USA > Massachusetts > The story of western Massachusetts, Volume IV > Part 34
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"Members of the bar appreciated that the judge was a rigid disciplinarian where procedure was concerned, but they overlooked his unbending insistence in most cases, for they frequently were given helpful advice as to the best manner of presenting evidence and the cor- rect method of drawing technical pleadings. One of them said: 'Judge Denison was a great help to the bar. Of one thing we always could be certain-that was, a decision that was fair according to his own interpretations. I do not think he ever varied from the decision which he thought was right in his conscience'."
Another estimate of Judge Denison's courtroom procedure written while he was still alive, was as follows: "Hearings in court under Judge Denison are rarely dull. They are often lifted from the heavi- ness attendant upon divorce cases and estate matters by pithy comment from the bench. Judge Denison has a keen sense of humor. He does not hesitate to give it full expression to relieve the tension and to put wit- nesses at their ease. At the same time he is quick to note any irregularity which may develop in the pro- ceedings. Like his predecessor, Judge Denison is sometimes sharp-tongued in the discharge of his duties. His comments are frequently of a challenging and critical nature. His judgments have seldom been questioned by the Supreme Court. A justice of that court wrote of him: 'Upon a careful consideration of the entire record, it is apparent that the attitude of the judge of probate was that of one endeavoring to do justice to all parties in an extremely difficult and per- plexing case'."
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Judge Denison was a member of the Gamma Delta Psi and Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternities. He be- longed to the old Nayasset and Winthrop clubs, and fraternally was affiliated with the Springfield Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, although in his later years he would write the word "None" in the space desig- nated for "Social affiliations" when asked to fill out biographical forms. He was a member of the Church of the Unity, and for a number of years instructed the men's Bible class. In former years Judge Deni- son had served as president of the Springfield Boys Club, and for several years was counsel for the town of Longmeadow, where he lived from 1918 on. His great hobby was hiking, and he loved to boast that he knew every lane and by-path within twenty-five miles of Springfield. In his younger days he had be- longed to a group of ardent hikers and he knew all the birds, flowers, snakes and other wild life of the Massachusetts woodlands. When court was not in session, he would spend long hours hiking in the woods, and enjoying the scenery with companions of similar mood and taste.
Judge Denison was married on October 8, 1910 to Laura B. Phinney of Paradise, Nova Scotia, whose family were descended from English Loyalists of Massachusetts who went to Nova Scotia in Revolu- tionary times. Laura B. (Phinney) Denison is the daughter of Albert B. and Mary L. (Phinney) Phin- ney. Judge and Mrs. Denison were the parents of two children: I. John Avery Denison, born June 26, 1911, died in infancy. 2. Mary Elizabeth Chapin Denison, born June 7, 1916. She married on December 24, 194I Eric Orwell Porter, born July 3, 1917, at Lancaster, England, formerly a squadron leader in the Royal Air Force, now associated with the General Electric Corporation as an engineer. Mr. and Mrs. Porter have two children: Mary Evelyn, born October 28, 1942, and John Eric Denison Porter, born October 22, 1946. Mr. and Mrs. Porter and their two children make their home with Mrs. John Avery Denison, widow of Judge Denison, in Longmeadow.
Judge Denison died peacefully in his sleep early on the morning of March 7, 1948, at the age of seventy- two. He had presided in the previous session of pro- bate court a few days before. His death was widely mourned in Springfield. The funeral was held in the Church of the Unity, with Rev. Ernest H. Sommer- feld officiating, and burial was in Fairview Cemetery, Chicopee.
Under the heading "A Good Judge," was the follow- ing editorial:
"John Avery Denison throughout his public career had the reputation of being unyielding in his insistence upon discipline and proper form. He was a man of great personal dignity, which became him well, but which the uninformed sometimes mistook for coldness. There are countless persons in this com- munity, however, who will always remember him for his kind- ness and helpfulness. His was a nature that presented its colder side to the public vicw, while privately lavishing its warmer elements upon all who needed help.
