Worcester county; a narrative history, Volume III, Part 25

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 25

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).

Mr. Abodeely has his offices at No. 390 Main Street, Worcester.

FRANK J. BOBBLIS-One of the younger attorneys of Worcester, of which city he has been a resident all of his life, Frank J. Bobblis has identified himself with many phases of the life of the community wherein he holds a place of prom- inence and popularity.

He is the son of Martin and Mary (Vaitkevich) Bobblis, who came from Lithuania in 1887 and located in Worcester, where they still reside. Their son, after attending the grammar schools was graduated from the Worcester Classical High School in 1919. Later he matriculated at George- town University, Washington, District of Colum- bia, and was graduated in 1923 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Coming again to Massachusetts, Mr. Bobblis studied in the law school of Boston University, from which he was graduated in 1926 with the degree of Bachelor of Laws, and was admitted to the bar of Worcester County that same year. During the following year he was admitted to practice in the District and Federal courts.

Mr. Bobblis' preparation for the profession of law has been thorough and complete. A natural student, ambitious to succeed, it was only natural that his achievements both as a student and an attorney should be notable. He is esteemed by his colleagues as a careful and able lawyer, well in- formed and skilled in the presentation of his cases. In 1926 he entered into a partnership to form the firm of Meleski and Bobblis, an association which still continues. Their offices are in the Slater Building, Worcester. Mr. Bobblis is a member of the Worcester County Bar Association and the Massachusetts Bar Association. Fraternally, he is affiliated with the Knights of Columbus, the Be- nevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and sev- eral Lithuanian societies. He is interested in politics and is a vice-president of the Republican Council. His chief recreation is golf, and he is interested in the civic improvements of the city and active in the movements which make for this end.

Frank J. Bobblis married, May 26, 1930, Pauline C. Svagdys, of Boston. They reside at No. 51 Harlem Street, Worcester.

WILLIAM L. MACINTOSH-A native of Grafton, where he still has his residence, William L. Macintosh is one of the leaders of the bar of Worcester County and for some years has been in general practice in the city of Worcester. In addi- tion to the local and State courts, he has been admitted to the bar of the United States courts and has built up a large and desirable clientage.

Born in Grafton, May 13, 1905, William L. Macintosh is a son of William M. and Catherine (Hughes) Macintosh, his father born in Dundee, Scotland, and now living retired, and his mother a native of Johnstone, Scotland. From the public schools of his home town, he entered Clark Uni- versity and studied there one year. His legal train- ing was received in Boston University, where he was graduated in the class of 1926 with the degree of Bachelor of Laws. He was an editor of the "Law Review" for two years while he was at Bos- ton University and a member of the University Student Council.

He was certified for practice before the courts of Massachusetts, in 1926, and in that year became an associate member of the firm of Cowee and Fletcher in Worcester. In 1929 he was admitted to partnership in the firm which was reorganized under the name of Cowee and Macintosh. His admission to practice in the Federal courts is tantamount to recognition of his professional abil- ity. His professional affiliations include the Mas-

Thomas H Sucway

WORCESTER COUNTY

sachusetts Bar Association and the Worcester County Bar Association.

In political allegiance he is a staunch and active Republican and a member of the town committee of his party in Grafton. He is a member of Frank- lin Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; the Royal Arch Masons, and the Knights Templar; also of Phi Delta Phi Fraternity, and the Woolsack, the honor society of Boston University. His reli- gion is of the Protestant faith. Mr. Macintosh has his law office at No. 507 Main Street, Worcester, and his home in Grafton.

HON. CHARLES WARD JOHNSON-The death on January 1, 1932, of Charles Rensselaer Johnson deprived Worcester of the dean of the legal profession. He had practiced law in the city for fifty-five years, had served in various capacities as a public official for a quarter of a century, and had been prominent in social, cultural, civic and political life. He was born at Dana, Decem- ber 28, 1852, son of Theodore Wilder and Emily Sears (Mellen) Johnson. A graduate of Harvard University, class of 1875, and admitted to the bar in 1877, he was at various times member of the Worcester School Committee (twenty-six years), member of the Legislature (1898-99), master in chancery from 1882, member of the State Board of Charity from 1904, and member of the constitu- tional committee during 1917-18. He married Susey Servey, daughter of Jones and Harriet A. Servey, in 1889, and they were the parents of two chil- dren: Charles Ward, the subject of this review, and Theodore Howard Johnson.

