Worcester county; a narrative history, Volume III, Part 14

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 14

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Mr. Dunbar is that type of man who is instinc- tively the student, and this, when coupled with mechanical genius, makes for a very genuine inodesty concerning one's attainments and the con- stant striving after further knowledge and skill. At this time, when he held important positions, he took for three months intensive training under the expert, F. W. Taylor, and then returned to the Western Electric to install an efficiency system, which is still in operation after a test of nearly a decade. In 1913 he removed to Worcester to become associated with the Norton Company and since that time has held half of all the numerous positions available. He has been sales manager, assistant general sales manager, works manager, and at present is the manager of the grinding ma- chine division, with supervision over the work of some six hundred and fifty men.

Mr. Dunbar is a versatile, vigorous man, inter- ested in a thousand things which go to make up a well-rounded life and blessed with a sound mind in a sound body, neither of which have been al- lowed to deteriorate. Besides his professional con- nections he is an incorporator of the Worcester County Institution for Savings, a past vice-presi- dent of the National Machine Tool Association, and a past president of the Worcester Society of Mechanical Engineers. During the World War he was prominent in the various Liberty Loan and humanitarian drives and actively promoted the af- fairs of the Red Cross Society and the Community Chest movement. He was chairman of the com-

WORCESTER COUNTY

mittee for training women in certain types of war work, and put in very strenuous years in the direc- tion of the activities of his own corporation, whose products were of great importance to the further- ance of the government's war program. Frater- nally Mr. Dunbar is affiliated with the Free and Accepted Masons, Quinsigamond Lodge, being a member of all the bodies up to, and including the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite. One of his chief recreations is golf; he is vice-president and a member of the board of governors of the Worcester Country Club. He plays the game with the same vigor that has gone into his work, and it is said of him "He who beats Howard Dunbar will know he's been in a match." He is also an ardent disciple of Izaak Walton and very fond of flowers and their cultivation. He is a member of the Worcester Chamber of Commerce and attends the Congregational Church.

Howard W. Dunbar married Eleanor Elaine Scott, of New York State, and they reside at No. 15 Westwood Drive, Worcester.

RALPH R. KENDALL-For many years prominent in public life in Worcester County, Mr. Kendall has served for the last seven years with characteristic ability, efficiency and conscientious- ness as county treasurer of Worcester County. In this office he has rendered important services to the county and its people and as a result he is not only one of the most popular county officials, but also enjoys, to the fullest extent possible, the liking, respect and confidence of his fellow-citizens. He is also widely and favorably known in busi- ness circles, is a popular member of several social and fraternal organizations and is active in civic, benevolent and religious affairs. Through his va- rious activities he has become widely known throughout the county as one of its really repre- sentative and most useful citizens.

Ralph R. Kendall was born at Weathersfield, Vermont, May 3, 1876, a son of the late Charles F. and Mary A. (Brown) Kendall, both natives of Vermont and members of old Massachusetts fam- ilies. His father, who was a farmer, died in 1892, his mother in 1888. Mr. Kendall received his education in the public schools and later attended a business college. As a young man he entered the employ of the Holyoke Machine Company of Worcester, Massachusetts, with which he was con- nected for twenty-seven years. During the greater part of this long period he served as assistant treasurer and office manager. In 1925 he was elected county treasurer of Worcester County, succeeding E. G. Ramsdell, who had held this position for the preceding thirteen years. Ever since then Mr. Kendall has continued to serve as county treasurer, in which capacity he has made an enviable record. In spite of the fact that this position makes heavy demands on his time and energy, Mr. Kendall has found it possible to main- tain many other interests. He is one of the in- corporators and the treasurer of the Associated Charities of Worcester, and a member of the Ki- wanis Club and the Grange, Patrons of Hus- bandry. For many years prominently active in Masonic affairs, he belongs to the Blue Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; the Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; the Council, Royal and Select Masters. His religious affiliations are with the

Baptist church and more particularly with the Pleasant Street Baptist Church of Worcester. In politics he is a supporter of the Republican party, of which he has long been a prominent leader. At one time he served for several years as chairman and treasurer of the Worcester Republican Com- mittee. One of Mr. Kendall's outstanding inter- ests has long been the study of Worcester County history, on which he is regarded as an authority. He is frequently called upon to make addresses on subjects relating to the county's history before clubs and other organizations.

