Worcester county; a narrative history, Volume III, Part 74

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

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Monsignor Cyran's remarkable record as a priest and administrator of affairs of his parish made him an outstanding figure in the diocese and his ability as a speaker brought him requests from many places in the State to address various gatherings. At Webster, he was always active in community and civic affairs and was closely associated with many worthwhile projects. For some years, he was a member of the board of directors of the Webster District Hospital and a trustee of the Chester C. Corbin Library. The crowning honor of his long career of service came to him in De- cember, 1929, when he was appointed Monsignor in recognition of his worthy work in his parish and faithful attendance to his duties as a priest of the church. He was the first Polish priest in all New England to achieve that honor.

On December 28, 1932, Monsignor Cyran was tendered a banquet in celebration of his twenty- fifth year in the priesthood and a three-day fes-

tival was planned and carried out by his parish- ioners at that time, with the attendance of the Rt. Rev. Bishop O'Leary, who officiated at a ponti- fical high mass. Less than a year later, Monsignor Cyran was taken from among his people. He died on September 14, 1933, in his fifty-first year, fol- lowing an illness of several months. Though he was stricken in the prime of life and at the zenith of his usefulness, the value of his labors remains as a blessing to his flock and his name will always be remembered with the deepest love and venera- tion.

St. Joseph's parish is now administered by Father John R. Klekotka, who is a graduate of the SS. Cyril and Methodius Seminary, Orchard Lake, Michigan. He was ordained to the priesthood on May 25, 1923, and was first appointed to serve at Indian Orchard, Massachusetts, where he remained for three and a half years. On October 1, 1926, he came to St. Joseph's Church in Webster, where he has since remained, rendering valuable assistance to its pastor, Monsignor Cyran, until his death in September, 1933. Shortly thereafter, Father Kle- kotka was appointed administrator, in which ca- pacity he has proved most efficient. Father Klekotka is much beloved by the people of the parish, to whom he is a friend and counselor as well as priest. His Christian zeal and charity are an example to all.

PETER BROTHERS-Extensively engaged in the coal, coke, wood and oil business, Peter Brothers sell their products at both wholesale and retail. The business was established in 1918 by Kosta and Vasil Peter, the two brothers who are today the sole owners of the enterprise. They live in Worcester.

Both of them were born in Albania and spent their early lives in the Balkans and Eastern Eu- rope. Kosta Peter was born on May 15, 1890, and Vasil Peter on August 2, 1891. The parents were Peter and Victoria Peter. The father died in Albania many years ago, and the mother is now a resident of Worcester, whither the brothers came in 1910. Both Kosta and Vasil Peter received their early education in the schools of Albania, whose school and church systems were under Greek control. Kosta Peter later went to Bucharest, Roumania, where he was a student for several years. For five years he was employed in a wood yard and general store, taking care of his uncle's property. After coming to Worcester, he was associated with Reed and Prince until 1918, when, with his brother, he established their present busi- ness. By hard work and courteous treatment of their customers, they have built up a fine and progressive business.

Kosta Peter is active also in civic and social life. He is a member of the Albanian-American Asso- ciation. He also belongs to the Albanian Charita- ble Association, which takes care of the poor and distressed members of the nationality. His church is St. Mary's, Worcester. Among his other affilia- tions, he is a leader in the Vatra Society, which publishes a newspaper. Vasil Peter belongs to all of these same societies, with the exception of the Vatra group.

Both the brothers are married. Kosta Peter married, in February, 1910, Athina V. Veshi, a native of Albania.

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Vasil Peter married (first), June 16, 1916, Praxithea P. Checkichi, who died in 1924. In 1925 he married (second) Fannie S. Ziko, of Albania. By the first marriage there were three children: Helen, Shpresa and Stephen; and by the second there were also three children: Nicholas, Violet and Henrietta.

The Peter family deserves high praise for its accomplishments in the New World and particu- larly for building up the firm of Peter Brothers. They are distinctly a credit to Worcester, the city and the county.

