Worcester county; a narrative history, Volume III, Part 51

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 51

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).

In politics a Republican, Major Pond has been active in councils of his party, and was for eight years chairman of the Tenth Ward Republican Committee in Worcester. He is a member of the Worcester County Republican Club, the Wor- cester County Bar Association, and the Boston University Alumni Association.

On June 12, 1907, Major William Gilbert Pond married Gertrude Burns of Marlboro, Massachu- setts. They are the parents of six children: I. Margaret Blake, a graduate nurse, who died in 1931. 2. Gertrude Louise, married Henry N. Sil- lars. 3. Henry Gilbert. 4. Helen Irene. 5. Wil- liam Wilson. 6. Evelyn Mary.

SAMUEL C. MOORE-Marking twenty years of service in the association of the New England Power System, Samuel C. Moore, its vice-president and general manager at the time, was presented with a button emblematic of that long and valued connection. The presentation took place in the directors' room of the company's general offices in Boston, President Comerford making the presenta- tion speech in the presence of the major executives and a group of veteran employees of the system. Mr. Moore is now president of the Rhode Island Public Service Company and has his headquarters in Providence.

Born in Castleroe, Coleraine, County Derry, Ire- land, Samuel C. Moore completed his education at the Richardson Memorial School at Macosquin, where he specialized in mathematics and mechani- cal engineering. In 1890 he arrived in the United States and subsequently joined the staff of the actuarial department of the Equitable Life As- surance Society of New York, where he was em- ployed for two years. From an insurance repre- sentative he went forward into the public utility field, and his first association in that line was with the Consolidated Gas Company of New York. While connected with that concern he was made sales manager of its Harlem branch. In 1902 he entered the electric utility field in Colorado, and for ten years was associated with the Colorado Power Company's organization.

Mr. Moore came to the New England Power System on April 15, 1912, at which time he was stationed at the company's office at Fitchburg. It had been intended that he should take charge of the accounting of the Connecticut River Trans- mission Company, one of the pioneer corporations of the Chace-Harriman group of companies, under the general direction of E. L. West, then general manager. Not long after Mr. Moore joined the New England Power System, the company re- moved to Worcester, where it occupied two small offices in the Slater Building. At that time the system had less than a dozen employees. On Au- gust 1, 1914, Mr. West retired as general manager and was succeeded by Mr. Moore.

Under the new administration the company pros- pered and expanded steadily. Additional customers and properties, a larger organization to be directed -each new year disclosed larger problems with an adequate group to meet and solve them. The four- teen years that the company had its head offices in Worcester were years of sound and steady growth. In 1926, on the formation of the associa- tion, Mr. Moore was made vice-president as well as general manager and, in fact, the operating execu- tive of the entire organization. The association's offices were transferred to Boston about Novem- ber I, 1928. It was on January 1, 1932, that Mr. Moore was made president of The Rhode Island Public Service Company and moved his headquar- ters to Providence, retaining his residence at Wel- lesley Hills. He has assumed full charge of opera- tions of the Rhode Island properties, including the United Electric Railways Company, and the ad- jacent companies in Attleboro and Fall River.

At the time Mr. Moore was honored by his associates in the New England Power System at their gathering in the Boston offices, April 15, 1932, the recipient of the twenty-year service but- ton heard from President Comerford's lips a review of Mr. Moore's very great contribution to the up- building of what is today New England's largest public utility organization and, in behalf of the entire system, congratulations and best wishes for many years of constructive service. Mr. Moore made a happy response, saying that he would treasure his service button as a constant reminder of happy years and valued friendships. Among those present on the occasion were some who had been with him throughout the two decades of his service, and these he thanked especially for the loyal and efficient cooperation which he had al- ways received from them.

198

WORCESTER COUNTY

From the pen of Malcolm G. Chace, who with Henry I. Harriman laid the groundwork of the New England Power System a quarter-century ago, has come the following tribute to Mr. Moore :

Twenty years ago the fifteenth of April, "Sam" Moore joined the organization of the Connecticut River Transmission Company, then being run by Mr. Harriman and myself. For some time Sam was unknown to the organization except that from time to time it was obvious that Mr. West had brought with him a very able personnel. As time progressed it was plain that unusual ability was being shown in the organization, and it was not long before Mr. Moore rose not only in the affec- tions of his associates, but in the importance and activities of his work.

