USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > The story of Essex County, Volume IV > Part 49
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In his social affiliations he is very active, belonging to many of the leading organiza- tions here, among them the Warren Club, the Amesbury Chamber of Commerce, of which he is a director; and the Methodist Episcopal Church, where he is a member of the official board. In fraternal matters he is a Mason and belongs to Phoenician Lodge, of which he is a Past Master, and the Olaf Council.
In 1910 Mr. Kruschwitz married Ottile J. Fickenwarth, a native of Massachusetts, and they are the parents of three children : I. Gilbert H., born July 23, 1915, was grad- uated from Phillips Academy, Exeter, in 1934 and is now a student at Dartmouth College. 2. Henry W., Jr., born November 26, 1924. 3. Dorothy M., born September 6, 1928.
REV. FR. DENNIS FRANCIS SULLI- VAN-As pastor of St. Luke's Roman Cath- olic Church in the city of Waverly, the Rev. Father Dennis Francis Sullivan ministers to the spiritual needs of thousands and through his clerical duties exerts a powerful influence for good throughout this section of the State.
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Father Sullivan was born July 10, 1879, at Peabody, son of Dennis D. and Julia (Pren- dable) Sullivan, both natives of Ireland, who came over to this country during their child- hood and settled in the aforementioned com- munity. His father, who was in the grocery business there, died in March, 1880, while his mother passed away in 1914.
Father Sullivan received a general educa- tion in the public schools of his native com- munity and after completing his studies here attended St. Anselm's College in Manches- ter, New Hampshire, from where he was graduated. He then entered the Grand Sem- inary at Montreal, Canada, where he studied for the priesthood and was ordained a Cath- olic priest in December, 1904.
Following his ordination he was appointed curate to the church in Beverly Farms and remained here for about one year when he was sent to the St. Joseph's parish in Rox- bury, where he was to remain for twenty- three years. It was at the expiration of this period that Father Sullivan was appointed pastor of St. Luke's parish in Waverly, a post he maintains today. As in all of his previous charges, Father Sullivan has won the warm and lasting esteem and affection of the large congregation to whom he minis- ters. A leading figure in this community he has taken a keen and active interest in all phases of life here and through his position has contributed wisely and generously to the welfare and advancement of his fellows. In conjunction with his priestly duties he also supervises the affairs of the McLean Hos- pital and other institutions of a similar nature.
STEPHEN H. BRENNAN-The present outstanding position held by Stephen H. Brennan in the wholesale meat trade of Lawrence, is the result of ability applied to
one line of business from boyhood. He was born at Salem, this state, February 4, 1887, son of Thomas and Ellen (Jordan) Brennan. The father was a native of New York State and the mother of Ireland. Thomas Brennan came to Salem in about 1854 and was engaged in the leather indus- try for many years.
Stephen H. Brennan attended the schools of his birthplace until the age of thirteen, when he worked for his uncle, P. J. Bren- nan, and pushed a butcher's cart. Until he was seventeen his connection was with the smaller type of retail meat selling. In the first years of the present century, Mr. Bren- nan became associated with the G. H. Ham- mond Meat Company for three years, and for twelve years was with the famous Cud- ahy Packing Company. He was made man- ager of the Cudahy branch in Lawrence, and remained as such for eight years. At the time of his appointment he was the youngest manager in the industry. In 1920 Mr. Bren- nan engaged in business for himself, mak- ing Lawrence his headquarters. Knowl- edge and experience came to him from his work and these, combined with ambition, reliability and personality, have enabled him to achieve a remarkable success. With- out the use of salesmen on the road, Stephen Brennan has built up a concern which does a million dollars annual business, with a clientele increasing and loyal. He has in- troduced in his wholesale business all the necessary modern equipment and methods. A less personal business responsibility of his is as vice-president of the Community Savings Bank, and he is a member also of the Charitable Club.
On October 9, 1912, Stephen H. Brennan married Nora A. McCarthy, of Peabody, and they are the parents of two children : Stephen, student at Phillips Exeter; Alice, a student at Notre Dame Academy. Mr.
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and Mrs. Brennan reside in North Andover, where he is a member of the Historical So- ciety.
ARTHUR JOHN BUCKLEY-Among the well-known laundrymen of Lynn is Arthur John Buckley, who directs the activi- ties of one of the most successful organiza- tions in its field in Lynn. Mr. Buckley, a native of Lynn, was born June 12, 1896, the son of David W. and Mary Susan (Parks) Buckley, also natives of this city. His father, prior to his death in 1924, was en- gaged in the fruit business here for a num- ber of years. His mother, who resides in Lynn, is the daughter of Henry Parks, a Civil War veteran, now retired and living in this community.
