USA > Massachusetts > The story of western Massachusetts, Volume IV > Part 49
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JOSEPH BUELL ELY-Among those who have given many years of worthy service to the State of Massachusetts, Joseph Buell Ely stands in the first rank. A former governor, and eminent lawyer of Springfield, Westfield, and Boston, he has helped to maintain the stalwart reputation of Massachusetts among the family of states.
Mr. Ely was born February 22, 1881, at Westfield, son of Henry Wilson and Sarah N. (Buell) Ely. The first member of the family to put foot on American soil was Nathaniel Ely, who came from England to Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1632 and eventually settled at Springfield. Joseph Minor Ely, grandfather of Joseph Buell Ely, was a native of Westfield, and was a whip manufacturer by occupation. He married, and his son, Henry Wilson Ely, born in Westfield be- came an outstanding lawyer, voted the Democratic ticket, and was a steward in the Methodist Church. He married Sarah Buell, daughter of Phineas L. and Phoebe (Gilman) Buell. Phineas L. Buell, born at Granville, was a prominent newspaper publisher, of Westfield.
Joseph Buell Ely received his early education in the local schools, was graduated from Westfield High School in 1898, received the degree of Bachelor of Arts at Williams College, and three years later was awarded the degree of Bachelor of Laws at Harvard University. Later in life, Mr. Ely received the hon- orary degree of Doctor of Laws from Williams Col- lege, Wesleyan University, and from the College of the Holy Cross.
After having completed his education, Mr. Ely was admitted to the bar, and began the practice of law at Westfield with his father. Soon he became a
member of the law firm of Ely and Ely. Later the practice expanded and a new member was included to form the partnership of Ely, Giles, and Ely, with of- fices in both Springfield and Westfield. Over a period of twenty years the partnership grew in stature and reputation. In 1926, retaining his offices in these two cities, he became associated with the law firm of Ropes, Gray, Boyden, and Perkins, of Boston, as the partnership's trial counsel. In 1915 he was ap- pointed district attorney of Berkshire and Hampden counties, and was elected to that same office in 1916, serving until 1919.
In 1930, Mr. Ely was nominated for governor of the State of Massachusetts, was elected, and took of- fice on January 1, 1931. He administered the office ably, and in 1933 the citizens of Massachusetts re- elected him for a second term. Since 1935, Mr. Ely has engaged in the practice of law as the senior part- ner in the firms of Ely, Bradford, Bartlett, Thompson, and Brown, of Boston, and Ely, King, Kingsbury, and Lyman, of Springfield.
Mr. Ely is active in the professional life of the State. He holds directorships in the Hampden National Bank and Trust Company, of Westfield, the New England Electric System and the American Woolen Company.
On May 1, 1906, at Westfield, Joseph Buell Ely married Harriette Z. Dyson, daughter of Thomas and Emily (Bush) Dyson, and they became the parents of one son, Richard Ely, who was graduated from the Westfield High School, attended the Choate School at Wallingford, Connecticut, received the degree of Bachelor of Arts at Williams College in 1930, and the degree of Bachelor of Laws at Boston University Law School in 1933, and is now associated with his father's Boston law firm; he married Louise Ludwick, of East Brady, Pennsylvania, and they became the parents of the following children: i. Bette. ii. Patricia. iii. Joseph Buell, II.
LIONEL GERALD ANGERS-Coming of that sturdy French Canadian stock which has contributed so much to the growth and prosperity of the upper Connecticut Valley, Lionel G. Angers is a son of Joseph A. and Celina (Robert) Angers, both of whom were natives of L'Ange Gardien in the Province of Quebec, Canada. Joseph A. Angers, who was a lum- ber merchant was born in 1870 and died in 1926.
Lionel Gerald Angers was born at Springfield, on January II, 19II. He graduated from public grade school and from the Central High School in Spring- field, after which he attended George Washington University in Washington, D. C., where he received his Bachelor of Arts in 1934. At this time if not ear- lier his ambition became centered on a career in the law, and he entered the Catholic University Law School in Washington, and took his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1938. In April of the following year he set up in general practice in his native city. Mr. Angers has been active in the political affairs of the Democratic party, which has resulted in his appoint- ment to public office. He was formely park commis- sioner of Springfield, and since January 1, 1946, he has held the position of assistant city solicitor.