The Hon. Charles Ward Johnson was born at Worcester, March 8, 1894, and received the pre- liminaries of his education in the city schools, being graduated from South High School in 1911. He then matriculated at Clark University, from which he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1914. During the following three years Mr. Johnson completed his law studies in the Bos- ton University College, being awarded the degree of Bachelor of Laws upon his graduation in 1918. Admitted to the bar that same year he at once became associated with his father, Charles Rens- selaer Johnson, and so continued to 1932. A worthy son of a worthy father, he has added new luster to the family name, as a lawyer, public official and civic leader.

Charles Ward Johnson was interested in politics before he cast his first vote and has been staunch in his support of the Republican party since the beginning of his practice in Worcester. During 1920-24 he was a member of the common council; from 1925 to 1926 he was a member of the board of aldermen; and from 1927 to 1930 he served as a member of the Massachusetts State Senate. In the latter body his chief committee was that on legal affairs, and he was a member of the Massa- chusetts War Memorial Commission. Fraternally, Mr. Johnson is affiliated with Athelstan Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, and the Quinsigamond Tribe of the Improved Order of Red Men. He is also a member of the Worcester Grange, the Wor- cester County Harvest Club, the Worcester Clark University Alumni Association, and the Worcester Tennis Club. Tennis was at one time his prin- cipal physical recreation, but Mr. Johnson is well known for his skill as a chess and checker player.

He is accumulating special editions in books and is interested actively in other cultural recreations.

On August 12, 1925, Charles Ward Johnson mar- ried Rena L. Boyle, of Worcester, and they are the parents of a son, Charles Ward, Jr., born Decem- ber 4, 1930. Mrs. Johnson is a popular figure in the social, club and sports circles of the city.

THOMAS H. SULLIVAN-The law, bank- ing and education have filled the versatile record of Thomas H. Sullivan, of Worcester and Millbury. He practices his profession and holds the office of president of the Bay State Savings Bank in Worcester, has been chairman of the Millbury school committee for thirty-five years, and is a long time member of the advisory board of the Massa- chusetts State Department of Education. One of the most distinguished lawyers of this jurisdiction, he is a former president of the Worcester County Bar Association.

Jeremiah T. Sullivan, father of the lawyer- banker, was born in County Cork, Ireland, and came to reside in Millbury, Worcester County, where he carried on business as a builder. He died in 1892. He married Johanna Horgan, who was also a native of County Cork. She died in 1925. They were a worthy couple who had the respect of their neighbors and friends.

Thomas H. Sullivan, son of Jeremiah T. and Johanna (Horgan) Sullivan, was born in Millbury, November 12, 1868, and obtained his preliminary and preparatory training in public schools. He entered Holy Cross College, achieved a high rec- ord for scholarship, and was graduated Bachelor of Arts in the class of 1891. In 1894 he made his Master's degree at Holy Cross. His professional course was taken at Boston University Law School, which made him a Bachelor of Laws at graduation in 1894. He has always been keenly interested in the affairs of his alma mater in Worcester and for three years served as president of the Holy Cross Alumni Association. In the same year that he left the law school he was admitted to the bar at a sitting of court in this county. He began prac- tice as an associate of the firm of Blackmer and Vaughan in the city of Worcester and maintained this connection until 1901, in which year he estab- lished himself in his own office in this city. His practice is large and of desirable quality. In addi- tion to the Worcester County Bar Association, he affiliates with the Massachusetts State Bar Asso- ciation and the American Bar Association. Dur- ing his tenure as president of the Worcester County Bar Association that body's affairs were maintained on the high plane of aims and ethics for which it is so well known to lawyers and the courts.

Some years ago Mr. Sullivan was induced to become a member of the Bay State Savings Bank. This institution, founded in 1895 by a group of substantial, forward-looking men, has had a re- markable history, in which success and prestige have kept company. Its first president was Rich- ard Healy, and its second William Hart, the third James Early, and the fourth Mr. Sullivan, who was elected to the office in 1922 and has since filled the same. The bank has only had two treasurers ; George McAleer was the first to hold the position, and the present incumbent is Thomas H. Callery. It speaks well for the institution that it has had so few men to occupy the principal offices and that

Wor .- 7

WORCESTER COUNTY

they have been of such high calibre as to command the esteem and confidence of the depositors and the public generally. Mr. Sullivan is also a director of the M. A. C. Bank and of many other cor- porations in the city and county.