Mr. Buckley was educated in the public schools of his native city and became asso- ciated with the Dickerson Shoe Company. He retained this connection for two years and then entered the employ of the Forbes Lithograph Company of Chelsea, where he remained for a like period. After severing his connection here he became identified with the Star Wet Wash Laundry of Lynn and served this organization until the out- break of the World War, when he enlisted in the army and was dispatched to Camp Devens for training. Stationed at this post for about a year prior to the signing of the Armistice, he was honorably discharged when the war ended and returned to his native city to enter the taxi business, in which he remained for eighteen months. For a period he returned to the laundry business and worked on a commission basis. After a brief time he formed a partnership with Joseph Garber and launched the pres- ent business under the firm name of the Service Laundry and erected a plant and business offices as No. 72 Mudge Street, their present location. In 1926 the enter-
prise was incorporated as the Service Laun- dry, with Mr. Buckley as president and Mr. Garber as treasurer.
In his social affiliations Mr. Buckley is a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters and is of the Roman Catholic faith, worship- ping at the Holy Family Church of that de- nomination. In politics he aligns himself with the Democratic party. He finds his greatest recreation in touring.
In December, 1929, in Lynn, Mr. Buckley married Mrs. Anna (Chervin) Hughes, a native of New York City and a member of the Holy Family Church. Mrs. Buckley has a son by a previous marriage, John Henry Hughes, who is a student at Burdett Busi- ness College in Lynn.
ALEX GONIPROW-The career of Alex Goniprow, Lithuanian-born citizen of the United States, began humbly in his native land but shows in a steadily ascending line to his present prominent and influential posi- tion as president and general manager of the Goniprow Kid Company, Incorporated, of Lynn, of which he is the founder. He is an example of the progressive and high-minded sons of Lithuania who have contributed to the welfare and development of their adopted cities in America, and to the communities in which they have established homes.
Mr. Goniprow was born at Kouna, Lithu- ania, November 16, 1883, a son of Alex- ander and Amelia (Shalutka) Goniprow. His father was a building contractor and under his instruction, Alex Goniprow learned the trade of carpenter, and until his twen- tieth year, worked with his father. Seek- ing broader opportunities, he left home and went to Scotland where he worked in the clay and hard coal mines, but after two years, decided to seek his fortune in the United States.
Confident and self-reliant, he came to America and located in South Boston, where
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he found employment in a sugar refinery, but left after three weeks to enter the em- ploy of the Benz Kid Company of Lynn. It is a remarkable illustration of foreign-born citizens who have assumed leadership in American life, that Mr. Goniprow, without influential friends, without funds, and un- familiar with the English language, began a notable career as a laborer, and worked his way up until he founded a company of his own engaged in the same business as that in which he began. It is to his credit that he did not need assistance, but through his industry and ability won for himself a significant place in the industrial and civic life of his adopted city. With the Benz Kid Company, he was promoted to superintend- ent in 1912 and held that position until 1924. He resigned to found his own company, the Goniprow Kid Company, Incorporated, of which he is, as indicated, president and gen- eral manager. Other officers are George J. Place, secretary, and Russell C. Wood, treas- urer. It is an interesting fact that this busi- ness started with only two men, the man who is the present treasurer and the founder, Mr. Goniprow. The firm manufactures fin- ished leather for women's shoes from goat hides received from India, China and the Baltic States. The plant produces between five and six hundred dozen skins every day, and employs two hundred and forty persons, and is one of the best known factories of its kind. Its products are distributed over a large area and are known for their quality.
Mr. Goniprow serves the tanning industry as a member of the Tanners Council of America and the Textiles Association of the United States of America. Aside from busi- ness he is a member of Lynn Lodge, of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Star of the Sea Church of Marblehead, and supports the Republican party. He is active in the affairs of Lithuanian organiza- tions, being a member of the Lithuanian
Naturalization Club of Lynn and the Lithu- anian Society of Lynn. He is fond of auto- mobile riding.
Mr. Goniprow married, May 2, 1909, in Lynn, Antonina O'Lerich, a native of Lithu- ania, and a daughter of the late Peter O'Lerich of Lithuania. Mrs. Goniprow was educated in Lithuanian schools and is a member of St. Thomas' Roman Catholic Church of Marblehead and the South Bos- ton Women's Society.
