USA > Massachusetts > The story of western Massachusetts, Volume IV > Part 9
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55
On September 14, 1929, Chester Beach Bulkley married Helen Durgin, a native of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, who was graduated from the Technical High School, attended Boston University, is a member and former president of the Junior League, is president of the Fortnightly Club of Springfield, and attends the Faith Congregational Church. Chester Beach and Helen (Durgin) Bulkley became the parents of the following children: I. Janet Caroline, who was born December 20, 1931, and is a student at the Mac- Duffie School for Girls. 2. Ann Elizabeth, who was born September 3, 1934, and is attending public schol.
CHARLES ERNEST LEE-Although his first employment, at an early age, was in the field of accountancy, Charles Ernest Lee soon recognized that educational, organizational and community work were his true vocation, and after completing his edu- cation, he turned to that field and has remained in it ever since assuming positions of increasing respon- sibility.
Mr. Lee is a native of the state of Illinois, born at Freeport on June 4, 1893, a son of Frank Ernest and Isabel (Brew) Lee. Frank Ernest Lee, who was a farmer in Illinois, was born in 1873 and died in 1905. His wife, who was also born in 1873, survived him to pass away in 1928.
Charles Ernest Lee as a boy attended public grade school in his birth place, and graduated from the Freeport High School. In 1911 he took his first em- ployment, becoming an accountant and so remaining until some time in 1916. In that year he entered George Williams College as a student, but his col- legiate career was interrupted by the call to national service in 1917, when he entered the United States Navy, in which he held the rank of an ensign. In 1919 he resumed his studies, but this time at the University of Chicago, and graduated in 1922. He worked in the South Chicago Young Men's Christian Association and steel mills while in school.
In 1922 Mr. Lee was appointed secretary of the Young Men's Christian Association in Peoria, Illinois, and in this way entered upon what was to prove his principal life work. In 1925 he was made assistant general secretary of the Young Men's Christian As- sociation in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he remained un- til 1938. In that year he was appointed general sec-
cf. Capuano
267
WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS
retary of the Young Men's Christian Association at Springfield. In addition to filling this position with great ability since then, Mr. Lee also serves as an instructor on the faculty of Springfield College. Dur- ing 1941 he was for a time granted leave of absence from his duties at the Young Men's Christian Asso- ciation to fill the post of regional supervisor of the war-time morale-building agency known as the United Service Organizations.
Mr. Lee is active in a number of the principal busi- ness and civic organizations of his adopted city, in- cluding the Springfield Chamber of Commerce, the Business Men's Club, and the Reality Club. One of his chief interests is the Springfield Rotary Club, where he is chairman of the program committee. He attends Trinity Methodist Church, and in politics is an in- dependent.
On June 25, 1921, Charles Ernest Lee married at Freeport, Illinois, Myrtle Briggs, a daughter of Gard- ner and Anna (Hutchinson) Briggs. Of this marriage there are two children: I. Jane Virginia, who was born on December 15, 1927, at Cincinnati, Ohio. She is now a student at Mt. Holyoke College in South Had- ley. 2. Robert Ernest, born on October 16, 1930. He entered college as a freshman in 1948.
FREDERICK CLARENDON EMERSON-One of the foremost business leaders of Springfield, Fred- erick Clarendon Emerson has made significant contri- butions toward the advancement and development of the industrial life of his community.
Mr. Emerson was born October 17, 1913, at Billings, Montana, son of Paul Salisbury and Bessie (Bump) Emerson. His father, who was born July 12, 1888, is a teacher. His mother was born September 19, 1880.
Frederick Emerson received his early education in the public schools of Cheshire, Connecticut, was graduated from the Crosby High School at Water- bury, Connecticut, and the Bay Path Institute, and took his printing apprenticeship at the Connecticut State Trade School at Meriden, Connecticut, remain- ing there for two-and-a-half years.
After having completed his formal education, Mr. Emerson, in 1935, became associated with the Cheshire "Chronicle" as a reporter and typographer. He re- mained with this paper for about eight months, and then came to Springfield, where he became asso- ciated with the R. P. Childs Stamp Company for six weeks. At the end of this period he accepted a posi- tion in the offices of the Spartan Saw Works, and continued with this firm in this capacity until 1939. In that year he worked in the sales, advertising and export departments of the company. The following year he became assistant sales manager, and, in 1942, he was promoted to the positions of sales, advertis- ing and export manager. His excellent reputation was widespread, and he became vice president, in 1945, in addition to continuing with his other duties. He has remained in these capacities since, and has discharged his duties with distinction, aiding greatly toward the substantial success of the enterprise. In addition to his connection with the Spartan Saw Works, he is also export advisor for the firm of Lavallee and Ide, Inc., at Chicopee.
