established a wet leather business with offices located on Wingate Street and later on Phoenix Row. The new enterprise was operated under the firm name of Bray Broth- ers, a title which was maintained until 1903, when Edwin A. Bray left the firm and Wal- lace A. Bray's young son, Dana S. Gray, just out of high school, came in as an asso- ciate of his father. The firm title then be- came W. S. Bray and Son, and until 1928
functioned successfully. During the World War the company made parts for soldiers' kits. The elder Bray retired to devote his time to personal interests.
A true family man he devoted all of his spare time to his home, his only outside activity being a membership in the Baptist Church here, which he has always supported liberally. He was interested in civic affairs and served one term in the city council in 1882.
In 1874 Mr. Bray married (first) Ella Archibald, and there were four children by this union: I. Arthur, who died young. 2. Millie K., who married Frank C. Thompson, and is now deceased. She was the mother of three children, Alice E., Allen and Arthur. 3. Alice, who died young. 4. Dana Sullivan, who resides at Orleans, Vermont, where he is engaged in the manufacture of wood heels under the name of Bray Wood Heel Com- pany. He married Edith Spencer, and they have four children, Wallace S., Dana S., Robert and Howard.
Wallace S. Bray was married (second), in 1903, to Mrs. Anna (Brown) Bean, of Haverhill. Their residence is No. 466 South Main Street, Bradford.
WALTER D. HIGGINS, M. D .- One of the progressive members of the medical pro- fession in Essex County, Dr. Walter D. Hig- gins has contributed an important share to public health as city physician of Peabody, as well as in his private practice. He was born at Peabody, August 24, 1903, a son of William P. and Elizabeth (Sheehan) Hig- gins, natives of Ireland, who emigrated to the United States and settled at Peabody. William P. Higgins was engaged in the tan- ning and leather business and is now retired.
After graduating from the Peabody High School in 1921, Dr. Higgins matriculated at Tufts College, from which he was graduated in 1924 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts.
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THE STORY OF ESSEX COUNTY
He then enrolled at Tufts Medical School and was graduated in 1928 with the Doctor of Medicine degree. His interneship was served from 1928 to 1929 at the Lawrence General Hospital, and he returned to Pea- body to open an office and has practiced there since.
Dr. Higgins does not confine himself to specialization, but serves in the wider field of general practice. He has been successful in treating and curing many difficult ill- nesses and has the esteem and affection of his many patients and their families, as well as the respect and admiration of his col- leagues. His professional skill and knowl- edge and his personal qualities were called into public service in 1930, when he was appointed city physician of Peabody, and he has continued in that office until the present. The responsibilities of this important office have been so ably and efficiently conducted that Dr. Higgins is one of the most highly regarded public officials in Essex County.
In addition to his private practice and public duties, Dr. Higgins is a member of the surgical staff of the J. B. Thomas Hos- pital. He is also a member of the Ameri- can Medical Association, the Massachusetts Medical Society and the Massachusetts Clin- ical and Surgical Association. His church membership is in St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church of Peabody. His favorite recreation is travelling.
Dr. Higgins married, November 28, 1931, Alma Edith Knowles, of North Andover, and they are the parents of a daughter, Caro- lyn, born December 25, 1932.
JOHN F. BURNS is a pioneer in the auto- motive business of Haverhill. For over a quarter of a century he has been intimately identified with the progress of this great industry and since 1931 he has directed the activities of the largest independent auto-
motive parts company in Essex County, as president.
A native of Haverhill, Mr. Burns was born on June 6, 1890, the son of William and Alma (Spinnery) Burns. His father, who was a native of Scotland, engaged in the civil engineering profession for a number of years. Mr. Burns received a general educa- tion in the public schools of his native com- munity and after completing his studies was apprenticed in the shoe trade for about four years, at the end of which time he aban- doned this industry to become associated with the firm of J. O. Ellison and Company, dealers in automobile parts and distributors for the Ford car. It was the beginning of a long association that was to last for twenty- three years. In 1931 he severed his connec- tion with this firm to establish an accessory business of his own at No. 53 Winter Street, which, in the brief period of four years, has become the largest concern of its type in the county. Mr. Burns is a member of the Knights of Pythias.
In 1911 Mr. Burns married Elizabeth A. Zinnette, a native of Canada, and they are the parents of one son, Ernest E., born July 1, 1912.
ALCINDA PEREIRA De AGUIAR, M. D .- Regarded by the citizens of Peabody as a valuable addition to their community for her ability as a physician and surgeon and for her qualities as a cultured neighbor, Dr. De Aguiar is contributing estimable service. She was born in Portugal, Europe, Novem- ber 15, 1899, and received her preparatory education in her native schools. Deciding upon the profession of medicine she studied at Oporto University and was graduated in October, 1925, with the degree of Doctor of Medicine.
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