Worcester county; a narrative history, Volume III, Part 59

Author: Nelson, John, 1866-1933
Publication date: 1934
Publisher: New York, American historical Society
Number of Pages: 700

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the work of guidance may be continued during the summer months.

The following tribute to the value of Dr. Per- kins' work may be quoted here :

Where success is assured from year to year, as is the case with The Perkins School, it is invari- ably found to be the result of a number of vital and fundamental factors, not only in personnel, but also in organization and policy of management.

It is wisely said that every organization is the lengthened shadow of the one at its head. This director. is graphically true of The Perkins School and its Dr. Perkins is a persistent and ever- lasting optimist. This is always evident, from con- sidering the most trifling problems, to weighing conditions of important organization or academic procedure. It is an optimism that creates enthusi- asm, cements loyalty, levels differences, whets am- bition and possesses power to instill in others a sustained desire to establish for themselves a satis- factory philosophy of life. Everyone who touches his character is recharged by the contact with energy and desire for accomplishment. Dr. Perkins is eminently fitted by nature and experience to serve those who are mentally handicapped. He regards his work as a service of the highest order.

A forceful and contributing factor to the success of The Perkins School has been and is the efficient assistance of Dr. Perkins' wife, Grace Wyman Perkins, as associate director of the school. Mrs. Perkins is peculiarly well qualified by education and experience to be an able co-worker with Dr. Perkins in all this, his life work. She maintains a sustained cordiality that is genuine as well as charming. She is both discerning and intuitive, yet practical and resourceful. Mrs. Perkins is en- dowed with splendid health, and radiates a warmth of enthusiasm and motherly interest that never fails to win the loyalty and devotion of pupils of all ages.

Dr. Perkins is a member of the Massachusetts Medical Society, the American Psychiatric Associa- tion, the New England Psychiatric Society, the Massachusetts Society of Psychiatry, the Ameri- can Association on Mental Deficiency and the Na- tional Committee for Mental Hygiene. Apart from his professional connections, he is a member of the Clinton Rotary Club and is affiliated fraternally with Trinity Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, at Clinton.

On August 8, 1914, at Lexington, Massachusetts, Dr. Franklin Haskins Perkins married Grace Eliz- abeth Wyman, daughter of Arthur L. and Julia Ellen (Hardenbergh) Wyman. They are the par- ents of two children: I. Elizabeth Dean, born De- cember 27, 1925. 2. Franklin Haskins Perkins, Jr., born April 24, 1927.

BERNARD GOLDING-Treasurer and gen- eral manager of the Southbridge Finishing Com- pany, Bernard Golding has risen within this organ- ization to his present position of responsibility and trust. He is thoroughly familiar with all details of the business, and successfully guides one of the largest enterprises of its kind in New England.

Mr. Golding was born in New York City on June 20, 1904, a son of Joseph and Dora (Salton) Golding. His parents, who were born in Russia, came to the United States in 1890 and settled in New York, where the father established the mer- cantile business which he still carries on.

Bernard Golding, the son, received his prelimi- nary education in the public schools of New York, and following the completion of his high school course, entered Bradford Textile School at Fall River, Massachusetts, from which he was grad- uated in 1925. He remained in New York City for one year, and in 1926 came to Southbridge, where he began work in the plant of the Southbridge Finishing Company. Working in various positions

in all branches of the company, he rose through the merit of his services to his present position as general manager. In addition he occupies the office of treasurer of the corporation, the com- pany being incorporated under the laws of the State of Massachusetts. The Southbridge Finish- ing Company prints and finishes all kinds of cotton goods and rayon. They receive the "gray goods," bleach and finish them and print according to cus- tomers' designs. Their products are sold in all parts of the United States and Europe and find a ready market wherever they are known. In nor- mal times some six hundred people are employed in the company plants. This company also owns the Sturbridge Finishing Company, located at Fiskdale, Massachusetts, and in January, 1932, Mr. Golding was made manager of both plants. Both by training and experience he is well equipped for the responsibilities which he has been called upon to face, and in the performance of his duties has made a very successful record.

On May 31, 1930, Bernard Golding married Myra Bayer of New York City. They maintain their home in Southbridge. Mr. Golding has given his best attention to business and has time for few outside interests. He is fond of golf and tennis, however, and turns to these sports for recreation in his leisure hours.

