USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > The story of Essex County, Volume IV > Part 7
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barris A. Smart
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THE STORY OF ESSEX COUNTY
business experience has been with the com- pany with which he is now an executive. Mr. Haseltine was born in Haverhill, on November II, 1887, the son of Edwin M. and Christiana (Parker) Haseltine; the former a native of Haverhill, and the latter born in Nova Scotia, Edwin M. Haseltine was a farmer and took an active part in community affairs.
Mr. Haseltine's education was obtained in public and high schools of Haverhill, after which he entered the employ of the Haverhill Electric Company as office boy. Intelligently ambitious, he early recognized that promotion is based on qualification and merit, and to prepare himself for advance- ment he enrolled with a correspondence school to study electricity. Preparation for advancement became a habit of his and con- tinued as subsequent promotions came his way. His study of electricity gained for him the position of inside wireman and later, as teller. His evident ability becom- ing recognized, he continued to advance, and was appointed appliance manager, office manager and then was transferred to New- buryport as assistant manager. His present position is that of assistant manager in charge of the Newburyport section.
Mr. Haseltine is interested in many social and community affairs of both Haverhill and Newburyport and in his many activities he has won numerous friends. Fraternally he is a Mason, a member of Merrimack Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, and has taken the degrees of the Scottish Rite. He is a member of the Newburyport Rotary Club, the Dalton Club and both the New- buryport and Haverhill Chambers of Com- merce.
In 1916 he married Mary E. Anderson, a native of Maine, and the daughter of Ed- ward and Caroline (Hallowell) Anderson, residents of Maine. Mr. and Mrs. Haseltine
are the parents of three children : I. Carroll E. Jr., who was born on November 30, 1917. 2. Robert C., who was born on January 19, 1921. 3. F. Dudley, who was born on Feb- ruary 16, 1925. The family attends the Congregational Church.
JACOB C. BENZ-The story of the ca- reer of Jacob C. Benz is a romantic chapter in the industrial history of the city of Lynn. Born in the Canton of Lucerne, Switzer- land, January 20, 1859, he was three years of age when he came with his parents to Newark, New Jersey. Educated in public schools, he was sixteen years old when he secured a position as an apprentice in the leather trade, and during his apprentice- ship carefully mastered every detail of the work. With an expert and technical knowl- edge as a background he launched his own business which, in the years that followed, grew to be one of the outstanding morocco leather establishments in the country. Throughout his life he maintained a promi- nent position in the social and civic life of his surroundings and was prominently affil- iated with many of the leading organiza- tions.
In 1894 he came to Lynn and entered business for himself. A year later he formed a partnership with Louis M. Winslow and as the Benz Kid Company the business prospered. This relationship was main- tained until Mr. Winslow's death, and shortly thereafter, Mr. Benz took his for- mer partner's sons, Herbert and Edward Winslow, into the firm.
The outstanding success he enjoyed in the field of business won him wide recogni- tion among the leading commercial and financial men of this vicinity. The success- ful advancement of his own business and his personal contacts with business leaders led to his being elected a member of the
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board of directors of the Lynn Safe Deposit and Trust Company and with honor to him- self for some years up to his death. In his social affiliations he was a member of the Oxford Club, the Corinthian Yacht Club and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He found great pleasure in fishing and yachting and in 1917 he purchased the yacht "Viola 2d" which he sailed to Florida where he passed many of his winter vaca- tions.
Mr. Benz married (first) Julia Schmidt, deceased. He married (second) Edith L. Foster. There were two children by the first marriage : 1. Frank, deceased. 2. Wil- hemina, now married to Max Hoffman. By the second marriage he was the father of one daughter, Doris Louise, a graduate of Radcliffe College.
Mr. Benz died at his home in Lynn on November 12, 1932. In his passing the community lost a citizen of solid purpose, and a man whose kind disposition was help- ful in promoting the relations of good neighborliness. His business stands as suffi- cient testimony to the fact that he planned wisely and well and in the circles where he was known his spirit continues in fond and respected memories.
LIEUTENANT COLONEL FRANK J. KILLILEA has devoted his life to soldier- ing: During an intensely interesting army career, in which he served in various parts of the world, he has risen from the ranks to become an officer endowed with the im- portant and responsible position of United States Property and Disbursing Officer for the State of Massachusetts.
