Worcester county; a narrative history, Volume III, Part 103

Author: Nelson, John, 1866-1933
Publication date: 1934
Publisher: New York, American historical Society
Number of Pages: 700

USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Worcester county; a narrative history, Volume III > Part 103

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Elbert Hubbard wrote of him:

In Worcester lives Schervee. He is a portrait photographer. Twenty years ago he came to this country from Norway. He had no money. He had no friends. He was too poor to live in a boarding house, so he camped on the shores of a nearby lake. Today he makes such extra fine portraits that men come from everywhere to sit for him. He has let- ters from President Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, Ernest Thompson Seton, Daniel C. French, and a score of others, telling him that as a portrait photographer he stands close to the top of the profession. I am writing of Schervee here because he started without anything but his brain and his body. Today he compels big men to travel miles to come to him for his service. I know the work of other great photographers, but I have never seen anything superior to that done by this gentle, fine-textured, art-loving man of Worcester.

In 1905 he combined an exclusive art and gift shop with his photographic studios and was soon acknowledged an authority on all works of art. Later he opened studios in Hartford, New Haven and Boston.

Although Mr. Schervee was always a busy man, he took time to become an active member of many professional, social and civic groups. He was a Mason, a member of the National Photographic Association, Chamber of Commerce, Economic Club, Rotary Club, Worcester Country Club, Bos- ton Athletic Club, and in the earlier days was prominent in the old Bicycle Club-winning a gold tandem bicycle medal in one of their races-and the Tatassit Canoe Club and Uptown Club.

On October 9, 1899, Herman Schervee married Katherine M. Cheney, a daughter of Dr. Nelson and Christina (Langdon) Cheney, of Jamestown, New York. He was a great lover of horses and all outdoor life and sports. In 1909 he purchased a small farm in Shrewsbury and took great pleas- ure in raising choice flowers and fruits. He made his home there until his death on July 30, 1923. Mrs. Schervee and their three children, Velleda C. Schervee (Mrs. Owen Philbin), Langdon G. Schervee, and Curtis L. Schervee, survive him.

Mr. Schervee's fine professional character and his devotion to the best principles of doing and thinking brought him many true friends. His active interest in civic matters for the betterment of Worcester and Shrewsbury earned for him the

highest respect and esteem. He was everywhere recognized as a man of sterling integrity and sound judgment and one who contributed richly to the artistic and business life of Worcester.

Mrs. Schervee has conducted the business since Mr. Schervee's death, and it has been her aim to keep it one of the finest, high-class studios in Worcester.

Since 1931 Curtis L. Schervee, their son, has as- sumed the responsibility of making all photographs at the Worcester Studio. He has shown unusual talent in his chosen profession and his work has been highly commended by the best critics.

W. ROY CARRICK-Mr. Carrick was born on December 8, 1901, in Worcester, son of Wil- liam L. Carrick, of Whitinsville. He received his early education in the public schools, afterward studying at Worcester Institute of Technology as a member of the class of 1923, though he never formally took a degree from that institution. For a number of years he was associated with the Shuster organization, in the manufacturing and mill business, spending a greater part of that time at Millbury, Massachusetts. In 1930 he resigned to go into business for himself, entering the insur- ance and brokerage trade in Worcester and form- ing what was known as the Carrick Agency. This firm handles all forms of insurance and is engaged in a general brokerage business. In addition to his work with the Carrick Agency, a consulting service in connection with life insurance and estate conservation, Mr. Carrick is general agent of the Aetna Life Insurance Company, having been so appointed on March I, 1933.

Along with his activities in insurance and broker- age work, Mr. Carrick has taken time for par- ticipation in the general life of Worcester and Worcester County. He is a Kiwanian, a Mason, a member of Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity, which he joined at Worcester Institute of Technology, and a member of the Whitinsville Golf Club.

Mr. Carrick married, in 1925, Margaret E. Shus- ter, of East Douglas, Worcester County. Mr. and Mrs. Carrick have had two children: W. Roy, Jr., who was born on May 20, 1927, and Winfield Shuster, born October 16, 1932. The Carrick resi- dence is situated in East Douglas, and Mr. Car- rick's offices are in the Slater Building, Worcester.

ERIC J. HIRVONEN-Another fine example of the foreign-born who have come to America's shores and here achieved fine records for various types of success is presented by Eric J. Hirvonen, inventor and expert machinist.