The position which eventually became his as head of the whole New England System was indicated from the early stage, and I know I can speak for all those who have known him and worked with him during the years, that every one of his fellow- workers-above, below, and, so to speak, alongside of him-were pleased and gratified as Mr. Moore rose to the top. His ability to take care of ac- curate detail and to handle organization I have always admired, and have from a great many differ- ent sources heard the same opinion expressed.

Today in the large association which has slowly succeeded the smaller beginning, it is impossible that the personal friendships and relations of the earlier days should continue as before. But even now I think the whole organization reflects to a large degree the "spirit of a happy family" which was in the early days so well taught by Mr. Moore. And if I may add a thought on general business, it seems to me that a happy office is usually a successful office. More than anyone I have ever known, Mr. Moore has created a happy atmosphere around him.

I know all the old and the new organization will join with me in wishing Mr. Moore several more twenty years of happiness and prosperity.

Following is a tribute from Assistant Vice- President William R. Bell, who joined the organ- ization shortly before Mr. Moore reported for duty at Fitchburg, April 15, 1912:

First impressions are usually strong. Eighteen years ago, occasionally strolling through the four- room office space of the very limited operating and executive force of the Connecticut River Transmis- sion Company, appeared an exceedingly dapper, square-shouldered, ruddy-faced gentleman, who, on inquiry, was found to be responsible for auditing and accounting.

It so happened that in a short time Mr. Moore was the "big Boss" and to many the "old man" --- though not in years or energy. He soon delegated to the youngsters about him all the responsibility they could shoulder, showed them respect, and in this way gave them the golden opportunity to develop in a growing organization. While no one would call him a hard master, all will agree that he expected results and prompt ones. He wanted complete answers and definite recommendations. In spite of probably many disappointments, in this expectation, he still gave every opportunity to loyal service.

The success of Mr. Moore's efforts speaks fully for itself. The struggle of the thinly spread whole- sale companies during the years previous to the creation of the association was one beset with diffi- culties which were overcome in many, many in- stances through Mr. Moore's able direction. His conservative policy and fine planning built up a physical and financial structure of great value that was much sought when the day of consolidation arrived.

His heart was not in his work alone, however. Many of the organization can testify to his desire and effort to assist them through many and various difficulties. His interest in his associates and their future welfare led him to serve them practically by sponsoring the stock offering and bonus plans which started many in the way of methodical saving.

His garden has always been next to his heart and he has been more than usually successful in raising bigger, better dahlias and other flowers. Many major system problems have been solved while working on the hillside in Worcester, or

later in the more finished and expansive plot in Wellesley Hills.

The greatest good of the company no doubt is served by his move to Providence, but the old crowd miss his voice in the hall and the feeling that the "old man" is there, ready with counsel or encouragement-a steadying leader and a loyal friend.

EDWARD WARD WILDER-An unusually thorough and comprehensive preparation for the work he is doing has been that of Edward Ward Wilder, director of physical education in the public schools of Worcester, which position he has filled with great ability since 1917.