WILLIAM SCHWARZ-In the capacity of general manager of the Kupfer Brothers Company at Northbridge, Dr. William Schwarz is a nation- ally known figure in the manufacture of coated and printed papers. The products of this concern, which are of high grade and in great demand, are shipped all over the country. Dr. Schwarz is also active in the civic affairs of his community and aids in carrying forward the advance programı of the town.

The family of Schwarz is of German origin. Simon Schwarz, father of Dr. Schwarz, was born in Germany and was a child when he came to the United States. He remained long enough to be naturalized as a citizen of this country. Having returned to the fatherland, he married and remained in Germany, where he carried on a merchandising business. His wife was Ida Springer.

William Schwarz, son of Simon and Ida (Springer) Schwarz, was born in Nuremberg, Germany, January 20, 1884, and completed his education at the University of Munich, where he was awarded the degree of Doctor of Chemistry on graduation. He arrived in New York City in 1908 and entered the employ of the Ullman Print- ing Company, manufacturer of printing ink, and was with the concern about one year. Later he joined the staff of the Aetna Explosives Company at Aetna, Indiana, in the manufacture of explosives and this association he maintained for thirteen years. To him was assigned the highly impor- tant task of supervising the production of ex- plosives for use by the United States Government forces in the World War. He brought out a new formula of an explosive to be incorporated in the manufacture of hand grenades, and this was ac- cepted by the Picatinni Arsenal.

It was in 1921 that he became an associate of the Kupfer Brothers Company in Northbridge in the capacity of assistant manager of the plant. He was advanced to general manager in 1920 and has since been a prominent factor in the produc-

William Achuvany

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tion of the papers manufactured there. In nor- mal times the employed force numbers about one hundred and ten people. Dr. Schwarz is a direc- tor of the Uxbridge Cooperative Bank and a mem- ber of the Rotary Club in that town.

Dr. Schwarz married, November 27, 1920, Au- gusta Erhard, who was born in Germany, and their children are : Margaret, Claire and Tilly. The family home is in Northbridge.

HECTOR ALBERT BOUSQUET-Holding the office of manager of the Worcester-Powers Coke Company, Hector A. Bousquet arrived at this position after an extensive experience in this line of business elsewhere. He is a veteran of the World War and holder of the long-service medal in the Massachusetts National Guard, in which he is a second lieutenant.

Born in Worcester, April 5, 1896, of French- Canadian extraction, Hector Albert Bousquet is the son of W. Levi and Melvina (Derosier) Bous- quet, the father a native of Marlborough and man- ager of the Belisle Printing Company, and the mother born in Worcester. Having graduated from the public schools, including a high school course, in his native city, Hector A. Bousquet took a posi- tion to help earn his own livelihood. Meanwhile he attended evening schools and in addition to this he took a course in public speaking at the Northeast- ern University. His first employment was in the capacity of an errand boy in the employ of Barnard, Sumner and Putnam, the large department store of Worcester, and here he continued for fifteen years. During this time he rose to be a buyer and depart- ment manager. At the end of fifteen years he resigned. There, for a short time, he solicited advertising for the "Worcester Evening Post."

Thinking he would like the coke business, he took a course in the School of Combustion at the New England Coke Company at Everett. He then went to Fall River and engaged in selling coke in that city but later returned to Worcester. In 1929 he joined the staff of the Worcester-Powers Coke Company in this city. They soon discovered his ability and he was advanced to manager, which position he has since held.

His World War service record began in March, 1918, when he was assigned to military duty at Washington, District of Columbia, remaining there for six months. He was then transferred to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and later to New York City where he was assigned to duty at the head- quarters of the gas defense division of the Chem- ical Warfare Service, holding the rank of sergeant, first class. He served in this capacity till the close of the war. For thirteen years he has been a member of the Massachusetts National Guard, and during that time he has been promoted to sec- ond lieutenant. He is a machine gun officer of D Company, Ist Battalion, 18Ist Infantry, and justly prides himself on the possession of his National Guard long-service medal. He is the Commander of the Franco-American Veterans Association of the World War and a member of the American Legion, also the United States Infantry Association at Washington. He is affiliated with the Automo- bile Owners League.

Mr. Bousquet married, August 20, 1923, Olive C. Dupuis. They reside at No. 33 Richard Street, and Mr. Bousquet has his business office at No. 15 Federal Street, Worcester.