"For almost 20 years he presided over the Hampden County Probate Court, a most exacting task especially in its domestic relations aspects. In so long a period of contemplating the distressing side of life, some men would have become cynical, but Judge Denison never lost his faith in the innate goodness of mankind. Quick to see through the charlatan and the cheat, he often was able to rescue the innocent or the ignorant from the consequences of ill-considered action. He was a good judge.
"Mr. Denison was second to none in his love for Western Massachusetts, and few have as extensive knowledge as he had
of its personalities, places, woods, hills and streams, about which he enjoyed telling an inexhaustible store of anecdotes. He was of the old school of public figures, of whom few remain, and few, alas, are coming along. As so many prominent persons have said, he will be greatly missed."
Many of Judge Denison's associates of bench and bar paid high tribute to him in the columns of Spring- field newspapers after his death. Mayor Brunton summed up the feeling of the city at large when he said :
"In the death of Judge Denison Hampden County has lost an able public servant and a citizen of the highest type. Dur- ing his years as judge in probate court he has served with distinction. Springfield should remember his splendid service as member of the city government and as mayor, a service that was outstanding and brought many improvements to the com- munity. His death is a distinct loss to this community and to Hampden County."
FRANZ GEORGE JENSEN, JR .- One of the leading confectioners of Springfield, Franz George Jensen, Jr., has contributed much toward the progress and development of this industry here, and through- out the state of Massachusetts.
Mr. Jensen was born August I, 1887, at Spring- field, son of Franz George and Lilla A. (Holmes) Jensen. His father, who was born March 16, 1852, and died October 3, 1940, was born in Schleswig-Hol- stein, then part of Denmark, came to the United States as a young man after Germany had taken over his native land and had imposed military con- scription upon the youth there, settled in Spring- field, in October, 1877, opened the Diamond Candy Store there, expanded his confectionery business, open- ing several other stores in the town, incorporated in 1921 under the name of F. G. Jensen and Sons, Inc., in 1923 bought land and built a candy factory, was the first to install air conditioning and other modern con- veniences. He held memberships in the Springfield Rotary Club, the DeSoto Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Free and Accepted Masons, in which he was affiliated with the Long- meadow Lodge, the Hampden Lodge, and the Melha Temple of the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. On November 15, 1881, he married Lilla A. Holmes, who died February 12, 1929, and they became the parents of the following children: I. Ollie A. 2. Franz George, Jr., of further mention. 3. Harold H. (q.v.). 4. Anna R., who was married to Arthur H. Wiltsie, of Springfield, who was con- nected with the local government; they became the parents of one son, Donald J. Wiltsie, who was born in 1917. He was killed in action in World War II on September 28, 1944. His base was in New Guinea.
Franz George Jensen, Jr., received his early educa- tion in the Springfield public schools, and attended the Springfield High School.
In 1903 Mr. Jensen became an apprentice carpet designer, an occupation he followed for three years. In 1906 he joined his father in the confectionery enterprise, where he spent four years gaining valuable experience. Wishing to get a more complete knowl- edge of the industry in general, he spent five years working in other confectionery factories throughout the region. In 1914 he rejoined his father, and in the following year took over the management of his father's factory. In 1921, upon the incorporation of the concern under the name of F. G. Jensen and
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Sons, Incorporated, he became vice president of the firm, the position he has held since. The success of the company has been in no small measure due to the splendid management and business acumen of Mr. Jensen.
Interested in the different phases of his commun- ity life, Mr. Jensen holds memberships in the Retail Confectioners' Association of the United States, the Springfield Chamber of Commerce, the Springfield Exchange Club, and the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, in which he is affiliated as a member, and former worshipful master, of the Longmeadow Lodge, the Scottish and York Rite bodies, and the Melha Temple of the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. In politics he is a staunch Republican, and in religious belief he is a Congregationalist, be- longing to the Men's Club of the Faith Church. His family attend St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church at Longmeadow. Mr. Jensen's favorite hobby and form of relaxation is water color painting.
