USA > Massachusetts > The story of western Massachusetts, Volume IV > Part 37
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William Leonard Pitcher, son of Franklin Wayland and Mary F. (Stevens) Pitcher, was born in East Boston, Massachusetts, November 9, 1871. When he was quite young, he was taken by his parents on their removal to Wisconsin and there he attended the pub- lic schools until 1885, when the family came to East- hampton. He next took courses at the public schools of Easthampton and Williston Academy and then Bryant and Stratton Commercial School in Boston, Massachusetts. His education, so far as schools were concerned, was considered finished when he arrived at the age of nineteen years and in 1891 he became an employee of the Easthampton Rubber Thread Com- pany. Beginning at the bottom rung of the ladder, he steadily mounted from humble positions to those of increasing responsibility, subsequently becoming superintendent of the company and a large factor in its successful operations. He was a strong right arm of his father and on the latter's death was his logical suc- cessor as general manager of the company which now manufactures rubber thread for suspenders, garters, and shoe goring and corset webs. Still further expansion in the physical property and an increase in the volume of business have attended the company's operations under the management of Mr. Pitcher. He occupies a place of influence in all things that have for their objective the improvement and betterment of the town and the promotion of approved endeavors. When United Elastic was formed in 1927, Mr. Pitcher was made treasurer. In 1943, at the death of Edward L.
Shaw, president of the company, Mr. Pitcher was made president and general manager.
Mr. Pitcher's intimate connection with other busi- ness organizations include the office of director in the Franklin Steel Company, Joliet, Illinois; director of the Beaver River Power Company of New York: treasurer of the Easthampton Co-operative Bank: di- rector of the First National Bank of Easthampton; trustee of the First Savings Bank of Easthampton; and director of the First National Bank of North- ampton. His devotion to the cause of education has found its local expression in membership in the East- hampton School Board for ten years, and as a trustee of Williston Academy for a great number of years.
He is affiliated with Ionic Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, of Easthampton and a member of the Pas- commuck Club of that town. Yachting is his chief rec- reational diversion and he highly prizes the privileges that attend his membership in the Corinthian Yacht Club and the Eastern Yacht Club of Marblehead. He was a member of Mount Tom Golf Club and the Tedesco Country Club at Swampscott.
William Leonard Pitcher married, March 23, 1898, Katherine Courtis Richmond, of New Bedford, daugh- ter of James Henry C. and Catherine (Courtis) Rich- mond. Mrs. Pitcher is a descendant of John Richmond, called "John of Taunton," to distinguish him from others of the same name. He came to America from Wiltshire, England, about 1635 and was one of the original purchasers of the town of Taunton, where he died March 20, 1664. The line of descent from John Richmond to Mrs. Pitcher is through the im- migrant's second son, Captain Edward Richmond, born in 1632; his son, Captain Silvester Richmond, born in 1672; his son, Captain Perez Richmond, born in 1702; his son Joshua Richmond, born in 1734; his son, Joshua (2) Richmond, born in 1770; his son, Joshua (3) Richmond, born in 1797; his son James Henry C. Richmond; his daughter, Katherine Rich- mond of the ninth American generation, who mar- ried Willam Leonard Pitcher. Mrs. Pitcher died Au- gust II, 1938. Mr. and Mrs. Pitcher are the parents of two children: I. Katherine Frances, born February 9, 1901; educated in the public schools of Easthamp- ton, the Burnham School in Northampton, the Wheel- er School of Providence, Rhode Island and the Schools of Applied Arts in New York and Paris. She married, on June 21, 1930, Louis Covell Copeland, of Northampton and they are the parents of two chil- dren: i. Ann C. Copeland. ii. Katharine P. Copeland. 2. Richmond Courtis, born October 16, 1904; educated in the Easthampton schools, Williston Seminary of that town and the Berkshire School of Sheffield. He was associated with the Easthampton Rubber Thread Company until his death on December 26, 1927.
CHARLES EDWARD FERRIS-For over seven- ty-five years the firm of William L. McCleary Com- pany, Inc., of Springfield has been putting the finish- ing touches, so to say-that is, applying the roofs- to buildings and structures of all kinds in the Western Massachusetts region, and it may well be said that the substantial communities which characterize that area exhibit many evidences of the good workman- ship that is associated with the McCleary name. This
Charles E. Devis
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reputation has been fully upheld; the business of this old firm has continued to flourish and grow since it came under the sole ownership and management of Charles Edward Ferris, a comparatively young man who started life on a farm, but has achieved great success in business and leadership in the industry with which he is connected.
