Worcester county; a narrative history, Volume III, Part 39

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 39

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).

Dr. Weis gives considerable attention to literary work. He is the author of the "Life and Works of Johannes Denck, 1495-1527"; the compiler of the Weis-Lewis, the Phipps and the Weis genealogies; author of the "Genealogical History of Temple- ton, Massachusetts," and of the "Life, Teaching's and Works of Ludwig Hetzer" (1930) ; editor of the "Narrative of the Captivity and Restoration of Mrs. Mary Rowlandson" (1930). He was elected Historian General of the Society of the Descendants of the Colonial Clergy in 1930. He was the Elder of the Rhode Island Society of Mayflower Descendants and is a member of the Rhode Island Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, of the Rhode Island Society of Colo- nial Wars and of the Rhode Island Historical

15I

WORCESTER COUNTY

Society ; secretary and treasurer, Unitarian Minis- terial Union, 1926-28; vice-president, Clinton Hos- pital; and trustee of Lancaster Town Library. He is a Master Mason in Mount Moriah Lodge, No. 8, Free and Accepted Masons, at Limerock, Rhode Island.

Rev. Frederick Lewis Weis married, November 6, 1926, at Taunton, Massachusetts, Elizabeth Wil- liams Stone. She is the daughter of William Sid- ney Stone (William, Colonel Leonard, Captain Leonard, Benjamin, Deacon Simon, Deacon Simon, Deacon Simon Stone, who settled at Watertown, 1630), and Ellen Reed Dewson (Edward Henry, Francis, Benjamin Dewson). She was born in Braintree, Massachusetts, December 17, 1904, and was graduated at the Lincoln School of Providence, Rhode Island, in 1922. They are the parents of Robert Pomeroy Weis, born at Taunton, June 12, 1928, and of Virginia Stone Weis, born at Clin- ton, June 10, 1930.

EUGENE F. GRAY-For the superiority of his artistry, first as a landscapist and later as a portrait photographer, the name of Eugene F. Gray has gone far beyond the confines of this county and city, where his work now chiefly centers. He is the possessor of many medals, certificates, diplo- mas and other trophies of honor and recognition. Mr. Gray is also credited with the invention and perfection of the vignetter, a machine on which he obtained letters patent. This remarkable device has since come into large use by the Eastman Kodak Company and by practically all leading camera manufacturers of America.

Born in Watertown, New York, June 3, 1868, Eugene F. Gray is the son of John C. and Isabel (Kilburn) Gray, both parents natives of New York; the father, who was a pioneer ice dealer in Watertown, died in 1889, and the mother in 1930. After he had completed his public school courses, Eugene F. Gray took a course of studies in a business college. He desired to have a commer- cial foundation to supplement the exposition of his art, to which he already was devoting his major talents. At an early age he was painting landscapes which attracted the attention of con- noisseurs. It was his fine success in oils that led him to enter the field of photography, and he was only twenty-one years of age when he brought out his vignette machine. This added materially to his fame. From Watertown he went to Hartford, Connecticut, where he found desirable subjects among members of the Legislature, and his por- traits highly pleased the lawmakers of that State. Among his patrons also were members of various constitutional convention committees. He next moved on to New Haven, in the same State, where he photographed as many as one thousand students of Yale University in a single year. In 1913 he transferred his studio and interests to the city of Worcester, where he has since continued to execute his high type of portrait work. He is rated by many as the leading photographic artist in this section of the State. A member of the Interna- tional Association of Photographers, he is also a member of the New England Association of Photo- graphers, of which he was president for three years.

His affiliations include Watertown (New York) Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; Worcester Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Worcester Coun- cil, Royal and Select Masters; and Worcester

Grotto, Mystic Order Veiled Prophets of the En- chanted Realm. He is a member of the Worcester Chamber of Commerce, the Kiwanis Club, and the Worcester Country Club. A member of the Union Congregational Church, Worcester, he serves this body as its senior deacon.

Eugene F. Gray married, in 1896, Sarah Emily Hickok, and their children are: I. Leland E., edu- cated in the public schools. 2. H. Harold, educated at the University of Vermont. 3. Dorothy A., also educated at the same university. Mr. Gray has his studios at No. 476 Main Street, and the family home is at No. 912 Grove Street, Worcester.

WALTER F. HOOK was born at Worcester on August 5, 1904, a son of Albin F. and Anna E. (Hjlen) Hook, both natives of Sweden. When his parents first came to America, they settled in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, but later removed to Worcester, where the father was engaged in the wire business.

