USA > Massachusetts > The story of western Massachusetts, Volume IV > Part 10
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The interest of the Towne family in the National Blank Book Company began with Edward Sheldon Towne's father, the late James W. Towne, a business- man of great foresight and enterprise in his day. A native of Milford, New Hampshire, where he was born on May 29, 1829, James W. Towne was a printer by trade, and for a time in his earlier years was a member of the staff of the "Farmer's Cabinet," published at Amherst. While still a young man he joined in the great trek to the West which began in those days, and settled in California, where at first he followed the printer's trade. Subsequently he en- tered the paper business as a member of the firm now known as Blake, Moffitt and Towne, which has grown to extensive proportions, having warehouses throughout the entire Pacific Coast region. In 1868 James W. Towne returned to the East, as eastern representative of Blake, Moffitt and Towne. This position he continued to fill for many years before his retirement from active business. It was in 1887 that he extended his interests in the paper industry by ac- quiring a share in the ownership of the National Blank Book Company, which was already established in Holyoke. His sons Edward Sheldon, Joseph Minott and Frank B. Towne also became associated with this concern and filled executive positions in its offices. James W. Towne, who had taken up his residence in East Orange, New Jersey, passed away in that city on May 29, 1929.
James W. Towne had married Cynthia Gowing, and of this marriage the son they named Edward Sheldon was born at San Francisco, California, on April 18, 1866. He attended public grade and high schools in East Orange, New Jersey, and also studied at an educational institution in Williston. He entered business in New York City, and it was after several years of valuable experience there that he joined the National Blank Book Company in 1888, taking a posi- tion in the stockroom of the Holyoke plant. Showing great natural ability, he soon became purchasing agent of the company, and later was advanced to the vice presidency. In 1917 Edward Sheldon Towne became president of the National Blank Book Com- pany. In 1946 this office was filled by Joseph Minott Towne (q.v.). Edward Sheldon Towne had a keen interest in National Diaries and was vigorous in their promotion.
Mr. Towne was long active in the affairs of the National Stationers Association, of which he is a past vice president. He has also long been a member of the Engineers Club of Springfield. He is a mem- ber of the Second Congregational Church. Politically he supports the Republican party. He is affiliated with the Mount Tom Lodge of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons.
W.Mass. IV-5
George Haddad
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At Richmond, Indiana, on September 14, 1893, Ed- ward Sheldon Towne marricd Maude Hogan, a native of Ohio, who was brought up in Indiana. Mrs. Towne is a daughter of Dr. John Hogan and his wife, who was Mary Sands. To Edward Sheldon and Maude (Hogan) Towne, one son, Herbert Sands Towne, was born on October 9, 1899. He is a graduate of the Hotchkiss School and took his degree of Bachelor of Arts at Williams College, Williamstown, with the class of 1921. Hc also studied at the Harvard Busi- ness School in Cambridge. He is a veteran of World War II, in which he served as a captain of ordnance. He is now an investment counsel, doing business and residing in Chicago, Illinois. Herbert Sands Towne marricd Dorothy Johnson of Springfield.
HARRY PUTNAM, JR .- When in 1933 Harry Putnam, Jr., began management of the Putnam Ex- press Company, he identified himself with a family interest of long standing. He was not satisfied, how- ever, to leave the enterprise as he found it, but has launched upon new lines of enterprise with initiative and confidence.
Mr. Putnam's father, Harry Putnam, was a man quick to realize a public need and to fill it. He found- ed, in 1899, the Putnam Express, and was for forty years manager of this business, established when hc was only thirty years old. He had married Fannie Augusta. Colson and their son, Harry, Jr., was born at Holyoke June 15, 1909.
The young man, after education in the public schools of Holyoke and graduation from Bay Path Institute, did not immediately join his father in business, but independently gained business cxperience working for the Farr Alpaca Company. Beginning in the offices of this company, he became assistant to the produc- tion manager. In 1933, however, he left to come with the Putnam Express Company. Of this concern, one growing steadily in size and public usefulness since its founding nearly fifty years ago, he is manager. As was the casc with his father, youthful endeavors proved fruitful, for in 1937 Henry Putnam, Jr. or- ganized the Putnam Storage Warchouse, and is now also owner of the Putnam Spring Water Company.
Mr. Putnam's mother, Mrs. Fannie Putnam, is still actively associated with the family enterprise, and William Frank Putnam, a brother, is also engaged in the business. Thus is exemplified the united con- fidence and purpose of a family working together, achieving success in the management of a complex and growing organization.