HON. JAMES CORCORAN DONNELLY -A native of the Bay State and a product of its schools and New England collegiate training, Hon. James Corcoran Donnelly was elevated to the Superior Court bench in Massachusetts after achieving a fine record as a practicing attorney at the Worcester County bar. He was born in this county and has always lived here, and the people of this jurisdiction have followed with keen interest his victories in the legal arena. There was general acclaim of the Governor's action in ap- pointing him to the second highest court of law in the Commonwealth. His record since ascending the bench has been an amplification of that achieved by him in the days of his office practice and ap- pearances before the various courts to which his cases took him.

Judge Donnelly's father, John E. Donnelly, was a native of Liverpool, England. He came to Amer- ica as a young man and eventually settled in Clin- ton, Worcester County, where he followed the trade of a machinist. His death occurred in 1917. His wife before marriage was Mary E. Corcoran, who was born in this State, and died in 1918.

Hon. James Corcoran Donnelly, born in Clin- ton, December 9, 1881, attended the public schools, graduating from the Classical High School, Worces- ter, whence he entered Dartmouth College. At that institution his scholastic excellence won him the degree of Bachelor of Arts and he graduated in the class of 1905. His professional training was completed at Harvard University Law School fol- lowing two and one-half years of intensive study. He was admitted to the bar at a sitting of court in Worcester County in 1908 and in the same year entered practice at the county seat as an associate of the well-known law firm of Thayer and Cobb. That was an auspicious beginning, and in 1911 he improved his standing by forming a partnership with Charles F. Campbell. They were associated for practically twenty years in a practice that be- came large and lucrative, and as one of the prin- cipals the then future justice contributed to this reputation. On March 18, 1931, the Governor signed the commission that made Attorney Don- nelly Judge Donnelly of the Massachusetts Su- perior Court. Confirmation of the appointment was readily forthcoming, and the newly-elevated justice ascended the bench amid the congratulations of his brethren of the bar and his associates of the court.

Judge Donnelly is a well-known Massachusetts Democrat. He represented his party as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention held in Baltimore, Maryland, which nominated Woodrow Wilson for the Presidency. During the World War he employed his gift of oratory as a "Four- Minute" speaker and served also as an active mem-

ber of various boards and committees engaged in patriotic work. From the government he received a certificate in recognition of his services. Among his professional organizations are the Worcester County Bar Association, Massachusetts State Bar Association, and American Bar Association. He is affiliated with the Knights of Columbus, University Club of Worcester, University Club of Boston, Dartmouth Club of Worcester, which he has twice served as president, Worcester Country Club, Wachusett Country Club, and Worcester Economic Club. He is a member of the Holy Rosary (Roman Catholic) Church.

GEORGE M. KURZON-Since admission to the bar as a member of the younger group of successful lawyers, George M. Kurzon has estab- lished himself in practice in Whitinsville and opened offices in Uxbridge and Franklin. He has built up a gratifyingly large clientage and has been certi- fied for practice in all the courts of Massachusetts. Born in Whitinsville, November 26, 1904, Mr. Kurzon is the son of Garabed S. and Elizabeth (Simonian) Kizirbohosian. His parents, natives of Armenia, came to America in their youth and settled in Whitinsville, where the father has been in business as a merchant for many years.

By a decree of Probate Court, the son, George M., was permitted to alter his name to the more abbreviated and euphonic form of Kurzon. He passed through the public schools of Northbridge, graduating from high school in 1921. For two years he was a student at Worcester Polytechnic Institute and then entered Boston University School of Law, where he was graduated Bachelor of Laws in the class of 1926. He then took post- graduate work at the university and received the degree of Master of Laws in 1927, and in the same year completed his training at Boston Uni- versity, College of Liberal Arts, and was awarded the degree of Bachelor of Science.

At the age of twenty-one years he was admitted to the Massachusetts bar and began practice in Whitinsville in 1927. There was a demand for his services by clients in Uxbridge and Franklin, and he opened branch offices in these communities, which he visits at stated intervals. Having been admitted to practice before the various tribunals of the State, he is enabled to render a broader serv- ice to his clients. He is a member of the Massa- chusetts Bar Association and the Kiwanis Club of Whitinsville.

Mr. Kurzon married, September 26, 1928, Louise Yacubian, a native of Somerville, and their chil- dren are: 1. George Muldon, Jr., born November 26, 1929. 2. Donald Alan, born June 21, 1931. The family home of the Kurzons is at No. 75 North Main Street, Uxbridge, and the principal law office of Mr. Kurzon is in Whitinsville.