Colonel Killilea was born in Lawrence, Massachusetts, on October 20, 1895, the son of John and Abbie (Murphy ) Killilea, both natives of his birthplace and descended from
carly Irish settlers in this city. His father, who is now deceased, was the manager for the Lawrence Storage Warehouse and saw service in the Asiatic waters for four years with the United States Marines, being a member of one of Admiral Perry's relief ex- peditions.
Colonel Killilea attended public schools of his native community and was graduated from the evening high school. He began his career by becoming associated with the United Shoe Machinery Corporation, where he learned the mechanic's trade as appren- tice. After remaining with this concern for some time he went to Lowell and entered the employ of the United States Cartridge Company. It was when he left this latter organization that he began his military ca- reer. He enlisted for service on the Mexi- can border and saw service there for five months. In July, 1917, shortly after the United States had entered the World War he enlisted as a non-commissioned officer in Battery C, of Lawrence, and went over- seas with this unit, serving with it con- stantly throughout the entire conflict. His ability was quickly recognized by his su- periors and he soon became a second lieu- tenant, rising successively to the rank of first lieutenant, captain and finally in 1922 to his present status of lieutenant colonel. In the latter capacity he was appointed United States Property and Disbursing Officer by Governor Channing C. Cox, and has continued to fulfill this position with distinction since.
As a member of Battery C, he saw service in five major engagements, being present at the battle of the Champagne Marne, the Aisne Marne, St. Mihiel, the Meuse-Ar- gonne and as a member of one of the units in the defensive sector. For the distin- guished manner in which he accomplished his work and carried himself during these
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engagements he was awarded a silver medal with an oakleaf for two citations.
In his professional affiliation Colonel Kil- lilea is past president of the Battery C, Vet- erans Association, a member of the Ameri- can Legion, the Army and Navy Club of Boston and the National Guard Association. He fraternizes with the Knights of Colum- bus, adheres to the Roman Catholic faith, and belongs to the St. Mary's Holy Name Society. His military work has been his hobby to the extent that he has attended the artillery school at Samur, France, and also the artillery school at Fort Sill, Okla- homa.
On October 10, 1934, he married Isabel V. Sirois of Lawrence.
NEIL W. RICE-The United States Re- fining and Mining Company is one of the major corporations of its kind in the United States, with head offices at Boston. Neil W. Rice is general vice-president of the company and as early as 1924 was in charge of the operations of the corporation in the United States. He is a native of Boston, born November 7, 1892, son of Charles G. and Ann (Proctor ) Rice. As is well known, both the Rice and Proctor families are old in the history of Massachusetts and New England, representatives of both names set- tling in America in the sixteen hundreds. The family seat of the Proctors was orig- inally Yorkshire, England, but at the begin- ning of the sixteenth century the name was. established at Shawdon. It is probable that the Rice name and progenitors were of Welsh origin, the name evidently being an- other form of Rys, Welsh, meaning figura- tively "a brave man."
Nehemiah Rice, grandfather, was an im- porter of hides and wool and engaged in the tanning business. He lived in Beverly, Massachusetts, for a number of years. Charles G. Rice went in business with his
father, and founded the N. W. Rice Com- pany, in 1899, of which Neil W. Rice is president. Charles G. Rice, retired, was, in 1934, a resident of Ipswich, Massachusetts.
Neil W. Rice was graduated from St. Paul's School, Concord, New Hampshire, with the class of 1911. A year later he be- came associated with the Rice Company al- ready mentioned, and of which he is now the head. In 1913 he entered the employ of the United States Smelting, Refining and Mining Corporation, and began the climb which eventuated in his choice, in 1920, as second vice-president of the company. In 1924 he was placed in charge of operations, his activities at this time, and since, carry- ing him into many parts of the United States and Mexico for the opening of mines was among his numerous duties. In 1924 he was vice-president and in 1934 he was made general vice-president, being now, as previously stated, president of the N. W. Rice Company. He is a director of the United Shoe Machinery Corporation, the Is- land Creek Coal Company, the Pond Creek Coal Company, Plymouth Cordage Com- pany, and is interested in a number of other enterprises. He is a member of numerous clubs and organizations, and a prominent figure in sports and social circles. Among his clubs are the Eastern Yacht, Manches- ter Yacht, Myopia Country, the Tennis and Racket clubs of Boston and New England, the Pacific Union Club, San Francisco, Cali- fornia, the Atla Club, of Salt Lake City, Utah, and others. His name is associated with polo, fine horses and most out-of-doors sports as a popular and constructive leader.