Mr. Putnam is a member of the Massachusetts Furni- ture Movers Association, with headquarters in Boston. His club is the Triangle. He worships at the Second Congregational Church in Holyoke.
Harry Putnam, Jr. married, in April 1937, Miss Ruth Shaw Osborne, who was the daughter of Harrison and Mary (McLean) Osborne. Their son, Harrison William, was born in Holyoke on February 3, 1942.
GEORGE HADDAD-A well known businessman of Pittsfield, George Haddad has contributed much toward the industrial growth and development of this city and the surrounding region.
Mr. Haddad was born November 15, 1902, at Masser El Chouf, Lebanon, son of Antous and Mary (Mat- ney) Haddad.
In 1912, his father having passed away, George Haddad was brought to this country by his mother. They first settled at Danbury, Connecticut, and then they moved to North Adams, in Berkshire County, where George Hadded received his formal education.
At the carly age of fourtcen years, Mr. Haddad established a grocery store which he conducted for two years. Then he spent the following two years associated with his uncle, Joscph Haddad, in the older inan's grocery concern at Waterbury, Connecticut, known as Haddad Brothers. In 1920, he went to Albany, New York, where for two years he conducted an automobile renting business. In 1922, he returned to Berkshire County, this time to Pittsfield, where he became a salesman for the Pittsfield Auto Salcs Com- pany, an organization dealing in Ford cars. After three years in this position he became a salesman for Arthur B. Treadwell of the South Strect Chevrolet Company and remained there four years. In 1929, he established a used-car enterprise of his own. He continued this until 1936, at which timc he took over the Pontiac Agency, renting the building at 55 West Street from the Berkshire County Savings Bank. In 1939, he bought the property and has continued since as president and treasurer of Haddad's Motor Sales, Incorporated, with substantial success. Due to his able management and forceful leadership the firm has experienced a steady growth.
Mr. Haddad plays an important role in many aspects of community lifc. He is a member of the Kiwanis Club, the Knights of Columbus, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and the Pittsfield Sports- man's Club. He serves as president of the Syrian- Lebanese Club of Pittsfield and as vice president of the Syrian-Lebanese Club of New England States. In religious preference he is a Roman Catholic and attends St. Mark's Catholic Church. For recreation and exercise he enjoys hunting and fishing.
Mr. Haddad served as local chairman of the Auto- motive Division of the Office of Price Administration. Also served as Recruiting Officer for the Ordnance Department of the United States Army from March 14, to December, 1942, and was awarded a certificate from the chief of ordnance on January 18, 1943.
In July, 1926, at Adams, George Haddad married Freda Shaker, daughter of Bashara Shaker. They became the parents of the following children: I. Louis, who was born April 28, 1927, attended the public schools there, was graduated from the Berk- shire School at Sheffield, and is now attending the School of Business Administration of the University of Pennsylvania. 2. Mary Ann, who was born in 1944.
SAMUEL H. KREVALIN-Among the highly respected merchants and business leaders of Spring- field, Samuel H. Krevalin stands in a prominent posi- tion. His buiness acumen and foresight have earned him a steady reputation in his community.
Mr. Krevalin was born June 16, 1913, at Spring- field, son of Benjamin and Celia (Alpert) Krevalin. His father, son of a practicing physician in Europc, was born August 1, 1898, and engaged in retail mer- chandising activities. He is now associated with his sons in the Krevalin Hardware Company of Spring- field, and he is a Republican in politics, and a member of Kesser Israel Synagogue. Celia (Alpert) Krevalin was born August 15, 1898.
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Samuel H. Krevalin received his education in the public schools and high schools of Springfield. In 1930, after having been graduated from high school, he joined his father's retail hardware store, and re- mained with this organization for eight years. In 1938, he and his brother, Max M. Krevalin (q. v.), organized the Krevalin Hardware Company, at 22-26 Dale Street, in Springfield. The enterprise is engaged in the whole- sale hardware and paint distribution business, operat- ing throughout New England and Eastern New York State. Under the direction of Samuel Krevalin, the firm has experienced substantial success, and is now a thriving and prosperous concern.
Active in the life of his community, Mr. Krevalin is a member of the National Wholesale Hardware As- sociation, the Chamber of Commerce, the Indepen- dent Order of B'nai B'rith, vice president of the Springfield Home for Aged and is president of the Independent City of Homes Association. In politics he is an independent voter, and in religious affilia- tion he adheres to the Hebrew faith, attending the Beth Israel Synagog in Springfield.