CHARLES H. PARK-To the textile manu- facturing industry, Charles H. Park has brought a large amount of experience and a thorough knowledge, obtained in connection with the trade in his native Scotland and in this country. As resident manager of the Webster Mills of the American Woolen Company of Webster, he is said to be one of the best-informed and most prac- tical men associated with the American Woolen Company.

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Born in Galashiels, Scotland, Mr. Park received his education in the public schools of his native place. Starting in early life, he mastered the processes of textiles manufacture in mills of Scot- land. He arrived in the United States in 1901 and went to work for the Angus Park Woolen Company in Hanover, Connecticut. Thence he was called to Hanover, Illinois, to be superintendent of the Hanover Manufacturing Company and re- mained there about two years, then went to Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, to be superintendent of the Beaver Dam Manufacturing Company, filling the position for four years.

In 1908 Mr. Park became associated with the American Woolen Company. This great company manufactures indigo fabrics, women's dress goods, men's suitings and overcoatings, novelty cloakings and dress materials. At first Mr. Park was made superintendent of the company's Ray Mills at Franklin, Massachusetts. He was transferred to the Beaver Brook Mills at Collinsville, Massachu- setts, and from that town went to Fairfield, Maine, where he was stationed for fifteen years. In Octo- ber, 1928, he arrived in Webster and was installed as resident manager of the Webster Mills, where he has since remained, an important factor in the American Woolen Company's executive force.

Before coming to America and when living in his native country, Mr. Park served an enlistment in the National Guards of Scotland. He is affil- iated with the Masonic Order and has attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite, affiliating also with St. Omer Commandery, Knights Tem- plar, of Waterville, Maine, and Kora Temple. Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of Lewiston, Maine. He is a devotee of the game of golf.

Mr. Park married, in 1905, Agnes L. Holmes, a native of Huddersfield, England, and they have three daughters: I. Madeline E., married Ernest Adams. 2. Ruth, married LeRoy Smith. 3. Ger- trude, a student at Russel Sage College for Women, Troy, New York.

HON. BERNARD WENDELL DOYLE- Founder of one of New England's most important industries and for many years a distinguished leader in Leominster life, Hon. Bernard Wendell Doyle has justly earned the respect with which he is regarded in the Nation's business circles and the warm affection of the people of his native city who have benefited through his many philanthropies and the constructive influences of his career.

Mr. Doyle was born at Leominster, October 29, 1873, a son of Bernard and Ann (Gurry) Doyle. He received his preliminary education in Leo- minster public schools and, after completing the high school course, enrolled at the Eastman Col- lege, Poughkeepsie, New York. Upon his gradua- tion he returned to Leominster to begin the active career which has brought him such wide success. Entering the employ of the Horn Supply Com- pany, manufacturers of horn and celluloid goods and dealers in these products and fertilizers, he rose rapidly within the organization and in 1897 became secretary and general manager of the com- pany. These offices he filled with conspicuous suc- cess for twenty years. For fifteen years he was also treasurer of the Paton Manufacturing Com- pany and in 1901, in association with A. S. Paton and Ludwig Strass, established The Viscoloid Com-

pany, Inc., of which he was secretary and treasurer. Subsequently he succeeded to the presidency. Mr. Doyle's knowledge of the pyroxylin plastic indus- try is equalled by few. He is familiar with every detail connected with the operation of such an enterprise and as a pioneer in the field did much to establish the industry as a whole on a sound basis. Under his guidance The Viscoloid Com- pany grew and prospered and in the conduct of its business he displayed not only a remarkable execu- tive capacity, but the soundest business judgment and inexhaustible energy.

"More than a quarter century ago," it was writ- ten of him, "Mr. Doyle founded the Viscoloid Company, starting the manufacture of celluloid products in a small way in Leominster. With a keen business foresight and unending energy and a determination to play a four-square game as his only weapons, Mr. Doyle fought his way upwards until his business had grown to a great plant oc- cupying more than one hundred different buildings, and he was recognized as the leader in his indus- try. . . . Though a quiet and unassuming man, Mr. Doyle possesses a magnetic personality which has brought to him social and business friends and acquaintances of national prominence and accom- plishment to the business and political circles. Many have been quick to recognize and appreciate the sterling qualities of Mr. Doyle as a man and friend, and his sound and sagacious business judg- ment, which has carried him to the front ranks of industrial leaders of Worcester County."