Mr. Emerson plays an active role in the life of his community. He is vice president of the Sales Man-
agers Club, is chairman of the Foreign Trade Council, is vice president of the Industrial Advertising and Marketing Council of Western New England and a former national director of the National Industrial Advertising Association. He is a former member of the Board of Control of the Exchange Club, is president of the Mawaga Sporting Club and is a member of the Lions Club of Agawam. A prominent Republican, he was elected, in February, 1946, to a five-year term as member of the Agawam Planning Board, and is a member of the Agawam Republican town committee. In religious faith he is a Congrega- tionalist.
On April 15, 1939, at Cranston, Rhode Island, Frederick Clarendon Emerson married Shirley Whit- marsh, daughter of Waldo L. and Ethel (Lind) Whitmarsh. Her father, who was advertising manager of the Brown and Sharpe Company, of Providence, died in 1930. Her mother is living at Cranston. Mrs. Emerson was born August 14, 1918, at Cranston, and was graduated from high school and the Edgewood Secretarial School. Frederick Clarendon and Shirley (Whitmarsh) Emerson have adopted two children, Bruce Lind Emerson, who was born March 7, 1945, and Betsy Lou Emerson, born April 30, 1947.
CARMINE CAPUANO-Coming to the United States from Italy nearly thirty-five years ago, with assets mainly of health, optimism and ambition, Car- mine Capuano of Springfield has by his energy, en- terprise and ability become one of the most success- ful general contractors in this area of Massachusetts, and a leading figure in the construction field.
Mr. Capuano's father, the late Gennaro Capuano, was a builder and contractor in Italy. Gennaro Capuano, who died in 1920, had married Mary Capu- ano, who survived him until 1935. To them the son they named Carmine was born at Castle St. George, Italy, and his education was obtained in the public school in his birthplace. He fought in the Tripoli War, being a non-commissioned officer, and during the course of those hostilities he sustained a wound in the arm. At a later period he was a member of the Thirty-eighth Coast Artillery of the United States Army, stationed in Brooklyn, New York, and later received his honorable discharge at Newport News, Virginia.
Carmine Capuano came to the United States in 1913. He found employment as a mason, but in the same year made his first venture in business as a contractor in Springfield, working for a number of builders in that city. In 1914 he severed these connections to start C. Capuano, Mason-Contractor. He started operations on his own account in 1928, and on Sep- tember 7, 1940, formed a partnership with Richard Ricardi, which however was dissolved early in 1941, since which time Mr. Capuano has been the sole owner of the Capuano Construction Company. He is a member of the Building Trades Association of Spring- field and of the Springfield Credit Bureau.
Mr. Capuano's religious affiliation is with the Bible Student Protestant Church. In politics he is an inde- pendent voter.
At Castle Saint George, Italy, Carmine Capuano was married to Annie Capuano, who was also a native of that place. Of this marriage there are five children: I. Marcolina, who was born in Italy in December,
268
WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS
1920. Brought to the United States in childhood, she was educated in the public schools of Springfield, and at International College. Taking up nursing, she became a graduate nurse at the Springfield Hospital. 2. Gennaro, born on June 4, 1923, in Italy. After being brought to this country he received his educa- tion in the Springfield public schools and at Technical High School. He is now associated in business with S/A. 3. Elio, born in Italy on November 1, 1924. He also attended the Springfield public schools, the Technical High School and the American Internation- al College, and is now connected in business with S/A. 4. Nicholina, born November 15, 1925, at Springfield, where she attended public schools includ- ing the Commerce High School before studying at the Springfield Hospital Nursing School, of which she is a graduate. 5. David Paul, who was born in Springfield on March 28, 1940.
MAURICE I. LERNER has been engaged in the practice of law in Lee since 1937. Mr. Lerner serves as treasurer of the Lee Republican town committee and is a member of the executive committee of the Berkshire County Bar Association and otherwise active in community organizations.
Mr. Lerner was born in New York City October 13, 1907, the son of Nathan and Mollie (Cooper) Lerner. The family were furriers by trade. Nathan Lerner, who died July 27, 1935 is buried in Middletown, Con- necticut, and Mollie (Cooper) Lerner is now living in Meriden, Connecticut.