On March 15, 1936, at Springfield, Samuel H. Krevalin married Lillian Smith, daughter of Morris and Sarah Smith. Her father is a retail merchant at Holyoke. Mrs. Krevalin was graduated from the Holyoke High School. Samuel H. and Lillian (Smith) Krevalin became the parents of the following children: I. Racquel Inis, who was born February 22, 1938, and is attending elementary school. 2. Sandra Joyce, who was born October 16, 1944.
MAX M. KREVALIN-As one of the younger coterie of business men in Springfield, Max M. Krevalin has won a place of prominence.
He was born in Springfield, February 28, 1920, son of Benjamin and Celia (Alpert) Krevalin. He at- tended the public schools of his birth city and was graduated in 1936 from the Classical High School, Springfield. During week-ends and vacations he worked in the hardware store of his father, and con- tinued this connection for two years after completing his academic education. In 1938 he joined his brother, Samuel H. Krevalin, (q.v.) to establish the Krevalin Hardware Company, at 22-26 Dale Street, Springfield, a firm that has since been a most successful partner- ship and business concern.
Like many of his generation Max M. Krevalin proffered his services to the American Military Forces during World War II. On February 27, 1942, he entered the United States Army, trained at Fort Meade and Fort Benning, Georgia, and served over- seas in France, England, Germany and Belgium. He received his honorable discharge from the service on October 18, 1945, with the rank of sergeant. In civilian life he resumed his activities with the Krevalin Hardware Company. Mr. Krevalin is a member of the American Legion, of the Jewish-American War Veterans Association, and co-operates heartily as a member of the Independent City Homes Association, of Springfield. In politics, a Republican, he is more interested in the election of sound candidates than in party labels. Along business lines he is a member of the National Wholesale Hardware Association, and a member of the New England Housewears Club. He worships in the faith of the Kesser Israel Synagog, and belongs to B'Nai B'rith. His favorite sport and recreation is golf.
CYRIL PARKS ROSSTON, M. D .- A practic- ing physician and surgeon in his native city of North Adams since 1931 and a member of the surgical staff of North Adams Hospital, Dr. Cyril Parks Rosston takes an active interest in all that concerns the welfare of the community and is a member of a number of local organizations. During World War II, Dr. Rosston served as a flight surgeon in the United States Army Air Corps with the rank of major.
He was born in North Adams June 12, 1905, the son of Edgar G. and Minnie L. (Germain) Rosston. His father, who is now (1948) retired at the age of eighty-one, conducted a meat and provisions store in North Adams for thirty years. His mother, who graduated from Drury High School and from the training school that preceded the State Teachers Col- lege at North Adams, was a teacher in the local ele- mentary schools.
Cyril Parks Rosston attended the North Adams public schools, graduating from Drury High School in 1924. He then entered the Tufts College Medical School, from which he graduated in 1930 with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. After serving as an intern in the Samaritan Hospital at Troy, New York, Doctor Rosston started in private practice as a physician and surgeon in North Adams in 1931 and has been in active practice ever since with the exception of the period given to service during World War II. He was discharged from service with the rank of major. Doctor Rosston is a mem- ber of the surgical staff of North Adams Hospital and is a member of several professional associations, in- cluding the Northern Berkshire Medical Society, the Berkshire County Medical Society, the Aero-Medi- cal Association, the Massachusetts Medical Asso- ciation, and the American Medical Association. Fra- ternally he is affiliated with Greylock Lodge of the Free and Accepted Masons. He is a member of the North Adams Rotary Club, and belongs to the Methodist Church.
Doctor Cyril Parks Rosston married in Troy, New York, on November 12, 1931 Florence E. Eddy of Troy, the daughter of Charles E. and Mercie (Bornt) Eddy. Florence (Eddy) Rosston is a graduate of the Samaritan Hospital School for Nurses in Troy. Doc- tor and Mrs. Rosston have two children: James Eddy Rosston, born in North Adams February 12, 1935; and Nancy Parks Rosston, born March 2, 194I.
ARTHUR CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON-A well- known business man of Pittsfield, Arthur Christopher Johnson has spent many years in the service of his community. His enterprises in the automotive line have been successful and prosperous, and reflect credit upon his good business judgment and forceful leadership.
Mr. Johnson was born April 24, 1880, in Copen- hagen, Denmark, son of Peter and Christine (Jorgen- sen) Johnson. As a youth he came to this country and settled at Lansingburg, New York. He received his education in the public schools of Lansingburg.
