USA > Massachusetts > The story of western Massachusetts, Volume IV > Part 4
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Returning to his native Massachusetts, Father Donahue was appointed assistant pastor of the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church at Gardner, where he served through 1918 and part of 1919. In the latter year he became curate of St. Mary's Church at Ux- bridge, where he remained until some time in 1925. From 1925 to 1935 he was assistant pastor of St. Mary's Church in Milford. In 1935 he was first ap- pointed to a pastorate, and the church of the Sacred Heart at Hopedale was committed to his care and ad- ministration from that year until February, 1946. At that time he was named pastor of the Sacred Heart
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Su Phan Primaluce
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Roman Catholic Church at Pittsfield, and here Father Donahue continues to the present time, ably adminis- tering the affairs of a parish which was founded on December 28, 1919. The first pastor of the Sacred Heart Church of Pittsfield was the Rev. George W. Welch. Father Welch was succeeded by Father Pat- rick Dowd, who was the immediate predecessor of Father Donahue in the pastorate of the Sacred Heart, Pittsfield. This parish has had a history of continuous growth, and the cornerstone of the present church and rectory was laid in 1931.
JOHN REGINALD THOMPSON, M.D .- Re- cently established in practice in Dalton, Dr. John Reginald Thompson is one of the younger pro- fessional men who, during the years of the recent World War II, were gaining invaluable experience in their chosen field of endeavor as members of the armed forces. Dr. Thompson has become quite active in the affairs of Dalton, and is building up a considerable practice there.
Dr. Thompson was born in Berlin, New Hampshire, October 8, 1914, son of Willard and Edith (Morrison) Thompson. His father, who was engaged in mill operations in Berlin, was a native of Prince Edward Island, as was his wife. He came to Berlin as a young man. His son, John Reginald Thompson, was brought up there, and graduated from Berlin High School, after which he attended the University of New Hamp- shire where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in 1939. He continued his studies at McGill University Faculty of Medicine, Montreal, Canada, and took his degree of M.D., C.M. in 1943.
Entering the United States Army Medical Corps in 1944, Dr. Thompson served in the Medical Corps, at- tached to an armored division. He saw action in the European Theater of Operations, and held the rank of captain.
After the conclusion of the war, Dr. Thompson spent a year at the Home of Mercy Hospital in Pitts- field as assistant resident physician. He established his private practice as physician in Dalton in 1947. He is on the staffs of the House of Mercy and St. Luke's Hospital in Pittsfield; is a member of the Massachu- setts Medical Society, the Berkshire County Medical Society, and the American Medical Association. He belongs to the Beta Nu Chapter of Theta Kappa Psi fraternity, medical students' body at McGill Univer- sity, and is a member of the Dalton Post of the Veter- ans of Foreign Wars. He attends the First Congrega- tional Church of Dalton.
At Montreal, Canada, November 26, 1942, Dr. John Reginald Thompson married Leah Mary De Mont, daughter of Harry and Mary (Bennett) De Mont of Trenton, Nova Scotia. They have two children : I. Paul Reginald, born at Fort Smith, Arkansas, July 7, 1944. 2. Carol Linda, born in Pittsfield, December 21, 1946.
JOHN DANIEL ROSS for thirty years has been a prominent attorney of Springfield and Holyoke, and also takes part in Republican activities and in church, fraternal and veterans' affairs.
Born at Holyoke July 6, 1895, he is the son of William J. and Julia (Hartnett) Ross. His father was born at Hornerstown, New Jersey, in 1864, and died December 15, 1946. He was a blacksmith, a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church and a Demo-
crat. His mother was born at South Hadley Falls in 1864, and died July 15, 1941, at Holyoke. She was the daughter of Patrick and Bridgett (Cavanaugh) Hartnett, natives of County Carey, Ireland, who died at Holyoke.
John D. Ross was educated in the public schools at Holyoke, at Williston Academy and Boston University winning his law degree in 1917, at which time he was admitted to the bar. He has been practicing at Holy- oke and Springfield since. At one time he was asso- ciated with the late William T. Dillon but now is engaged in trial practice which he conducts alone. He is a member of the American Bar Association and is affiliated with his local, county and state bar groups. He served in World War I as a first lieu- tenant in the Judge Advocate General's Department. He is a member of the American Legion, the Knights of Columbus and the Holy Cross Catholic Church and also is active in the Reciprocity Club and the Spring- field Country Club. Golf is his favorite recreation.