Of the Roman Catholic religion, Mr. Angers is a communicant of St. Joseph's Church in Springfield. His fraternal affiliation is with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
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In Washington, D. C., on November 17, 1934, opencd for classes in 1937, the teaching staff being Lionel Gerald Angers married Margaret M. Costello, a native of that city, born in April, 1916, and educated at public grade and high schools in her birth place. Mrs. Angers is a daughter of James F. and Josephine (Keller) Costello. James F. Costello is a retired captain of the Washington fire department, now living in Washington, where he was born. Mrs. Costello is of Pennsylvania Dutch ancestry.
REV. FATHER LEO E. LAVIOLETTE-Born in Massachusetts, of that French-Canadian stock which has long formed so worthy an element in the popula- tion of the Bay State, the late Reverend Father Leo E. Laviolette was educated both in his native State and in his ancestral land. His life in religion was spent, with the exception of a period of service as a chaplain in the United States Army during World War I, en- tirely in Western Massachusetts, where service as an assistant in several parishes prepared him for the suc- cessful administration of the responsible pastorate which he last held in the Parish of Notre Dame, Pitts- field.
Father Laviolette's parents, the late George H. and Delia (Lefebvre) Laviolette, were both natives of the Province of Quebec, Canada, the former having been born at St. Helene, and the latter at Shelomene. The family moved to Worcester, in 1897. George H. Lavio- lette, who died in 1943, and is buried in Worcester, was a millwright and cabinet maker by trade. Mrs. Delia (Lefebvre) Laviolette pre-deceased her husband in 1941.
To this worthy couple, Leo E. was born at West Boylston, on March 7, 1892. His education began in the public schools, and he was graduated from the Classical High School at Worcester in 1908. His voca- tion to the priesthood was already evident, and he con- tinued his education at the College of St. Hyacinthe in the Province of Quebec, from which, after receiving the degree of Bachelor of Arts with the class of 1914, he went to the Grand Seminary at Montreal. There he received the degree of Bachelor of Theology and there also he was ordained to the priesthood of the Roman Catholic Church on December 22, 1917, at the Cathe- dral of St. James.
In that year also Father Laviolette became curate at the Church of St. Louis in West Springfield, but in the following year he entered the United States Army and with the rank of first lieutenant, served as the Catholic Chaplain of the 20th Engineers during the re- mainder of World War I and until some time in 1919. Upon his release from the Army, he returned to the Church of St. Louis, where he served until 1922. In that year he first became associated with the Roman Catholic Church of Notre Dame in Pittsfield, of which he was assistant rector until 1933.
In 1933 Father Laviolette was assigned to service at the Church of St. Francis in Fitchburg, and there he remained until 1935. In 1943, following the death of the Rev. Levi J. Achim, late pastor of the Church of Notre Dame at Pittsfield, Father Laviolette returned to that city and that parish as administrator, and in April of that same year he succeeded to the pastorate of this populous and important parish, which was founded in 1867, its first pastor being a Father La- marque, who came from France.
The parochial school of Notre Dame Parish was
drawn from the Order of Sisters of the Holy Ghost. This is now the largest and finest Catholic grammar school in Pittsfield, very modern in its appointments as well as its curriculum, including air conditioning among its many advanced features. In 1947 this school had an enrollment of 452 pupils. Ably administering the affairs of this large parish, and overseeing the con- duct of this fine school, Father Laviolette won the affection of his parishioners and the respect of his fellow-citizens of all faiths and classes in Pittsfield. His passing at the age of fifty-six, November 7, 1948, marked the untimely close of a career devoted to the services of his Church and to mankind.
NOTRE DAME CHURCH in Pittsfield is the cen- ter of a vitally active Roman Catholic Franco-Ameri- can parish. Founded in 1867, it is the Mother Church of the French speaking people of the diocese of Spring- field, and was started at a time when the French Canadians immigrated in large numbers to Pittsfield and the Berkshires. In their great desire to maintain their faith, language and ancestral customs, they erect- ed a church of wooden structure which has since been replaced by today's edifice on Melville Street.
The superstructure of the present building having been erected in 1895, the interior woodwork was as- sembled by carpenters who were, for the most part, members of the parish itself, and who lived to see the Church grow to its present position of power and benevolent influence.
In the early years the rectory was situated on Adam Street, and in February, 1912, the clergy of the parish moved into the newly completed rectory adjacent to the Church where it remains today. At the same time a large house facing First Street was moved from the rectory yard to its present site at the corner of First and Melville streets where, in 1937, it was converted from a dwelling to the present Convent which houses the teaching personnel of the school. Notre Dame Parochial School was also built in 1937.