On June II, 1917, Neil W. Rice married Emma Mandell, of Hamilton, and they are the parents of three children: Charles G., 2d, Emily P., and Ann P. Rice. The offices of Mr. Rice are at No. I State Street, Bos- ton, his residence, at Wenham, Massachu- setts.
Essex-31
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THE STORY OF ESSEX COUNTY
HON. J. FRANK HUGHES-In the general practice of law and in public office, the Hon. J. Frank Hughes of Boston and Danvers, Massachusetts, has been accorded generous appreciation. He is a native of Danvers, born September 25, 1892, the son of John E. and Ellen C. (Cronan) Hughes. John E. Hughes was born in Lynn, Massa- chusetts, and died in 1912. Mrs. Hughes is of Danvers birth and family.
J. Frank Hughes received his early formal education in the schools of his birthplace, and was graduated from the Danvers High School in 1910. He matriculated at the Boston University Law School from which he received the degree Bachelor of Laws with the class of 1914. The same year he was admitted to the bar and began the prac- tice of his profession with Amidon and Blackwell, an association which was con- tinued for three years. Mr. Hughes has since practiced as an attorney, with offices at No. 6 Beacon Street, Boston. He is a member of the Essex County, Salem, and Massachusetts State Bar associations.
Gifted with an aptitude for politics and motivated by a desire to serve his com- munity, J. Frank Hughes, early became interested in civic government. He was chosen moderator of the town of Danvers, 1921 to 1923; was counsel for the town of Danvers in 1931-32. In 1916 he was ap- pointed bail commissioner by Chief Justice White, of Massachusetts, and in 1931 was made a warrant officer by Governor Ely. In 1932 Mr. Hughes was elected to the Mas- sachusetts State Senate, from the Second Essex District, comprising the cities of Sa- lem, and Beverly and the towns of Marble- head and Danvers. He served as chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Safety, chairman of the Committee on Counties, chairman of the Research Committee to in- vestigate the Boston Elevated Railway Sys- tem, and a member of the Committee on Insurance.
HOWELL FIELD SHEPARD-As a member of a distinguished New England family that for generations have taken a keen and active part in the development and government of their surroundings, Howell Field Shepard is upholding the illustrious traditions of his forebears and today occu- pies the office of selectman in the com- munity of Andover.
Mr. Shepard was born in Milford, Mas- sachusetts, September 1, 1896, the son of Frederick A., and Charlotte Thayer (Field) Shepard. His father, who formerly lived in Amherst, now resides in Pelham. Mr. Shepard was educated in the public schools of Amherst and at Vermont Academy from which he was graduated in 1914. Shortly after completing his studies he entered the Lowell Textile School and had just finished his sophomore year when the United States entered the World War. He enlisted in the United States Army Ambulance Corps and was dispatched overseas in .1917. The unit in which he served was made up wholly of Americans, but had been lent to France upon the request of that government. For twenty-two months he drove an ambulance over the battle scarred sectors of France, transporting wounded from the front lines to the first aid stations. During this period he was gassed but never claimed disability after leaving the service. In 1919 he re- turned to his home in Amherst and after re- maining here for a brief time, joined a pros- pecting expedition to South America, where for some time he did location work with a mining enterprise. Returning once more to this country he became associated with the Dupont interests and was stationed at their office in Boston and at their headquarters in Delaware. In 1925 he severed his con- nections with this organization and became one of the founders and organizers of the Watson Park Company of Ballardville, manufacturers of soaps and chemicals, a
Howell F. Shipand.
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concern in which he now occupies the office of treasurer.
Since he has resided in this community he has shown a keen and active interest in the social and civic work here, being par- ticularly interested in political affairs. Dur- ing 1934 he made his first attempt at public office and provided one of the most startling upsets that Andover has experienced in many years. In commenting on his victory and his background a local press dispatch states in part: "He should be no stranger to political life, for he has a heritage for it that has come down through three genera- tions to him. His great-grandfather on his mother's side was Peter Corbett, who served Milford as a selectman somewhere around 1840. Next in line was his grand- father, Zibeon C. Field, who filled the same office in Milford from 1860 to 1866. His father, Frederick A. Shepard, was also ac- corded similar honor by the voters of Pel- ham within recent years." He was elected to the office of selectman after a heated campaign, on March 5, 1934. Heretofore Mr. Shepard had served the community as secretary to the finance committee, an office he occupied between 1933 and 1934. The efficiency, ability and public spirit he has displayed during his residence have won for him respect and esteem.