Mr. Kendall has been married twice. He mar- ried (first) Grace E. Robinson, now deceased, and (second) Florence E. Hooker of Sturbridge, Wor- cester County. He is the father of four children, two by each of his marriages: I. Esther G., who married Kenneth Haller. 2. Alton C. 3. Mary E. 4. Robert C. The family residence is located at No. 19 Monroe Avenue, Worcester, while Mr. Kendall's office is in the County Courthouse at Worcester.

HERBERT L. DAKIN-The president and directing head of the H. L. Dakin Company, of Worcester, gave his name to the business which he established in 1903, as one of a group of stores among the finest of their kind in New England. Herbert L. Dakin is a native of Worcester, born March 25, 1877, a direct descendant of the Dakin family who settled in Sudbury, Massachusetts, at the time of the Revolution. Mr. Dakin was edu- cated in the public schools of his birthplace, and the important phases of his commercial career have been achieved in Worcester. In 1903 Mr. Dakin purchased the store and provisions business of J. W. Ekins at No. 153 Main Street, which marked the beginning of the concern that is now the larg- est and oldest of its kind in Worcester. In 1910 he bought out N. F. Brown on Pleasant Street, in 1916 absorbed the business of a Mr. Cobb, and in 1920 merged with his concern the Bertel Delica- tessen Store. His commercial affairs had then grown to such an extent that the forming and incorporation of a company seemed advisable. In 1922 this was brought about and the H. L. Dakin Company was organized with Mr. Dakin as the president and treasurer ; N. F. Thornton, assistant treasurer ; and H. B. Belisle and L. M. Barnes, vice-presidents. To the several stores already oper- ated by this company was added one in Webster. All the stores run by the corporation are of the most modern type in appearance, spaciousness and equipment. Only the finest provisions, fruits and other supplies are kept and employment is given to from one hundred to one hundred and twenty- five persons. Mr. Dakin is the directing and con- structive force behind this enterprise, a position for which he is amply fitted by natural gifts and acquired experience, and the success of the com- pany must be credited to the foresight, courage and unflagging efforts of its president. Mr. Dakin is a director of the Morris Plan Bank of Wor- cester and is also interested in other financial con- cerns.

Business, while foremost among the activities of Mr. Dakin, has never been allowed to absorb all his time or interest. Fraternally, he is affiliated with Montague Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, and is a member of all the bodies of Masonry up to and including the thirty-second degree, An-

Ralph P. Kendall

WORCESTER COUNTY

cient Accepted Scottish Rite. He is also a mem- ber of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Rotary Club and the Worcester Chamber of Commerce, and he finds recreation as a member of the Worcester Country Club. He is a member of the Congregational Church and is ever ready to promote religious or humanitarian movements. Without seeking the limelight of public approval he is one of those business men who have con- tributed a great deal to the development of Wor- cester and the betterment of the conditions under which its citizens live.

Herbert L. Dakin married Mary B. Barnes, of Saranac Lake, New York, and they are the par- ents of a daughter, Evelyn D., now the wife of Robert Mix.

FRANK J. WESCHLER-The bicycle chain is one of the simplest of the modern means of con- veying from one shaft to another and its manufac- ture seems hardly a sufficient base upon which to build one of the most important of Worcester's industrial organizations. Nevertheless out of the making of the "Baldwin Bicycle Chain" came the Baldwin Manufacturing Company, and in combina- tion with another large enterprise was formed the noteworthy Baldwin-Duckworth Chain Corpora- tion, international in its scope, and "in the field of chains and sprockets for power transmission and conveying stands supreme." (q. v.) Frank J. Weschler as a young man started his business career at Erie, Pennsylvania, in the employ of the Black Manufacturing Company, makers of bicy- cles ; for more than one quarter of a century he has been connected with the chain industry, during the most of this time as an executive. He resigned from his official position with one of the leading manufacturers of motorcycles to assume the pres- idency of and management of the Baldwin Chain and Manufacturing Company. A modest man, little inclined to speak of his own achievements, it is another authority that one must quote in the state- ment that "under his (Mr. Weschler's) manage- ment the company enjoyed the largest volume of business in its history." At the time of writing he is the treasurer and general manager of the Bald- win-Duckworth Chain Corporation, a brief his- tory of which may be found elsewhere in this work.

