USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > The story of Essex County, Volume IV > Part 4
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THE STORY OF ESSEX COUNTY
was in Savannah, Georgia, when his death suddenly occurred April 27, 1906. His pa- rishioners in Lowell, who held for him the deepest reverence and warmnest affection, were shocked and grieved by the news of his pass- ing. His death was a loss also for all the French churches of the Protestant communion in New England. Many tributes of affectior were paid to the memory of this faithful pas tor and conscientious worker.
Rev. Thomas Germain Alexandre Côté mar- ried Emma Sophia Elliott, daughter of Sam- uel and Sophia (Ayer) Elliott, of Haverhill. Following her husband's death she continued to reside in Lowell for a year, and since then she has made her home at the old Elliott homestead in Haverhill.
GILBERT W. O'NEIL-A native of Gloucester and now postmaster of this sea- shore community, Gilbert W. O'Neil has effectively served his fellow-citizens in a variety of ways. His career of business ac- tivity, war-time service overseas and labors in public office has been intensely useful to his fellow-citizens in all walks and depart- ments of life, and has given him admirable preparation for his present headship of the postal system here.
Mr. O'Neil was born on May 12, 1896, in Gloucester, son of Arthur and Margaret (MacDonald) O'Neil, both native Nova Scotians who came southward and took up their home in Gloucester in 187S. Arthur O'Neil was a railway worker, associated with the Boston and Maine Railroad, and both he and Mrs. O'Neil today make their home in this Massachusetts seashore com- munity. At St. Ann's Parochial School, Gilbert W. O'Neil received his early educa- tion, being graduated in 1911. He also had three years of public high school training. Becoming a machinist with the Perkins and Corliss Machine Company in September, 1914. he remained with that organization
for a year until, in September, 1915, he en- tered the employ of the United Shoe Ma- chinery Company, at Beverly.
His career was punctuated by military service at the Mexican border during the time of the trouble there, from June to October, 1916, and again by World War service. On July 25, 1917, he left the United Shoe Machinery Company for the second time to enter the service of his country. For eighteen months he was overseas with Headquarters Company of the 104th Infan- try Regiment, 26th Division, and in those months was actively in several notable en- gagements, including those at Chemin des Dames, Chateau Thierry, St. Mihiel, the Argonne, and the Meuse-Aisne front, as well as along the whole of the defensive sector. On October 23, 1918, he was wounded at Verdun, France, by a gunshot received on the right leg. From that date until July, 1919, he was in the hospital, but was then discharged at Camp Devens Hospital on July 10. In September, 1919, he was elected finance officer of the American holding office, there remaining until 1922 and at the same time serving as service officer.
The period of his valuable public service to the Gloucester community had already started and was well under way. As he had served his country, he now served his city turning that same unselfish attention to local affairs that had gone into the further- ance of his country's interests in the World War days. In 1920-21-22 he acted as water commissioner, and in 1922 and 1923 as city alderman. In 1923 he was appointed post- master by President Calvin Coolidge, and since that year he has held this same office. His administration of the local mail service is deserving of the highest praise and ap- proval, for it has been characterized by un- failing efficiency and thoughtfulness con- cerning the public weal. He holds mem- bership in the Essex County Postmasters'
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Association, of which he was at one time president, and in the National Association of Postmasters.
Politically he has held to the views of the Republican party, and belongs to the Essex County Republican Club. He has several affiliations that arose out of his war-time service, including the 104th Infantry Asso- ciation, the famous "40 and 8" and the American Legion. He was a commander of the Gloucester Legion Post in 1926 and 1927. He is a member of the Corporation of Addison Gilbert Hospital and of several fraternal orders, including the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of Columbus and the Loyal Order of Moose. Each of these groups has felt the construc- tive influence of Mr. O'Neil, who has de- voted himself untiringly to the general ad- vancement of his community and its institu- tions with an unselfishness that merits only the highest commendation.
On July 7, 1928, Gilbert W. O'Neil mar- ried Dorothy V. Corkum, of Gloucester, who was formerly assistant city clerk here. To Mr. and Mrs. O'Neil two children were born : I. Gilbert W., Jr. 2. Gerald Arthur.
