USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Worcester county; a narrative history, Volume III > Part 85
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108
Gilbert Henderson Harrington came to Worces- ter as a young boy, attended the public schools there. While still a young boy, he began to work in a small shop in Worcester devoted to the man- ufacture of revolvers, of which Ballard and Fair- banks, who were making a specialty of a six-shot revolver, were proprietors. From his Wesson ancestry the boy inherited mechanical skill and inventive genius and here he found ample oppor- tunity for the development of his talents. Here he worked out his first invention and patented a shell ejecting revolver. At the same time his uncle, Franklin Wesson, was engaged in manu- facturing rifles in another small factory, at No. 18 Manchester Street. Soon afterward Ballard and Fairbanks discontinued making revolvers and the business was taken over and continued by Mr. Harrington. In 1871 Mr. Wesson took his nephew into partnership, under the firm name of Wesson and Harrington, with the idea of developing and perfecting the new revolver. As that revolver was the first to eject empty shells after the weapon had been fired, it became very popular and held the market for several years. In 1872 Mr. Har- rington became sole owner of the company, but soon afterward he formed a partnership with Wil- liam A. Richardson, who had been employed in the Ballard and Fairbanks factory, and he was placed in charge of the mechanical end of the business. The new firm of Harrington and Rich- ardson, with its workshop at No. 18 Manchester Street, its patent rights to manufacture the revolver invented by Mr. Harrington, and its eighteen work- men, set energetically about the task of placing its goods before the public on a larger scale, and its market was soon greatly extended both in this country and abroad. The company's display at the Centennial exposition held in Philadelphia in 1876 attracted much attention, and the revolver was manufactured until 1878. Meantime, in 1876, the business was removed to larger quarters at No. 31 Hermon Street. Another new revolver, cheaper than the shell ejector and made in all calibres, soon displaced the older invention, and also created for itself a market which made necessary an increase in floor space. By this time thirty-six men were on the payroll, and the firm was manufacturing double action revolvers. On March 6, 1878, George F. Brooks became associated with the firm and Mr. Harrington took charge of the sales de- partment, while Mr. Richardson looked after the general details of manufacturing. In 1880 the firm was given the sole license in America to manu- facture double-barreled hammerless shot guns, un- der the patents of Anson and Deely, of England, whose guns were the best on the market at the time and commanded the highest prices. More space was secured by leasing the floor above, new machinery was installed, and more workmen hired. Though the guns sold at prices ranging from $85 to $300, sales were brisk because of the excellence of the weapon and also because this was the first hammerless shotgun manufactured in America. In
1886 the firm took over the third floor of an adjoining building and a room for storage in a building further away, but still the output was not equal to the demand and the firm finally decided to discontinue the manufacture of Anson and Deely guns, as by this time they had made improvements by inventions of their own. In January, 1888, the business was incorporated under the present name of the Harrington and Richard- son Arms Company, of which Mr. Harrington was president to the time of his death. Mr. Richard- son was made treasurer and Mr. Brooks secretary.
Through constant improvements and fair deal- ing the business of the corporation grew to propor- tions which indicated that much larger quarters would soon be needed, and in 1890 part of the present site at the corner of Park Avenue and Chandler Street was purchased. Additional land was secured in 1891 and a building was designed, but the failing health of Mr. Harrington caused delay, and it was not until 1893 that ground was broken for the first of the present buildings, the main building, which extends for one hundred and eighty feet along Park Avenue, one end facing Chandler Street. It was finished in 1894 and new improved machinery was installed. There were two hundred and fifty men on the payroll when the structure was begun, but after its completion the number of workmen, all skilled, ran up into the hundreds and the output was greatly increased to meet the steadily increasing demand. But the health of both partners began to fail, and on June 22, 1897, Mr. Harrington died at the early age of fifty-two years. Mr. Richardson, who was chosen president after the death of Mr. Harring- ton, was also treasurer, so when he died a few months later two offices were left vacant. Mr. Brooks, who had borne the burden of management during the illness of his two associates, was made general manager and treasurer, while Edwin C. Harrington, then only twenty years of age, was elected president. He, with Mr. Brooks and Mrs. Mary A. Richardson, formed the board of direc- tors, and a little later, John W. Harrington, a younger brother of the newly elected president, entered the business, in which he has since been actively interested, and of which he is now treas- urer.
Gilbert Henderson Harrington married (first) Christine I. Dibble, who died February 1, 1875. To this marriage was born one son, Charles H., who died in infancy, February 1, 1873. Mr. Har- ington married (second) Charlotte M. Harrington, who died August 26, 1885, aged thirty-seven years, daughter of Isaac Sylvester Harrington. He mar- ried (third) Myrtis S. Sigourney. To the second marriage two sons were born: I. Edwin Chester, of further mention. 2. John Walter (q. v.).