Walter F. Hook was educated in Worcester public schools and after leaving high school in 1921, became associated immediately with the Bar- nard-Sumner-Putnam Company. Although em- ployed at first in minor capacities, he gradually rose within the organization, holding various posi- tions in the sales, accounting and other departments until he was appointed to advertising manager. Apart from his business connections, Mr. Hook is a member of the Lions Club, the Advertising Club of Worcester and the Wachusett Country Club.

On May 12, 1928, Walter F. Hook married Alice Hultgren of this city. They reside at No. 5 Dybeck Street.

FRANCIS HENRY TAYLOR was appointed for a study of the Romanesque Sculpture of the Roussillon, with special reference to the sculpture from St. Genis des Fontaines and the origins of the style of the eleventh century; the tenure to be six months from February 1, 1932. Mr. Taylor was born April 23, 1903, at Philadelphia, Pennsyl- vania. His education follows: University of Penn- sylvania, Bachelor of Arts, 1924; University of Paris, 1924-25; American Academy in Rome, 1925- 1926; Princeton University, 1926-27. He has been assistant curator of sculpture, editor of publications, 1927-28, curator of mediaeval art and editor, 1928- 1931, in the Pennsylvania Museum of Art and curator of the Rodin Museum, Philadelphia, 1930- 1931. Mr. Taylor is now director of the Worces- ter Art Museum, 1931 -.

HERBERT A. and PEARL M. DANIELS -To every State in the Union and throughout Canada and to sixteen other foreign countries stock or eggs have been shipped from Daniels' Rhode Island Red Plant, owned and managed by Herbert A. and Pearl M. Daniels, at Grafton Center, Worcester County. They are among the most prominent and successful breeders of pedi- greed and certified poultry in this section of Mas- sachusetts, making a specialty of Rhode Island Reds, also canaries and Red Persian cats. Mr. and Mrs. Daniels started in a small way in 1916 with their present blood lines of Reds, and they have since grown to be among the best known poultry breeders in this part of the country. They handle only standard-bred, pedigreed Reds and

152

WORCESTER COUNTY

have about three hundred breeders on the plant. Besides Canada (including Nova Scotia), the for- eign countries to which they ship eggs or stock are Newfoundland, Bermuda, Cuba, Argentina, Chile, Java, New Zealand, Russia, Holland, Eng- land, Scotland, Wales, Denmark and South Africa. They are members of the Massachusetts Associa- tion of Certified Poultry Breeders, Inc., Worcester County Poultry Association, Rhode Island Red Club of America, and life-members of the Amer- ican Poultry Association.

Herbert Alfred Daniels was born in Grafton, Worcester County, October II, 1873, the son of Elisha and Hannah (Pierce) Daniels, both parents natives of that town and now deceased, the former having been at one time a shoemaker and later a stationary engineer. He has always resided in his home town and for a quarter-century followed different employments, having been a horseshoer up to twenty years ago, since which time he has been engaged altogether in the business of poultry breeding. He married, on Labor Day, September, 1916, Pearl Marion Smith, a native of North- borough.

Mrs. Daniels has been handling all of the ad- vertising matter and doing all the clerical work of the Daniels Pedigreed Rhode Island Red Plant at Grafton Center since 1917. Since that year she has also written regularly for the "Rhode Island Red Journal," published at Waverly, Iowa. In 1926-27 she was secretary of the Rhode Island Red Club of America, which at the time had an inter- national membership of more than five thousand, located all over the world. She is a member of the editorial board of the "New England Poultry- man" and also handles the question-and-answer department of that journal. For seven years she has managed the poultry department of the "Wor- cester County Farmer"; She is secretary of the Worcester County Poultry Association and of the Massachusetts Association of Certified Poultry Breeders, Inc. In 1933 she put on the first Massa- chusetts chick show ever to be staged; it was held in the Hotel Bancroft Annex, Worcester. It ap- pears that the reputation and popularity of the Rhode Island Red are safe in the hands of Mr. and Mrs. Daniels.

PHILIP CENEDELLA-At the head of the oldest concern of its kind in Worcester County, Philip Cenedella, of Milford, inherited from his father the business now known as Cenedella and Company, general contractors. He has done a great deal of important work in the public utilities and public works fields, his business not being confined to this county, but extending to many parts of the United States. He has served the town of Milford as a selectman and chairman of the board and in many other ways has evinced his interest in local government and civic affairs.