Mr. Ross was married June 15, 1921, to Mary Whalen, a native of Northampton, and daughter of James and Mary (Lynch) Whalen, both deceased. Mr. Whalen was a contractor and builder. Mrs. Ross, educated at Northampton High School and State Teachers College, taught school in Northampton before her marriage. Three children have been born to them: I. John, Jr., born April 7, 1922, attended Holyoke High School and Worcester Academy and was graduated from Brown University with Bache- lor of Arts degree in the class of 1944. He also graduated from the law school of Boston University in June, 1948. He was a first lieutenant in the Marine Corps in World War II, and served overseas. 2. Maureen E., born June 17, 1925, attended Holyoke High School and was graduated from the college of New Rochelle in 1946 with a Bachelor of Arts degree, and received her Master of Arts degree from Boston University in June, 1948. 3. Janet, born May 13, 1930, is a graduate of Holyoke High School, June, 1948.
JOHN BARR REID-Since 1927 one of the leading printers of Springfield, John Barr Reid has rendered significant services to his community. His knowledge of, and experience in, the printing industry have con- tributed to the growth and development of that phase of Springfield business life.
Mr. Reid was born September 28, 1883, at Paisley, Scotland, son of Charles F. and Agnes (Barr) Reid. His father was born at Paisley on November 10, 1856, and died at Pittsfield, Massachusetts, on April 12, 1918. He came to this country from Scotland, was a Republican, a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, and attended the First Baptist Church of Pittsfield.
When a small boy, John Barr Reid came to this country, and attended the public and high schools of Pittsfield, being graduated from high school in 1902. He entered Williams College at Williamstown, and after four years of diligent study received the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1906.
After having completed his formal education, Mr. Reid went to New York where he became associated with the American Bank Note Company He re- mained with this concern for seven-and-a-half years, learned the printing business from all angles, and
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served the company in many capacities. His last position there was that of assistant manager of the art layout department. At the end of this period he became affiliated with the Otis Elevator Company in New York as assistant advertising manager. After four years of excellent service to the firm, he was promoted to the position of advertising manager, the capacity in which he performed his duties until 1921. At this time he went to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and became advertising manager for the Commercial Truck Company, manufacturers of electrical motor trucks. In 1927, after more than five years with the truck company, he came to Springfield, and pur- chased the Acker Printing Company from Howard F. Acker. The company had been organized in 1920 by Mr. Acker and had been incorporated in 1922. When he arrived at Springfield, Mr. Reid bought a majority of the stock, became treasurer of the con- cern, and continued the enterprise under its existing title. In February, 1929, he purchased Mr. Acker's interest in the company, and became president as well as treasurer. The firm, which has become highly successful under the leadership and able management of Mr. Reid, deals in all types of commercial print- ing, including such items at catalogues and booklets, but it specializes in color printing.
Mr. Reid has been active as a member of many prominent organizations. He was at one time a mem- ber of the Advertising Club and the Williams Club of New York, the Lion's Club and the Poor Richard Club of Philadelphia, and he now holds memberships in the Advertising Club and the Chamber of Com- merce in Springfield. In politics he is a Republican.
On May 12, 1923, John Barr Reid married Harriet Sheldon Moodey, daughter of Herbert L. and Helen A. (Paine) Moodey. Her father lives at Plainfield, New Jersey, in retirement, having been active as president of the Simmons Pipe Bending Company of Newark, New Jersey. Mrs. Reid, who was born at Painesville, Ohio, was educated at the public school in Plainfield, and, in 1913, was graduated from Smith College with the degree of Bachelor of Arts.
JOSEPH ADDISON WILK-One of the outstand- ing educators and administrators of Berkshire County, is Joseph Addison Wilk who has made valuable con- tributions toward the welfare and training of the youth of the State.
Doctor Wilk was born November 27, 1907, at Adams, son of John and Katherine Wilk. After completing his elementary education, he attended Adams High School and was graduated from that institution on June 27, 1927. He entered the University of Notre Dame, and four years later, on June 7, 1931, received the degree of Bachelor of Arts. In 1935 he received his Master of Arts degree from Columbia University and, later, in 1945, was awarded the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, cum laude from the University of Ottawa. He has also done postgraduate work at the University of Denver, New York University, and the University of Massachusetts.