KENNETH S. WEBBER-In the public life of Gloucester, Kenneth S. Webber has figured prominently, contributing to the well-being of this seashore community in a very notable way in his capacity of auditor of the city. Before shouldering civic respon- sibilities, he was extensively engaged in business, so that his participation in Essex County affairs has been a varied one.
His family is an old and honored one, its members having played pioneer rôles in New England life. His parents were Wil- liam S. and Alice J. (Smith) Webber, the latter family having been among the very early settlers of Gloucester. His maternal grandfather was a sea captain; Winslow L.
Webber was city engineer of Gloucester, and William S. Webber, father of the pres- ent city auditor, served as a gasfitter over a period of a half century.
Kenneth S. Webber was born on June 21, 1898, in Gloucester and here attended public schools and high school. He was graduated from high school in 1918, then attended Bentley's Business College, in Boston. For twelve years after he com- pleted his formal education, he was chief clerk of the Gulf Refining Company. In 1930 he joined forces with the Twin Mutual Fire Insurance Company, accepting the lo- cal managership for Gloucester. In his business life he was successful from the outset, and his accomplishments in this realm, combined with his own public inter- ests, have made him known as one of the city's very useful servants.
In 1931 he was elected city auditor, and so satisfactorily did he meet the needs of that office that he was reelected in 1933. At the time of writing .(1935) he is still effec- tively serving his fellow-citizens in this civic office, at the same time giving of his time and energies to the work of numer- ous organizations and worthy community projects. In the Free and Accepted Ma- sons, he is a member of Acacia Lodge No. 892, of which he was worshipful master in 1930 and 1931, and of William Ferson Chap- ter of Royal Arch Masons, Bethlehem Com- mandery of Knights Templar, and Aleppo Temple of the Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (of Boston). Active also in the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, he was chosen in 1935 to be exalted ruler of his lodge. He was president of the Beau-Monde Club.
On September 6, 1930, Kenneth S. Web- ber married Catharine Green, of Lowell, Massachusetts, who was supervisor of speech in Gloucester High School before
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THE STORY OF ESSEX COUNTY
her marriage. To this marriage one child, Nancy Ann Webber, was born on Septem- ber 29, 1931.
J. RUSSELL BOHAN-As treasurer of the city of Gloucester, J. Russell Bohan has notably aided in the advancement of the welfare of his birthplace and its institutions. His blood inheritance from old New Eng- land families and his own inherent qualities of leadership have fitted him for the work that he has undertaken in Gloucester, where he is well acquainted with the character- istics and needs of his fellow-citizens.
Mr. Bohan was born on May 4, 1901, in Gloucester, son of James Lawrence and Elizabeth M. (Casey) Bohan. His father was a native of Maine, and was a granite cutter by trade. His mother was born in Gloucester.
In the public schools of this seashore city, J. Russell Bohan received his early educa- tion, being graduated from high school in 1917. He was employed in the Frank E. Davis Company's fish business for five years, and in the course of those years spent about eighteen months in Nova Scotia. He then spent about a year with the wholesale meat industry in Boston and, in 1923, he became assistant manager for the Booth Fisheries in Gloucester. He remained with that organization until, on August 1, 1934, he was elected city treasurer of Gloucester, the position in which he has since been usefully and effectively serving his com- munity, its citizens and its institutions.
His public work has not been confined to this one office, however, for in 1930-31-32 and 1933 Mr. Bohan was a member of the municipal council. He served as president of the council in 1933. At all times, in and out of public office, he has contributed sub- stantially to civic betterment, espousing every cause for improvement and initiating
his own community projects when oppor- tunity offers. He is one of the very widely known younger men of Gloucester, as his political popularity shows. Mr. Bohan also belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Beau-Monde Club, and the Lions' Club. Each of these groups has in some concrete way benefited from his labors in its behalf, with the result that he is esteemed and trusted in a wide circle. His favorite recreations are those of an out- door nature, and he has done much to en- courage healthful sports.
On September 2, 1933, J. Russell Bohan married Doreen Houde, of Gloucester. They became the parents of one child, a son, James Lawrence Bohan.
MONSIGNOR JOHN B. LABOSSIERE
-As pastor of St. Joseph's, the French par- ish of Salem, Monsignor John B. Labossiere has shouldered his full share of responsi- bility for the spiritual moulding of his com- munity. Under his guidance, the parish has become a center whence radiate forces of true growth and Christian development, and he has come to be loved not only in his own congregation, but throughout Salem and Essex County. He was elevated to the rank of domestic prelate with the title of monsignor by Pope Pius XI, in December, 1934.