Giacomo Cenedella, father of Philip, married Maria Simoni and they lived in Lonato, Brescia, Italy. He came to the United States in 1883, returned to Italy the same year, brought back the family in 1884, and settled in Milford, where he and his family were the first natives of Italy to make their home. The elder Cenedella entered the general contracting business in 1892 under his own name and was thus engaged with the assistance of his sons until 1906, in which year he died.

Born in Lonato, Italy, May 24, 1872, Philip Cene- della obtained his early education in the schools of his native town. He was twelve years of age, when he arrived from the old homeland and with his parents came to live in Milford. After com- pleting his schooling in Milford, he learned the trade of a stonecutter, but never pursued it as a business. Instead he joined his father in the gen- eral contracting firm, remaining loyally by his side until his death. In 1906 the title of the concern was changed to Cenedella and Company, of which Philip Cenedella became the active head. He has

developed the business of general contracting on a broad scale, and to the company's credit there stand many large and well-known pieces of con- struction, as bridges, railroads, tunnels, concrete works, waterworks, and highways, which have been built in different parts of the country, principally east of the Mississippi. On an average, in normal times, a force of one hundred and fifty men is maintained on the payroll.

The fellow-citizens of Milford have been pleased to honor Mr. Cenedella, now the oldest Milfordian of Italian birth in point. of residence, in a signal manner, befitting his public spirit. Besides electing him to the board of selectmen, on which he served as a member six years and as its chairman five years, they chose him for president of the Chamber of Commerce. He is also a past president of the Taxpayers Association of Milford, which body he helped organize. In addition he served on various boards and committees during the World War period. Mr. Cenedella, with Wendell Williams and Patrick J. Lawless, was elected by a committee of the depositors of the Home National Bank in Mil- ford to the post of trustee in charge of the liquida- tion of the collateral unacceptable to the govern- ment. He is affiliated with the Societa Operaia Italiana, of which he is a charter member and the president since 1928; the Sons of Italy; and Mil- ford Lodge, No. 628 Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, of which last-named body he is trustee. His religious connection is with the Ro- man Catholic Church of the Sacred Heart.

Mr. Cenedella married, November 27, 1901, at Boston, Louise F. Gardetto, daughter of Dominic and Carlotta (Pene) Gardetto. Mr. and Mrs. Cenedella have children: 1. Marie, a graduate of St. Elizabeth's School, New Jersey. 2. Harold, a graduate of Notre Dame University. 3. Philip J., who is also a graduate of Notre Dame. 4. Robert, a graduate of Colgate University ; married, Decem- ber 20, 1932, Franconia Bilsbury and they have one child, Pene Leah, born November 10, 1933. 5. Louise, a graduate of LaSalle College. 6. Carlotta, attending high school.

CHARLES H. SIBLEY-A resident of Wor- cester, in his native Commonwealth of Massachu- setts, Charles H. Sibley is a member of the law firm of Sibley, Blair and Young, of this city. His part in Worcester city and county affairs has been an extensive and a useful one, bringing him the respect and confidence of his fellow-citizens and associates at the bar.

Mr. Sibley was born on February 14, 1867, at New Salem, Massachusetts, son of Sylvanus and Abigail E. (Briggs) Sibley. His father, a native of Petersham, Massachusetts, died in 1892; and his mother, a native of New Salem, in 1902. Both

Clarks K Fibery

153

WORCESTER COUNTY

were descendants of old New England families. In the public schools of New Salem and in New Salem Academy Charles H. Sibley, of this review, received his early education; afterward he entered Amherst College, from which he was graduated in 1891 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Fol- lowing his graduation he first became principal of the Sterling, Massachusetts, High School which position he held for two years, and for the follow- ing three years was principal of the Ashland, Massachusetts, High School. He was admitted to the Massachusetts bar in 1897. Immediately he began a general practice of his profession in Wor- cester, carrying on his legal work under his own name and independently until 1919. He then be- came a member of the firm of Sibley, Blair and Young, referred to above, with whom he has remained since that time. His place in Worcester is one of leadership and high standing. Prior to 1919 he acted as master and auditor in many impor- tant cases.