Maurice I. Lerner graduated from Middletown High School of Middletown, Connecticut, where he spent his boyhood, and from Northeastern University Law School in Boston, where he received his Bachelor of Laws degree in 1932. He was admitted to the Massa- chusetts State bar in 1934 and came to Lee in 1937, where he has been engaging in general practice ever since. Mr. Lerner belongs to the American Bar Association and the Massachusetts Bar Association, and to the Berkshire County Bar Association, serving as a member of the executive committee in the last- named organization. He is an active Republican and treasurer of the Lee Republican town committee. Fra- ternally he is affiliated with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, being past master of Evening Star Lodge of Lee and a Thirty-second degree initiate of Connecticut Valley Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, at Springfield. He worships at Temple Anshe Amonim in Pittsfield.
He married in New Haven, Connecticut, on Novem- ber 23, 1935 Ida Rose of Monroe, Connecticut, the daughter of Benjamin and Rebecca Rose. Mr. and Mrs. Lerner have one daughter, Norma Diane, born at Great Barrington, in Fairview Hospital, on March 28, 1942.
SAMUEL SHAPIRO-The president of Shapiro Motors, Incorporated, Mr. Samuel Shapiro has been doing business at 35 Union Street, North Adams, for approximately forty years. He started at this loca- tion selling horses. In 1918 Mr. Shapiro began hand- ling automobiles as a sideline, and in 1926 became a Dodge dealer in North Adams. In 1932 he estab- lished a branch in Pittsfield and in 1936 built a new garage at 631 North Street. The business was in- corporated January 1, 1940 and is engaged in the
sale and service of Dodge and Plymouth passenger cars and Dodge trucks both in North Adams and Pittsfield.
Mr. Shapiro is married to the former Anna Kron- ick. They have six children, three sons and three daughters. Three sons and two nephews are asso- ciated with him in the business.
Mr. and Mrs. Shapiro reside at 140 Pleasant Street, North Adams.
MILTON ROBERT BERMAN-Possessing a brilliant war record, Milton Robert Berman is estab- lishing himself in the business world of Springfield.
Mr. Berman was born November 12, 1921, at New Haven, Connecticut, son of Gustave and Lillian Ber- man. His father is a retail merchant.
Milton Berman received his early education in the local public schools, attended the Williston Academy, and received the degree of Master of Business Ad- ministration at Yale University.
In March, 1942, Mr. Berman interrupted his educa- tion to enter the United States Army Air Corps. He trained in Texas and in April, 1943, was commissioned a second lieutenant, then served as instructor of com- bat tactics in the Army Air Forces School of Applied Tactics, at Orlando, Florida, for a year, and in 1944 was sent overseas. He there became a member of the Fiftieth Fighter Group, Eighty-first Flying Squadron, and flew from England until the Normandy invasion, and then was based in France. In all he flew seventy- nine missions, mostly in the capacity of dive-bomber and strafer. He received the Air Medal with fifteen oak leaf clusters, the Distinguished Flying Cross with one oak leaf cluster, and the Purple Heart. In De- cember. 1944, he was returned to the United States, and served as training aide officer at the Yuma Army Air Base at Yuma, Arizona. In June, 1945, at Camp Devens, Massachusetts, he received his honorable discharge from the service, but he is still on active reserve.
In 1945, after returning to civilian life, Mr. Berman became associated with his father in the elder Mr. Berman's retail establishment, the Yale Clothing Com- pany. The following year he resumed his studies at Yale, and received his degree from that institution of higher learning. On October 25, 1947 Mr. Berman married at Charbea House, 7 Crescent Hill, Spring- field, Martha Wheeler Robinson, daughter of Donald Robinson of New Haven, Connecticut and they now reside at 182 Locust Street, Springfield. He is doing very well in business, and is a mainstay in his father's clothing enterprise. Mr. Berman worships at Sinai Temple, Springfield.
GEORGE P. CLAYSON, JR .- Although he is a native of Chicago, and was educated in Illinois and Connecticut and initiated into the business world in New York State, George P. Clayson, Jr. has been closely identified with the business and industrial life of the Berkshire region of Western Massachusetts for some fourteen years, and is now ranked among the leaders in those circles in Pittsfield and through- out this part of the State, as befits one who fills the office of president of the Eaton Paper Corpora- tion, a concern whose products, nationally advertised and distributed, sustain the century-old reputation of
Russell ST Swett
269
WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS
Western Massachusetts as the source of the finest paper products made in the United States.