EDWARD JOSEPH GODREAU, well known business man of Lynn and a repre- sentative citizen, is one of twelve children, nine boys and three girls, born to C. Octave and Mary E. (Fournier) Godreau. Other children are : Charles E., George B., Lorenzo L., Romuald (deceased), Rudolph, residing in New Bedford, Albert J., Mrs. Irene Gin- gras, of Quebec, Canada, and Mrs. Laura Doucette. With the exceptions of Rudolph and Mrs. Irene Gingras, all these reside in Lynn. Mr. Godreau's four brothers served in the World War.
Mr. Godreau's father, C. Octave Godreau, was born in 1851 in St. Thomas, Canada, the son of Joseph Godreau, a native and lifelong resident of that town where he owned con- siderable real estate. Removing to Fall River, C. O. Godreau engaged in business as a retail furniture merchant, operating two stores, and in 1913, with his son, Charles E., founded the Lynn Screw Company to man- ufacture screw machine products, radio parts, oil burners and shoe machinery. During the World War their products were shipped mostly to foreign countries but are now sold to a large market in the United States and Canada. C. O. Godreau died in Lynn on January 26, 1930, at the age of seventy-nine years. Mr. Godreau's mother, Mary E. (Fournier) Godreau, was born in Remouski, Canada, and now resides in Lynn.
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Edward Joseph Godreau was born in Fall River on September 2, 1893, and their re- ceived his education. Following his high school studies, he entered the General Elec- tric Company (West Lynn plant) as a mes- senger boy, and later became an apprentice tool maker. Upon completing his appren- ticeship, he continued with the General Elec- tric Company as a tool maker for two years and then worked at his trade in the factory of the Lynn Screw Company, owned by his father and his brother. He continued in various capacities in the factory of the Lynn Screw Company until the death of his father in 1930, at which time a partnership was formed with Charles E., George B., and Ed- ward Joseph Godreau, who are in charge of the operation and management of the busi- ness. The Lynn Screw Company is a sub- stantial industry of Lynn and under the able direction of the Godreau brothers, is show- ing a steadily increasing business. An un- usual condition existed in the plant for a time prior to the death of the father, when he and six of his sons were all and at the same time active in the factory.
Mr. Godreau is active in allied organiza- tions, serving as president of the Lyscoil Products Company, and is a member of the National Screw Machine Products Associa- tion and the National Oil Burner Products Association. He is also a member of the Lynn Chamber of Commerce and the Happy Valley Golf Club of Lynn. Although in poli- tics a Republican, Mr. Godreau reserves the freedom to give his support as his intel- ligence directs him and in the election of 1932 he voted for Franklin D. Roosevelt, the Democratic nominee. An outdoor sports- man, his favorite diversion is hunting and roaming the woods with his dogs.
Mr. Godreau married on November 25, 1914, Bessie L. Murphy, born in Gloucester, the daughter of John R. Murphy (deceased) and Ida (Downs) Murphy. Mrs. Godreau
was educated in the public schools of Lynn and is a member of Pocahontas Tribe. Women's Auxiliary of the Improved Order of Red Men. Mr. and Mrs. Godreau are members of St. Pius Roman Catholic Church of Lynn.
THE REV. LOUIS FONTANA, C. P. S., -The Holy Family Roman Catholic Church at Lynn, of which the Rev. Louis Fontana, C. P. S., is now (1935) pastor, was founded in the year 1922 by the Rev. Paul Sozzi, of the Stigmatine Fathers. The first church was a wooden structure, erected in August, 1922, and the first Mass was celebrated by Father Sozzi on August 13, 1922. This church was used by the parishioners until Christmas Day, 1922, when it was destroyed by fire. But with their loyalty and zeal the members of the church rallied and sub- scribed much of the money to build another church and a new structure was erected. This was capable of seating five hundred people, and was finished in the following year. It is worthy of note that so arduously was the work pushed forward that the build- ing, begun in November, 1926, was com- pleted in January, 1927. The first Mass was celebrated in the new church February 13, 1927. Father Sozzi continued as pastor of the Holy Family Roman Catholic Church until the year 1929, when he was transferred, and the Rev. Louis Fontana, of the Stigma- tine Fathers, was appointed to succeed him.