JOHN LELAND SMITH-The dignity and responsibility attaching to the office of trial justice have been maintained by John Leland Smith of Barre for twenty years since he was appointed. Sitting in the Trial Justice Court, which has juris- diction in four towns, of which Barre is one, he exerts a wide influence in that tribunal and through- out the district. He is prominently known in agricultural circles and in civic affairs and has served the town of Barre in four public offices.

The Smith family of this connection has been domiciled in this country for six generations. Jus- tice Smith is of the fourth generation from James Smith, who came from England and was a minister of the Gospel in Barnstable, Massachusetts. The paternal grandfather of the justice was born in Barnstable and came to Barre about 1795, the family having been among pioneer settlers of this town. The justice's father, Franklin Smith, was born in Barre and in his early life was a mer- chant, later a farmer. He was a prominent citizen and held every office of a civic character in the town. He married Martha Leland.

John Leland Smith, son of Franklin and Martha (Leland) Smith, was born in Barre, August 4, 1859, and received his education in the public schools of this town and at Massachusetts State College, Amherst. He engaged in farming opera- tions and was thus occupied until 1913, in which year he received his commission as trial justice of the Trial Justice Court. His contribution to the official life of Barre has been considerable ; he has been a selectman, town treasurer, member of the welfare board, tax collector, and assessor, and served three years as a member of the town finance board (1930 to 1933). In politics he is a Repub- lican and an influential member of his party. He is clerk and a trustee of the Barre Savings Bank. Deeply interested in agricultural affairs, he served on the State Board of Agriculture for six years (1908-14) and has held the offices of president, sec- retary-treasurer and trustee of Worcester County West Agricultural Society, in which he retains his membership. He was Worthy Master of the Barre Grange, Patrons of Husbandry, for seven years. Among his fraternal affiliations are Zion Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, of Barre, of which he is a Past Master; Athol Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; and Athol Commandery, Knights Tem- plar. He is a member of the Unitarian Church.

Justice Smith married, January 1, 1884, Etta E. Allen, of Barre. She died in February, 1930. The children are: 1. George F. Smith, a farmer; mar- ried and has two children, Lester H. and Warner F. 2. Della M., married Arthur J. Hillman, of Barre, and has two children, Paul A. and Phyllis D. 3. Florence A., married Clarence A. L. Tappin, of Waterbury, Connecticut, and has three children, Virginia, Janice E., and Priscilla M.

ALBERT OVILA BOYER-Entering poli- tics in 1931, Albert O. Boyer was elected to the office of town clerk of Southbridge, Massachusetts, and has continued to serve in that position by suc- cessive reëlections. Mr. Boyer is a native of this city as was his father before him. He is familiar with its problems and has met the duties which devolve upon him in public office with commendable fidelity and efficiency.

Born in Southbridge on May 27, 1908, Mr. Boyer is a son of Arthur O. and Annie (Boisvert) Boyer.

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His father, who died in 1928, was a contractor here for many years. He also served as a mem- ber of the town school committee. Annie (Bois- vert) Boyer, his wife, was born in Canada. She survives him, continuing her residence at South- bridge.

Albert Ovila Boyer received his preliminary edu- cation in local schools and academies and at As- sumption College, Worcester. Thereafter he en- tered Boston College, and from this institution was graduated in 1930 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Returning to his home in Southbridge, he immediately became interested in local politics, and began to take an active part in the deliberations and campaigns of the Democratic party. In 1931 he was honored by his party by winning the nom- ination for town clerk, and at the succeeding elec- tion was chosen by the voters of the town for that office. In 1932 he was reëlected without opposi- tion-a tribute to his efficiency and personal popu- larity. Mr. Boyer is a member of the Massachu- setts Association of Town Clerks. Aside from his political connections, he is affiliated fraternally with the Improved Order of Red Men and the Knights of Columbus, the Gibraltar Club of Southbridge, the Assumption College Alumni Association, and the Boston College Alumni Association. In reli- gious faith he is a Roman Catholic and is a mem- ber of the Union St. Jean Baptiste Society.

On June 27, 1932, Albert O. Boyer married Claire Duevillon, of Southbridge, who is of French descent and parentage. They make their home in this city.

WALTER C. WATSON-Throughout Amer- ica and in a number of foreign countries the name of the late Walter C. Watson, of Leicester, was well and favorably known in the textile field. As president of the Watson-Williams Manufacturing Company, he brought executive and managerial capacity of a high order to the successful conduct of one of the largest and most important corpora- tions in its field. As heir to an industrial estate he proved his worth as a capable and faithful steward, and when he died it was to turn back to the family ownership a property that had greatly increased in size and value under his guiding hand.