A son of George P. and Bird (Gutstadt) Clayson, George P. Clayson, Jr. was born at Chicago, Illinois, on April 26, 1908. His father, a native of Syracuse, Onondaga County, New York, and a graduate of Syracuse University, was long associated with the Webb Ship Building School at Fordham in New York City, and later became a successful marine architect in Chicago, Illinois. Mr. George P. Clayson, Sr. is now a resident of Long Beach, California, where he is in business as a tax consultant.
George P. Clayson, Jr. graduated from high school at Evanston, Illinois, the select suburb of Chicago, and came East to enter Yale University at New Haven, Connecticut, from which he graduated in the class of 1930 with the degree of Bachelor of Pharmacy. In that same year he took employment with the Agfa Ansco Company at Binghamton, Broome County, New York, as a member of its junior executive train- ing course. Later he became a salesman for this noted camera and photographic supply concern, and eventually was appointed its representative in New York City, where he was assistant manager of this highly successful branch office.
It was in 1934 that Mr. Clayson came to Western Massachusetts to become associated with the Eaton Paper Corporation at Pittsfield. At first he was in charge of sales promotion, but his natural business ability soon brought him to the fore and in 1942 he was chosen president. Doubtless at that time he was one of the youngest men in the country holding the chief executive position in a corporation of this mag- nitude, but his continued successful management of Eaton Paper has fully vindicated his selection. Under the guidance of his able policies, this firm has main- tained its fine traditions and has increased its leader- ship in its field.
Mr. Clayson's business interests extend to the banking field, and he is the clerk, and a member of the board of trustees, of the Berkshire County Savings Bank. He is an active and influential member of the Pittsfield Chamber of Commerce, of which he held the presidency from 1944 to 1946. During that time he was also the welcomer of the Chamber of Com- merce. He has long taken an interest in the work of the American Red Cross, and is now the chairman of the Pittsfield chapter of that nation-wide organiza- tion. His religious affiliation is with the Presbyterian Church. He is a member of the Pittsfield Country Club.
At Binghamton, New York, George P. Clayson, Jr. was married on October 16, 1931, to Anna Mary Davis of that city, a daughter of the late Horace W. Davis and his wife Elsie (Williams) Davis, who were natives of Sharon, Pennsylvania. Horace W. Davis, who died in January, 1942, was prominent both as a lawyer and as a businessman. He was president of the Agfa Ansco Company of Binghamton from 1924 to 1931. In the latter year he turned to the private practice of the law, and so continued until some time in 1935, when he became president of the Eaton Paper Cor- poration at Pittsfield, filling that office until the year of his death, when he was succeeded in the presidency by his son-in-law George P. Clayson, Jr.
Of the marriage of George P. and Anna Mary (Davis) Clayson, there are five children: 1. George P.
III, who was born on October 15, 1933. 2. Davis, born on July 20, 1935. 3. Alan, born March 7, 1938. 4. Nancy Anne, born on February 6, 1941. 5. Mary Churchward, who was born on August 29, 1943. All of these children live in Pittsfield.
George P. Clayson's favorite recreation is golf, and his hobby is model airplanes.
RUSSELL F. SWETT-Swett Brothers, at 78 Is- land Pond Road, Springfield, is the well-known firm dealing in automatic heating, fuel oil, insulation and in window sashes and air conditioning. It was or- ganized in 1928 by Russell F. Swett, in partnership with his brother Reginald. Russell F. Swett has a reputation throughout New England in this field.
Mr. Swett was born in Haverhill, Massachusetts, on November 23, 1903, the son of Everett M. and Fannie Hazel (Knute) Swett. His father, a shoe manufac- turer at Haverhill, died in 1924. His mother, who was born in 1881, survives him. Russell F. Swett was educated in private schools and in business schools. After considerable experience in automobile production and sales, he launched his present business in 1928. Three year later, joined by his brother, he incorporated the enterprise as Swett Brothers. Mr. Swett's standing in the field in which he operates is suggested by the fact that his colleagues have elected him president of the Oil Heating Institute of New England. He is also a member of the Fuel Oil Deal- ers Association, the Home Builders Association, the Springfield Chamber of Commerce, the Longmeadow Country Club and the Masonic Order. He worships at South Church, Springfield. His hobby is golf.
Mr. Swett married Jane Broadwell, daughter of Edward and Imogene Broadwell, in Longmeadow on January 5, 1935. Mrs. Swett, born in Longmeadow on February 18, 19II, was educated in its schools. Her father, now retired, was for many years vice president and general manager of the Fisk Tire Company. Mr. and Mrs. Swett are the parents of two children: Sarah Jane, born November 29, 1940, and Martha, born June 23, 1945.