Mr. Weschler was born at Erie, Pennsylvania, March 6, 1883, son of Leo B. and Anna (Kim- meth) Weschler. His father was in the malting industry at Erie, his birthplace, and died in 1890. Mrs. Weschler was a native of Germany and lived until 1923. Frank J. Weschler after attending the public schools early went to work and his first important job, as already stated, was with the Black Manufacturing Company, makers of bicycles. This concern was later merged with the American Bicycle Company, and the plant removed to West- field, Massachusetts, in 1902, and Mr. Weschler came to Massachusetts to continue his work with the new concern. In 1906 he resigned to accept a post with the Hendee Manufacturing Company, in the sales department. He was one of the prin- cipal executives of the Indian Motorcycle Com- pany, of Springfield, Massachusetts, where he was called in June, 1927, to become the president and treasurer of the Baldwin Chain and Manufacturing Company, of Worcester, and is credited with being a foremost factor in the later development of that

famous corporation. When this company was con- solidated with another, he was elected treasurer of the new corporation, the Baldwin-Duckworth Chain Corporation, and its general manager. It has been a long and devious road that Mr. Weschler has traveled to success, and his achievements in varied yet related fields of industry have been the achieve- ments of a man talented and energetic, blessed with vision and the courage of his convictions. He never has been afraid to assume risks and respon- sibilities, and has the personality which inspires men to work with him as they would not work for another.

The stress of business has never prevented Mr. Weschler from playing active rôles in civic and other affairs. During the period when the United States was involved in the World War he gave a great deal of time and energy to the furtherance of the Liberty Loan and other drives, and was a member of the Emergency Committee. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and the Knights of Columbus. His favorite club is the Springfield in which he still retains membership. Among other financial and business interests he is a director of the M. A. C. Plan Bank, of Springfield, Massachusetts, and a trustee of the Hampden Savings Bank of that same city.

Frank J. Weschler married (first) Carolyn Caf- frey, now long deceased, and they were the parents of four children: I. Dorothy, a graduate of the Sargent School, Boston; the wife of Jerome Dris- coll, and the mother of a daughter, Carolyn. 2. Lillian, a graduate of the Pathe Institute. 3. Elea- nor, a student. 4. Ann, also a student. Mr. Wesch- ler married (second) Theresa Caffrey.

ADNA J. CUTTING-To the vocation of dairying Adna J. Cutting, of Worcester, Massa- chusetts, brought the methods of modern business and achieved a remarkable success. He is a native of New Hampshire, born August 21, 1896, a son of Samuel L. and Julia (Gardner) Cutting, mem- bers of pioneer New England families. He grew up on a farm and was educated in the local public schools. After two years of special courses in dairying at the University of New Hampshire, Adna J. Cutting became connected with the Inter- national Harvester Company and was in its employ for three years. Then for five years he was asso- ciated with the Cherry and Burrill Company, makers of dairy supplies and equipment. In the meanwhile he had played his rôle in the United States' participation in the World War, being in charge of the military dairy farm at Marblehead, Massachusetts.

In this varied fashion Adna J. Cutting came to know all phases of the dairy industry and to be fitted to operate in this business on a large scale, should opportunity offer. In 1927 he had his chance and promptly made use of it, becoming the proprietor of a dairy which had been in business since 1920 with some success. Mr. Cutting incor- porated this business under the name of the Hill- crest Dairy, of which he was made the secretary- treasurer. From its small beginning it has been developed by Mr. Cutting to the place where it is now the largest independent dairy in Worcester County. It operates a fleet of sixteen motor trucks and four wagons as a part of its daily operations. Mr. Cutting in addition to being the directing

WORCESTER COUNTY

force behind the Hillcrest Dairy Company, is also a member of the International Association of Milk Dealers, the Worcester Chamber of Commerce, and the Kiwanis Club of Worcester. He is a member of the Wesley Methodist Episcopal Church and interested in religious and humanitarian activities.

On February I, 1923, Adna J. Cutting married Grace Smith, of Brockton, Massachusetts, and they are the parents of two children: I. Robert S., born in 1926. 2. Sylvia G., born in 1930.

WILLIAM S. KEELER was born in Whitins- ville, Worcester County, June 24, 1906, a son of Harley E. and Agnes (Ferguson) Keeler, his father a native of North Hero, Vermont, and his mother of Massachusetts, the former being engaged as a foreman machinist. The son, William S., attended the public schools and followed with study at a school of commercial science and with two years of special work in accountancy. He chose banking for his profession and accepted a position in the Morris Plan Bank of Rhode Island at Provi- dence. In February, 1929, he was installed as assistant treasurer of the Morris Plan Bank in Worcester.

Mr. Keeler is a member of Granite Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, of Whitinsville, and the Meadow View Gun Club. His church membership is with the United Presbyterian Church at Whitins- ville, where he is superintendent of the interme- diate Sunday School.