It would be interesting, in connection with this account of Monsignor Labossiere's life, to trace the development of the parish over whose affairs he presides. The first attempt to unite the French-Canadians of Salem and instruct them in the language with which they were most familiar, the French, was made by the Rev. Matthew Harkins while he was curate at the Immaculate Conception Church. In 1872 he began assembling them for special services in the basement of the
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John B. Labussière,
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church. This practice was continued by the Rev. George Talbot, a French-Canadian priest, and later by Father Harkins again until 1873. In that year, with the consent and approval of the French-Canadians, whose deep regard he had won, Father Harkins secured for their use a Sailors' Bethel, in Herbert Street. A few months later the Rev. Olivier Boucher took charge of the French- speaking group in Salem, remaining with this congregation until he was transferred to Lawrence in 1875. Later Father Talbot re- turned for a time, but he was finally suc- ceeded, in 1878, by the Rev. J. Z. Dumontier. This pastor remained only a few months. In September of the same year the Rev. Octave Lepine became pastor. He remained until 1879, when he, too, left for other fields and the Rev. F. X. L. Vezina was made pas- tor. Beginning a vigorous administration, he brought about the purchase of an estate in Lafayette Street in 1881. This new prop- erty was situated in South Salem, where most of the French-Canadians were then liv- ing, and on this site a church was erected and opened for service in 1884. The dedica- tion took place August 25, 1885, and on that day the Rev. J. O. Gadoury came to the par- ish as assistant priest. During the following year Father Vezina retired to Canada to rest, and Father Gadoury, during the pastor's ab- sence, purchased and remodeled the paro- chial residence beside the church. In May, 1886, Father Vezina returned from Canada, but a year later he resigned in favor of Father Gadoury and returned to Canada. Meanwhile, Father Gadoury had founded the French church in Lynn. Transferring his labors to St. Joseph's, he founded a large school in Harbor Square in 1892, just at the rear of the church, erecting a four-story brick building with a hall on the ground floor and on the second floor twelve large classrooms. Near this school he built a wooden convent
for the Grey Nuns, who were then teaching both boys and girls, and the city donated a short street as a playground. A boarding department was added, and by 1899 about fifty boys and sixty girls, mainly from out- side the city, had been received into the school. By this time the enrollment of the day school was more than nine hundred, and the average membership of the congregation and parish was five thousand, most of the parishioners coming originally from the region of Quebec. The church of that period was a wooden structure, seating in audi- torium and galleries one thousand worship- pers. In the basement was a grotto dedi- cated to Our Lady of Lourdes.
The great fire of 1914 swept over this whole district of Salem, entirely destroying the original church. Father Reinville, who was then pastor, rebuilt the basement of the church, however, putting it into the form in which it now stands, and over the basement he built rooms for a school. These rooms are still used for school purposes. On July 14, 1920, the Rev. Peter H. Grenier took charge of the parish. He continued in charge of the work here until 1931, going forward with plans for developing and improving the church. He was born in Montreal, Province of Quebec, Canada, February 24, 1857, and received his early education at Three Rivers, Canada, attending the public schools and preparing for college in the local high school. He then entered St. Joseph's Seminary, at Three Rivers, was graduated there, and on September 21, 1885, was ordained a priest. After his ordination, he accepted a position as teacher in the classical courses and also acted as assistant in the Cathedral until Au- gust, 1891. In that year he left Canada and came to the United States, here being ap- pointed assistant pastor of St. Joseph's Church, Salem. In 1914 he was transferred to St. Mary's Church, at Marlborough, suc-
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ceeding Father Caise there and continuing as pastor of St. Mary's until he was assigned to St. Joseph's Church on July 14, 1920. I11 the spring of 1921, not long after he took charge of St. Joseph's, he began building the beautiful school structure in Harbor Square, completing it in the same year at a cost of $240,000 and furnishing and equipping it at an additional cost of $30,000. Two years later, in 1923, he added another school build- ing, costing more than $200,000 and being furnished at a cost of $75,000. These build- ings were fully equipped with every possible convenience, including the latest and best systems of ventilation and sanitation. Each school building is a three-story structure, built of brick, with gray sandstone trim mings, and the two edifices combined con- tain thirty-four classrooms and provide for the attendance of fourteen hundred students. The schools are presided over by thirty Sis- ters of the Church of the Assumption, of Nicolet, Province of Quebec, where is situ- ated the Mother House of the Province. There are also, in addition to the Sisters, six lay teachers. In 1927, while Father Grenier was still pastor, St. Joseph's Convent was enlarged until it was one of the largest and finest in Massachusetts. The cost of this change was $65,000, and accommodations were provided for thirty-five Sisters, for whom every convenience, including a pri- vate chapel, was provided. The beautiful rectory, containing thirty rooms, was built in 1915. It is a three-story brick building of imposing appearance, and the grounds around it extend to Harbor Street. Beauti- ful trees, plants of rare varieties and a well- kept hedge add to the beauty of the prop- erty, which extends from Dow Street to Harbor Street, on Lafayette Street. The people of the parish have generously re- sponded to all needs, proving their interest
and loyalty in the last few years by contribu- tions of more than $500,000.