Throughout the years the clergy of the parish ad- ministered to the spiritual needs of all people of French origin in the City and Lanesborough, as is being done today for the members who number over one thousand families.
Erection of Notre Dame School was started in Sep- tember, 1936, the outer structure was completed in January, 1937, and the school was completed and ready for use, with furniture and desks installed, in August of that year. In September, 1937, it opened its doors for enrollment to and including the sixth grade, con- tinuing its courses of instruction into the seventh and eighth grades the two following years, so that the first graduation from the eighth grade was held in June, 1940. The enrollment of the school has remained, since the time of its opening, about five hundred, with pre- sent prospects for its continuing at the figure. Since its inception Notre Dame School has had as its teach- ing personnel the Daughters of the Holy Ghost, under whose capable guidance the children of the parish have received their academic and religious instruction. The difficulty caused, in many cases, by the distance be- tween home and school was surmounted when parish- owned busses transported the children to and from school. At one time these busses covered one hundred and seventeen miles daily, and transported two hun-
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dred and fourteen children. The school had graduated, at commencement time in 1946, a total of more than two hundred pupils, many of whom served their coun- try during World War II. Throughout the parish, four hundred and fifty communicants of Notre Dame Church served their country during that conflict, and twenty-one made the supreme sacrifice, and their names bear a gold star. In 1946 Notre Dame parish issued an attractive little brochure, both commemora- ting their sacrifice, and welcoming and honoring the more fortunate ones who returned. Throughout the war, an attractive servicemen's altar was maintained in the church, which was dedicated December 20, 1942. In all, few congregations have done more for their servicemen than this one. There follows the names of those who gave their lives in service: Norbert Benham, Ernest Berne, Richard Boos, Louis Boucher, Paul Bourassa, Arthur Carmel, Robert Carmel, John Cou- ture, Leo Rene Davis, Raymond Deblois, Lawrence Hebert, Gerald Dube, Edward Gaudette, Steven Mer- riam, Leo Mermet, James Pierce, Arthur Poulton, Oscar St. Germain, Lionel Thibodiar, Noel Theboda, Albert Winnard. Their names bear evidence that Notre Dame served its country well.
The members of Notre Dame parish are an active group. The Church supports a number of French or- ganizations, and provides entertainment and whole- some social diversion for each age group. Saint Anne's Sodality is a religious and charitable organization of married ladies; while the Notre Dame Women's Club is open to women, single or married, who carry on a social, religious and benevolent program. The purpose of the Sacred Heart League is devotional. For young people, there are the Co-Eds, the Girl Scouts and Brownies, and the Boy Scouts and Cubs. Through every channel of activity and worship, Notre Dame is devoted to the building of a better community and to the maintenance of the ideals of its original French- speaking founders, namely the Roman Catholic faith, the French language and customs.
The Rev. Leo E. Laviolette was, until the time of his death on November 7, 1948, pastor of Notre Dame. He was succeeded by the Rev. Albert T. Beaudry (q.v.) in February, 1949.
FRANCIS MICHAEL COLLINS-One of the outstanding young attorneys of Springfield, Massa- chusetts, is Francis Michael Collins, who is gaining a sturdy reputation and winning a host of friends, who have come to rely upon his good judgment and thorough knowledge of the law.
Mr. Collins was born June 18, 1911, at Springfield, son of James J. and Julia A. (Coffey) Collins. John J. Collins, grandfather of Francis Michael Collins, was born in County Kerry, Ireland, and was a commer- cial fisherman by occupation. He married Bridget Moriarty, also a native of County Kerry, and their son, James J. Collins, father of Francis Michael Collins, was born July 8, 1884, in County Kerry, and died October 20, 1941, at Springfield. For many years a Springfield police official, he voted the Democratic ticket, and attended the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church. He married Julia A. Coffey, daughter of John and Mary (Culnane) Coffey, natives of County Cork, Ireland. Her father came to this country and became associated with a whip factory at Westfield. Her mother died
in Ireland. Julia A. (Coffey) Collins was born June 20, 1887, in County Cork, Ireland, and is re- siding at Springfield.
Francis Michael Collins received his early train- ing in the public schools of Springfield, and was graduated from the Central High School in the class of 1928. In 1942, he received the degree of Bachelor of Laws from Northeastern University at Spring- field, and the following year was admitted to the bar.