On June 24, 1913, at Binghamton, New York, Franz George Jensen, Jr., married Kathryn Ryan, daughter of John and Catherine Ryan. Her father was connected with a prominent railroad company of Binghamton. Mrs. Jensen, who was born December 20, 1890, at Binghamton, was educated in the public and high schools of that city. Franz George, Jr., and Kathryn (Ryan) Jensen became the parents of the following children: I. Dorothy, who was born June 26, 1915, received her education in the local public and high schools, and married Ned Boyajy, son of Gabriel T. and Tooma G. Boyajy; they became the parents of Richard George Boyajy, who was born July 2, 1942. 2. Barbara Ann, who was born November 30, 1917; received her education in the local public schools and at the American International College, studied nurs- ing at the Massachusetts General Hospital; in March, 1942, entered the United States Navy as an ensign, saw active service in Newfoundland, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, California, and New Hampshire; received her honorable discharge from the service at Portsmouth, October 30, 1946, with the rank of lieutenant commander, and is now attending the Boston University School of Nursing. 3. Mar- jorie Ann, who was born May 23, 1924, received her education in the local public and high schools, was graduated from the Westbrook Junior College at Portland, Maine, on June 21, 1947, and married Perry M. Smith, son of Wilbur and Harriet Smith.
HAROLD HOLMES JENSEN-An outstanding business executive and a leading figure in the confec- tionery industry of Springfield and the surrounding region, Harold Holmes Jensen has rendered valu- able services to his community, and has gained a sterling reputation for good business judgment.
Mr. Jensen was born at Springfield, January 18, 1889, son of Franz George and Lilla A. (Holmes) Jen- sen. His father, a confectioner, had established his business in Springfield in 1877. More information about the Jensen family may be found in the record immediately preceding this.
Harold Holmes Jensen received his early educa- tion in the Springfield public schools and in 1907 was graduated from the Classical High School there. In that year he joined his father in business, learning
the many phases of the confectionery industry. After the enterprise was incorporated in 1921, Mr. Jensen became treasurer of the firm as well as serving as manager of the Springfield store formerly located at 1539 Main Street. After the disastrous fire in the Springfield National Bank Building in 1932, the firm moved to a much larger store at 266 Bridge Street, and Mr. Jensen assumed the management here. In 1927 when the concern opened its first branch store in Hartford, Connecticut, Mr. Jensen devoted his time to establishing the business there. Upon the death of his father, Harold H. Jensen became presi- dent of the firm, which engages in manufacturing and retailing confectionery, operates its own factory, and has a branch at Hartford, Connecticut. The enterprise is one of the most successful and flourishing businesses of its type in this region, and its steady growth has been in a large part the result of the tremendous effort and tireless devotion to duty which Mr. Jensen has demonstrated.
Vitally concerned with the civic and social progress of his community, Mr. Jensen holds membership in the Springfield Chamber of Commerce and is a former member of the Springfield Kiwanis Club. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, a member of Hampden Lodge, of which he is a past master and served as secretary for fifteen years; a charter member and past master of Long- meadow Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons; a member of all York and Scottish Rite bodies and of Melha Temple, Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. In politics he is a Republican, and in religious faith he is a Congregationalist at- tending the First Congregational Church of Long- meadow. For recreation and exercise he enjoys fish- ing, and his hobby is collecting old bells of all kinds, of which he has over one hundred.
In 1915, at Holyoke, Harold Holmes Jensen married Agnes Mumford, and they became the parents of the following children: I. Harold Holmes, Jr., who re- ceived his early education in the Longmeadow public schools and was graduated from the Classical High School at Springfield, and from Mt. Hermon School. Matriculating at Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, he received his Bachelor of Arts degree, class of 1939. During World War II he served in the United States Navy, received his ensign's com- mission in 1942, and took part in all the Mediterranean campaigns, first as an executive officer of an infantry landing craft, at Anzio receiving the Navy and Marine Medal for bravery and was promoted to the post of commanding officer of the ship, engaged in the Nor- mandy invasion, and held the rank of lieutenant when he was released to inactive duty in January, 1946. He married Rosamond Taylor at Longmeadow, and they are the parents of two sons: i. Harold Holmes III. ii. Peter Hawkes. The family reside at Hamp- den. 2. Elizabeth, who received her preliminary edu- cation in the Longmeadow public schools and was graduated from the Classical High School and Lasell Junior College; she married Leonard Gordon Curtis, a veteran of World War II, who is now associated with F. G. Jensen and Sons, Inc. 3. Louise, who attended the Longmeadow public schools and the Classical High School, was graduated from Colby Junior College, and is now secretary to the field representative of the college.