Shortly after having received his bachelor's degree, Joseph Wilk, in 1932, became a teacher at the Adams, Massachusetts, High School, where he soon became head of the Department of Social Sciences. In 1937, while still associated with the Adams school, he became assistant principal of the C. T. Plunkett Junior
High School of Adams, and remained in that capacity until 1940. Six years later, in July, 1946, after hav- ing gained wide recognition for his work in the Adams school system, he was appointed superintendent of schools of the Mount Greylock School Union, which embraces the towns of Cheshire, Hancock, Lanes- borough, and New Ashford. He continues in this posi- tion with distinction.
In addition to his professional work, Dr. Wilk is active in many phases of community life. He has served as precinct chairman of the Adams representa- tive town government; executive board member of the Berkshire County Teachers Association; treasurer of the Board of Library Trustees of the Adams Public Library; and secretary of the Adams branch, Ameri- can Red Cross. He is a member of the Canadian His- torical Society and is a charter trustee of the Massa- chusetts Archaeological Society. During World War II he served as a member of the United States Army Air Forces, and is now secretary of the Adams Ameri- can Legion Community Center Committee. Dr. Wilk has also served as chairman of the camping and activi- ties committee of the Greylock District of the Boy Scouts of America; Four-H Club leader; secretary- treasurer of the Adams Lions Club and in 1946 was president of the Hoffman Bird Club of Berkshire County. He also belongs to Phi Delta Kappa, honor- ary education fraternity. He has contributed works of importance as an author, including "A History of Adams, Massachusetts," and "History of Company M, 104th Infantry, Massachusetts National Guard." In religious activity, he is a member of Notre Dame Church at Adams.
In recent years Dr. Wilk also distinguished him- self in the fields of forestry and wildlife conservation. In 1942 he was awarded the William T. Hornaday gold medal by the New York Zoological Society for services to wildlife in Massachusetts. He is currently chairman of the Berkshire County Forestry Committee and is owner and founder of the Spruce Hollow Wild- life Sanctuary located at Savoy.
On June 24, 1936, at Adams, Joseph Addison Wilk married Irene Dora Lucier, daughter of William and Auxilia Lucier.
FRANK EDWARDS PUNDERSON-Widely known throughout Springfield, and the surrounding region of the State for his enterprising resourceful- ness and sturdy business acumen, Frank Edwards Punderson has gained an enviable reputation for his work in the fuel business.
Mr. Punderson was born April 16, 1895, at Chat- ham, New York, son of James H. and Clara Leete (Edwards) Punderson. Mr. Punderson is a mem- ber of an old American family. An early forebear aided in the establishment of a colony at New Haven, Connecticut. Frank T. Punderson, great- grandfather of Frank Edwards Punderson, was born at Red Hook, New York, and died at Hudson, New York; he owned and operated a fleet of clipper ships which sailed to all corners of the world; he married a member of the Tallman family, and his son, James M. Punderson, who was born in Hudson, spent most of his life in banking operations ; he married Mary L. Mellen, and they became the parents of James H. Punderson, father of Frank Edwards Punderson,
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who was born January 19, 1859, at Hudson, and died January 24, 1941 at Stockbridge; in early life a registered pharmacist, he became a prominent summer hotel manager at Stockbridge, was associate county commissioner of Berkshire County, and for twenty years was a vestryman of the St. Pauls Episcopal Church, Stockbridge; he married Clara Leete Edwards, daughter of William H. and Sarah (Leete) Edwards. An early ancestor was the first governor of Connecticut. William H. Edwards, father of Clara Leete Edwards, a general merchant by occupation, was born at Hartsville, and died at West Stockbridge.
Frank Edwards Punderson received his early edu- cation in the local schools of Stockbridge, and was graduated from the high school there in 1913. He entered Worcester Academy, and graduated from that institution with the class of 1915.
After finishing his formal education, Mr. Punder- son became associated with a wholesale grocery enterprise in Springfield, the position he held until entering the United States Army. He received his training at Plattsburg, New York, served in the Quartermaster Corps, in Washington, D. C., and was honorably discharged from the service on De- cember 31, 1918. Soon after returning to civilian life, he became affiliated with the R. W. Rice Coal Company of Springfield. Five years later, when the company became the property of Samuel and Henry Punderson, Frank Edwards Punderson held an important position in the concern, and became sole owner of the business in 1941. Now known as the Punderson Coal Company, the organization has continued to grow and prosper throughout the years until today it is one of the most widely known firms of its type in the region.