Edward Ward Wilder was born in the village of Quorn, Leicestershire, England, July 29, 1866, son of Thomas W. Wilder, a manufacturer of knit goods, who later came to this country and became a master mechanic in knitting factories, and of Mary (Ward) Wilder. In 1871, when Mr. Wilder was a child five years old, his parents left England and came to this country, settling in New- ton, Massachusetts, early in 1871. The boy at- tended the grade schools of Newton Lower Falls, but after a few years his parents removed to Springfield, Massachusetts, where he finished his grammar school course and completed one year in high school. At the end of his first high school year he left to enter business, but being an excep- tionally strong and rugged boy, who, from earliest years, had shown special ability in gymnasium work, he joined the gymnasium classes of Profes- sor D. L. Dowd and also became a member of the German Turnverein. In this last connection he was associated with the finest German teachers, masters of mat work, tumbling, and heavy gymnas- tics. He became thoroughly familiar with the German system of physical education, developed more than average ability and skill, and acquired a local reputation. He gave exhibitions and finally organized a small troupe, with which he appeared on the stage and in the circus ring. All this time he was teaching gymnasium classes and also con- ducting classes at the Young Men's Christian Asso- ciation College, which had recently been established in Springfield for the training of men who wished to become Young Men's Christian Association sec- retaries and gymnasium instructors. He still worked in the shop, however, while teaching five nights a week, and for a time was associated with A. Alonzo Stagg, now of nation-wide fame as football coach and for many years director of physical education at Chicago University. In time Mr. Wilder became interested in the theoretical and medical side of physical training and attended lectures with the other students of the college, though steadily teaching. His interest in heavy gymnastics remained, however, and he was about to join a circus troupe as a professional acrobat when Professor Roberts of the Young Men's Chris- tian Association College called to his attention the better and finer field of physical education, then at its beginning. Mr. Wilder recognized the fact that there was a future in this new field of physical activity and thus caught the vision which Profes- sor Roberts meant him to see-and he then entered what was to be his life work with renewed energy and spirit.

With new interest and purpose Mr. Wilder con- tinued his class-room studies, attending lectures on all subjects allied with physical education, and secured his first position as instructor in Connect-

Charles O. Johnson

199

WORCESTER COUNTY

icut, dividing his time, for one year, between Meri- den and New Haven, in the Young Men's Chris- tian Association. He then went to New Castle, Pennsylvania, for two years, and late, in 1889, came to Worcester to take charge of the gymnasium department in the new Young Men's Christian Association building, then just erected and at that time one of the largest and finest in the country. Mr. Wilder took up the work here with great enthusiasm, putting his full energy into the organ- ization of classes, apparatus work for various ages, games for the younger men, suitable work for older and business men, and developing all phases of the work to suit the needs of those with whom he worked. He also coached the school and col- lege teams in field and track games and aroused great interest in physical education. He became an authority in this field of work and by teach- ing and example became an inspiration to young and old, awaking the desire for greater physical endurance and skill and showing the way to attain that desire. He remained with the Young Men's Christian Association until June, 1917, when he accepted the position of director of physical educa- tion in the public schools of Worcester, which position he has continued to fill with great ability to the present time, a period of almost twenty years. Upon his entrance into this important phase of his work, Mr. Wilder made many changes, reorganizing the work, establishing new and im- proved systems and methods, prescribing courses of class work, and introducing calisthenics, games, and sports so fitted to the needs, age, and condi- tion of the students as to give the greatest pos- sible benefit. A man of fine character and a natural leader, Mr. Wilder became a source of inspiration to the student body and a pioneer in the establishment of modern methods of physical education. Twenty years of skillful and devoted work on the part of Mr. Wilder and enthusiastic cooperation on the part of the students have en- abled Mr. Wilder to accomplish a work the true value of which cannot be estimated or recorded. Mr. Wilder is a member of the District Teachers Association, the Worcester County Teachers Asso- ciation and the Worcester Principals' Club. As a young man he was active in military affairs, was for three years a member of Company B, 2d Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, and qualified as a sharpshooter with a .45 calibre serv- ice rifle, at the government range in Springfield. Fraternally, he is identified with Boylston Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, which for many years he served as chaplain. For five years he served as a member of the Lake District School Board. His religious affiliation is with the Lake View Con- gregational Church, which he has served for many years as senior deacon.

Edward Ward Wilder married, in Springfield, July 8, 1888, Alice King, of that city, daughter of Henry N. King, a contractor and builder of that city. Mr. and Mrs. Wilder became the par- ents of three children : 1. Alice May, born in New Castle, Pennsylvania; graduated from the Classical High School of Worcester and the Sergent School of Physical Education of Cambridge, Massachu- setts ; taught four years at the Young Men's Chris- tian Association in Buffalo, New York; married Arthur C. Richardson, a public school educator ; they have a daughter, Minnie R., and a son, Carlos E. 2. Bernice M., born in Worcester, graduated

from the English High School in Worcester and is now with the State Mutual Assurance Com- pany. 3. Belle E., born in Worcester, graduated from the Classical High School, Worcester, studied at the Worcester County Music School, and is now employed in the department of entymology in the United States Department of Agriculture, at Washington, District of Columbia.