In the service of his native town of Millbury, he is a member of the school committee and has held the post of chairman since 1898. The cause of education in this community has been given an impetus along the lines of progress during his ad- ministration as head of the board. He was first appointed to the advisory board of the State de- partment of education by Governor Calvin Coolidge, later President of the United States, and has since been repeatedly reappointed by successive Gover- nors. He greatly enjoys his work in connection with the Commonwealth's supervision of this branch of administrative government. During the World War period he rendered timely and patriotic service as a member of different boards and com- mittees. He is a member of the Worcester County Historical Society, Economic Club, Commonwealth Club, Worcester Country Club, and of a number of other clubs of a local character. His fraternal affiliations include the Ancient Order of Hiber- nians, in which he has served as president of his division and holds the office of president of the Past Presidents Association; and the Knights of Columbus. He is a communicant of St. Bridget's Roman Catholic Church of Millbury.

Mr. Sullivan married, in 1910, Mary A. Barrett, a native of Massachusetts, daughter of Thomas and Johanna (McGillicuddy) Barrett. She died in 1926. Mr. Sullivan's home is in Millbury and his official address at the Slater Building, Wor- cester.

IRVING P. SAWYER-From the banking field, in which he started his career, Irving P. Sawyer withdrew to enter the industrial phase of business. He has been secretary-treasurer of the National Shoe and Slipper Company, of Worces- ter, for more than a decade of years. He is one of the well-known executives in the shoe manu- facturing trade in this country and Canada, where the products of his concern are distributed. The corporation, whose financial department he controls, is well rated as one of the successful ones in its line in the United States.

Born in Worcester, April 28, 1897, Mr. Sawyer is a son of Bertice F. and Cora Edna (Perry) Sawyer, his father a native of this city and vice- president of the Worcester Bank and Trust Com- pany. Having received his education in the public schools of his native city, he thought to make his career in the financial world. He joined the staff of a Worcester banking institution, but only re- mained in that association a brief time. A more active life in the manufacturing world appealed strongly to him; and after resigning his position at the bank, he accepted a position of assistant to the treasurer and general manager of the Worces- ter Tire and Fabric Company. Later he became assistant treasurer of the New England Slipper Company. Here he remained until 1921, when he was elected secretary of the National Shoe and Slipper Company. In the following year he was made secretary-treasurer of the same company, which is the dual office he has since filled.

The National Shoe and Slipper Company is the successor of the G. and K. Felt Slipper Company,

which began business in 1919 at No. 67 Winter Street, Worcester, with Hyman I. Golumbuk (q. v.) and Mr. Kumin as owners and partners. In 1920 Mr. Kumin retired and in his place a Mr. Grace was received as a partner. The business was incorporated in 1921 as the National Shoe and Slip- per Company, Mr. Golumbuk becoming president, Mr. Grace treasurer, and Mr. Sawyer secretary. Upon the withdrawal of Mr. Grace from the com- pany, Mr. Sawyer took on the additional duties of treasurer and has since, together with the secretary- ship, discharged them to the advantage of the busi- ness. In 1922 the company moved its plant and offices to Nos. 8-10 Beech Street in order to have more commodious quarters for its increasing busi- ness. By 1930 the volume of its trade had in- creased to such a degree that the company again was forced to move, and this time it located on Green Street, where it has ample room, about 50,- oco square feet of floor space, and modern ma- chinery and the latest facilities known to the trade. The business furnishes employment for four hun- dred and fifty persons, and the company's products are in demand from numerous points in the United States and Canada. It is the manufacturer of the famous soft-soled "Solid Comfy" slippers and of Mckay's and Goodyear's low-priced shoes for women. Colleagues in the trade look upon the company's remarkable success as almost phenom- enal. To this desirable state Mr. Sawyer has contributed of his ability as the company's chief financial expert and keeper of records.

With Morning Star Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, of Worcester, Mr. Sawyer is affiliated, being an earnest exponent of the tenets of the order. He is a member of the Worcester Chamber of Commerce and the Wachusett Country Club. In religion he is a Protestant.

C. ARTHUR NICHOLS-Since 1920 C. Arthur Nichols has served as president of the Charles W. Burbank Company, one of the old- est and largest printing companies of Worcester County. Prior to that time he had been engaged in the advertising business for many years, winning recognition as dean of all advertising men in Wor- cester. Mr. Nichols' record as executive head of the Charles W. Burbank Company has been nota- ble, and under his able guidance the high stand- ards always associated with this company have been maintained.