Mr. Punderson takes an active interest in the professional, civic, and social life of his community. He is a director of the Security Banking Company of Springfield. He holds memberships in the Cham- ber of Commerce, the Rotary Club, the Free and Accepted Masons in which he is affiliated with the Occidental Lodge at Stockbridge, the Colony Club, and the Longmeadow Country Club. In religious affiliation, he is an Episcopalian, and attends Christ Church Cathedral. He is a member of the standing committee of the Diocese of Western Massachusetts of the Episcopal Church. His favorite recreation is golf.
On November 28, 1917, Frank Edwards Punderson married Beulah Boden, daughter of William and Alice (Morse) Boden. Her father was born at Stafford- shire, England, came to this country, entered the manufacturing business, and is now retired, living at Waterbury, Connecticut. Frank Edwards and Beulah (Boden) Punderson became the parents of the following children: I. Nancy Warner, who was born May 23, 1920, was married (first) to John T. Monroe, who lost his life while serving in World War II; they became the parents of one son, John T. Monroe, Jr .; she married (second) Allen C. Warner, of Springfield, and they became the parents of one daughter, Priscilla Warner. 2. James Boden Punderson, who was born February 26, 1926, ser- ved during World War II in the Air Forces. He married Jane Harper April 8, 1947, and they have a
son James Boden Punderson, Jr., born January 24, 1948. 3. Frank Edwards, Jr., who was born July 6, 1934, and is now a student at the Junior High School in Springfield.
EDWARD R. MESSER, M.D .- Since 1920 a lead- ing physician and surgeon of Lenox, Dr. Edward R. Messer has carried on an extensive practice and given faithful service to prominent hospitals in addition to contributing much toward the city health programs of both Lenox and Pittsfield.
Edward Messer was born May 29, 1887, at Pitts- field, son of Jerry and Philomena (Daniels) Messer. His parents were natives of Canada.
Edward R. Messer received his early education in the elementary schools of his home town and, in 1905, was graduated from Pittsfield High School. He at- tended the Albany Medical School, and, in 1909, re- ceived the degree of Doctor of Medicine. Following his graduation from medical school, he interned at St. Peter's Hospital in Albany, New York.
In 1910, Dr. Messer established a practice at Pitts- field which became successful over a period of years. In 1917, Dr. Messer interrupted his professional work to enter the United States Navy in which he was commissioned a lieutenant in the Medical Corps. He served with distinction until March 1920.
After returning to civilian life, Dr. Messer began the practice of medicine at Lenox. In 1933, he was appointed to the position of associate medical exam- iner of the Third Berkshire District. In addition to his other work, he serves on the staffs of the House of Mercy Hospital and St. Luke's Hospital in Pitts- field.
He is a member of the American Medical Associa- tion, the Massachusetts State Medical Association, and the Berkshire Medical Society. In religious affilia- tion he is a Roman Catholic, and attends St. Ann's Roman Catholic Church.
On June 14, 1918, at Lenox, Dr. Edward R. Messer married Gertrude E. Mahanna, daughter of Michael and Julia (Abbott) Mahanna, and a member of one of the oldest families of Lenox. They became the parents of the following children: 1. Marion G., who was married to John A. Heaton, of Pittsfield, who served during World War II as a lieutenant in the United States Navy Air Corps, and is now associated in business with Charles Kimball in Pittsfield, con- ducting the Greylock Airways. Mrs. Heaton was graduated from Lenox High School, and attended Regis College at Weston. 2. Edward R., Jr., who was born December 16, 1926, at Pittsfield, and while in his junior year at Pittsfield High School enlisted in the United States Navy; he served as a pharmacists mate, second class, in the Amphibian Forces Hospital Corps in the Pacific Theater of Operations; he en- tered the service in December, 1943, and received his honorable discharge in May, 1945; he is now attending the Bartlett School of Forestry at Stamford, Connec- ticut. 3. William M., who was born July 26, 1931, and is now attending Lenox High School.
WILLIAM REDMOND BARRY-For more than ten years prominent as a lawyer of Springfield, and serving in several capacities as public official in this city, William Redmond Barry has done much toward
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furthering the well-being and high standard of the citizenry of his community.
Mr. Barry was born at Hartford, Connecticut, Feb- ruary 2, 1905, son of Patrick J. and Katherine (Houri- hane) Barry. His father, a native of County Cork, Ireland, died at Hartford, where he was a machinist at the Colt Fire Arms Company, and was a member of the Roman Catholic Church; his wife, also a native of County Cork, now resides at Hartford.