Born in Finland, August 15, 1893, Mr. Hirvonen is the son of John and Anna (Immonen) Hir- vonen ; the former, a marine engineer, died in 1925, and the mother in 1928. Having received his edu- cation in schools of his native land, he made him- self master of the machinist's trade. There was also latent within him the gift for invention, which in later years he developed to a high degree of perfection. He arrived in the United States in 1914 and first settled in Wisconsin, later going to Detroit, Michigan, where he worked in drafting rooms and engineering departments for some time. He came to Worcester in 1923 and associated him- self with the Leland-Gifford Company, being as- signed to the engineering department. He has brought out a number of machines and other de-

Off. Wechsler

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vices of his invention, on which he has obtained letters patent.

During the World War, he enlisted in the Amer- ican Expeditionary Forces and was assigned to the motor transport. After one and one-half years of service in France, during which he was given the rating of sergeant, he was discharged with honor. He is a member of Finnish Lutheran Church in Worcester.

SUZANNE M. FREEMAN-For more than a score of years Miss Suzanne M. Freeman has been in charge of Hahnemann Hospital, in Worces- ter, and during that time she has efficiently aided in the development of that institution from a small hospital to its present generous capacity and well known usefulness.

Hahnemann Hospital began in a modest way, with limited capacity and limited equipment, ad- mitting during the first year of its existence only twenty-three patients. By careful management, ex- cellent service, and the help of generous patrons it has steadily grown and in 1900 was able to establish its Nurses' Training School. In 1902 the training school graduated its first class, a group of nurses well equipped for their work, and each year since that time it has sent out a steadily enlarging group of young women who have by their ability established for the training school a well deserved reputation for thoroughness and for high standards, a group which, during recent years, numbers from forty-three to sixty nurses. The hospital itself has developed in capacity and in equipment, and during 1931-32 admitted 2,299 patients. Since 1913 Miss Freeman has been the leading spirit and the effi- cient superintendent of the hospital, and to her efficiency, careful training, and faithfulness is due the high quality of the service which Hahnemann Hospital gives to the public. Especially prepared, not only by technical training but by actual experi- ence, for the important responsibilities which she is carrying and possessed of much natural ability, Miss Freeman's long term of service has been a distinct factor in the success of the hospital. After graduating from Massachusetts Homeopathic Hos- pital Training School in Boston with the class of 1906, ranking very high both in her studies and in her practical efficiency, she entered the private nursing field for a time. Soon, however, she be- came identified with the training school, acting as supervisor for a period of four years and later serving in the office as assistant. She remained in the superintendent's office until 1913, when she ac- cepted her present position as superintendent of Worcester Hahnemann Hospital. Since that time, during a period of more than twenty years, she has devoted her energy and her great ability to the furthering of the interests of this institution and to the betterment of its service to its many patrons. Probably no woman in the State has served longer as superintendent of an institution of this kind, and the high quality of the service she has rendered makes her term of service a notable one.

Miss Freeman is a member of the Nurses Hos- pital Association, the New England Nurses Asso- ciation, and the American Nurses Association. She is well known as an able and progressive adminis- trator, and has won in a high degree the respect and esteem of those whose work she directs, as well as of the many patrons who are cared for in the hospital, and of the public whose interests Hahnemann Hospital serves.

OTTO WECHSBERG-A native of Czecho- Slovakia, where he obtained his initial experience as a mechanical engineer, Otto Wechsberg ar- rived in Worcester some seventeen years ago at the present writing. Within that time he has risen to president of the Coppus Engineering Com- pany. This is an important concern, whose prod- ucts are distributed in all parts of the civilized world.

Otto Wechsberg, son of S. S. and Rudolphina (Loew) Wechsberg, was born in Czecho-Slovakia, May 25, 1881, and attended schools in his native country while preparing to take advanced studies. He entered the University of Vienna, completed his course in technical subjects pertinent to his chosen profession, and was graduated in the class of 1905. At that time the charter of the university did not enable it to confer degrees. He practiced for a time in his home land, before he determined to try his fortunes in America.