Mr. Nichols was born at Worcester, May 20, 1876, a son of William L. and Martha L. (Lee) Nichols. His father, who was born at Milford, Massachusetts, and died in 1881, was engaged in the express business. As a young man he served during the Mexican War as a captain in the United States Army. Martha L. (Lee) Nichols, his wife, who was also born in Massachusetts, died in 1888.

C. Arthur Nichols received his education in Wor- cester public schools and at an early age entered the advertising business, in which he was engaged very successfully up to the year 1920. He early saw the possibilities of this new field of endeavor and developed a very large business, centering at Worcester, which occupied his time and attention until he became associated with the Charles W. Burbank Company as its president.

The Charles W. Burbank Company had its begin- nings in a small printing shop established originally by a Mr. Howland at No. 58 Front Street, Wor-

WORCESTER COUNTY

cester. It was founded in 1835 and carried on by the first owner until he disposed of his property to Charles W. Burbank. The latter removed the plant to Allen Court, now Federal Street, and in turn remained as head of the business until his death in 1900. At that time he was succeeded by his son, William F. Burbank, who was born in Worcester in 1873. Under the direction of William F. Bur- bank the business of the company largely increased. They undertook all kinds of book, job and com- mercial printing and became large manufacturers of calendars, distributing their products through- out New England. It was as a calendar salesman, that William F. Burbank first became associated with the company, but he rapidly learned all details connected with its operation and as president guided its affairs with sure hand along the pathway of success. He was active in trade organizations, was a high Mason and was prominent in other bodies, particularly the United Commercial Travelers, in the Worcester Council of which he exercised an important influence for many years. His death, on August 7, 1920, at the early age of forty-seven, removed one of Worcester's leading business men and citizens and was a source of deep regret wher- ever he was known.

It was at this time that C. Arthur Nichols was called upon to become president of the Charles W. Burbank Company. The business was incorporated under its present name with Mr. Nichols as pres- ident and Maude E. Burbank, widow of William F. Burbank, as treasurer. These are the present officers. Mr. Nichols gave up a successful adver- tising business to assume his new duties with the Charles W. Burbank Company and has carried on its work with commendable ability and sound judg- ment. When the new Printers Building was erected at No. 44 Portland Street, Worcester, the plant of the company was moved to this location, where several thousand feet of floor space are oc- cupied. Some fifteen people find employment with the company and, as previously, its products are distributed throughout New England. It is a trib- ute to Mr. Nichols' talents that there was no break in the company's progress and that its development has continued under his energetic leadership.

Fraternally, Mr. Nichols is affiliated with Quin- sigamond Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons and in this order is a member of various higher bodies, including the Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; the Council, Royal and Select Masters; and the Com- mandery of the Knights Templar. He is an active member and Past Counselor of Worcester Council, United Commercial Travelers, a member of the Wor- ter Chamber of Commerce and was formerly asso- ciated with several other clubs and organizations, although he does not now continue his membership. In religious faith, he is a member of the Wesleyan Methodist Church. Mr. Nichols has been active in Worcester life for many years and is well known, both in the city and throughout the county.

In 1901 C. Arthur Nichols married Ella M. Clarke, of Massachusetts. They are the parents of two children : 1. Milton C., a graduate of Mas- sachusetts Institute of Technology. 2. Philip G.

O. LEON ROY-The city of Worcester has been the scene of Mr. Roy's successful profes- sional activities as a lawyer for the last decade and ever since his admission to the bar. During this period Mr. Roy has won for himself an en-

viable reputation as an able and conscientious at- torney and as a result he has built up a large and important practice. Outside of his profession he has taken an active and helpful part in many differ- ent phases of the community's life and has done and is doing his full share in advancing its wel- fare and progress.

O. Leon Roy was born at Cap Chat, Gaspé County, Province of Quebec, Canada, May 14, 1884, a son of Phileas and Julia (Dancause) Roy and a member of a family of French origin that had come to Quebec from France in the early days of the province. His father was a farmer. Mr. Roy received his early education in the public schools and then attended the College of St. Césaire, Quebec, from which he was graduated in 1902. Immediately after leaving college he entered the employ of the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad Company, with which he con- tinued to be connected in various capacities until 1923. During the latter part of this period he took up the study of law at Northeastern Univer- sity, Boston, from which he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Laws in 1923. Admitted to the bar in the same year, he has been success- fully engaged in the practice of law since then at Worcester, with offices in Suite No. 309, Park Building, No. 507 Main Street. He is a member of the Worcester County Bar Association. Other organizations, in which he maintains active mem- bership, include the following : Alliance Française ; Worcester Lodge, No. 243, Benevolent and Protec- tive Order of Elks; Business Club of the Worces- ter Young Men's Christian Association; Harmony Club of Worcester; Worcester Civic Club; the Artisans; and St. John's Society. Mr. Roy has always been fond of athletic sports and finds his recreation chiefly in gymnastic work and in various outdoor sports.