William Redmond Barry received his early educa- tion in the Hartford public schools; in 1922 was graduated from high school there, attended Connecti- cut University, and was graduated, in 1932, from the University of Detroit with the degree of Bachelor of Laws.
That same year Mr. Barry was admitted to the Michigan bar, and practiced in the State until 1936, at which time he came to Springfield, after having been admitted to the Massachusetts bar. In addition to a splendid general practice carried on in the best interest of the citizens of Springfield, Mr. Barry has played an important part in the public life of the city. In 1941 he served as Springfield prosecuting attorney, and until 1944 was a representative of the Great and General Court. At present he is serving as governor's counsel.
Mr. Barry is active in the life of his community as a member of the Springfield Lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Springfield Country Club, and Delta Theta law fraternity. In politics he is a Republican, and in religious affiliation is a member of the Holy Name Roman Catholic Church. He has always been interested in sports, and while at college, was the speed skating champion of Connecticut for the year 1926.
On November 26, 1926, William Redmond Barry married Catherine Sullivan, daughter of Timothy J. and Catherine (Keyes) Sullivan, of Hartford. Mrs. Barry, who was born at Middletown, Connecticut, was graduated in 1924 from Hartford High School, is a member of the Springfield Country Club, attends the Holy Name Roman Catholic Church, and holds mem- bership in the Springfield district of the Women's Re- publican Club. William Redmond and Catherine (Sul- livan) Barry became the parents of the following children: I. Charlotte, who was born February 3, 1928, is a student of the Springfield Junior College. 2. Brian, who was born September 23, 1934, and is a student at the Forest Park Junior High School. 3. Joan, who was born July 27, 1937, and is a student at the Washington Street Grammar School.
ALBERT WALTER DICKS-A prominent leader in the automobile paint business of Springfield, and a native of England, Albert Walter Dicks has done valuable work in the paint and carriage building trades on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean.
Mr. Dicks was born June 10, 1898, at Seven Oakes, Kent, England, son of Henry Abraham and Kate (Todman) Dicks. His father was born in 1866 at Hastings, England, and is a retired coach painter there, is a Socialist, and is a member of the Unitarian Church. He married Kate Todman, who was born in 1867 at Godlenning, Surrey, England, and is living in England. They became the parents of the follow- ing children: I. Harry Edmund. 2. Mrs. James
Phillips. 3. Mrs. Leonard Banks. 4. Harold Ruth- brook. 5. Albert Walter, of further mention.
Albert Walter Dicks received his education in the public schools of England, and then became associ- ated with the firm of Welch Brothers at Canterbury, England, building coaches and acting as an apprentice coach painter. He remained here until 1915 when he volunteered and served for three-and-a-half years in the Royal Engineers, being wounded in France. In 1919 he received his honorable discharge from the service, and returned to coach painting, this time at Dartford, England. After a short period there, he went to Rochester, England, where he became associ- ated with the Short Brothers Company, builders of busses and airplanes. After having given excellent service to this company for several years, he joined the Coleman and Epps Company, builders of coaches, and remained with this firm until May, 1926.
At this time Mr. Dicks migrated to the United States and settled in Springfield, where he has re- mained since. Shortly after having arrived in this country he became associated with the Smith Car- riage Company as a painter, and later joined the Rolls Royce Company. In 1929 he became a painter for the Springfield Cadillac Company, remaining with this firm until 1932. In that year he went into business for himself, establishing a shop on Oak Grove Avenue. Six years later the company had been so successful and had grown to such a degree that he moved to his present location, remodeling the building. In January, 1947, the enterprise was incorp- orated under the name of the A. W. Dicks Auto Paint and Body Company with Mr. Dicks as presi- dent and Mrs. Anne Bennett as treasurer. Mrs. Bennett is a native of England who came to the United States at the same time as did Mr. Dicks. Her husband, Frederick Bennett was also associated with Mr. Dicks in the company, but he is now retired. Two of Mr. and Mrs. Bennett's four children are also associated with the firm. At present the or- ganization employs twelve to fifteen workers, and it is proving to be very successful under the able direc- tion of Mr. Dicks.
Active in his community life, Mr. Dicks takes pride in the organizations to which he belongs. He is a member of, and at one time was quartermaster of, the British War Veterans Association of Springfield. He is a member of the Springfield Chamber of Com- merce, and the Orpheus Club of Springfield. In re- ligious faith he is a Unitarian. He has a home at Huntington, where he goes for weekends and vaca- tions, and is a lover of good music.
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