USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Worcester county; a narrative history, Volume III > Part 105
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Mr. Bagdasarian married, December 26, 1909, at Harpoot, Turkey, Aznev Mantarian, of that city, and they have children: I. Bartev, born in Con- stantinople, graduated from the High School of Commerce of Worcester, and is a student at North- eastern University, Boston. 2. Raffey, born in Con- stantinople, graduated from the High School of Commerce here, and is a student at Clark Uni- versity, Worcester. 3. Aznev, born in Worcester, graduated at the North High School here, and is now in training to be a vocal artist. The Bagdasa- rian residence is at No. 48 Forbes Street, Wor- cester.
CONSTANTINOS PANTOS-"American- ism" is the keynote of the naturalized citizenship of Constantinos Pantos, of Worcester, a former national of Greece, who has performed a vast amount of work in successfully teaching the ideals, manners and customs of American life to people of his race. One of the most prominent Greek-
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American leaders in New England, he is diligent in business as a steamship agent, restaurateur and insurance agent. In the political phase of his people's activities he has an important part, giving his allegiance to the Republican organization.
Born in Epirus, Greece, May 21, 1884, Con- stantinos Pantos completed his native education in the grammar school. He then went to Constan- tinople and worked in a delicatessen store for a time. He later engaged in business on his own account, but when the "missionary war" broke out, he was compelled to leave Turkey. In 1909 he went to Athens, Greece, thinking to start busi- ness life anew in that city, but he found condi- tions for his enterprise most unfavorable.
He sailed for America in 1909 and came to Southbridge, where he entered the employ of the American Optical Company, working as a leather cutter until 1916. He was the first to bring to- gether the owners of the factories in Southbridge and to succeed in getting them to provide school facilities whereby foreign-born laborers might ac- quire the English language. This was a noble and auspicious beginning, for which too great credit cannot be given the instigator of the movement. At one time he had as many as two hundred and fifty students of English at the Southbridge Young Men's Christian Association. As soon as they were qualified for taking the test, he would bring them to Worcester for presentation in the Naturalization Court. In Southbridge he organized the Greek Militia, composed of two hundred boys, who re- ceived training in preparation for war if the emergency should arise. This organization was afterwards absorbed by the Massachusetts National Guard.
During the World War period Mr. Pantos was appointed by the United States War Department to visit the different camps in this country and give lectures to the men of foreign birth as to how best they could serve this country. He was also appointed by the United States Treasury De- partment to help sell Liberty bonds. On a single day he raised twenty-five thousand dollars for this objective. General Charles R. Edwards (since de- ceased) and General Hodges were two high offi- cers who sought the assistance of Mr. Pantos in this work.
He was instrumental in getting the Greek Cath- olic Church in Southbridge built, the edifice now bearing the name of St. George. In 1920 he started a chain of stores, one each at Southbridge and Webster in this State, and one at Grosvenordale, Connecticut. At the end of three years he disposed of the business and in 1922 came to Worcester to live. He has been highly successful in his steam- ship agency, insurance agency and restaurant busi- ness. In 1921, through Governor Calvin Coolidge (afterwards President of the United States), who was a warm friend of the Greeks, a proclamation was issued, inviting the people of this State to join with the Greek-Americans in celebrating the an- niversary of the political independence of Greece. While a resident of Southbridge, he was a candidate for member of the board of sinking fund commis- sioners, but was defeated with the rest of the Re- publican ticket by a Democratic landslide. He is the representative of the Greek-American Repub- licans of the United States on the Republican Na- tional Committee; is vice-president of the Repub- lican State Committee of the Greek League; is
vice-president and secretary of the Greek Com- munity of the Worcester League; is a member of the Memorial Committee, appointed by Mayor Mahoney of Worcester; a member of the Ahepa Society and Gapa Society; and a member of the executive committee of the Greek Political Club of Worcester. In 1920 he raised a fund with which to erect a statue of Daniel Webster in Athens.