Mr. Watson's grandfather, Lory S. Watson, was born in Spencer and became one of the pioneer business men of Leicester. In 1842 he founded the L. S. Watson Manufacturing Company at Leices- ter. This town has long been noted for its pioneer work in the manufacture of hand cards and card clothing. At one time more than fifty concerns were engaged in this industry in Leicester. Today the Watson company is the only one here. Lory S. Watson began the manufacture of hand cards in the rear of his home in Leicester, with two card-setting machines run by dog-power. The product furnished work for many of the families in that district at the time. The coarse cards were pricked by machine and then given out to the fam- ilies for insertion of the teeth by hand. For this work the pay averaged fourteen cents a day at the time. The number of card setting machines was soon increased to eight and they were set up in different factories wherever power could be hired. In 1861 the nucleus of the present factory was built and an engine installed for power.

Edwin L. Watson, son of Lory S. Watson, was admitted into partnership with his father in the

L. S. Watson Manufacturing Company in 1865. In 1871 they began the manufacture of domestic bronze heddles, in addition to hand cards. The years that followed were busy ones and the differ- ent interests of the concern prospered. Edwin L. Watson married Louisa Coggswell, who like her husband was a native of Massachusetts. He died in 1922.

Walter C. Watson, son of Edwin L. and Louisa (Coggswell) Watson, was born in Leicester, May 21, 1870, and received his education in the public schools and at Leicester Academy, where he was graduated in the class of 1888. In 1890 he entered the factory office of the L. S. Watson Manufactur- ing Company as a bookkeeper, making the third generation to be connected with the business. At about this time the manufacture of heddle frames was added to the number of lines produced. To provide for facilities for this branch, the plant of the H. W. Hakes Company at Millbury was pur- chased by the Watson interests. Mr. Watson ad- vanced in position and influence and in time was made treasurer of the company. Until about 191I twin wire heddles were not made in any quantity by this company. For the most part it imported German or twin wire heddles to supply a very active demand. However, with a view to increas- ing production in its own plant, the company took over the Gibbs Heddle Company at Clinton and soon was making twin wire heddles in sufficient quantities to make the further importation of Ger- man heddles unnecessary. In 1915 a serious set- back occurred in the form of a devastating fire which destroyed the building at Leicester. An addi- tion was promptly made to the main factory build- ing of the company, and new machinery soon had the production volume back on an even larger scale than before.

In 1909 the L. S. Watson Manufacturing Com- pany purchased the J. H. Williams Company, of Utica, New York, and this organization and plant were moved to Millbury, where it absorbed the Hakes Company, and with this step the Millbury firm of the J. H. Williams Company under Watson management, increased its business by leaps and bounds. The latter company, in 1930, celebrated the one hundreth anniversary of its existence. The quality of shuttles, made here, soon earned a nation- wide reputation. At the present time this concern makes shuttles for weaving cotton, woolens, wor- sted, silk and rayon, and many other fabrics, as well as heddles and heddle frames.

In 1922 Mr. Watson, on the death of his father, was chosen president of the L. S. Watson Manu- facturing Company. During his administration the expansion and progressive policies that have al- ways distinguished this concern were carefully up- held and carried forward. Continuing in its clearly defined movement to larger and better things, it began searching a number of years ago for a dependable source of lumber which is vitally important to its product. In Marlow, New Hamp- shire, it found a plant and suitable timberlands, and soon it had this branch of the business well under way. Expert men were employed to season and finish the wood properly for hand cards and also for box boards and crating. New machinery and a new cement dam were built to meet the requirements of this branch, which also furnishes electric lights for the town of Marlow. This branch has been further expanded, until today it is fully

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equipped as a lumber mill, with facilities for saw- ing out thousands of feet of lumber for which there is a ready market.