He has not by any means confined his energies, however, to the law, having contributed to organiza- tional activities of value in both civic and social life. He is a trustee of the Mechanics Savings Bank, of Worcester, and is also affiliated with several prominent groups, such as the Worcester Club, the University Club, the Tatnuck Country Club, the Quinsigamond Boat Club and the Am- herst Club. During the World War, Mr. Sibley was a member of different boards and committees helping in the prosecution of the cause of the United States and the Allied governments. Though not himself directly interested in politics and not a seeker after nor holder of public office, he acted, in 1932, as manager of W. S. Shuster's success- ful campaign for the Governor's Council in Mas- sachusetts. A number of professional groups also have found Mr. Sibley a valuable helper, particu- larly the Worcester County Bar Association and the Massachusetts State Bar Association. Rated high among lawyers, he occupies a position at the forefront of his profession, as well as in different departments of civic endeavor, and is outstanding for his work in a wide territory. His religious faith is that of the Protestant Church. Through- out his life he has been best known for his devo- tion to his family, his friends and his clients to the exclusion of all public honors.

Charles H. Sibley married (first), in 1899, Emma O. Patten of Sterling, Massachusetts, who is now deceased. He married (second), in 1915, Maud W. Caswell, of Gardner, Massachusetts. By the first marriage, there were three children: I. Paul, born August 19, 1902, now a Worcester manufac- turer ; was graduated from Bowdoin College in 1925 with the degree of Bachelor of Science; he married Nancy Norton of Cleveland, Ohio, and they became the parents of one child, Charles H. Sibley, 2d. 2. Wayne, born March 13, 1904, and now a member of his father's firm; was graduated from Bowdoin College in 1926, a Bachelor of Arts, and from Boston University, in 1929, a Bachelor of Laws. 3. Lloyd, died in 1922 at the age of sixteen.

FRANCIS J. DEARY-Associated with the large and well-known dairy firm of Deary Broth- ers, of Webster and Dudley, and a deputy sheriff of Worcester County, Francis J. Deary is a lead- ing business man and public official, a veteran of

the World War, and prominent in affairs of vet- erans' organizations.

Born in Saugus, Massachusetts, November 23, 1894, Francis J. Deary is a son of Charles H. and Anna (Devine) Deary, the former a native of Donegal, Ireland, and the latter of Liverpool, Eng- land. His parents were married in Glasgow, Scot- land, came to America about 1883 and settled in Saugus. The mother died in February, 1924, and the father, who was an ironworker, is now making his home with his son, Francis J. After passing through the public schools of Saugus and Dudley, Francis J. Deary attended Nichols' Academy for a course of additional study and later entered the Bartlett High School, Webster, where he was graduated in 1914. He played professional base- ball (second-baseman) for the Pawtucket (Rhode Island) Colonial League team in 1915. In that sea- son he was injured by a pitched ball and was incapacitated for further league ball.

He entered the employ of the old Adams Express Company, transferring valuables and delivering pay- rolls, a very important position. His next position was that of fireman on the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad, with which he re- mained fourteen months. During his service he was slightly injured in a train wreck at Plainfield. While convalescing he was employed as a stationary fireman. In May, 1917, he enlisted for service in the United States Navy. Despairing of being called into action, he again enlisted, this time in the army, and was sent to Fort Benjamin Harrison for training. With Company N, 22d Engineers (Pio- neers), he went overseas in September, 1917. He was given his fill of active service, while participat- ing in the battles of Verdun, the Vesle, the second Marne, St. Mihiel and the Argonne. He was wounded in the Argonne the very morning the Armistice was signed and was removed to a hos- pital, whence he escaped in time to rejoin his comrades on their journey home to the States. He was mustered out of service at Camp Jackson, South Carolina, June 30, 1919, and received his honorable discharge papers at Camp Devens, Mas- sachusetts, July 3, 1919.

On his return home he went to work in the Chase mill of the American Woolen Company, where he was employed ten years. In 1923 he associated himself with his three brothers in the dairy business, which they have developed to one of the largest in this section of New England. The Deary Brothers specialize in "Grade A" milk, manufacture ice-cream for sale at retail at their own stand in Webster, and operate twelve retail automobile trucks, two wholesale trucks and three country or collection trucks.