Monsignor Labossiere, who replaced Father Grenier as pastor of St. Joseph's, in Salem, in 1931, was born at Sorel, Province of Quebec, Canada, and received his pre- liminary education there. Later he attended the Christian Brothers' School, in Montreal, then the Jesuit College, from which he was graduated in 1886. Coming to the United States, he studied at St. John's Seminary, Brighton, Massachusetts, remaining until he was ordained a priest. He then spent a year at the Catholic University in Washington, District of Columbia, after which he was assigned as a curate to Georgetown, Massa- chusetts. There he remained for one year. After serving there a year he was transferred as a curate to St. Mary's parish, Lynn, where he remained five years, until 1895. He was then appointed to the parish of the Immacu- late Conception, Newburyport, and ten years later he started a parish at Amesbury, where he also served ten years, and did substantial work. Following this charge he continued his able ministry at St. Louis' Church, Lowell, for eighteen years.
With this brilliant background of accom- plishment, Father Labossiere came to St. Joseph's, Salem, and since that time (1931) has devoted himself wholeheartedly to build- ing up this parish. In all of his charges he has shown a remarkable energy and enthusi- asm for his work, heroically helping to fur- ther the Christian religion and Catholicism. His interpretation of the priest's office has included a will to understand all matters of primary importance to humanity. With this point of view, he has delved into many human problems, with markedly successful results that are manifest in the lives of the people of his parish and his community. De- spite the thoroughness of the education in
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which he grounded himself, he has revealed an eagerness to add at all times to his learn- ing in such a living way as to enhance his usefulness to the church and to mankind. His efforts in this direction have brought him special recognition, notably from the French Government.
His work is also manifest in the outward character of St. Joseph's Church and its organizations. The usual societies and sodalities are well organized and vigorous here, and there is also a large and active St. Vincent de Paul Society which looks after parish needs. Three priests assist Father Labossiere. The parish has about eighty- five hundred souls, and the Sunday school about twelve hundred members. Instruc- tion in the Sunday school is given by the pastor himself and three curates, and the teaching is very thorough.
LESLIE E. DOCKHAM-In the com- mercial circles of Salem Leslie E. Dockham holds a prominent place by reason of abil- ity, experience and personality. He was born in Salem, February 18, 1878, son of William S. and Dora (Conacher) Dockham, both natives of the town, the Dockham fam- ily coming originally from England and the Conacher ancestors from Scotland. Great- grandfather Dockham settled in Salem at an early period, and his son, William S., was born there. The father also, William S., was long connected with the J. F. Pit- man Shoe Company, prior to his death in 1908. The mother died on October 22, 1922.
Leslie E. Dockham received his formal education in the Saltonstall School, Salem, from which he was graduated in 1892. He pursued business courses in the Salem Com- mercial College before starting out to make a livelihood. His first position of note was with the R. C. Manning Coal Company, as bookkeeper, but shortly afterward he ac-
cepted a similar post with Hunnewell and Company, of Boston, dealers in paints, oils and drugs. Five years later he resigned to go with the Boston and Maine Railroad system, but May 3, 1899, marked a sign- post in his career. On that date he became bookkeeper for Job H. Cressy. In 1907 he was made a member of the firm, which a year later was incorporated as Cressy Dock- ham and Company, Inc. Mr. Dockham was chosen treasurer of the company, one of the leading wholesale grocers in Essex County. He is also a director of the Nation Wide Stores Company, and importantly associ- ated with the grocery trade in general.