Mr. Ferris' paternal grandfather was Henry Ferris, a farmer who lived and died in Chester. His son Charles Henry Ferris, who was born in Becket, and died at Westfield, in this state, on October 15, 1932, at the age of sixty-five years, was also a farmer, and while an independent voter, was politically active and influential. Charles Henry Ferris married Mary A. Shaw, who was a native of Springfield, and died in Westfield.
To this couple the son Charles Edward was born at Middlefield, on August 19, 1905. He was educated in the public grammar and high schools of Westfield, and in addition to the regular courses, took a business course at the Westfield High School. Like all farm- bred boys he helped in the operation of the family farm as he grew up, and farming remained his occu- pation until he was eighteen years of age. At that time he took employment in the roofing trade in Springfield, and remained in that business until 1932. In that year he became associated with the Westing- house Electric Company in Springfield, doing electric plating for this great corporation for about six years.
The roofing business, however, which he had learned in every aspect, offered the opportunity of indepen- dence, and leaving the Westinghouse employment, he set up in business for himself in West Springfield. In this venture he prospered, and in 1943 he acquired the William L. McCleary Company, Inc., holding the office of president, and becoming sole owner in 1947. The McCleary firm is known to be one of the oldest concerns in the roofing field in Western Massachu- setts. Mr. Ferris is president of the Springfield Roof- ing and Re-siding Contractors Association, and is a member of the Northeastern Roofing and Re-siding Association. Like his father he is an independent voter in political matters. His religious affiliation is with the Mittineague Congregational Church. His chief diversions are hunting and bowling.
On October 2, 1926, Charles Edward Ferris was married to Harriet S. Moore, a native of West Spring- field and a daughter of Dana S. and Carey (Sikes) Moore. Mrs. Ferris, whose father is a farmer, is a graduate of West Springfield High School. She is a member of the Mittineague Congregational Church and is active in various women's organizations con- nected with that church. Charles Edward and Harriet S. (Moore) Ferris are the parents of four children: I. Charles H., who was born on November 2, 1927. He is a graduate of the West Springfield High School and is now associated with Price and Lee Company of Springfield. 2. Jeanette Clara, born on December 30, 1928. She graduated from the West Springfield High School in 1947. 3. Mary Lou, born July 3, 1938. 4. John Dana, who was born on June 3, 1947.
FLOYD GORDON PROCTOR, a prominent mer- chandising leader of Springfield, has earned a sterling reputation for good business methods, and has been notably successful in his dealings.
Mr. Proctor was born July 6, 1877, at Springfield,
son of Martin and Clara ( Parsons) Proctor. His father was born in 1838 at Burlington, Vermont, and died in 1888 at Springfield. A painter and dec- orator by profession, he was associated with the trade for more than forty years, fought during the Civil War with the Forty-seventh Volunteer Regiment as regimental quartermaster; in politics was a staunch Republican, and was a member of the Hope Con- gregational Church, being active as a teacher of the men's class in the Sunday school. He married Clara Parsons, daughter of Bela and Sophia (Coles) Par- sons, the former associated for many years with the Kibbe Candy Company.
Floyd Gordon Proctor received his early education in the public schools of Springfield, and attended high school there. At the age of eighteen years, he became associated with the Meekins, Packard and Wheat Department Store as a salesman. However, in 1914, he entered the merchandising office as a buyer for the furniture department. During the course of the next twenty-two years, he rendered valuable service to the concern, being in no small measure re- sponsible for the substantial success of the store's furniture department. In 1937 he organized his own enterprise known as Proctor-Carnig, Inc., and he be- came vice president and general manager. The com- pany, which has operated successfully since its or- ganization, deals in a wide assortment of furniture, carpets, rugs and bedding.
Mr. Proctor is active in the civic, and social life of his community. He is a member of the National Retail Furniture Association, the Springfield Chamber of Commerce, and the Rotary Club. In politics, he is a Republican, and in religious affiliation, is a Con- gregationalist, and attends the Faith Congregational Church. For exercise he enjoys golf.