Mr. Pantos married, September 14, 1913, Amelia Marggriff, a native of Germany, and they have a daughter, Helen, born June 15, 1914.
JOHN J. SIARKIEWICZ-The Worcester County bar has among its younger representatives a rising lawyer in the person of John J. Siarkie- wicz, who is building up a large and valuable prac- tice in the city of Worcester. He also maintains a branch law office in the town of Webster. He is a naval veteran of the World War and prominent in the affairs of a State association made up of members of Polish birth or extraction.
Albert and Helen (Kocimo) Siarkiewicz, natives of Poland, came to America about 1885 and settled in Ware, Massachusetts, where the former is in business as a merchant. They are the parents of John J.
John J. Siarkiewicz was born in Ware, April 23, 1895, and received his preliminary and college preparatory education in the schools of his native town. After graduation from high school in 1913, he took post-graduate work there for two years. He then entered the Law School of Boston Univer- sity, which made him a Bachelor of Laws and graduated him in the class of 1920. His univer- sity studies were interrupted by entry into service for the World War from June, 1917, until Septem- ber, 1919, during which time he was aboard a con- voy vessel, holding the grade of chief petty officer. On his return to civil life he completed his legal training and was certified for practice at the Mas- sachusetts bar in 1920. In the same year he formed a partnership with Frank M. Jablonski under the style of Jablonski and Siarkiewicz and began prac- tice in the city of Worcester. The firm's local offices are in the State Mutual Building, and its office in Webster is at No. 211 Main Street.
Mr. Siarkiewicz is an influential member of the Massachusetts Association of Polish Political Clubs, which he served as president in 1931 and 1932. He is affiliated with other Polish societies, and with Phi Delta Phi (legal) Fraternity, the Woolsack Club of Boston University, American Legion, Knights of Columbus, and Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, in which last-named body he is a Loyal Leading Knight of his lodge. His principal recreations are golf and angling.
Mr. Siarkiewicz married, June 29, 1925, Victoria R. Bojarowski, of Worcester; their residence is at No. 13 St. Elmo Road in this city.
REV. PIUS JURAITIS-Condemned for life in a Russian prison because of his religious faith and practice, Rev. Pius Juraitis, pastor of the St. Francis (Lithuanian) Roman Catholic Church at Athol, after a most terrible experience in a Russian prison, benefited from an exchange of prisoners, and having endured many hardships made his way to America, where he has since been aiding his fellow-nationals in spiritual things. For his fidelity to the church and personal bravery, he was deco-
arthur Poulet.
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rated with the cross by Archbishop Edward Kopp, titular head of all the Roman Catholic churches in Russia. This has the inscription: Pro fide et ecclesia in Russia merito, which, freely translated, is, "Merited through faithful service to the Church in Russia."
Born in Lithuania, December 2, 1884, the Rev. Pius Juraitis is the son of Joseph and Anne (Rasi- mas) Juraitis, both parents deceased, the former in 1913 and the latter in 1930. Having prepared for advanced studies and with an intention of entering the priesthood, he enrolled at St. Cath- erine's College, St. Petersburg (Leningrad), Rus- sia, where he was graduated in the class of 1902. He completed his theological training and was ordained a priest of his church in 1907 at St. Petersburg. Assigned at times to different parishes, he served as assistant in some and acted as pastor of others, having been made a pastor of Ufa in 1910.
During the World War, he fought with the army in Russia for two years, and from 1916 to 1918 was staff chaplain at Moscow. He later was installed as pastor at Pscov, Russia, and was there for one year. At the end of this time he was caught in the net of the revolution which turned Russia into a shambles and was made a prisoner under the new régime. Condemned to a life of penal servitude, he was incarcerated for nine months and at the end of that time was for- tunate enough to be a subject for exchange. Re- turning to Lithuania in 1921, he entered the Lithuania University and was there from 1922 to 1926.