Mr. Collins joined the War Labor Board, under the auspices of the Department of Labor, in its wage and hour division. While with the Board, he began his own private practice of law in 1944 with offices in the Court Square Building. Although he left the War Labor Board in 1945 after having rendered valuable service to his government, he has carried on a general law practice until the present, and has been highly successful in this profession.
Mr. Collins is very active in many phases of community life. He holds memberships in the American Bar Association, the Massachusetts Bar Association, and the Hampden County Bar Associ- ation. He is president of the Board of Alderman of the City of Springfield, and is a member of the Knights of Columbus. In political belief he is an ardent Democrat, and he attends St. Michael's Cathedral, Roman Catholic Church of Springfield.
On August 16, 1937, at Springfield, Francis Michael Collins married Elizabeth Meehan, daughter of Augustus and Catherine (Guthrie) Meehan. Her father, a native of Springfield, was an interior decorator by profession, and died in that city in 1927. Her mother, a native of New York City, is now living in Brooklyn, New York. Mrs. Collins attended the Springfield public schools, received her high school training at high school there, was graduated from a prominent business college of New York City, and is a member of St. Michael's Cathedral. Francis Michael and Elizabeth (Meehan) Collins became the parents of the following children : I. Francis Augustus, who was born June 20, 1938. 2. Edward Joseph, who was born July 8, 1939. 3. Charles Anthony, born May 25, 1940. 4. Carrol Marie, who was born December II, 1941. 5. Elaine Frances, who was born December 2, 1943.
CHAUNCEY ALLEN STEIGER-The Steiger department stores in Springfield, Holyoke, and Hart- ford are among the best known mercantile institu- tions in New England. Founded by the father of Chauncey Allen Steiger, they have had the benefit of the son's participation in their management since the end of World War I. In that war Mr. Steiger served in the United States Navy. Aside from being treasurer of the company, he is treasurer of the Steiger Realty Company, Springfield, and a director of the Springfield National Bank.
Chauncey Allen Steiger was born in Westfield, on February 26, 1893, the son of Albert and Izetta (Allen) Steiger. Albert Steiger, founder of the Steiger stores, was born in Ravensburg, Germany, on May 12, 1860, and died in his summer home at Holyoke on September 9, 1938. He had come to the United States at the age of twelve with his parents, Jacob and Mary (Feierabend) Steiger, and the family had settled in Huntington, Massachusetts. His father, of Swiss descent, was born on the Swiss-German
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border in Germany and died in Huntington. His mother was born in Germany and died in Westfield. The mother of Chauncey Allen Steiger was born in Westfield on September 2, 1862, the daughter of Chauncey and Celia (Norton) Allen, both also na- tives of Westfield who died there. Her father was a builder and contractor. Izetta (Allen) Steiger died in Florida-though a resident of Springheld-on April 20, 1943.
Chauncey Steiger began his education in the gram- mar schools of Westfield and continued at Holyoke and Springfield high schools and at Exeter Academy. In 1917 he was graduated from Dartmouth College with the degree of Bachelor of Science. The United States having but recently declared war on Germany, he enlisted in the navy. After training at Newport and Pelham Bay, New York, he was commissioned an ensign. After the war he became associated with his father.
In the course of the years, Albert Steiger had en- tered the mercantile field and founded the Steiger stores. He had also become prominent in civic ven- tures in Springfield, was a Republican and well known among his fellow worshipers at the South Congregational Church. When the twenty-six-year- old veteran of World War I joined his father in business, he was placed in charge of the Holyoke store. There he remained until 1932, when he en- tered the headquarters office in Springfield. Six years later the elder Mr. Steiger died. Mr. Steiger, the son, has since become treasurer of the company, as well as of the affiliated Steiger Realty Company. When he was at Holyoke, he was a director of the Hadley Falls Trust Company and he has since been elected a director of the Springfield National Bank.
Like his father, Mr. Steiger is active in the South Congregational Church and is a member of its ex- ecutive committee. As a voter, he is independent in his political leanings. He is a member of the Ameri- can Legion, the Rotary Club, the Colony Club, the Springfield Chamber of Commerce, the Merchants Bureau, the Springfield Country Club, Dartmouth Club and the University Club of Springfield. He is a member of the board of trustees of Springfield Col- lege. His diversions are golf, fishing and sailing.