In 1914 he arrived in the United States and went almost directly to Seneca Falls, New York, where he remained professionally engaged for a short time. Thence he removed to Philadelphia, and still the urge to better his state would not permit him long to remain in that city. It was in 1917 that he accepted a position with the Coppus Engineering Company of Worcester and came here to fill it. He has since been identified with the company and with Worcester as a steadily increas- ing important factor in the concern and the affairs of the city as a whole. When he joined the organ- ization, the style of the firm was the Coppus Engi- neering and Equipment Company, which had been established by Frans H. C. Coppus in 1912 to man- ufacture forced-draft burners for the utilization of low-grade fuel. In 1919 the owners applied for and obtained a charter for the formation of the New England Brass Foundry Company for the purpose of manufacturing its own castings. In the election of officers Mr. Wechsberg was chosen vice-president. The two companies were consoli- dated in 1922 under the present title of the Cop- pus Engineering Company, Mr. Coppus being made president ; J. Vernon Critchley, vice-president ; Jerome R. George, Jr., treasurer; the other incor- porator being a Mr. Erskine. In 1926, when Mr. Coppus was made chairman of the board, Mr. Wechsberg was elected president. The company now manufactures its own specialties in the blower lines, also steam turbines and air filters. Its clien- tage may be said to be world-wide. In its Worces- ter plant of 40,000 feet of floor space the em- ployed force numbers about two hundred. The company has a staff of fifty domestic agents and seventeen foreign agents, carries group insurance for the employees, maintains a hospital room, and sponsors athletics for the workers.

As a member of the Worcester Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Wechsberg lends enthusiasm and influence to the promotion of the associational interests of the groups represented. Among his other affiliations is the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and his social organizations include the Commonwealth Club and Rotary Club.

Mr. Wechsberg married, in 1917, Anna M. C. Coppus, a native of Holland. They live at No. 12 Rosemont Road, and Mr. Wechsberg has his business address at No. 344 Park Avenue, Wor- cester.

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FREEMAN M. SALTUS-Like many enter- prises founded on small beginnings which have risen to a status of influence in their respective fields, "The Labor News" of Worcester, "The Rhode Island Labor News" and "The Maine State Labor News," published by the News Printing and Publishing Company, of which Freeman M. Saltus is president and treasurer, enjoy a wide circulation. He has often been commended for having courage -. ously "stuck to his last" during the period when he was struggling to establish his Worcester paper, and for having received the reward that was his due.

Mr. Saltus was born in Burlington, Vermont, November 13, 1866, a son of Freeman and Vic- toria (Fournier) Saltus, the father a native of the Green Mountain State, and the mother born in Canada, but who came to Vermont with her parents while in infancy. Mr. Saltus' father engaged in the railroad business for sixty years, died in 1922, and the mother is also deceased.

The son, Freeman M., received his education in parochial schools and a business college and ob- tained his first employment in a department store, later transferring to a position as tally boy in the lumber yards of Burlington.

He began his career in the printing and news- paper business first as mailing clerk and assistant bookkeeper and later as an apprentice on the Bur- lington "Free Press." After reaching the grade of journeyman, he was promoted to assistant fore- man of the composing room of this newspaper.

Subsequently he was in the grocery business and later in real estate and insurance, and in 1900 came to Springfield to take charge of the New England circulation for the "International Monthly," which at that time was published in Burlington. In 1904 he came to Worcester and joined the composing room staff of "The Telegram." Two years later, in 1906, he established "The Labor News" as a weekly paper in Worcester. He occupied a very small room and his capital was extremely limited, but he had a trade, that of printer, and, with twenty-five years' experience in the mechanical, edi- torial and business departments, he felt equal to the task and forged ahead.

The paper grew in favor with his clients and the circulation increased to such an extent that he removed to larger quarters at No. 64 Southbridge Street. Subsequently his affairs showed still fur- ther improvement and he transferred his plant to No. 48 Southbridge Street. He has been at his present location, No. 17 Federal Street, since 1917. Now at the head of a substantial newspaper, he sometimes prints editions having as high as thirty- two pages. It is rated as one of the leading labor journals of the county. As publisher of "The Rhode Island Labor News" and "The Maine State Labor News" and having recently taken over the circulation of the "Boston Times," which suspended publication, he is exerting a similar influence in other fields.

During the period of the World War, Mr. Saltus served on various committees engaged in war work, some in behalf of the Federal Government and others concerned with relief. His fraternal al- liances include the Order of Artisans, Knights of Columbus, Fraternal Order of Eagles and Foresters of America. He is a member of the International Labor News Service, the International Typographi- cal Union : past president and now a member of the

board of trustees of the Labor Temple Associates, the Worcester Central Labor Union, the Chamber of Commerce of Worcester, the Young Men's Christian Association, the Advertising Club of Worcester, L'Union St. Jean Baptiste, the Ban- croft Automobile Club and the Wachusett Country Club. He is a member of the advisory board of the Woman's Trade Union League and a director and trustee of the Louis Pasteur Hospital in Wor- cester. His religious connection is with the Roman Catholic Church.