Leslie E. Dockham was a member of the Salem City Council, in 1908, and has con- stantly taken an active part in civic affairs without caring for public office. He is a member of the Salem Kiwanis Club, the Now and Then Club, and the Essex Insti- tute. Fraternally he affiliates with the Free and Accepted Masons, being a thirty- second degree Mason ; member of Winslow Lewis Commandery, Knights Templar ; and Aleppo Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of Boston. He is a member of Salem Lodge, Benevo- lent and Protective Order of Elks, and of the Veteran Second Corps Cadets, of Salem.
On April 16, 1922, Leslie E. Dockham married Katherine M. Mahoney, of Salem, and they have their winter home in Salem, and their summer estate on Chebacco Lake, Essex, Massachusetts, where Mr. Dockham is the owner of more than forty acres of Centennial Grove, a popular picnic ground.
GEORGE K. BLACK is among the prominent young attorneys of Boston. Dur- ing his brief career he has established an enviable record and today is a member of important and responsible governing bodies
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designed to administer and regulate the sale of alcoholic beverages.
Mr. Black was born in Lawrence on Aug- ust 28, 1903, the son of George L. and Mary (Kelleher) Black. His father, who is a graduate of New York University and has studied medicine abroad, today is among the foremost physicians of Lawrence where he carries on a general practice.
Mr. Black received a general education in the public schools of his native community, later attended Phillips Andover Academy, where he spent four years and was gradu- ated in 1921. He matriculated at Yale Uni- versity and was graduated from this insti- tution with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1925. After completing his academic stud- ies he entered the Harvard Law School and received the degree of Bachelor of Laws with the class of 1928. He then came to Boston and began his professional career, becoming associated with the law firm of Pillsbury, Dana and Young, and remained with this organization until 1930, when he severed his connections here to establish a practice of his own which he has since car- ried on successfully.
In July, 1933, Mr. Black was elected president of the Massachusetts Brewers Association and in January, 1934, became secretary-treasurer of the Second Regional Board of the Brewing Industry, which is in charge of the brewing industry code for New England. The latter body is under the Federal Alcohol Control Administration. Through his activities with these bodies he spends much time in traveling to various sections of this territory.
Mr. Black is widely known socially and among the organizations he belongs to is the Union Boat Club. He finds his greatest diversion and recreation in sports of all types and is particularly fond of yachting, sea racing, squash and rowing.
ALLEN F. GRANT-It is noteworthy that there have been but two city clerks in the history of Gloucester. The first incum- bent served forty years, and since 1921 Allen F. Grant has been the efficient custo- dian of this office, and may easily exceed the record of his predecessor. Mr. Grant is a native of Gloucester, born January II, 1891, the son of Fred A. and Frances (Rick- ard) Grant.
The Grant family, originally from Scot- land, settled in Gloucester in the early days and, for the most part, were interested in the fishing business. The grandfather, Alexander Grant, was a veteran of the Civil War, having enlisted in Company D, of a Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regi- ment. He took part in a number of notable battles and did not receive his honorable discharge from the army service until late in 1864. Alexander Grant was born on April 19, 1830. Fred A. Grant was presi- dent and manager of the Charles F. Matt- lage and Company, fisheries, of Gloucester. The fisheries, in fact, engaged all of his ma- ture business interest.
Allen F. Grant acquired his education in the grammar and high schools of Glouces- ter. In October, 1913, he entered the city clerk's office as assistant, and was elected city clerk in January, 1921. His predeces- sor was the last town clerk and the first city clerk of ancient Gloucester. Prior to en- tering this department of the municipal government, Mr. Grant had clerked in the post office.
In fraternal circles Mr. Grant is a promi- nent figure. He is affiliated with the Be- nevolent and Protective Order of Elks, a Past Exalted Ruler, and chairman of the building committee, now (1934) erecting a new home, and is also chairman of the house committee which governs the head- quarters of the Gloucester Elks. He is a
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