Mr. Roy married, November 25, 1909, Florence Hopps, of Wakefield, England. Mr. and Mrs. Roy, who make their home at No. 41 Chatham Street, Worcester, are the parents of two children: I. Lucille, born August 3, 1913. 2. Eric, born Feb- ruary 19, 1916.

COLONEL ROBERT LEE WHIPPLE- An engineer of wide experience and distinguished record, Colonel Robert Lee Whipple is a member of the Lowell-Whipple Company, engineers, gen- eral contractors and builders, at Worcester. Apart from the important work he has undertaken in connection with his company, he has been con- spicuous in State building projects and in many other phases of Massachusetts life.

Colonel Whipple was born in Adams, Massa- chusetts, on December 30, 1881, a son of Reuben A. Whipple, born in Rhode Island, and Evelyn (Todd) Whipple, the latter, born in Massachusetts. Reuben A. Whipple was a lime manufacturer at Adams and prominent in social and civic affairs. He was a veteran of the Civil War, fighting with the Union troops, and subsequently served with the American Army in Cuba and the Philippines dur- ing the Spanish-American War and the Philippine Insurrection. His military record was one of con- siderable distinction, and at the time of his retire- ment from the service he held the rank of lieu- tenant-colonel.

Robert Lee Whipple of this record, received his preliminary education in Massachusetts schools and

100

WORCESTER COUNTY

at the outbreak of the Spanish-American War, although still in his 'teens, he entered the army, serving in the Philippines from 1899 to 1902. In the latter year, upon his return to the United States, he entered the University of Vermont, from which he was graduated in 1906 with the degrees of Bachelor of Science and Civil Engineer. In beginning his active engineering career, Colonel Whipple was resident engineer with the Carolina, Clinchfield and Ohio Railroad for several years and subsequently became an engineer in the United States Navy Department, where he remained for two years. In 1911 he came to Worcester, where his activities have since centered. With the excep- tion of his World War service, he has been en- gaged since that time as a general contractor and builder.

Following the entry of the United States into the war in April, 1917, Colonel Whipple immediately volunteered. In August, 1917, he was commis- sioned captain and assigned to the 301st Engineers, 76th Division and later to the 4th Army Corps. On March 18, 1918, he was promoted to the grade of major and in June, 1918, to lieutenant-colonel, commanding the 30Ist Regiment from that time on. Colonel Whipple participated with these troops in the battle of St. Mihiel and the Meuse-Argonne Offensive and subsequently served with the Army of Occupation in Germany. In April, 1919, he was promoted to the grade of colonel and was discharged with that rank in June, 1919.

Returning to the pursuits of peace, Colonel Whipple was executive head of R. L. Whipple and Company, general contractors at Worcester, from 1919 to 1922. Since that time he has been asso- ciated with the Lowell-Whipple Company, gen- eral contractors, which was formed in the lat- ter year. In spite of the many demands made upon him by his own business, which is one of the larg- est of its kind in the State, Colonel Whipple has found time to be very active in the service of the State. From 1927 to 1931 he was consulting engi- neer for the State of Massachusetts on all build- ing projects, making available to State officers his long experience and sound judgment. From 1924 to 1926 he was chairman of the State War Memo- rial Commission for the erection of a memorial to the Massachusetts troops at St. Mihiel ; and from 1930 to 1931 was a member of the special commis- sion for building an addition to the State House in Boston to accommodate the Supreme Court and other courts of the State. From 1923 to 1925 he was a member of the State Commission of Ad- ministration and Finance. Colonel Whipple has administered the duties of these offices with effi- ciency and fidelity, rendering service of notable importance to the State. In addition he has been very active in Worcester life, serving as president of the Worcester Chamber of Commerce from 1926 to 1928 and as president of the Worcester Area Council, Boy Scouts of America, from 1929 to 1931. 'A Republican in politics, he has exercised an important influence in councils of his party, both local and State-wide, and in 1928 he was a delegate to the Republican National Convention.

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.

Worcester county; a narrative history, Volume III, Part 25

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