CHARLES O. JOHNSON-In the 1800's and slightly earlier, there were a number of people who came from Sweden to Worcester, many of whom had been iron workers in their native coun- try and continued their vocation in the new land. They made an important and especially appreciated addition to the population of the city. Charles O. Johnson, who was born in Orebro City, Sweden, August 2, 1866, settled in Worcester just as he became of age. He had been graduated from schools in his native country and, learning the trade of cabinetmaking, had worked in many parts of Sweden as an apprentice and journeyman. In the United States, however, he also became a metal worker and founded the well-known firm, the Johnson Steel and Wire Company, of which he was head for many years and which is now effi- ciently carried on by his three sons.

Charles O. Johnson was the son of J. O. and Cathrina (Malstrom) Johnson, his father being born in Sweden in 1828. The whole family of six, which included the parents, Charles O., Amanda, Emily and Anna, the latter married to John Back- lund, of New York City, arrived in Worcester on April 6, 1883. The two men of the family found employment in the Washburn and Moen Manufac- turing Company, as did many of their compatri- ots. The two started in the wiremaking depart- ment of the corporation and from that time con- tinued in the manufacturing industry. Charles O. Johnson early became an expert wire drawer and was not long in receiving promotion to foreman of the fine wire department of the company.

In 1904 Mr. Johnson left the Washburn and Moen concern to go with the Spencer Wire Com- pany, where he organized a fine wire department, specializing in the making of card, rope and special wires. He was superintendent of this department until his resignation on May I, 1917, when he estab- lished himself in business at No. 22 Lakewood Street. He named his works, C. O. Johnson and Sons, and had associated with him Charles D. and Bernard A. Johnson, the two sons that had then reached young manhood. A factory was built dur- ing the following year at Jamesville Station, since which time the company has been of steadily in- creasing importance in the industries of Worcester. At the present time, 1934, the members of the firm include his three sons, Charles D., Bernard A., and George G. Johnson.

Charles O. Johnson died September 29, 1925, at the age of fifty-nine years. Throughout his life he had been an eminently useful citizen, one always ready to do his best to promote the advan- tages of Worcester. He was a member of the Scandia Credit Union and one of its directors. For many years he was chairman of the deacons and superintendent of the Sunday school of the First Swedish Baptist Church and vice-president of its civil organization. Mr. Johnson was highly re- spected for his native abilities, his integrity and soundness of judgment in business affairs. Those

200

WORCESTER COUNTY

knowing him best appreciated his kindly attitude toward his fellowmen, the genuine and broad charity of his outlook on life.

On June 25, 1885, Charles O. Johnson married Emma Matilda Bengson, who died in 1932. They were the parents of four children : I. Florence, who married Olaf Rebstad, associated with the Johnson Steel and Wire Company. Mr. and Mrs. Rebstad have one son, Emery. 2. Charles D., who married Beatrice Assinault and whose children are Betty Louise, Charles D., Jr., and Robert McLean. 3. Bernard A., who married Martha Holmes and has a daughter, Barbara. 4. George G. Johnson, un- married.

ARCHIBALD McMILLAN, M. D .- Few representatives of the medical profession in Wor- cester County and perhaps even in New England, have had as full and varied an experience as Dr. Archibald McMillan, of Athol. He served in the Canadian forces in the World War overseas, holds the commission of a major in the United States Army Medical Reserve Corps, and has qualified as a flight surgeon in the aviation section of the Regular Army. He is a first cousin of Donald McMillan, the noted Arctic explorer.

Dr. McMillan's father, Malcolm McMillan, was born on the Island of Lewis-Harris, Hebrides, Scotland, and came to Canada, settling in Nova Scotia, where he passed his life as a farmer. He died in 1886. His wife was Catherine McIver ; she died in 1913.