On July 17, 1901, Floyd Gordon Proctor married Frances Perkins, daughter of Jerome and Mary (Clark) Perkins, the former for a long time asso- ciated with the railroad industry. Mrs. Proctor at- tended the Adams and Chicopee public schools. With Mr. Proctor she attends the Faith Congregational Church. Floyd Gordon and Frances (Perkins) Proc- tor became the parents of the following children: I. Elizabeth Perkins, who attended the public schools of Springfield and the MacDuffie School for Girls, and was married to Hardwick Moseley, of New York City; he is manager and a director of the New York office of the Houghton-Mifflin Company, of Boston; they became the parents of two children, Susan and Barbara Moseley. 2. Barbara, who was graduated from the Springfield High School, and was married to Emmet Keith Naylor, of Springfield, who is asso- ciated with Mr. Proctor. 3. Florence Reynolds, who was graduated from the Springfield High School and the Bay Path Institute in Springfield, and was married to Atwood H. Bent, of Springfield who is now as- sociated with the Aetna Insurance Company, of Phila- delphia, as a member of the firm's bond department; they became the parents of three children: i. Holly, ii. Carolyn Bent, iii. Sara.
RALPH STEVENS SPOONER-A prominent attorney of Springfield, Ralph Stevens Spooner has contributed much to the progress of the legal profes- sion of this region. In addition, his public service and
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civic and social activities have merited the respect and esteem of his fellow citizens.
Mr. Spooner was born November 27, 1893, at St. Johnsbury, Vermont, son of Willard Fremont and Corilla Augusta (Stevens) Spooner. His father was an iron molder by occupation.
After attending the elementary schools of his home town, Ralph Stevens Spooner entered St. Johnsbury Academy and was graduated from there in 1911. Five years later in 1916, he received the degree of Bachelor of Arts at Harvard University. Deciding to follow the law profession as a career, he matriculated at the Harvard Law School and was graduated from that institution with the degree of Bachelor of Laws, in 1918.
On September 13, 1918, Mr. Spooner was admitted to the Massachusetts bar and became associated with the law firm of Warner, Stackpole and Bradlee, of Boston, where for two years he gained valuable ex- perience. In 1920, he came to Springfield and was as- sociated with the law firm of Gardner, Gardner and Baldwin. He remained with this concern until 1924, at which time he established a private practice. He has successfully carried on this law practice since then, specializing in trial work and labor relations. Since 1925 he has been a Special Justice of the District Court of Springfield.
In addition to his law work, Mr. Spooner has been active in other phases of the business, professional, civic and social life of his community. In 1923, he joined the faculty of the Law School of Northeastern University, Springfield Division, with which he re- mained until 1942. He serves as clerk and trustee of the Springfield Five Cents Savings Bank, and is on the board of directors of several business corporations. During World War II he served as chairman of Selective Service Local Board No. 144, from 1940 un- til 1943, and as chairman of Selective Service Appeal Board No. I from 1943 until 1945.
. He is a member and past president of the Rotary Club of Springfield, the Longmeadow Country Club, the Reality Club, the Harvard Club of Springfield, the Wantastiquet Trout Club of Weston, Vermont; the Harvard Club of Springfield, the Benevolent and Pro- tective Order of Elks; has held the highest office in Samuel Osgood Lodge of Masons and in several Scot- tish Rite bodies. He is a member of Melha Temple, Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He also belongs to Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and the Order of the Arrow. Mr. Spooner has been active in the work of the Boy Scouts of America. From 1943 until 1946 he served as president of this organization's Hampden Council and is a member of the executive board. He is also vice president of Springfield Council; a member of the Executive Com- mittee of Region I of the Boy Scouts of America. In religious faith he is an Episcopalian and is chan- cellor of Christ Church Cathedral.
On May 24, 1919, at Pittsfield, Ralph Stevens Spooner married (first) Madeline Eletha Sturgis, daughter of Herbert M. Sturgis. She passed away October 15, 1941. They became the parents of one child, Robert Sturgis Spooner, who was born June 27, 1929. Ralph Stevens Spooner married (second) September 19, 1942, at Springfield, Gladys Irene Stevens, daughter of Russell Childs and Julia Belle (Hart) Stevens. Mrs. Spooner serves as treasurer of
the Longmeadow Women's Club, as vice president of the Women's Auxiliary of Christ Church Cathedral, and holds memberships in the Cosmopolitan Club, and the Young Women's Christian Association in which she is active on the executive board.
PERLEY ADELBERT HOYT, M.D., has long been one of the best-known and most respected phy- sicians in Springfield and indeed throughout Western Massachusetts, especially in the years since he turned from general practice to the specialized field of op- thalmology.