Mr. Saltus married, in 1888, Melbina M. Beau- lieu, and they became the parents of thirteen chil- dren : I. Albert P., Meriden, Connecticut. 2. Della V., Framingham, Massachusetts. 3. Victoria M., Detroit, Michigan. 4. Urban F., Worcester. 5. Rebecca D., Winter Haven, Florida. 6. Amase W., New York. 7. Pauline A., Stamford, Connecticut. 8. Cecile A., Worcester. 9. Lillian A., Worcester. IO. Evelyn B., Portland, Maine. II. Alfred L., Shrewsbury, Massachusetts. 12. Helen V., Wal- lingford, Vermont. 13. Samuel G., Worcester. 14. Louis DeG., died in 1903. Mr. and Mrs. Saltus also have twenty grandchildren.

FRANK M. JABLONSKI-Attorney-at-Law Frank M. Jablonski, of Worcester, was born at Posen, Poland, November 23, 1894, and came to this country as a child of four years of age. He is the son of Andrew and Michaelina ( Szymczak) Jablonski, who emigrated to America in 1898, and settled in Webster, Massachusetts, of which place the father has since been a resident. Mrs. Jablon- ski died April 13, 1931.

Frank M. Jablonski was educated in the public schools of Webster and prepared for higher edu- cational study in SS. Cyril and Methodius Sem- inary, Orchard Lake, Michigan. He matriculated at Boston University and was graduated with the law class of 1919, with the degree of Bachelor of Laws. That same year he was admitted to the bar of Worcester County, and began the practice of his profession in Worcester and Webster. He has been markedly successful, and has a clientele in both the places named, in which he still maintains offices. He is a member of the Worcester County Bar Society and the Massachusetts State Bar Associa- tion.

Mr. Jablonski is public-minded, a man inter- ested in the civic advancement and prosperity. He is active in political circles, and was the first pres- ident of the Association of Polish-American Politi- cal Clubs of Massachusetts. An effective and polished public speaker in this direction he is much sought. Fraternally, he is affiliated with the Be- nevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and is a member of the Polish National Alliance, the Polish Roman Catholic Union and the Worcester Eco- nomic Club.

On October 29, 1922, Frank M. Jablonski mar- ried Sophia J. Shubda, of Boston, and they are the parents of three children: I. Virginia N., born December 25, 1923. 2. Irene Jean, born September 16, 1926. 3. Frank M., Jr., born on December 15, 1930. Mr. and Mrs. Frank M. Jablonski reside at No. 21 Iowa Street, Worcester.

PATRICK JOSEPH MURPHY-Since Pat- rick J. Murphy assumed the office of chief of police of the Athol police department, he has brought this branch of the town government to a high state of

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efficiency. In town, county and State he is re- garded as one of the shrewdest and most success- ful of police executives, and in his possession there are many testimonials to the smooth and efficient functioning of the force under his command.

Patrick Murphy, father of the chief, was born in County Cork, Ireland. After coming to Amer- ica, he met, in Gardner, Margaret Murphy, and there they were married. They later moved to Royalston, Massachusetts, where they spent a few years. Thence they came to Athol, where they had purchased a farm on Chestnut Hill. Patrick Mur- phy, in addition to carrying on his farm, worked for the town of Athol. He was a stonemason by trade and also assisted in laying the double-track on the Fitchburg Railroad through Athol. Known as a good, clean-living man, he was also a devout communicant of the Roman Catholic Church. He died in 1912 at the age of eighty-four years. His wife died in 1887. She bore him children: I. Tim- othy, died in childhood. 2. Cornelius, died at the age of twenty years. 3. Margaret. 4. Dennis, de- ceased. 5. Michael, deceased. 6. John, deceased. 7. Julia, deceased. 8. Patrick Joseph, of whom further.