Ralph P Walsh
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RALPH P. WALSH-One of the most energetic and enterprising citizens of Springfield, Massachusetts, Ralph P. Walsh, eminent attorney, has done much to further the development of his community.
Mr. Walsh was born December 3, 1902, at Spring- field, son of John J. and Mary G. (Leary) Walsh. His father, who was born at Wilbraham, Massachusetts, received his education at the Wilbraham Academy, was a prominent Springfield hotel proprietor for more than twenty years, was a charter member of the Springfield Lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and attended the Holy Name Roman Catholic Church.
Ralph P. Walsh received his early education in the local schools of Springfield, and was graduated from the Central High School there in 1921. While attend- ing high school, he starred on the football team, being chosen all-city tackle in 1920, was treasurer of his class in his senior year, and was editor of the "Recorder," school publication. Mr. Walsh entered Holy Cross College, where he again distinguished himself in athletics and undergraduate activities. He played tackle and guard on the varsity football team for three years, was president of his class for two years, and in his senior year was business manager of college year book, "Purple Patcher." Upon graduating from Holy Cross, he matriculated at the Fordham University Law School and, in 1928, received the degree of Bachelor of Laws and was admitted to the bar of New York State. While at Fordham he taught Latin and English for three years at St. Francis Xavier High School in New York City.
After having been admitted to the bar, Mr. Walsh became associated with Austin, Brown and Brand, Esqs., in the practice of law in New York City. Dur- ing the following years, Mr. Walsh gained an excel- lent reputation for his capable handling of cases and, in 1932, he was admitted to practice before the Federal Court of Appeals. In the following year he was ad- mitted to the bar of the state of Massachusetts. In 1936 he returned to Springfield and has practiced law there since.
Devoting much time to the trial of cases, Attorney Walsh has appeared as local counsel for Associates Discount Corporation, Emmco Casualty Company, and Investors Realty Corporation, and as compensa- tion trial counsel for United States Rubber Company, New England Casualty Insurance Company, Century Indemnity Company, and Maryland Casualty Com- pany.
Mr. Walsh has taken an active part in the political affairs of his community, working industriously during the state and municipal campaigns of recent years. In 1940 he worked for John C. Carr, mayor of Medford, when Mr. Carr tried unsuccessfully to gain the nomi- nation for lieutenant-governor on the Democratic ticket. However, in 1942, Mr. Walsh was Western Massachusetts campaign manager for the Medford mayor, and this time the efforts were successful. In addition, Mr. Walsh aided Mayor Putnam during his two campaigns, and acted as campaign manager for Foster Furculo, Democratic nominee for congress. Mr. Walsh also served as chairman of the Democratic City Committee and has long been an active member of the Hampden County Bar Association.
In 1948 Mr. Walsh was nominated by the Demo- cratic party for the office of County Commissioner
of the County of Hampden, and although this was his first venture as a candidate for public office, he re- ceived a total of 67,221 votes in the election against 68,611 votes for his Republican opponent. Due to the close margin of defeat, a recount of the votes was made in the City of Chicopee and the City of Holy- oke, but when it became apparent that the percentage of gain in these two cities was not sufficient to over- come the lead of Mr. Walsh's opponent, the recount was waived in the remaining cities and towns in Hampden County. Because of the excellent vote which Mr. Walsh polled in his first campaign for public office, it is expected that he will go before the elector- ate again as a candidate for County Commissioner or some other elective office.
Mr. Walsh plays an important role in the social and fraternal aspects of community life. He has served as a member of the executive board of the Hampden County Council of the Boy Scouts of America, and was chairman of the committee on organization and extension. He holds memberships in the Springfield Lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the Holy Cross Col- lege Club of Springfield, the Monday Lunch Club of Springfield, the Longmeadow Men's Club, and the Magawa Sporting Club of Agawam. In religious be- lief, Mr. Walsh is a devout Catholic, and is a com- municant of the St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church of Longmeadow.