In 1927 he arrived in the United States and his first assignment was as assistant pastor of the Church of SS. Peter and Paul at Elizabeth, New Jersey, where he was stationed in 1927-28. He next was transferred to Mahanoy City, Pennsyl- vania, as assistant pastor of St. Joseph's Church, remaining there about one and half years. It was in 1930 that he was appointed pastor of St. Fran- cis Church in Athol, having oversight of a parish of nine hundred to one thousand souls, without debt encumbrance, and having a fine house of worship. He is the third pastor of this church. The parish was set apart in 1913, its first pastor having been Father Meskauskas. The second pas- tor was the Rev. A. A. Patraitis, now of St. Casi- mir's Church, No. 21 Providence Street, Worces- ter, who built the church at Athol.
When serving as pastor of his church in Ufa, Russia, in 1915, the Rev. Pius Juraitis became well acquainted with distressing conditions aris- ing from the war, which even then were beginning to be severely felt. Being thoroughly qualified, therefore, he was appointed by the United States Government to serve as president of the United States Relief Committee for the relief of German and Austrian civil prisoners. His fine work in this respect was performed from June, 1915, to May, 1916. For these services he received the thanks of the United States authorities in whom the care of the relief fund was vested, while he acted in the capacity of administrator on the ground. A visit by one to his house might be made an occasion for pointing the visitor to the golden cross, pre- sented by his archbishop, which among his earthly possessions he prizes very highly for the memories and associations connected with the cause for its bestowal.
ARTHUR E. PROULX-The Southbridge Roofing Company, Incorporated, of which Arthur E. Proulx is treasurer and general manager, was established in 1881 by Joseph Proulx and is the outgrowth of a roofing business which he started in a small way. It has developed into a very large concern, and to the original line there has been added a metal manufacturing department- tanks, smoke-stacks, etc. The company gives employment to a considerable force. Some of the contracts under which they have operated have run as high as $33,000 for a single order. In 1929 the concern did more than $100,000 worth of busi- ness for the Norton Company of Worcester, be- sides executing commissions for large sums for other important companies.
Joseph Proulx, father of Arthur E., was born in Canada, a son of Francis Proulx, who was a brickmaker. At the age of twelve years he came to Massachusetts and went to Southbridge to live. After he attained to man's estate he entered the roofing business in a modest manner, and the Southbridge Roofing Company, Incorporated, as it is known today is founded on the foundation that he laid. He married Delima Gagnon, who was also born in Canada.
Arthur E. Proulx was born in Southbridge, May 5, 1881, the very year that his father started the business known by its present title. He was edu- cated in the public schools of his native city, and on leaving school joined his father to assist him in the roofing establishment. He has played an important part in building up the business to its present large size. The plant itself occupies an area of 20,000 square feet, and is the largest of its kind in New England, in which is included a department for the manufacture of "antique" screws and hinges. The officers of the company are : C. Frank Kirby, president ; Arthur P. Proulx, vice-president ; R. A. Proulx, secretary ; and Ar- thur E. Proulx, treasurer and general manager.
Active in the civic affairs of Southbridge, Mr. Proulx serves as a member of the Town Finance Committee. He is also a member of the Gover- nor's Safety Council. Affiliated with the Benevo- lent and Protective Order of Elks, he also belongs to the Rotary Club, Southbridge Club, and Cohasset Country Club. He is a member of the Merchants and Manufacturers' Association.
Mr. Proulx married, June 10, 1903, Melvina Caron, of New York, and their children are: I. Irene M., married C. Frank Kirby. 2. Lillian, married Roland Bedard. 3. Loretta, married Royce Fitzpatrick. 4. Arthur P., a graduate of Worces- ter Academy. 5. Prudence E. 6. Albert E. Proulx.
REV. JAMES P. COSTELLO-Since 1932 the Rev. James P. Costello has been the pastor of St. Ann's Roman Catholic Church at South Ashburnham, Massachusetts, and the Church of St. Denis at Ashburnham. He has given his entire life to the priesthood and in the past has minis- tered to many Catholic parishes of this State.