Mr. Keeler married, October 10, 1931, Theresa Frieswyk, a native of Massachusetts. Their home is in Whitinsville, and Mr. Keeler has his official address with the bank on Franklin Street, Wor- cester.

THOMAS H. CALLERY-From service to the United States Government spanning a period of a score of years, Thomas H. Callery graduated to the banking business and has since become one of the principal officers of one of Worcester's leading financial institutions. As treasurer of the Bay State Savings Bank in this city he has seen the institution grow in size and become a highly important unit in the system of finance in the county and State.

Mr. Callery was born in Boston, December 6, 1869, a son of Thomas and Bridget (Battles) Cal- lery, both parents natives of County Roscommon, Ireland; the former, a gardener, died in 1896, and the mother in 1915. Thomas H. Callery received his education in the public schools and early entered the Federal service as a member of the Worcester Post Office staff. Here he was most efficient in the different departments to which he was attached and his work merited and was made the basis for promotions through various grades of the office. All together he was connected with the post office for twenty years.

In 1913 he resigned his government position, having accepted a place in the Bay State Savings Bank. Here he made himself thoroughly ac- quainted with banking methods and procedure, win- ning the confidence of the officers and the good- will of his associates. Possessing executive ability beyond the ordinary and a flair for finance, nobody was really surprised when he was elected treasurer in 1923 to succeed George McAleer, who was the first to hold the office. From a business viewpoint, the bank has been his sole pride, and his enthu-

siasm, integrity and progressive spirit have been elements in what some call the institution's phenom- enal success.

Mr. Callery is a member of the Washington Club, Worcester Country Club, and Knights of Columbus. He is a communicant of the Imma- culate Conception Church in Worcester. Politics from a practical standpoint has never claimed the participation of Mr. Callery. Faithful in the dis- charge of his duties as a citizen, he is first and last a banker and by this title he is commonly known.

Mr. Callery married, in 1911, Josephine J. Joyce, who was born in Massachusetts. They live at No. 5 Dean Street, Worcester, and Mr. Callery has his office in the Bay State Savings Bank, No. 51I Main Street, this city.

EDWARD J. CROSS-Founder of the E. J. Cross Company, one of the largest building con- tractors of Worcester County, Edward J. Cross continues as executive head of that enterprise.

Edward Josiah Cross was born in Worcester on January 25, 1866. When he was only a year old, the family removed to West Warren, where he received his education in the public schools and continued to reside until he became of age. Subse- quently he returned to Worcester, learned the car- penter's trade, and for seven years worked as an apprentice and journeyman in this city. In 1894 he entered business for himself as a contractor and builder, founding the company which has since borne his name. It was incorporated in 1910 as the E. J. Cross Company, with Mr. Cross as president and treasurer. He continues to be active in the company whose steady development reflects the value of his executive leadership and sound judgment.

The services of the E. J. Cross Company have been retained by many important interests and its work is to be seen not only at Worcester, but in other large Massachusetts cities. Among the edi- fices which it has erected may be mentioned build- ings for the following manufacturing concerns : Norton Company (entire plant) ; Spencer Wire Company, Wyman-Gordon Company; mills of the Woven Cartridge Belt Company ; buildings for the union Twist Drill Company at Athol; Collier- Keyworth Company at Gardner; Viscoloid Com- pany and Whitney Carriage Company at Leomin- ster ; Jewell Brook Woolen Company at Ludlow, Vermont; Roger G. Sullivan Company at Man- chester, New Hampshire; S. W. Card Manufac- turing Company at Mansfield, Massachusetts ; Hop- kins and Allen Arms Company and Winchester Woolen Company at Norwich, Connecticut ; Amer- ican Optical Company at Southbridge, Massachu- setts; New York, New Haven and Hartford Rail- road round house; and the plants of half a hun- dred well-known companies in Worcester. Other buildings which they have erected include the New Hampshire State Sanatorium at Glencliff, New Hampshire; buildings for the Memorial Hospital, the Temporary Home and Day Nursery and addi- tions to the Art Museum at Worcester; the Bea- man Memorial Library at West Boylston; several restaurants, railway stations, theatres and country clubs, a number of important mercantile buildings and many fine residences at Worcester and else- where.