Mr. Steiger has been twice married. His first wife was Esther Emery, daughter of Edward and Ethel (Reynolds) Emery of Monson, who died on October 13, 1941. Her mother died some years ago, but her father, a fruit grower, survives her, making his home at Westboro. Two children were born to Esther and Chauncey Steiger: Reynolds Emery, on March 13, 1925, and Elisabeth Ann, born May 13, 1926. The son, educated at Williston Academy and the Yale School of Music, is now associated with his father in the management of the Steiger Group. Elisabeth Ann Steiger is also active in the business. She is a graduate of the Emma Willard School and Colby Junior College.
On January 3, 1947, in Springfield, Mr. Steiger married Miss Hazel Clark, daughter of Edward and Helena (Russell) Clark, of Kennebunk Port, Maine. Mrs. Hazel Steiger was educated at Columbia Uni- versity and at Boston University and received the degree of Master of Music from the American Inter- national College at Springfield. In May 1945 she was the recipient of the Pynchon Medal for out-
standing achievement in music. Until her marriage, Mrs. Steiger was director of music at the Classical High School, Springfield.
JOHN D. LYNCH-Since his boyhood associated with Stevenson and Company, Inc. of Pittsfield, John D. Lynch has for many years been prominently identified with insurance in Berkshire County.
Mr. Lynch was born May 12, 1894, at Elizabeth, New Jersey, son of John and Mary (Healey) Lynch. His father was born in Ireland, came to this country as a boy, settled at Elizabeth, and became a station- ary fireman by occupation.
John D. Lynch moved to Pittsfield at the age of five years upon the death of his mother and lived with an aunt, Margaret (Healey) MacDonald. He received his formal education in the public schools of Pittsfield.
After having attained the age of fifteen years, Mr. Lynch, in 1909, became associated with Steven- son and Company, Inc. This is one of the oldest insurance agencies in Western Massachusetts.
During the following years he held increasingly im- portant positions. On September 20, 1916, Mr. J. M. Stevenson died, ending an era for the agency. Five years later Mr. Lynch became an officer in the con- pany. In 1923, Stevenson and Company, Inc. moved to its present site at 30-34 North Street. New clients continued to make the firm their agent, and, by 1947, the Stevenson agency could look back on eighty years of efficient service to the city of Pitts- field and its citizens. Following the death of William C. Stevenson in 1942, Mr. Lynch became president, the position he still holds. In addition he is a director of the enterprise.
He has been active in the civic life of Pittsfield. For six years he was a member of the Pittsfield Planning Board, and from 1942 through 1945 he served as a member of the City Council. He is a director and president of the Rotary Club, also di- rector and secretary of the Pittsfield Boys' Club. He belongs to Pittsfield Post No. 68 of the American Legion, being a thirty-year member. During World War I he served in the United States Navy. Frater- nally, he holds memberships in the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of Columbus, the Fraternal Order of Eagles and Father Mathew Total Abstinence Society. In religious belief he is a devout Roman Catholic.
On September 3. 1928, at Pittsfield, Masschusetts, John D. Lynch married Veronica M. Revord, daugh- ter of Ezra and Mary Revord, of Dalton, Massa- chusetts. They became the parents of the following children: I. Eleanor, who was born August 25, 1930, at Pittsfield. 2. Mary V., who was born May 24, 1932. 3. John D., Jr., who was born August 29, 1936.
ROBERT SARGENT HIBBARD-A native of Pittsfield, Robert Sargent Hibbard is a New Eng- lander in every respect; at New England schools and colleges he was educated, and in his native Western Massachusetts he has made his career, becoming one of the successful businessmen and one of the civic leaders of his birthplace.
Mr. Hibbard's father, the late Hon. Charles Love- joy Hibbard, was one of Western Massachusetts'
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distinguished lawyers, and for some time had with ability and credit filled the position of judge of the district court. Charles Lovejoy Hibbard married Alice Paddock, and of this union the son they named Robert Sargent was born on October 27, 1898. After his elementary schooling he entered the fa- mous Phillips Academy at Andover, Massachusetts, where he was a student from 1914 to 1916. In the latter year he went to the Choate School at Wal- lingford, Connecticut, remaining till 1917, when he returned to his native Berkshires to enter Williams College at Williamstown. There he received the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1921. His formal edu- cation was completed by a course at the Harvard School of Business Administration in Cambridge.
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