Patrick Joseph Murphy, youngest child of Pat- rick and Margaret (Murphy) Murphy, was born in South Royalston, Massachusetts, November 18, 1869, and received his education in the schools of his native district. He remained at home as a dutiful son until he attained his majority, and then went to work in a shoe factory, where he was employed for a number of years. His connection with the Athol police force dates back to 1909, in which year he was appointed a member. In 19II he was advanced to the position of chief of police, which he has held continuously from that time. The broad experience that is his has run parallel with the building up of the police department to be one of the best working systems of the kind in the State.

During his régime Chief Murphy has installed a complete system of records. In this period it has not been necessary for the town to provide legal assistance for the police department, since the chief takes charge of the handling of all cases himself from the side of the police. In this way he has been instrumental in saving a considerable sum of money to the town that otherwise might have been paid in counsel fees. His personal efficiency and conduct of the department have never been called in question. Among the numerous com- plimentary letters and testimonials that he has re- ceived, the following is an excellent example and one highly prized by the chief :

BOSTON, MASS.

CHAIRMAN, BOARD OF SELECTMEN, ATHOL, MASS.

We desire to compliment the town of Athol for having at the head of its Police Department Mr. P. J. Murphy, a gentleman through whose able efficiency a stolen Ford belonging to one of our cli- ents was located and restored to its owner, and the alleged thieves arrested.

From what we learn of this transaction, Mr. Murphy showed exceptional ability, and we extend congratulations and very best wishes for the con- tinued success of your chief of police.

Very truly yours,

(Signed) ROSECRANTZ, HUGARD & COMPANY.

There are additional commendations of his work that have a tone and vein similar to the above- quoted letter. In practically all things that have

for their objective the public good he is active in so far as his official duties will permit. He is a member of the National Police Chiefs Associa- tion, the New England Association of Police Chiefs, the Police Chiefs Association of Massa- chusetts, and the Massachusetts Police Association. He is affiliated with the Knights of Columbus, the Laymen's League, and is a member of the Roman Catholic Church. His chief sport or recreation is bowling.

Chief Murphy married, April 26, 1899, Margaret Barrett, of Athol. She died September 22, 1918. Their children are: I. James Edward, a funeral director in Athol. 2. John L. 3. Philip B. 4. Joseph M. 5. Robert. (These four preceding sons are all employed in a shoe factory in Athol). 6. Margaret, a stenographer. 7. Catharine, who resides at the family home. 8. William, a student in high school and living at home. Chief Murphy's residence is at No. 163 South Athol Road, and his office is at the police headquarters, No. 206 Exchange Street, Athol.

WALTER J. MOOSSA, a well-known attor- ney of Worcester, was born in that city, March 13, 1908, son of Anthony P. and Nabiho (Kuram) Moossa, natives of Syria, who came to the United States as one of the first of their race to settle permanently in Worcester. The elder Mr. Moossa has been both an active and successful realtor and dry goods merchant. Walter J. Moossa received the preliminaries of his education in the parochial schools of Worcester and the Academy of the Sacred Heart. In 1926 he was graduated from the Classical High School and then entered the Suffolk Law School from which he was graduated on June 17, 1930, with the degree of Bachelor of Laws. Meanwhile, April 23, 1930, Mr. Moossa had been admitted to the bar of Worcester County, and immediately after his graduation began the practice of his profession in his native city. He was admitted to the Supreme Court of the United States, May 12, 1933. He has been very successful in attracting a clientele and in making an enviable reputation as a lawyer. He is a member of the Worcester County Bar Association, the Commer- cial Law League and the Young Men's Christian Association. Among his recreations are tennis and swimming, and as a public-minded citizen he is interested in civic and political activities.

CHARLES M. KANE-From a mercantile occupation, Charles M. Kane graduated into the theatrical profession, and is filling the position of manager of the Park Theatre in Spencer. Through the offerings that he has booked at his house he has been instrumental in building up the patronage to large proportions and has pleased the theatre- going public of Spencer.

Mr. Kane is a descendant of native Irish stock. His father, Patrick Kane, was born in Ireland, and at the age of six years came to this country with his parents, the family settling in Spencer. He became a dry goods merchant, a member of the firm of Kane and Forest. He married Katharine O'Leary, of Spencer, where they reside. Their chil- dren are: Charles M., of this review, and Sarah R. Kane.

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Worcester county; a narrative history, Volume III, Part 103

Author: Nelson, John, 1866-1933 Publication date: 1934 Publisher: New York, American historical Society Number of Pages: 700

Author: Nelson, John, 1866-1933
Publication date: 1934
Publisher: New York, American historical Society
Number of Pages: 700