The progressive methods of development have been carried alike into the welfare of employees of the concern. Evidence of this friendly coopera- tion may be seen in the fact that one of the em- ployees has been with the company more than half a century, and ten others for more than a quarter of a century. The company was among the early concerns to adopt the group insurance plan, and a mutual benefit association is in operation for the aid of sick employees. During the last few years three sons of Mr. Watson have entered the busi- ness and are now holding executive positions. In 1927 the company started the manufacture of brushes for all breeds of dogs, and at present is selling these brushes to dog lovers throughout the country and in many foreign lands. Today, the Watson-owned companies do almost a world-wide business. South America, Canada and the West Coast of Africa receive large yearly shipments of hand cards. Every textile center in America, with few exceptions, use wire heddles, heddle frames and shuttles made in the Watson-owned factories. American laundries and fur storage establishments use quantities of this company's hand stripper cards every year.

In June, 1930, the L. S. Watson Manufacturing Company, of Leicester, and the J. H. Williams Company, of Millbury, combined to form the Wat- son-Williams Manufacturing Company, with ex- ecutive offices at Leicester and factories at Leices- ter and Millbury in this State, and at Marlow, New Hampshire. The combining of the Watson- owned companies under one name was only a step further in the building up of a highly efficient organization. With the factories continuing at their present respective locations in Leicester, Millbury and Marlow, frequent conferences of executives and foremen from the different branches make for a unified, coordinated organization under this all- inclusive title of the Watson-Williams Manufac- turing Company.

Mr. Watson, in addition to filling the presidency of this large corporation, was a vice-president and auditor of the Leicester Savings Bank. He was treasurer and a trustee of the Leicester Public Library and a trustee of the Federated Church of the town. He had advanced far in fraternal rela- tions, affiliating with Morning Star Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; Worcester County Com- mandery, Knights Templar ; Aleppo Temple, An- cient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of Boston; thirty-second degree of Scottish Rite Freemasonry; and Worcester Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He filled the office of town treasurer of Leicester and that of treasurer of the Rawson Light and Power Company, now a sub- sidiary of the Worcester Electric Light Company.

Walter C. Watson married, in 1928, Mabel A. Allen, of Boston. By an earlier marriage he is the father of three sons, Wilbur L., Clifton E., and Hubert J., who are associated with the Watson- Williams Manufacturing Company.

Mr. Watson's death, which occurred on February 6, 1933, was a severe loss to his business interests and associates and was keenly regretted by them and a large following of personal friends. He was a conspicuous figure in the textile machinery indus- try and allied trades, and will long be remembered for his contributions to the advancement thereof.

CHARLES ALBERT CHAPMAN-The career of Charles Albert Chapman in the field of banking and finance has covered a span of sixty- four years. During this period he has witnessed many changes not only in banking systems but in the general life of the country, but through it all he has pursued the ideals of service which have always been his guide. As treasurer of the Southbridge Savings Bank in recent years he has done much to bring this institution to its present place among the strongest banks of the State.

Mr. Chapman was born at Springfield, Massa- chusetts, on April 26, 1848, a son of Charles and Sarah (Popkin) Chapman. Both parents were natives of Massachusetts, and the father was an accountant and bookkeeper by profession. Charles Albert Chapman received his education in Spring- field public schools. At an early age, however, he began the serious business of life, leaving school to work at various odd jobs. For a time he drove a delivery wagon for a local grocery store. On October 1, 1868, he entered the employ of the Lee National Bank at Lee, Massachusetts, thus entering upon the long banking career which has brought him both success and honor. At first his responsibilities were extremely modest. He served as an errand boy for a country bank, but gradually he won advancement through his industry and energy, and with each promotion demonstrated anew his capacity to perform whatever duties were entrusted to him. Mr. Chapman remained with the Lee National Bank for six years. At the end of that period he became cashier of the Athol Na- tional Bank, at Athol, Massachusetts, and for thirty-four years continued in this position, meet- ing all obligations of his office with assured com- petence and unwavering fidelity. From 1908 to 1910 he was associated with the Chicopee Savings Bank, and in the year 1910 came to the Southbridge Savings Bank at Southbridge, Massachusetts, as treasurer. This office he has since held. The Southbridge Savings Bank was established orig- inally on April 20, 1848. It is one of the strong- est savings banks in Massachusetts and under Mr. Chapman's supervision it has more than doubled its resources since 1922. Mr. Chapman has given his whole time and attention to the interests of his bank. His sixty-four years as a banker have given him a background of experience and knowledge which few bankers can match, and his sound judg- ment and wise counsel have been decisive factors in the remarkable progress which the Southbridge Savings Bank can show. Although in his eighty- fifth year, he is still hale and hearty and con- tinues his activities with undiminished vigor.

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Worcester county; a narrative history, Volume III, Part 59

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