The first mass in Ashburnham was said in 1853 in the home of John Nash on Water Street by Father Matthew Gibson, who came from Fitch- burg. The first church was a structure erected by the Methodists in 1822, which was purchased by Father Patrick McManus, who became pastor of the church at Otter River in 1871, and this church
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was blessed for Catholic service under the patron- age of St. Denis. In July, 1871, Father Denis Moran was made first pastor of Winchendon, and Ashburnham at that time became a mission of the new parish. Father Moran remodeled the old church, and his work was continued by his suc- cessor in Winchendon, the Rev. John Conway, who served from 1880 to 1886. The third pastor was the Rev. John L. Tarpey, of West Fitchburg, who took charge in 1886. He built a mission church in South Ashburnham in 1893, which is now the present Church of St. Ann. For two years the Ashburnham mission churches were in charge of Father Alfred Langevin, of Gardner, and in 1895 Ashburnham was made an independent parish by Bishop Beaven. The Rev. Dr. David Moyes be- came the first resident pastor. During his absence for nearly two years for further study, the parish was placed under the care of the Rev. Charles McManus. Father McManus remained here until his death in 1902. Meanwhile the parish had grown steadily, from its original enrollment of seventy-five families of the Catholic faith, when the Church of St. Denis was blessed in 1871. Father John Meehan, now of East Douglas, came in February, 1903, and remained in South Ash- burnham until 1906. He was followed by Father M. T. Slattery, now of Leominster, who remained until 1910. The present rectory was purchased by Father M. J. Curran, who came in 1910 and remained until 1916, when he was followed by Father Casey, now of Grafton. Father Casey served until 1922. The next priest of this parish was Father P. W. Morrissey, who served until his death at South Ashburnham in 1925. Following him came Father George F. Shea for two months, later assistant chancellor at the Cathedral in Springfield. His succesor was Father Francis A. O'Malley, who died in 1928, and he was followed by Father P. J. Coyle, who remained until June, 1929. Father James R. McCarthy then came to South Ashburnham and remained until April, 1932, when Father Costello was assigned to the duties of this parish. During the pastorate of Father O'Malley a new Altar, Stations of the Cross and many other improvements were made in the Church of St. Denis at Ashburnham. Father Costello, in August, 1932, installed the new pipe organ, a beautiful instrument which has given much pleasure to the parishioners.
Father Costello was born in New York City on August 7, 1887, son of the late Patrick J. and Alice (Conway) Costello, and completed his pre- liminary education at Sheffield High School. Fol- lowing his graduation, he spent two years at the University of Toronto, where he was a classmate of Father Charles E. Coughlin, famous pastor of the Church of the Little Flower in Detroit, who is known all over the United States for his sermons and lectures over the radio. On the com- pletion of his college training, Father Costello entered the Grand Seminary at Montreal, from which he was subsequently graduated. He was ordained to the priesthood on December 19, 1914, and went to his first charge, the Church of St. Francis at North Adams, where he remained for three years. The following four years he served at St. Matthew's Church, Indian Orchard, Mas- sachusetts, and from there went to Amherst, Mas- sachusetts, where he served for three and a half years. At the end of that time, he was assigned
to Our Lady of Hope Church, Springfield, remain- ing there until 1932. He was then made a pastor and assigned to the Church of St. Ann and St. Denis in South Ashburnham and Ashburnham. There are about eight hundred souls in the two parishes and each church seats approximately four hundred. Father Costello celebrates mass and preaches every Sunday in both of them, rendering one service in French and the other in English. He is a fluent scholar of both tongues.
In all the charges to which he has been assigned, Father Costello has made a host of friends and his zealous leadership and piety have won him the commendation of his superiors. He is considered one of the most energetic priests of the Springfield Diocese and, although he has been at South Ash- burnham only a short time, he has quickened the spiritual life of the parishes and inspired his peo- ple to new Christian effort. He is much loved by the Catholics of this community and enjoys the respect of all his neighbors and fellow-towns- men without regard to faith or creed.