Mr. Doyle continued as active head of The Vis- coloid Company until 1925 when, desiring to be relieved of some of his responsibilities, he sold his plant to the du Pont Company and it was then reorganized as the du Pont Viscoloid Company. Mr. Doyle continued to give the company the advantages of his long experience and wise coun- sel, remaining with the new organization as vice- president. The value of his services and his place in the industry was well recognized by his du Pont associates, and in May, 1931, they journeyed to Leominster for the express purpose of paying him a fitting tribute. At a dinner in honor of Mr. Doyle, attended by all employees and officials, President du Pont, who presided, announced that in appreciation of Mr. Doyle's contribution to the industrial life of Leominster, the board of direc- tors of the du Pont Viscoloid Company had de- cided to memorialize his name in industry by designating the Leominster Plant as the Doyle Works of the du Pont Viscoloid Company. "This signal honor," a local paper wrote, "conferred upon Mr. Doyle, brought home to the people of Leo- minster and Worcester County, in the most forcible manner, the fact that their foremost citizen is held in the highest esteem by his business associates outside his own home city and State."

In addition to his other connections, Mr. Doyle was one of the founders and organizers of the Merchants National Bank of Leominster, of which he has been a director for many years, and is also a director of the Safety Fund National Bank of Fitchburg and a trustee of the Leominster Savings Bank. He has won his position as Leominster's first citizen not alone because of his business leader- ship and the vast industry which he built up, but equally because of the fine spirit of civic service which he has always displayed and the great gen- erosity which he has evidenced in his contributions

Harold & Bundels.

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to the city's welfare. Chief among his benefactions is the Leominster Hospital, the site for which he presented to the city and in the building of which his zeal and enthusiasm were decisive factors. Sub- sequently he handsomely endowed the institution in order to guarantee its maintenance, and so through his generosity there has come to the city one of the finest hospitals in the State.

Another and later gift of Mr. Doyle to the city of Leominster comprised a twenty-acre athletic field. This includes two baseball diamonds, a run- ning track, tennis courts, field hockey court, a club house and a football field occupying four acres together with grandstands capable of seating sev- eral thousand people. Constructed at a cost of more than $200,000, this community athletic field was dedicated to the use of the youth of Leo- minster. Together with Leominster Hospital it will fittingly perpetuate the memory of its donor in the city which he has always loved so well.

In spite of the pressure of his own interests, Mr. Doyle has always been ready to lend a helping hand in any community project and has been prompt to give his services when convinced that they would be of genuine value. He has occupied many public and semi-public positions of responsibility and trust, meeting every duty with the greatest fidelity. He was further honored by the people of the city in his election as mayor and for four years served very capably in that office, giving a thorough practical demonstration of the fact that business principles can be applied successfully to municipal government.

Mr. Doyle is a member of the Boston Athletic Association, the Oak Hill Country Club, the Mo- noosnock Country Club, the Leominster Country Club, the Worcester Country Club, the Eastern and Corinthian Yacht clubs of Marblehead, the Algonquin Club of Boston, the Fay Club of Fitch- burg, the Izaak Walton League, the Home Mar- ket Club of Boston, the Worcester County Repub- lican Club and the Republican Club of Massachu-

setts. Active for many years in councils of the Republican party, he was elected a delegate to the Republican national conventions of 1920 and 1924. Mr. Doyle is also active in the Boston Chamber of Commerce and the Associated Industries of Massachusetts and is affiliated with several frater- nal organizations. Fond of outdoor life and sports, he particularly enjoys fishing, hunting and yacht- ing. The variety of his connections indicates the wide range of his interests. "There are few men in Worcester County," it has been written of him, "whose business, civic and philanthropic activities have provided more for the health, and happiness, not only for those of the present generation but for posterity, than the accomplishments of former mayor Doyle of Leominster."

On February 22, 1909, at Leominster, Bernard Wendell Doyle married Elizabeth H. P. Haley, and they became the parents of two children: I. Marjorie E., born April 10, 1910, a graduate of the Bennett School of Millbrook, New York and Miss Garland's School of Boston. She is now the wife of Richard C. Rockwell of Albany, New York. 2. Louise I., born May 15, 1912, a member of the class of 1934 at Smith College, Northamp- ton, Massachusetts. The beautiful Leominster re- sidence of the family is situated on Lindell Avenue.