On April 19, 1936, Ralph P. Walsh married Helen C. Maloney, daughter of William E. and Mary E. (Schofield) Maloney, of Worcester, Massachusetts. Her father, at one time a candidate for mayor of Lowell, was superintendent of street railways in Wor- cester, Manchester, New Hampshire, and Lowell. Mrs. Walsh was graduated from the Classical High School in Worcester and, in 1923, from the Worcester State Teachers College with the degree of Bachelor of Education, and taught in the public schools of Worcester prior to her marriage. She is a member of the St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church of Long- meadow. Ralph P. and Helen C. (Maloney) Walsh became the parents of the following children: I. David, who was born March 22, 1938. 2. Sheila Marie, who was born June 1, 1941.
CARL WURTZBACH-A leading banker and business executive of Lee, Carl Wutzbach rendered distinguished service to this section of the State. His integrity was unquestioned and he merited the esteem and admiration of a host of warm personal friends and loyal business associates.
Mr. Wurzbach was born May 3, 1864, at Harzgerede, Germany, son of Frederich Wurtzbach. His father built the first established grinders for making paper pulp, in Germany, in 1866, brought them to the United States, and after installing these grinders in a mill at Curtisville, made the first ground wood pulp in this country, in March, 1867. The Smith Paper Company, a Lee concern, bought up the entire output, and the elder Mr. Wurtzbach became superintendent and manager of the Turner Falls Paper Mills.
Carl Wurtzbach came to this country at the age of three years with his mother, a brother and sister. He received his elementary education in the public schools of Stockbridge. In 1881, at the age of seven-
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teen years, he came to Lee from Curtisville, and en- tered the drug business in the employ of F. M. Pease and Son. He learned thoroughly the intricacies of the operation of a drug store, and for a number of years ran Mr. Pease's concern for him after the elder gentleman had been felled by illness.
While still associated with the Pease store. in 1891. he joined the Lee Electric Company, which has since taken the name of the Western Massachusetts Electric Company. By 1901. he was devoting his whole time to the electric company. From then until 1917. he ' held increasingly more important and responsible po- sitions with the company, including manager and treasurer. In 1917. the Pittsfield Electric Company purchased the controlling stock, and Mr. Wurtzbach was made district manager and a director of the newly formed company. He held these positions with this firm until the close of his life.
Meanwhile. Mr. Wurtzbach became interested in other business ventures. In 1904. he helped to or- ganize the Dresser-Hull Company, and for many years served as its president and treasurer, and as a member of its board of directors. In 1924. he became a mem- ber of the board of directors of the Lee National Bank, and later became president of this financial institution. He also served as vice president, trustee, and member of the board of investment of the Lee Savings Bank.
Mr. Wurtzbach took active part in other phases of the life of this section of the State. At three different times he was appointed postmaster of Lee. the first two appointments having been made by President Theodore Roosevelt, and the third, by President Taft. In 1028, at the time of the septic sore throat epidemic at Lee. Mr. Wurtzbach was able to use his pharma- cist's training to good advantage in helping to cure this scourge. For many years he was president of the Lee Chamber of Commerce, having been one of its organizers. During World War I he served as chairman of the Food Conservation Committee and held membership on the Liberty Loan Committee. He was a former president of the Berkshire Hills Conference and a member of its board of directors. At one time was president of the Western Massa. chusetts Chamber of Commerce. for four years he was a director of the New England Council, and for twenty-five years a trustee of the Lee Library Asso- ciation, he also acted as its president. He was con- nected with the Berkshire County Tuberculosis Asso- ciation for several years as its chairman and local treasurer. Another benevolent organization to which he belonged was the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children in which he was a charter mem- ber and served as a vice president and director of the Berkshire branch. A very active member of the Free and Accepted Masons. Mr. Wurtzbach had been a member of the Evening Star Lodge since 1888, and, in 1895, was elected secretary of that lodge. His other masonic positions included master and deputy grand master, and for twenty years an associate member of the Massachusetts Masonic Relief Committee. In 1938, he was presented with a half-century medal by this fraternal organization. A staunch Republican in political connections. he served for many years as chairman of the town finance committee. He was ac- tive in religious work with the Lee Congregational Church as a trustee of the endowment fund. chairman of the business committee, and assistant superinten-
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