CLAYTON WILLIAM NESBIT, M. D., one of Pittsfield's younger physicians, specializes in the practice of internal medicine and during the war ac- cumulated valuable experience in the United States Navy, having been promoted to the rank of lieutenant commander.
He was born in Pittsfield on October 15, 1910, the son of Clifford E. and Julia S. (Surette) Nesbit. His father, who is a native of Pittsfield, is employed in the Pittsfield Post Office. His mother is a native of New Brunswick.
Clayton William Nesbit was graduated from Pitts- field High School in the class of 1928 and then entered Williams College, where he received the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1932. He then entered Harvard Medical School and in 1936 was graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. The following year he served his internship at Albany Hospital, after which he returned to Pittsfield to be a resident physician at St. Luke's Hospital. He is at present a member of the staff of St. Luke's Hospital and of the Tuberculosis Hospital at West Pittsfield. He serves on the courtesy
270
WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS
staff of the House of Mery Hospital and Hillcrest Hospital, both of Pittsfield.
Dr. Nesbit was in the United States Navy Medical Corps Reserve and saw service from 1942 to 1946. He was at first a lieutenant junior grade and subsequently was promoted to the rank of lieutenant commander. He served as medical officer on the U.S.S. "Trenton" in the American and Pacific theaters of operation. He is a member of the Williams College chapter of the honorary scholarship fraternity Phi Beta Kappa, a member of the Berkshire County Medical Society, the Massachusetts Medical Society, and the American Medical Association. Dr. Nesbit and his family belong to St. Charles Roman Catholic Church.
He married in Pittsfield, July 2, 1938 Marion Har- low Bastow, daughter of Frank W. and Margaret (Wilson) Bastow, of Pittsfield. She is a graduate of the University of Syracuse, where she took the de- gree of Bachelor of Science in 1933. Dr. and Mrs. Nesbit have one daughter, Jennifer Harlow, born in Pittsfield, December 26, 1940.
EDWARD FORRESTER SUTHERLAND-A leading figure in the insurance, engineering and laundry businesses of Springfield, Edward Forrester Sutherland has contributed significantly toward the progress and development of many phases of com- munity endeavor. His excellent reputation has been earned through conscientious effort and devotion to duty.
Mr. Sutherland was born May 3, 1902, at Waverly, New York, son of George and Rose (Finnegan) Sutherland. His father was born in 1870 and his mother was born in 1872.
Edward Sutherland received his early education in the local public schools of his home town, was gradu- ated from the Waverly High School, received the degree of Bachelor of Science at Villanova College, and attended the Northeastern University Law School.
In 1925 Mr. Sutherland entered the insurance busi- ness as a claims adjuster for several firms, and re- mained in this capacity until 1941. In the latter year he became associated with the Consolidated Engi- neers, in Springfield, as a chief inspector, and after 1942 as a plant superintendent. During this period, he remained in these capacities, exhibiting excellent qualities of leadership and devotion to duty. In 1945, after the conclusion of war, he organized Baby's Own Laundry, Incorporated, at 344 Columbus Avenue, and became the president of this thriving enterprise, which today is exceedingly prosperous and widely known, being one of the outstanding concerns of its type in the region.
Mr. Sutherland is active in the life of his com- munity as a member of the Off Soundings Club, the United States Power Squadron, and the Springfield Ski Club. In politics he is a staunch Republican.
On April 18, 1937, at Washington, D. C., Edward Forrester Sutherland married Elizabeth Brooks, daughter of Arthur and Lettie (Baker) Brooks. Her father was an automotive salesman, and died in 1943. Her mother died in 1941. Mrs. Sutherland was born August II, 1910, at Longmeadow, attended the public schools and high schools of Springfield, and was graduated from the Springfield Hospital School of Nursing.
EDWARD SHELDON TOWNE-Among the older business leaders of the progressive little indus- trial city of Holyoke is Edward Sheldon Towne, whose association with the National Blank Book Com- pany of that city began some sixty years ago. Throughout that region of Western Massachusetts Mr. Towne is well-known and held in high regard as a successful businessman of exceptional ability, whose initiative and enterprise have had much to do with the continuing success of a concern whose nation-wide operations have helped make Holyoke one of the foremost paper-manufacturing and paper products-fabricating centers of the United States.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.