Mr. Cross has several other business connections. He is a director of the Mechanics' National Bank

WORCESTER COUNTY

and the Merchants and Farmers Insurance Com- pany of Worcester, and a trustee of the Peoples Savings Bank. Fraternally, he is affiliated with Quinsigamond Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, and he is a member of the Commonwealth Club, the Worcester Club, the Worcester Rotary Club, the Economic Club, the Worcester Country Club, the Worcester Chamber of Commerce, the Wor- cester Mechanics' Association, and the Worcester County Fish and Game Association. He served for a number of years as president of the Worcester County Employers' Association. Mr. Cross has always been interested in civic affairs and has given substantial support to all worthy community enterprises.

He married, on February 25, 1891, Mary Olive Upton, born in St. John, New Brunswick, and they became the parents of two children: I. Ralph Up- ton, now vice-president of the E. J. Cross Com- pany. 2. Frank Edward.

Ralph Upton Cross was born in Worcester, Mas- sachusetts, on August 16, 1892. He received his preliminary education in local schools and after attending Worcester Academy entered Tufts Col- lege, from which he was graduated in 1916 with the degree of Bachelor of Science in engineering. After the entry of the United States into the World War, he enlisted, in May, 1917, in Head- quarters Company of the Northeastern Depart- ment at Boston. Later he was assigned to duty in the construction department, United States Army. He was commissioned second lieutenant and subsequently promoted for meritorious service to first lieutenant, receiving his honorable discharge with this grade in January, 1919. At that time he returned to his duties in civil life.

Apart from his army service, Mr. Cross has been continuously associated with the E. J. Cross Com- pany. He has learned by intimate, first-hand ex- perience all details connected with its operations and is well qualified for the responsibilities of his present office. As vice-president, he takes an im- portant part in the direction of company's affairs. Mr. Cross is affiliated with Tufts Chapter of Delta Upsilon Fraternity and with Quinsigamond Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons. In the latter order he is also a member of all higher bodies of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, including the thirty-second degree of the Consistory. He is an active member and vice-president of the Worcester Rotary Club, a member of the Worcester Chamber of Commerce, the Worcester Country Club, the Worcester Club, the University Club of Worcester, the American Society of Civil Engineers and the Boston Society of Civil Engineers, the Military Order of the World War, and Devens Post, Amer- ican Legion. In religious faith he is a member of the Unitarian Church.

In 1922, Ralph Upton Cross married Mary Bige- low Barnard of Worcester. They are the parents of one son, Courtland Josiah, born May 26, 1926.

ALBERT SAMUEL HEYWOOD-Of one of the oldest concerns manufacturing shoes in Worcester County, Albert S. Heywood has been president for twenty years, the affairs of the Hey- wood Boot and Shoe Company having gone for- ward to greater achievements under his admin- istration than it had known hitherto. In the fore- front of civic advance in his community, he was one of those prominently active in securing the

site for the Municipal Auditorium of Worcester. He is also officially interested in a number of financial institutions in this city.

Albert Samuel Heywood was born in Worces- ter, May 31, 1867. His father, Samuel Richard- son Heywood, born in Princeton, Massachusetts, November 14, 1821, died in this city, May 27, 1913, founded in 1867 the business which devoleped into the Heywood Boot and Shoe Company. He married, June 6, 1856, at Chelsea, Harriet Butler Milliken, born August 27, 1828, died in 1918, daughter of Zachariah T. and Anne B. Milliken, both her parents natives of Franklin County, Maine. Albert Samuel is the fifth child, third and youngest son.

Samuel R. Heywood began the manufacture of boots and shoes in 1864 as a partner of C. C. Houghton under the style of Houghton and Hey- wood, this firm continuing for three years. From 1867 to 1873 Mr. Heywood carried forward the business of manufacturing boots and shoes. In the latter year he received Oscar Phillips as a partner and the title of S. R. Heywood and Com- pany was adopted. The factory on Winter Street, Worcester, which the firm built in 1879, was known as one of the large and well equipped plants in the United States. Additions to the original building have been erected from time to time. The business was incorporated in 1884 under the name of the Heywood Boot and Shoe Company. Sam- uel R. Heywood was made president; Frank E. Heywood, vice-president; and Oscar Phillips, treasurer. Mr. Phillips retired in 1889, and was succeeded by Frank E. Heywood, and upon the latter's death, in 1899, Albert S. Heywood was elected vice-president and treasurer, Bertram S. Newell being appointed assistant treasurer. These were the officers associated with Mr. Heywood until his death. The factory was enlarged in 1894, 1905, 1907, and 1913, and the capacity of the plant was thus more than doubled. In 1899 the manufacture of boots was discontinued, since which time the company has devoted itself exclu- sively to the manufacture of high-grade shoes.

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Worcester county; a narrative history, Volume III, Part 14

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