Archibald McMillan was born at Big Harbor, Nova Scotia, Canada, August 25, 1872. After passing through the public schools and Sydney (Nova Scotia) Academy, he entered the Bowdoin (Maine) Medical College, which graduated him with his degree of Doctor of Medicine in the class of 1904. He went to Boston and entered practice there, remaining eight years. There followed a period of travel in Western Canada and British Columbia. In December, 1915, he was in Toronto, Ontario, where he joined the Canadian Army for service in the World War and was assigned to the Medical Corps with the rank of captain. Ordered to Winnipeg, Manitoba, he was on duty as medical officer at that station, until the sum- mer of 1916, when he was transferred to Halifax, Nova Scotia. In August of that year he sailed overseas to England and entered the army camp at Whitley, where he was in training for about a year. He was then ordered to go to France, where as medical officer he was attached to the 4th Canadian Division of Engineers and was with his outfit continuously until after the signing of the Armistice, his service having been wholly on the Western front, where he participated in several offensives and defensives. He returned to England about February, 1919, and was on duty with the Medical Corps, taking care of the wounded and preparing them for removal to Canada. He was back in his native country in September, 1919, and received his honorable discharge at Toronto Feb- ruary 6, 1920, retaining his grade of captain.

In March, 1920, Dr. McMillan was back in Boston, where he first began practice. He only remained until September of that year, however, and then transferred to Lawrence, where he was professionally engaged until 1926, in which year he left for a vacation period of six months. While in Lawrence he enrolled as a member of the United

States Army Medical Reserve Corps, in March, 1923, and was commissioned a major, which rank he still holds. In the summer of 1925 he took a course in the School of Aviation at Mitchel Field, Long Island, New York, and qualified as a flight surgeon, being the first medical man in New Eng- land to win this grade. In 1928 he was appointed by the United States Department of Commerce as a medical examiner for the purpose of examining students and pilots for the aviation service, his territory being the Athol-Orange district, and he has since held the position. In Worcester County he first located professionally at Petersham, where he was until June, 1930, when he came to Athol, where he has since been building up a large and desirable practice. He is a regularly qualified citi- zen of the United States and is thoroughly in sympathy with the American viewpoint and with the aims and purposes of our people and institu- tions. Four years after he came from Canada, he was naturalized as a citizen of this country, Sep- tember 22, 1899. He is affiliated with the Amer- ican Medical Association, Massachusetts Medical Society, Tulley Medical Society of Athol, and Star Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons.

Dr. McMillan married, in February, 1926, at Methuen, Grace Everett, daughter of Arthur S. and Harriet ( Doane) Everett. They have their residence at No. 1771 Main Street, Athol.

EDWARD H. TRIPP-To those of a pass- ing generation the name of Edward H. Tripp was not only familiar, but the man who bore it was one of the best beloved and respected citizens of Worcester. He was a native of New Hampshire, born July 5, 1846, a son of Dr. Benjamin H. and Abigail (Winn) Tripp. Dr. Tripp was a graduate of Bowdoin College and for many years was a prominent physician of Rutland, Massachusetts. He was also one of the three men, who, in a day almost forgotten, purchased the railroad project which started laying tracks from Worcester through Rutland, Massachusetts, known as the Massachusetts Central Railroad.

Edward H. Tripp was given all the educational advantages he desired. He attended the public schools of Rutland and studied in Leicester Acad- emy. Ambition caused him to forego further schooling and, while still a youth, he went to New York City and learned the printer's trade. He was a journeyman printer for a time, eventually coming to Worcester, where he conducted his own printing establishment for forty-seven years. The great length of his career covered a period that extended from the depression of the 'seventies to the high tide of prosperity preceding the World War, an era that was marked by marvelous changes in lighting, transportation and the comfort of liv- ing, and almost as great improvements in the equip- ment of a printing establishment.

Mr. Tripp married Adaliza J. Prouty. who died in 1932, or ten years after the passing of Edward H. Tripp on November 7, 1922. They are sur- vived by a daughter, Mary Elizabeth Tripp, a resident of Worcester.

Mr. Tripp was one of those quiet, but effective citizens who, without the holding of public office, contributed constructively to the development of the municipality and the betterment of the con- ditions under which its people lived. He was fond

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 51

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