Father Fontana was born in Italy and was educated in the country of his birth, com- pleting his studies for the priesthood at Rome, where he was ordained in 1918. He came to the United States in 1919 and for several years following served as assistant pastor in various parishes. Subsequently, however, he was sent to Milford, where he was made a pastor and built a new church for the Italian Catholic people of the com-
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munity, an edifice seating one thousand, fitted throughout with oak pews and em- bodying the finest type of workmanship. A fine organ was also installed, and with char- acteristic energy and zeal Father Fontana built up a flourishing parish. Here he re- mained four years and when his pastorate came to a close, the parish numbered seven thousand souls.
He was then assigned to the Holy Family Church in Lynn, where he found a sound foundation had been laid by his predecessor, although much remained to be done in the way of developing the parish. To this task he addressed himself and so successful has he been that in addition to the parish church he is also in charge of a mission on the west side of the city of Lynn. These are the only Italian churches in the city and in presid- ing over them, Father Fontana has one assistant, the Rev. Humbert Zampieri. There are all the usual church societies in the par- ish, which are very active under the guid- ance of the pastor. Father Fontana has always been particularly concerned with the instruction and welfare of the young, and in his work at Milford organized a school which finally reached an enrollment of about three hundred children, taught by nine sisters. Since coming to Lynn he has inaugurated a number of movements for the advancement of the parish and its work, bringing his peo- ple closer to the church and inspiring them with his own zeal to forward its great tasks. Here, as in his other charges, he is beloved by his parishioners, who follow his leader- ship gladly, and he has made an impress as he has in every parish he has served.
ALBERT A. KRUSCHWITZ-One of the younger business men of Haverhill, Al- bert A. Kruschwitz has made a record for commercial probity and enterprise which is wholly admirable. He was born in Law-
rence, November 23, 1895, son of Christian and Agnes (Koenig) Kruschwitz, natives of Germany, the former a retired business man. Educated in the public schools of Lawrence and Haverhill, the son learned the trade of plumber and followed it in Haverhill until 1920, with the exception of the World War period. In 1920, Albert A. Kruschwitz went in business for himself, purchasing a small laundry on Wingate Street. Until he became established he car- ried on the business upon a small scale, but, with a growing clientele, Mr. Kruschwitz was compelled to enlarge his plant, which is now located at No. 551 River Street. Every form of modern machinery has been installed and the equipment is of the best. All kinds of work is done and delivered within a radius of fifteen miles. Mr. Krusch- witz is the sole proprietor. He is also a member of the Massachusetts State Laun- dry Owners Association and of the National Laundry Owners Association.
When the United States entered the World War, Mr. Kruschwitz joined the army and was assigned to Camp Devens, Massachusetts. Later he was transferred to Fort Adams, Rhode Island, where one of of his duties was the charge of the carrier pigeon lofts, a branch of the communication service which was highly commended by the army authorities for efficiency and use- fulness. Fraternally Mr. Kruschwitz is affiliated with Saggahew Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, the Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, and is a member of the Rotary and Pentucket clubs. He is a Methodist in his religious faith. While in an unostentatious way he is active in municipal and other local movements he has no interest in pub- lic office or acclaim.
In 1921 Albert A. Kruschwitz married Theresa C. Quill, of Haverhill, and they have a daughter, Barbara A., born June 6, 1922.
Johning on coffey
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JOHN J. McCAFFREY-From a modest position in the shoe industry, John J. Mc- Caffrey rose to become one of the ablest and most widely known executives in the leather trade of Massachusetts, and in this capacity he directed the activities of the Freelin Archabald Company, Incorporated, as treasurer and general manager.
Mr. McCaffrey, a native of Canada, was born in St. Agatha, Ontario, May 9, 1882, the son of Patrick and Bridget (McGrain) McCaffrey. For a number of years his father engaged in farming in this section. Mr. McCaffrey received a general education in the public schools of his native commu- nity and, after completing his studies, came to Littleton, New Hampshire, where he ob- tained his first position in the shoe indus- try, as a fitter. Later he moved to Derry in the same State, where he continued to follow the trade and in 1910 he came to Haverhill and became associated with the firm of Nichols and Gilpin. His experience during the early part of his career in this city was broad and varied. From Nichols and Gilpin he went to Glenn and Story, remaining with this firm until 1916, when he became identified with the Freelin Archa- bald Company, which was engaged in the sole leather business. Shortly after the death of Mr. Archabald in 1917, the company was incorporated and Mr. McCaffrey was ap- pointed treasurer and general manager, a position he capably filled until his death.