WILLIAM CHASE BURDETT-Member of an old Massachusetts family, William Chase Burdett spent the greater part of his active life at Leominster. He was for years an important man- ufacturer here, enjoying the confidence and respect of all who knew him.

Mr. Burdett was born at Springfield, Illinois, on October 22, 1859, a son of Alfred and Mary (Joslin) Burditt. The present form of the name and the original form were Burdett, but for many generations this branch of the family used the spelling, Burditt, arising through a misspelling on an early Massachusetts land grant. Rather than invalidate the grant, the form appearing there by mistake was adopted. The first of the name to settle in America were Robert and John Burditt, who landed in Massachusetts in 1630. William Chase Burdett's grandfather was James Burditt, a farmer of Lancaster, Massachusetts. His father, Alfred Burditt, mentioned above, was one of the founders of the Leominster National Bank and for many years was cashier of that institution.

William Chase Burdett was educated in the grade schools and high school of Leominster and subsequently attended the Bryant and Stratton Business College in Boston. He was one of the organizers of the F. A. Whitney Carriage Com- pany of Leominster and was connected therewith for several years. Afterwards he established the Whitney-Reed Chair Company, later the Whitney- Reed Corporation, of which he was treasurer and manager. This corporation was established in 1893 and Mr. Burdett continued as its treasurer until the time of his death, on September 5, 1919. He was a man of strict integrity and sound busi- ness judgment whose career was of constructive value to the city where he passed so many years of his life. Mr. Burdett was a member of the Monoosnoc Country Club and of other local organ- izations. He was widely acquainted throughout this section and was a welcome companion in any circle which he chose to frequent.

William Chase Burdett married Marrian B. Clough, and they became the parents of the fol- lowing children: I. Ruth E., a graduate of South College, who was married to the Rev. Vaughan Dabney, dean of Newton Andover Theological Seminary of Boston. 2. Harold William (q. v.). 3. Mary H., who was graduated from Wellesley College and is now the wife of Clifton T. Edgerly, supervisor of high schools at New Rochelle, New York. 4. Louise, who was graduated from the University of New Hampshire and took the fur- ther degree of Master of Arts at Yale University. She is connected with the New Rochelle Library and makes her home in that city with her sister.

HAROLD WILLIAM BURDETT-Since the incorporation of the Pyrotex Leather Company of Leominster, in 1919, Harold William Burdett has served as treasurer of the company. He is a thoroughly trained technician as well as an able executive and has taken an active part in direct- ing the work of his corporation.

Mr. Burdett was born at Leominster, in Decem- ber, 1887, a son of William Chase Burdett, a rec- ord of whose life precedes this, and of Marrian B. (Clough) Burdett. Harold William Burdett re- ceived his preliminary education in the public

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schools of Leominster and after completing the high school course entered Worcester Polytechnic Institute, where he was a member of the class of 1910. He began his active career as a chemist for the Viscoloid Company of Leominster. After four years he became a research chemist for the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company at Akron, Ohio, remaining for a period of two years. Subse- quently he returned to Leominster, joining the technical staff of the Leominster Worsted Com- pany, and three years later became superintendent of construction for the Standard Pyroxyloid Com- pany. This position he filled for two years.

With the entry of the United States into the World War, Mr. Burdett enlisted and on August 3, 1918, was commissioned a first lieutenant in the Chemical Warfare Service. He was stationed at the Long Island Laboratory of the Gas Defense Division for a period of five months. After the Armistice, on February 3, 1919, he received his honorable discharge with the grade of first lieu- tenant.

Shortly after his return from war-time service, Mr. Burdett became associated with Winthrop M. Mayo, Ralph A. Robertson and Thomas J. Fay in the organization of the Pyrotex Leather Com- pany at Leominster. Mr. Burdett was elected treasurer of the company and has filled that office continuously, acting also as technical director. Since the inception of the company its officers have been: Winthrop M. Mayo, president; Ralph A. Robertson, secretary; Harold W. Burdett, treas- urer.

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Worcester county; a narrative history, Volume III, Part 74

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