WILLIAM E. HAYWARD-For many years an important figure in the industrial life of Worces- ter County, William E. Hayward was one of the founders of the Hayward Woolen Company, whose operations at East Douglas represent a substantial contribution to the material resources of this section.
Mr. Hayward was born in Mendon in 1839, but in early life removed to Uxbridge, where he com- pleted his education in the local high school. Fol- lowing his graduation, he became a clerk in the Blackstone National Bank of Uxbridge, spending some eight years in that institution. Subsequently, however, he turned to industry and acquired a small interest in the Capron Woolen Mills. For thirteen years this enterprise continued under the firm name of Capron and Hayward. At the end of this period, Mr. Hayward organized the firm of Hayward, Taft and Company, operating mills in Proctorsville, Vermont, and East Douglas, Massa- chusetts. Associated with him in the firm was Moses Taft. Eventually the operations of the company centered exclusively at East Douglas, and in 1890 Mr. Hayward bought out his partner. In the same year he was joined by Winfield Scott Schuster, known as one of the ablest mill superin- tendents in New England, and the business of the company now increased rapidly. It became a lead- ing industry of the Blackstone Valley and its products found a ready market in many parts of the country. Subsequent years brought about a further extension of the company's interests and added to the reputation which has made its name a synonym for high quality for many decades.
JOSEPH E. MALMSTEAD-In seeking to sell protection of lives and safeguarding the estates of beneficiaries, Joseph E. Malmstead, of Worcester, is performing an approved service to his fellows. Senior member of the well-known insurance firm of Malmstead, Smith and Hedlund, he is also district manager of the Continental Casualty Company.
Born in Worcester, July 1, 1896, Joseph E. Malmstead is the son of Joseph E. and Beba (Fagerstrom) Malmstead, natives of Sweden, who early came to Worcester and still reside here. After graduating at the Worcester High School,
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he joined the staff of the Besse-Bowker Company at Providence, Rhode Island, as- buyer, remaining there seven years. He then returned to Worcester and began his career in the insurance business. For one year he was with the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company of New York, resigning to accept the district managership of the Continental Casualty Company. Later he was appointed to the post of general agent of the United Craftsman Insurance Company. The firm of Malmstead, Smith and Hedlund was organized February I. 1932, and has its offices at No. 340 Main Street, Worcester.
Mr. Malmstead enlisted in 1918 for the World War and was assigned to the Camp Meigs Train- ing School. He is affiliated with Mount Vernon Lodge, No. 4, Free and Accepted Masons, of Providence; Providence Chapter, Royal Arch Ma- sons; Thule Lodge, No. 239, Independent Order of
Odd Fellows; Ragnar Lodge, Order of Vasa; and the Svea Gillie Association.
Mr. Malstead married, November 27, 1920, Mabel L. Leach, of Worcester.
ELIZABETH I. HANSEN-"Beautiful sur- roundings help us to work better. I love to look off from the hospital at the hills and woods around Southbridge, glorious in their autumn foliage," said Miss Elizabeth I. Hansen, superintendent of the Harrington Memorial Hospital, an institution which is at once a blessing and a credit to this community. Miss Hansen came to Southbridge with an abundance of administrative experience in hospitals of this country and a hospital in Ceylon. She is affiliated with the American Hospital As- sociation, American Nurses Association, and Na- tional League of Nursing Education.
INDEX
ADDENDA
* I. Hubbard, Walter E., page 254. Since going to press, Mr. Hubbard has passed away, June 17, 1934.