Mr. Deary is one of the most active members of his community in business, political and social affairs. He was a member of the board of asses- sors for three years and its chairman for one year; chairman of the board of public welfare in 1926-27; chief of police in 1931; in 1932 was ap- pointed a member of the committee on by-laws and elected secretary of this committee; elected chair- man of the committee in 1933. His commission as a deputy sheriff of Worcester County was signed June 22, 1933. For the past three years he has been an officer of the Citizens Military Training Corps. His prominence in veterans' or- ganizations is shown by the fact that he is a Past Commander of Webster-Dudley Post, No. 184,

154

WORCESTER COUNTY

American Legion ; a member of the Society of "40 and 8"; was county secretary of the Worcester County Council of the American Legion for two years, a member of the executive committee of the Legion district for two years, and a post service officer for seven years. He is affiliated with the Knights of Columbus. His hobbies are outdoor sports and athletics generally, in which he has been keenly interested since his schooldays, when he was active in them.

Francis J. Deary married, September 20, 1920, Anna Kangley, of Webster, and their children are : Barbara M., Francis J., Jr., Bernard C., Joseph H., Edward T., and William J. The family home is on West Main Street in Dudley.

CALVIN HENRY ANDREWS-Since 1916 Calvin Henry Andrews has been the efficient prin- cipal of the High School of Commerce in Wor- cester and during that time he has not only proved his ability as an administrator, but has closely identified himself with the sports and other extra- curricular activities of the students of his school.

Calvin Henry Andrews was born at Boylston, Massachusetts, January 1, 1871, son of John Thomas and Henrietta Martyn (Brigham) An- drews of that town. His grandfathers, Captain John Andrews and Henry H. Brigham, held high place in the esteem of their fellow-townsmen, and each served his district for two terms in the Mas- sachusetts State Legislature. Calvin Henry An- drews received his early education in the public schools of Boylston and then entered Worcester High School, in the same building in which he is now serving as principal of the High School of Commerce. After graduation from high school he entered the Worcester Polytechnic Institute, from which he was graduated with the degree of Bach- elor of Science in 1893. The following fall he began his career as an educator by accepting a position as teacher of physics in the English High School of Worcester. During the year 1895-96 he took a special course in pedagogy and mathe- matics in Clark University in Worcester, while still teaching in the English High School, where he remained until June, 1901. In September of that year he was transferred to South High School as teacher of physics and there he continued until June, 1914. His eleven years of more than ordina- rily able service had well fitted him for the greater responsibilities of administrative work in the high school, and in 1914 he was appointed assistant prin- cipal of the High School of Commerce. Two years later, in August, 1916, he was made principal of that school and during the many years of his serv- ice since then in that capacity he has accomplished much for the High School of Commerce and for individual students of that school. Under his able administration the school has developed along the most modern and practical lines. In addition to the regular administrative and constructive work which his position requires of him, Mr. Andrews has added the "good measure" of a very active interest and participation in the sports and recrea- tions of his students. He is an enthusiastic be- liever in, and lover of, out-of-door sports. He played halfback on the celebrated Worcester Poly- technic football team of 1892 and has always en- joyed swimming, skating, and tennis, and he has enthusiastically supported the athletic activities of the High School of Commerce.

This brief record only faintly conveys an idea of the great responsibilities carried by Mr. An- drews. The school under his direction occupies four large four-story buildings and in these there is an attendance of nearly 4,000 pupils, and a corps of about one hundred and thirty teachers are employed as instructors. It is the largest public high school under one head east of the Hudson River. The discipline is most excellent and the great influence of this large corps of teachers is justly entitled to the very high credit which its work receives. Probably no teacher or principal in any school in New England and possibly few in the United States stand higher in the estima- tion of pupils, parents and teachers than does Mr. Andrews. The directing and guidance of this large group of teachers and the exercise of those char- acteristics which install harmony into such a large number of pupils and teachers, of many entirely different temperaments, is almost phenomenal. The fact that the same teachers have remained only too gladly under Mr. Andrews year after year shows the love, esteem and respect in which he is held. He is a charter member of the Eastern Association of Physics Teachers, which he served as president for one year, the National High School Principals Association, the Massachusetts School Principals Association. Fraternally he is iden- tified with Morning Star Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, and with Worcester Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He supports the principles of the Republican party, and his religious affiliation is with the Boylston Congregational Church, which he has served as chairman of the board of trustees for several years and as deacon for more than forty years. Mr. Andrews' love of out-of-door activities finds practical expression in directing and participating in farming on the old home farm of his parents. Summer vacations are filled with happy, health-building, and economically useful work on the farm, and he returns to school duties in the fall tanned, physically fit, and enthusiastic.

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 39

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