In his social affiliations he is a member of the Square and Compass Club of Ando- ver, the Service Club of Andover and frater- nizes with the Masonic Order in which he belongs to the Pacific Lodge of Amherst, the Winchester Chapter and the Hugh de Payens Commandery of Melrose.
On June 20, 1920, Mr. Shepard married Constance E. Park, and they are the par- ents of two children: 1. John Field, who attends a private school in Shawsheen Village. 2. Judith, also at school in Shaw- sheen.
HENRY AMOS BLISS PECKHAM -- As a member of an old and distinguished American family whose representatives have contributed to the development of their surroundings, Henry Amos Bliss Peckham has continued the traditions of his forebears and is well known as an active force in the social, civic and business life of the city of Boston and the community of Saugus where he makes his home. His life has been representative of traditional citi- zenship and by his active interest in the welfare and happiness of his fellowmen, he has won the esteem of his associates.
Henry Amos Bliss Peckham was born in Danielson, Connecticut, July 4, 1865, the son of Amos Bliss and Ari (Spaulding) Peckham. His father, who was born in Lebanon, Connecticut, in 1822, and died in Danielson, that State, in 1887, was one of the most widely known and popular hotel owners in eastern Connecticut prior to the Civil War. The elder Peckham married Ari Spaulding, on September 15, 1844, who, like her husband, was of early pioneer stock. On his paternal side Mr. Peckham traces his American ancestry to John Peck- ham, who came to this country from Eng- land with his seven brothers and settled in Compton, Rhode Island, in 1630, where he established his homestead. As one of the earliest settlers of this section he was asso- ciated with Roger Williams, Mrs. Anne Hutchinson, and others who played a prom- inent part in the development of this Com- monwealth. After being admitted freeman on May 20, 1638, in Newport, Rhode Island, he built the first Baptist Church in that community and his son was the first to oc- cupy the pulpit of this institution as min- ister. He received a grant of thirty-two acres of land along the Stony River at Portsmouth in 1641, and this property was worked by five succeeding generations of
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the family. This property was finally dis- posed of during the Revolutionary War after the British forces had left it barren. John Peckham married (first) May Clarke, born in 1607, and the sister of five brothers, Carew, Thomas, Jeremiah, John, and Jos- eph, who were among the founders of Rhode Island. He married (second) Elea- nor, surname unknown, who was baptized in the First Baptist Church of Newport in 1648. John Peckham died after January 6, 1681, the date that his will was witnessed. The lineage is carried on by his son, John Peck- ham, Jr., born in 1646, a son by John Peck- ham's first wife, died prior to 1712. In
1671 John Peckham, Jr., was a juryman and on October 31, 1677, became a grantee, along with seven others, of a five thousand acre plantation which became the town of East Greenwich, Rhode Island. According to records he later purchased a thirty-acre farm from his brother, James, in Little Compton and took up his permanent resi- dence there. John Peckham, Jr., married Sarah Newport. They were the parents of Benjamin who was born on June 9, 1684, and died in 1759. He settled on the Peta- quamscott purchase at Kingston, Rhode Island, and married Mary Carr, daughter of Governor Caleb and Philippa (Greene) Carr. Her mother was the daughter of Gov- ernor Greene. The lineage is carried on by their son, Timothy, a resident of Charles- town, Rhode Island, and a member of the Society of Friends, who was born on July 19. 1737. Timothy married his second cousin, Susanna Congdon, daughter of James and Mary (Taylor) Congdon, and like himself a grandchild of John Peckham. From this point the descent is traced through their son, Robert Congdon, and his son, Amos Bliss, the father of Henry Amos Bliss Peck- ham.