INDEX
Charles G., Sr., 359
Charles H., 309
Charles L., 69
Charles M., Prof., 270, 27I
Cornelia, 146
George H., 210
Grace, 160 John E., 86 John W., Dr., 159, 160
Daniel, 27I
Josephine, 86
Elbert R., 376
Amidon, Edmund P., 184
Lyman F., 160
Eliza J., 69
Fayette A., 184 Lucy E. 184 Sophia O., 184
Sarah, 86
Elnathan, 256
Anderson, Emil, 165
Abodeely, Mary, 96 Michael N., 96 Nassif, 96
Eva M., 272
John A., Capt., 154
Adams, Alva L., 363
Frank E., 170
John T., 154
Andrew B., 363
George L., 69
Martha E., 154
Catharine, 365
George S., 359
Martha H., 154
Ernest, 288
Gladys G., 146
Archibald, Alice M., 176
Frank E., 312
Harding, 359
George S., 295
Harold A., 34I
Lois I., 295
Harriet, 262, 309
Madeline E., 288
Helen B., 34I
Arnold, Lois, 256 Vaughn, 256 Arvidson, Alva S., 139
Melissa A., 363 Winifred A., 312
Henry A., 187
Andrew, 138 Carl, 138
Mary, 114
Joanna E., 187
Clara E., 139
Myrtle M., 114
John, 170
Dean B., 139
William J., 114
John H., Dr., 359
Gustaf, 139
William R., 114
Jonathan, 359
Sigrid, 138
Aldrich, Anna L., 214
Joseph C., 187
Sophia, 138
Chester W., 215 Clarence E., 215 Cora A., 215
Josiah, 359
Peter, 42
Sarah M., 42
Edwin M., 214
Lemuel, 271
William, 42
Moses, 214
Lewis, 27I
William B., Dr., 42
Allen, Abbie R., 256
Liberty, 256
William F., 42
Abel, 27I
Lucian T., 272
Alfred S., 262
Lucy B., 359
Alice, 146
Lucy R., 359
Annie, 170
Martha, 27I
Harriet T., 29
Ardis E., 187
Mary, 171
Mary N., 69
Thomas G., 28
Asa M., 202 Barbara, 309 Benjamin, 170
Robert, 27I
Robert B., 146
Romeo E., 256
Ruth P., 309
Elizabeth, 29I
Charles E., 256, 309
Virginia, 272
Gertrude E., 292
Charles G., 123
Walter, 170, 256
James, 29I
Charles G (3), 360
Charles G. (4), 360
Charles G., Dr., 190
Charles G., Jr., 359
Walter D., Jr., 146 Walter D., Sr., 146
James C., Dr., 291, 292
Martin, 291 Ayer, Florence E., 353 Thomas H., Dr., 353
William, 146 William P., 146
Zebadiah, 170 Zebadiah (2), 170 Alling, Roger, 209 Alton, George G., 210
Abbey, G. Myron, 109 Ida, 109 Raymond C., 109 Abbott, Clarence J., Jr., 86 Clarence J., Sr., 86
Cynthia B., 256
Marion A., 210 Mary A., 210 Ralph H., 210 American Optical Co., 275
Juliet, 160
Eleanor G., 187
Mary E., 160 Nathaniel, 160
Elizabeth, 146, 202
Elnathan (2), 256
Andrews, Calvin H., 154
Emory H., 170
Henrietta M., 154
Aker, Ernest, 114 Ernest B., 114
Henry E. W., 256
Israel, 256, 309
Carl A., 139
Joshua, 27I
Aspinwall, Aurelia, 42
Assumption College (Worcester). 370 Atwood, Adalaide A., 28
Rollin S., 29
Melzar W., 27I
Wallace R., 29 Wallace W., Dr., 28
Austin, Agnes G., 292 Catherine, 292
Bessie, 359 Boyd, 309 Carrie L., 359
Lee C., 257
Peter S., 176 Armanet, Crescent, Rev., 371
Helen L., 69
David O., Rev., 359
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WORCESTER COUNTY
Bartlett, Amos, 263 Asa, 263 Emma, 263
Georgia, 263
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