A native Vermonter, Dr. Hoyt was born at Hard- wick on February 27, 1886. His paternal grandfather, Samuel L. Hoyt, was a noted blacksmith in those parts, having made the first auger for boring logs to be used as wooden pumps and wooden water-pipes. He was also a good machinist. Samuel L. Hoyt, who died at Hardwick, married Orlarne Lawson, who passed away at West Derby, Vermont. This couple were the parents of George B. M. Hoyt, who was born at Woodbury, Vermont, on March 10, 1864. He was a well-known stone carver and the possessor of a remarkable tenor voice. He sang in the choir of the Congregational Church of Hardwick, Vermont, of which he was a member. He was a staunch Re- publican in politics. George B. M. Hoyt married Minnie Maria Paige, a daughter of Jonothan and Lucy Paige, natives of Vermont. Both are now deceased, he having died at Hardwick, and she at Greensboro. Jonothan Paige was a carpenter by trade. Minnie (Paige) Hoyt, their daughter, was born at Glover, Vermont, on August 14, 1886, and passed away at Ludlow, Massachusetts, on Septem- ber 14, 1922. Her husband had pre-deceased her at Denville, Vermont, on March 17, 1917.
Perley Adelbert Hoyt began his education in the public schools of his birthplace, and graduated from the Hardwick High School in 1904. He had already decided upon a medical career, and he received his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Ver- mont Medical School in 1909; at that time he also was awarded a certificate of honor in recognition of the high quality of his scholastic work during his four years at college. He came to Massachusetts to serve his internship at the City Hospital in Holyoke, where he remained for two years, which was followed by six months as an intern at the New York Lying-in Hospital in New York City. After that he established himself in general practice in Ludlow, Massachusetts, beginning in 1912. After some years of general practice, he went to New York City for a year of special study in ophthalmology, and as a specialist in this branch of medicine he moved his office to Springfield, where he has since confined himself to diseases of the eye, and is recognized as a skilled ophthalmologist.
Dr. Hoyt is a member of the American Medical Association, the Massachusetts Medical Society, and the Springfield Academy of Medicine. He serves on the senior staff of the Springfield Hospital as assistant ophthalmologist, and on the staff of the Shriner's Hospital for Crippled Children as chief ophthalmolo- gist.
In religion Dr. Hoyt is a member of the Congrega- tional Church, and in politics adheres to the Republi- can party. He is a Thirty-second degree Mason and
William Eron
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belongs to the Knights Templar and to Melha Temple of the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He holds membership in the Longmeadow Country Club, and his favorite diversions are fishing and photography.
On September 12, 1912, Perley Adelbert Hoyt mar- ried Alice L. Hannum, a native of Ludlow, and a daughter of the late Dr. J. W. Hannum and his wife whose maiden name was Miller. Dr. Hannum was a physician of prominence in Ludlow. Of this union there was a daughter, Katharine Mayria, who was born on October 10, 1914 and died on January 23, 1924. On June 26, 1929, Dr. Hoyt was married to Mildred Mary Porter, who was born in Danville, Province of Quebec, Canada, and is a daughter of George H. and Elizabeth (Gifford) Porter of Dan- ville. George H. Porter is deceased, and is survived by his wife who now resides in Danville. Mr. Porter was a successful farmer.
Mrs. Mildred Mary (Porter) Hoyt was educated at the Danville Academy in her native place, and later graduated from the Wesson Hospital in Springfield. Prior to her marriage she practiced her profession in New York City. She retains membership in the Con- gregational Church of Danville, Quebec, and is an active member of the Longmeadow Women's Club.
THOMAS JOSEPH CONDON-Among the best- known real estate and insurance experts of Spring- field, Thomas Joseph Condon stands in a prominent position. A native son of this city, he has been a credit to all those who have put their faith in him both as a business advisor and as a loyal friend.
Mr. Condon was born March 21, 1902, at Spring- field, son of Thomas S. and Mary (Higgins) Condon. Redmond Condon, grandfather of Thomas Joseph Condon, was born in Ireland, came to this country, became associated with Armstead's cotton mill in Springfield, and died there. He married Ellen How- ard, and their son, Thomas S. Condon, father of Thomas J. Condon, was born February 12, 1862, at Springfield, and died there, July 4, 1947. For many years associated with the Phelps Publishing Company, of Springfield, he was also the founder of "Good Housekeeping," and "Current Events," a school paper. He was a Republican, and was a member of the Holy Name Roman Catholic Church. He married Mary Higgins, daughter of Michael and Catherine (Barry) Higgins, natives of Ireland who died in Springfield. She was born November 9, 1865, at Springfield, and died there February 21, 1917.