On his mother's side Mr. Peckham is de- scended from Edward Spaulding, who came
to this country in 1630, the same year that John Peckham is recorded to have arrived here, and settled in Braintree, Massachu- setts. The Spaulding family, which derives its name from the town of Spaulding, in Lincolnshire, England, had established, ac- cording to family tradition, a manor seat in that country before the conquest of Wil- liam, Duke of Normandy, in 1066. Edward Spaulding was admitted freeman, May 13, 1640, at Braintree, where he became a mem- ber of the established church of the colony, and as one of the leading citizens was chosen to serve in the office of selectman for three terms, being an incumbent in 1656-60-61. During his last term as select- man he was granted over thirty acres of land near this community. Other prominent public positions he held here during his life included the office of surveyor of highways for Braintree and later Newfield, and as proprietor of the newly organized town of Chelmsford, Massachusetts. Edward Spaulding married Margaret, whose sur- name is not given, in England. She died here and her husband passed away in 1670. The immediate descendants of this family removed to Plainfield, Connecticut, from Braintree, about 1700, settling here at the time that New London was being incorpo- rated. The name of Spaulding is frequently mentioned among the nineteen proprietors of this colony. Since that time representa- tives of that family have settled in every State north of the Mason and Dixon Line. Edward and his wife, Margaret, were the parents of John Spaulding, born in Brain- tree, Massachusetts, in 1633, and died in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, October 3, 1721. He removed to Chelmsford with the elder Spaulding in 1654, and was admitted free- man there on March II, 1689 or 1690. Dur- ing the years of 1655-59-69, he received grants of land. On May 18, 1658, John Spaulding married at Concord, Massachu-
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THE STORY OF ESSEX COUNTY
setts, Hannah Hale, who died in 1689. They were the parents of one son, Edward Spaul- ding who was born September 16, 1663, re- moved to Plainfield, Connecticut, about 1697 and was twice married, his first wife being Mary Bracket, daughter of John Bracket of Billerica, Massachusetts, whom he wed on November 27, 1683. She died December 8, 1704, and he married (second) Dorothy, whose surname does not appear. The line of descent is traced from this point through Edward's son Jacob, born in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, May 14, 1696, and died Sep- tember 24, 1728. He was one the pioneers of the South Parish of Killingly, Connecti- cut, having settled here in 1715. He mar- ried Hannah, surname not given, and they were the parents of Simeon, born in 1719 and died September 15, 1801. He married Hannah Paine on January 23, 1744. She was a native of Pomfret, Connecticut, born there in 1721. Simeon Spaulding's wife died on September 8, 1771. The lineage is traced through their son Jacob, born November I, 1745, died June 29, 1828, married Lydia Low, who was born in 1745, and died on February 9, 1817 ; through their son Simeon, born January 12, 1778, died December 6, 1867, a farmer who married Fanny Knight of Plainfield, Connecticut, on February 10, 1822; and through their daughter Ari born in Killingly, Connecticut, May 5, 1826, died in Saugus, Massachusetts, March 26, 1900. She married Amos B. Peckham, September 15, 1844, and became the mother of Henry Amos Bliss Peckham.
Henry Amos Bliss Peckham received a general education in the public schools of Danielson, Connecticut, and after complet- ing his studies there matriculated at Holy Cross College, Farnham, Province of Que- bec, Canada. In 1882, at the age of seven- teen he started on a business career. At this time he became a bookkeeper for B. B.
& R. Knight, in Manchaug, Massachusetts, and remained with this concern until 1897. During his association with this firm he also served as assistant postmaster of the com- munity of Manchaug. He severed his con- nections with B. B. & R. Knight to enter the insurance business and from 1897 to 1906 was cashier for the John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company of Boston, at Lynn. During the latter year he joined the Boston Mutual Life Insurance Com- pany and acquired a broad and practical experience that made later successes possi- ble. During the four years he served this organization he worked successively as agency auditor, assistant superintendent of agencies, superintendent of agencies, and secretary of the company. In 1910 he trans- ferred his scene of activities to Seattle, Washington, where he assumed the position of secretary of the Empire Life Insurance Company. Three years later he returned to Boston, and for the period of one year oc- cupied the office of treasurer for the Boston Casualty Company. Throughout this period he had established a reputation as an able business man and administrator and through his accomplishments had gained the recog- nition of some of the leading business fig- ures in New England. It was this factor that led him to be appointed internal rev- enue agent for the city of Boston, a post he occupied between 1914 and 1919. In the carrying out this work he examined the af- fairs of the largest banks, insurance com- panies and mining compan'es in New Eng- land. Upon completing his term in this office he became tax consultant for the city of Boston and the surrounding territory, an activity he maintains today. As a business leader his advice has frequently been sought by many of the leading enterprises of this vicinity. In this connection he is vice- president of the Saugus Trust Company,
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