Mr. Johnson became associated with the Electrical Supply and Maintenance Company of Troy, New York, where he remained until 1903. When A. V.
adelbert . Newlas.
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Phillips purchased that concern, Mr. Johnson came to Pittsfield and joined the company's branch in this city. After gaining a good reputation for his efforts with the electrical concern and giving thirteen years' service to the Electrical Supply and Maintenance Company, Mr. Johnson, in 1916, formed a partnership with Ralph M. O'Connell. The firm, known as the Berkshire Auto Company, under the able management of Mr. Johnson and Mr. O'Connell has continued to develop and expand with the years. Its operations have been remarkably successful and in addition to the main enterprise, is the agent for Cadillac cars in Berkshire district, and for Oldsmobile, in Pittsfield.
Mr. Johnson is active, fraternally, in Pittsfield as a member of the Mystic Lodge of the Free and Ac- cepted Masons. In religious preference he is an Episcopalian and attends St. Stephens Episcopal Church in Pittsfield.
On July 22, 1903, at Troy, New York, Arthur Christopher Johnson married Anna E. Schubert, daughter of August and Hatty (Schepp) Schubert. They became the parents of the following children: I. Ruth Helen, who was born April 19, 1913, attended the local schools, and was graduated from Pittsfield High School and Bradford Junior College at Haver- hill; she was married to Donald L. Retallick on July 17, 1937, and they became the parents of the following children: i. Donald. ii. Diane. 2. Arthur Christopher, Jr., who was born January 6, 1917, attended the local schools, graduated from the Pittsfield High School, and attended the Bay Path Institute at Springfield; he was associated with his father in business until his entrance into the United States Army March 14, 1941; overseas he served as a staff sergeant in the supply company of the 701st Tank Battalion at- tached to the Third Army; he saw action in Northern France, the Rhineland, the Ardennes, and Central Europe, and received the Bronze Star Medal; he re- ceived his honorable discharge from the service on October 30, 1945, and returned to his business connec- tions in Pittsfield; on January 31, 1942, he married Eleanor Spaniol, and they became the parents of two children, Gary Johnson, and Arthur Christopher Johnson, III.
ADELBERT I. NEWTON-The name of Adelbert I. Newton is conspicuous in any list of prominent business men of Berkshire County.
Mr. Newton was born on December 8, 1894 in Lenox, son of Isaac J. and Mary (Cunningham) New- ton, both now deceased. Isaac Newton, a native of Lenox, was one of its prominent townsmen, instru- mental in the founding of the Lenox National Bank, the Lenox Water Company, and the Lenox Electric Company. His wife was born in Mason, Ohio.
Adelbert Newton attended the public schools of Lenox, Pittsfield High School, and graduated at Kimball Union School, in Meriden, New Hampshire, in 1915. He then attended Colgate University and Massachusetts Agricultural College, now the Univer- sity of Massachusetts.
Following World War I Mr. Newton was asso- ciated with James Washburn of Pittsfield, who in 1920 formed the Berkshire Gravel Company. In 1945 Mr. Washburn retired and his interest in the firm was sold. It then became the Berkshire Gravel Corpora- tion with Mr. Newton as president.
Mr. Newton is past master of the Evening Star Lodge of Lee; Free and Accepted Masons. He is past president of the Lee Rotary Club, and a trustee of the Congregational Church of Lee.
In World War I, from 1917 until 1919, Mr. New- ton served in the United States Navy; he was a crew member of the cruiser United States Ship "Des Moines."
On October 4, 1919, in Exeter, New Hampshire, Adelbert Newton married Beatrice Baker, daughter of Dana W. and Fannie (French) Baker of that town. They became the parents of a daughter, Florence, born on August 31, 1920, at Pittsfield. She is a graduate of Bradford Junior College, and is the wife of Robert Crane, Jr., of Pittsfield, a graduate of Williams College. During World War II he was employed as an electronics specialist at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The Cranes became the parents of two children, both born at Pittsfield: i. Betsy. ii. Duncan.
PAUL FREDERICK BEAVER has been in the insurance business in Springfield for twenty-three years, and has been identified with much of the city's progress.
Born in Pittsburgh, November 5, 1902, Mr. Beaver is of a family which figures significantly in the history of Pennsylvania, its forebears being eighteenth-cen- tury Dutch settlers. Mr. Beaver's grandparents were Spencer S. and Minerva (Beasor) Beaver, and his father, Harry C. Beaver, late prominent machinery company executive, is represented in this work by a biographical sketch. He married Jane L. Carvell.