Thomas Joseph Condon received his early educa- tion at the local parochial and public schools, and was graduated from Cathedral High School in 1910. Four years later he received the degree of Bachelor of Arts from the College of the Holy Cross at Worcester.
At this time he entered the real estate and insurance business associated with the firm of McDonald and Johnson, of Springfield. He remained with this en- terprise for two years, gaining valuable experience. In 1926 he established his own real estate and in- surance concern, which he has carried on since then. Throughout this period the business has continued to grow and prosper until today it is one of the most widely known and prosperous establishments of the type in Springfield.
Mr. Condon is active in his community as a member of the Springfield Real Estate Board and the National Real Estate Board. In politics he is an independent voter and is a member of the Holy Name Roman Catholic Church.
On November 26, 1942, Thomas Joseph Condon married Emily Cormier, daughter of Sigfried Cor- mier, who was superintendent of the East Long- meadow quarries. Mrs. Condon was graduated from Commercial High School at Springfield, and is a member of the Women's Republican Club of Spring- field, the Holy Name Roman Catholic Church, and various church and women's organizations.
WILLIAM EDWARD GASS is prominent in South Deerfield as a domestic contractor and de- signer, heading a widely recognized firm under his own name, William Edward Gass, Incorporated. Especially outstanding has been his work in the col- onial restoration field throughout New England, where many an old home, church, or inn has re- gained its historic and picturesque beauty under the careful handling of Mr. Gass.
Mr. Gass is a native of South Deerfield, where he was born February 9, 1902. He was the son of William who, in that community in 1904, started out for himself in the line of work in which his son is now engaged. William Gass, Sr., married Brid- get Theresa Toumey. Their son attended grammar school in South Deerfield, and later Deerfield Aca- demy.
From early youth he was greatly interested in the work of restoration and achitectural designing and on graduation from school became associated with his father in this field. Thus the organization has always been one of those interesting family enter- prises, with its own traditions, supported loyally by successive members of the family. It has grown into a sizable concern, at present giving full-time employment to about sixty persons. William Edward Gass continued in the business in association with his father until 1942, in which year the elder man retired, and since which time the son has been fully responsible for its management.
Mr. Gass is active in civic affairs, being a mem- ber, and having been the first president, of the Ro- tary Club in South Deerfield. He is a trustee of the local library, and a member of the sewer com- missioners' board. The Gass family attends the First Congregational Church in South Deerfield, in which town they make their home.
On June 27, 1927, William Edward Gass was married to Lucille E. Stowell, daughter of Dwight and Bertha (Whittier) Stowell. They have become the parents of five children: I. Edward Paul, born July 22, 1929, attending Deerfield Academy. 2. Eugene F., born August 31, 1931, now also attending Deerfield Academy. 3. William S., who was born September 8, 1936. 4. Lorraine L., born May 26, 1942. 5. Jonathan Dwight, born July 30, 1945.
SIMON ENGLAND-A citizen of Pittsfield, Simon England, a leading merchant, was during his long lifetime largely responsible for the growth and de- velopment of the family business, England Brothers, which under his able direction as president kept pace
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with the city's needs. He likewise had been promi- nently identified with almost every good cause in Pittsfield. Few men have left their mark on the city's life in a fashion so memorable, in business affairs, in civic projects, and in philanthropic enterprises.
Simon England was born in Pittsfield, on April 10, 1865, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Moses England. His father, who had peddled goods throughout the countryside from headquarters in Albany, until he was twenty-seven, opened a store in Pittsfield, in partnership with his brother Louis. This "Drygoods and Pattern Shop," as it was listed in the town direc- tory, was founded in 1857 and stood near the present site of the Palace Theatre on North Street. It was one of a dozen such establishments in the town of Pittsfield, which then numbered about seven thousand inhabitants, and "England and Brother," the firm name first used, seems to have been the most modest of them all.
The business was eight years old when Simon first saw the light of day at 9 Union Street. He was the second of a family of ten children. He attended the Francis Avenue Elementary School and Pittsfield High School, from which he was graduated in 1882, one of a class of eighteen. At that time Pittsfield High School occupied the old building of Berkshire Medical College on South Street, now the site of Pittsfield's Memorial to the heroes of World War I. The commencement exercises were held in the old Academy of Music on North Street, and Simon England on that occasion played a duet with Kate A. Hanrahan, entitled "La Chasse Imperiale," by Kohl- ing, and also read an essay on "Protective Duties."
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