In his commercial and social affiliations he was one of the most popular figures in this city and held memberships in many of the leading organizations here, among which were the Haverhill Rotary Club, the Haver- hill Chamber of Commerce, the Pentucket Club, and the Haverhill Country Club. He fraternized with the Benevolent and Pro- tective Order of Elks, and adhered to the Roman Catholic faith, worshipping at the Church of the Sacred Heart.
In 1911 Mr. McCaffrey married Bernice A. Moore of West Fairlee, Vermont, and the daughter of William L. and Carrie A. (Miner) Moore. Mr. and Mrs. McCaffrey adopted one son, Donald J., who has been a member of the home for fourteen years. He was graduated from Haverhill High School in 1934.
Mr. McCaffrey passed away at his home, July 8, 1931. His death was a severe shock to the community which had come to admire him for his attainments and ability ; for his public spirit, and unselfish devotion to the welfare of his fellowman.
RALPH WARREN BABB-As prin- cipal of the Cobbett, Junior High and Con- tinuation Schools, Ralph Warren Babb oc- cupies a position in the educational system of the State of Massachusetts as well as of the city of Lynn, where he serves. For over three decades he has devoted his time, tal- ents, and energies to the cause of public edu- cation in Massachusetts.
Mr. Babb was born at Gilmanton Iron Works in the State of New Hampshire on June 17, 1885, the son of Warren Preston and Mary Elizabeth (Hammond) Babb. His father was born in Lynn, November 10, 1850, the son of Sylvanus and Hannah (Brown) Babb. Sylvanus Babb was a na- tive of Standish, Maine. Hannah Brown was born in Marblehead. Warren Preston Babb was a shoe cutter, foreman and sales representative and took an active part in the civic life of Lynn before his retirement, serving as councilman, alderman and State representative on the Republican ticket. Mary Elizabeth Hammond, Mr. Babb's mother, was the daughter of Edward and Mary Ashton (Larrabee) Hammond. Ed- ward Hammond was a native of Marble- head. Mary Ashton Larrabee was born in Lynn.
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Mr. Babb, of this review, received his His greatest pleasure in recreation is read- early education in the public schools of ing. Lynn, graduating from the Lynn English High School in the class of 1902. He studied law in Northeastern University, then en- tered the School of Education of Boston University and received a Bachelor of Sci- ence degree in Education and later his Mas- ter of Education degree from the same insti- tution. In 1903, he began teaching in the Lynn English High School and continued as a member of the faculty until 1920. Dur- ing 1917 and 1918 he also served as prin- cipal of the Evening High School. In 1920, he was appointed to direct the continuation school, in 1935 entering upon his present duties, and has served the school system of Lynn in several positions as well as serv- ing as a member of the teachers' training staff of the vocational division of the Mas- sachusetts Department of Education.
Mr. Babb's professional associations in- clude life membership in the National Edu- cation Association, membership in the hon- orary educational fraternity, Phi Delta Kappa, Massachusetts Schoolmasters' As- sociation, Mechanical Drawing Association of New England, Massachusetts Industrial Education Society, Massachusetts Society for Mental Hygiene, Lynn School Teachers Club and Lynn School Masters Club. He has also taken an active part in the social and civic life of Lynn, being a member of the Lynn Chamber of Commerce, Lynn Young Men's Christian Association, Mas- sachusetts Society and Old Essex Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution, member- ship on the committee on training and leadership of the Boy Scouts, general sec- retary of the Lynn Educational Association, membership in the Masonic Order, being a member of Bethlehem Lodge. In his reli- gious activities Mr. Babb is a member of the Central Congregational Church of Lynn.
On June 17, 1907, Mr. Babb married Sadie Frances Manion, a native of Bath, Maine, and the daughter of James and Sarah (Dun- ton) Manion, both natives of Maine and deceased. Mrs. Babb is a graduate of the Cambridge High School and the Lynn School of Religious Education. She is a member of the Central Congregational Church of Lynn. Mr. and Mrs. Babb are the parents of two children : I. Warren Dun- ton, born in 1908, a graduate of Lynn Classi- cal High School and Harvard College, from which, in 1929, he received the degree of Bachelor of Arts. At present he is a stu- dent at McGill University Medical School in Montreal, Quebec. 2. Audrey Ham- mond, born in 1910, a graduate of Lynn Classical High School and also of the Nurses' Training School, Children's Hos- pital, Boston. She is a registered nurse and also a Red Cross nurse, and is practicing her profession in Boston, specializing in the care of children.
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