Educated in the public schools of Milwaukee, Wis- consin, Cincinnati, Ohio, Springfield, and Stamford, Connecticut, Paul F. Beaver then entered Cornell University, to earn in 1924 his degree in civil engi- neering. From 1924 to 1927 he was associated with the Springfield Fire and Marine Insurance Company of Springfield, and in 1928-29 with the insurance de- partment of the Fisk Rubber Company in Chicopee Falls. Since 1930 he has been engaged in the general insurance business in Springfield.
Paul F. Beaver is a member of the Springfield Board of Fire and Casualty Underwriters, the Massa- chusetts Association of Insurance Agents, the Spring- field Life Underwriters Association, the National As- sociation of Life Underwriters, the National Fire Protective Association, the Phi Kappa Tau and Tau Beta Pi fraternities, the Cornell Clubs of New York and of Western Massachusetts, the Cornell Society of Engineers, and the Engineering Society of Western Massachusetts. Mr. Beaver is a Republican, and wor- ships at the First Church of Christ, Congregationalist, in Longmeadow. His favorite diversion is travelling.
On June 4, 1938, Paul F. Beaver was married to Katharine L. Fuller, who was born February 29, 1908 in Springfield, the daughter of Robert K. and Grace (Griffin) Fuller. Her father was born in Mon- son, Massachusetts. A retired cigar manufacturer, he lives, with Mrs. Fuller, in Springfield. Mrs. Beaver was educated in the elementary and high schools of Springfield and at Wildcliff Junior College, Swarth- more, Pennsylvania. She is a member of the First Church of Christ, Congregationalist, and of various women's organizations.
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HARRY C. BEAVER-Member of a family long prominent in Pennsylvania history, Harry C. Beaver gave evidence throughout his career of exceptional qualities of leadership, and rose to a position of eminence as president of the Worthington Pump and Machinery Corporation, a position he held for thir- teen years until his retirement in 1944. Not only as industrial executive, but in positions of trust and re- sponsibility in local and national organizations, Mr. Beaver commanded the confidence and admiration of all acquainted with him and his work.
The Beavers were among the eighteenth century Dutch settlers. The father of the subject of this biography, Spencer S. Beaver, gave up proprietor- ship of a country store to become a minister in a Dunkards church in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. He married Minerva Beasor, also a native of Penn- sylvania, and their son, Harry C., was born in Mc- Alisterville, in that state, August 13, 1876.
He was educated at Juniata College, Martens Busi- ness School, and at the law school of Marquette Uni- versity. Early in his business career, Harry C. Bea- ver associated himself in highly responsible capaci- ties with a number of concerns, chiefly industrial: the Pennsylvania Railroad, Westinghouse Electric Manu- facturing Company, Allis-Chalmers, Stevens-Duryea, and Rolls-Royce of America, Incorporated, holding the office of vice president in the two latter-named. It was in 1931 that he joined the Worthington Pump and Machinery Corporation as vice president in charge of sales, as well as director and member of the board and executive committees. In September, 1931, he was elected president of this organization continuing in that capacity until December of 1944. It was under his guidance that, during the 1930s, the company made its spectacular growth, acquiring the interests of a number of companies: Metal Weld, Incorporated, Gilman Manufacturing Company, Car- bondale Machinery Company, Gamon Meter Com- pany, and the Moore Steam Turbine Corporation, and more recently the Ransom Manufacturing Company and the Electric Machinery Manufacturing Company. A notable period of dynamic leadership, which had sparked this spectacular growth, closed when, in December, 1944, Mr. Beaver retired, being elected vice chairman of the board of directors. Harry C. Beaver's activities also included a number of direc- torships in local and nationwide organizations.
Harry C. Beaver married Jane L. Carvell, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Carvell, natives of Penn- sylvania. They became the parents of Paul Frederick Beaver, a biographical sketch of whom appears in this volume.
Mrs. Jane L. (Carvell) Beaver now lives in Long- meadow, Massachusetts, surviving her husband, who died in New York City, April 2, 1947. All who knew him recognized in his passing the loss of a great in- dustrial leader.
WILLIAM GARLAND HEEKS, M. D .- A men- ber of the surgical staff of North Adams Hospital, Doctor William Garland Heeks was born in Paw- tucket, Rhode Island, on September 18, 1901, the son of William and Margaret Ellen (Garland) Heeks. His father, who was a native of New York City, was a textile superintendent prior to his death in 1942. His mother was born in Pawtucket.
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