Edwin Chester Harrington, president of the Harrington and Richardson Arms Company, was born in Worcester, September 18, 1877, and re- ceived his earliest training in the public schools of his native city. He continued his studies in Dalzell's School and then took a course in Becker's Business College in Worcester, after which he became associated with his father's business, mak- ing himself as familiar as possible with the details of the processes of manufacturing firearms. The death of his father, the founder of the business, in 1897, however, brought to him heavy respon- sibilities at an early age; for during the same meet-
330
WORCESTER COUNTY
ing of the stockholders which made Mr. Brooks general manager of the business, after the death of the founder, Edwin C. Harrington was elected president, although he was then only twenty years of age. He had the efficient aid of the manager, Mr. Brooks, whose thorough knowledge of the business was invaluable at that time. During the nearly forty years of Edwin C. Harrington's pres- idency the business has grown to very large pro- portions. A single barrel gun was put upon the market, and in 1900 a new three-story structure, joining the main building on Park Avenue was erected, the export business was developed along substantial lines at that time, and in competition with arms of all makes, here and abroad, the "H. & R." products began to outstrip their rivals. In 1901 another building was added, on Chandler Street, a replica of the first one, though not so long, giving, in all, comfortable working quarters for six hundred men. Two years later the firm began producing police goods, including the famous Bean handcuffs and twisters, unsurpassed for light- ness and strength. New models in firearms were brought out from time to time, including the H. & R. double action solid frame, H. & R. Premier revolver, H. & R. single barrel shot gun, H. & R. automatic double action revolver with knife attachment, in .32 and .38 calibres, six and five shots respectively; U. S. R. A. Model single shot target pistol, Bicycle revolver, Vest Pocket and Young America safety hammer revolvers, Sports- men's Model revolver, .22 calibre, and numerous others. No firm engaged in this line of business manufactures a greater number of models, and moreover, the firm does all its own work from start to finish and every piece is a marvel of care- ful workmanship. To every civilized country on the globe these finely finished firearms go, and wherever they go they are known for their superior workmanship and accurate shooting qualities. The business grew until eight hundred hands were re- quested to meet the demands, but at present, owing to changed conditions, the force has been reduced to an average of about four hundred and fifty hands the year round. Mr. Harrington is a mem- ber of the Commonwealth Club; also of Athelstan Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; Eureka Chap- ter, Royal Arch Masons; Worcester County Com- mandery, Knights Templar; and Massachusetts Consistory, in which he holds the thirty-second degree.
Edwin Chester Harrington married, June 19, 1901, Edith Burton, daughter of Arthur Henry Burton, a native of Thurton, England, who died in Worcester, February 28, 1917. Mr. and Mrs. Harrington have two children: 1. Marjorie, born October 22, 1907. 2. Edwin C., Jr., born August 16, 1910.
JOHN WALTER HARRINGTON was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, February 21, 1880, son of Gilbert Henderson and Charlotte M. (Har- rington) Harrington (see preceding biography). In 1921 he was made treasurer of the company, and that responsible position he is still (1934) filling.
HOWARD C. BOULTON-Born in Spen- cer, November 18, 1895, Howard C. Boulton, attorney-at-law and clerk of the Western Worces- ter District Court, is a son of Frederick W. and
Cora L. (Carpenter) Boulton, his father a drug- gist, now retired after practicing many years. From the public schools of Spencer he entered the South High School in Worcester, where he was grad- uated in 1915. He won his degree of Bachelor of Science at Dartmouth College on graduation in the class of 1919. For three years he studied law at Harvard University. Having been admitted to the bar of Massachusetts in 1923, he associated himself in that year with the office of Edmund G. Norman. It was while connected with this office that he received the appointment of clerk of the Western Worcester District Court, which he has since filled. He also maintains an office in Spencer for the practice of law, his court position being at East Brookfield.
He is a member of the Worcester County Bar Association; Spencer Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; and of the Spencer Congregational Church where he is a member of the music committee.
Mr. Boulton married, February 5, 1927, Ellen P. Watson, of Spencer, and their children are: I. David Watson, born in December, 1928. 2. Marcia Howard, born October 13, 1931.
JOSEPH N. O'KANE-An unusually inter- esting record and one of great variety is that stand- ing to the credit of Joseph N. O'Kane, representa- tive in the Massachusetts Legislature from the Fifth Worcester District. A former tax collector of the town of Dudley, he has also served the same as chairman of the board of selectmen. In private life he carries on a restaurant business and com- mands a large following at his establishment.
Born in Mullaghmore, County Derry, Ireland, May 26, 1873, Joseph N. O'Kane is a son of James and Mary (Darragh) O'Kane. He came to this country with his parents in 1874 and with the family made his home in Dudley. The father, a linen finisher, was employed at the Stevens Linen Works in Dudley and also followed his trade at Charlton in this county. He died April 10, 1910. The son, Joseph N., received his education in pub- lic and parochial schools and then went to work in the Stevens mills at Dudley, his wages at the time being only forty cents a day. In time he became an expert linen finisher and succeeded his father on the latter's death. Here begins the story of his versatile career.
While working in the linen mills, he learned the barber's trade, working at it nights. Leaving the mill, he became a journeyman barber, but pur- sued the trade for only one year. He then obtained a concession for dispensing ice cream and soda at Beacon Park for one season. His next position was that of motorman on the Worcester and Webster street car line, and, after working a year at that, he purchased a milk route and was engaged in peddling for another year. Then followed vary- ing lengths of time in operating, first, a bakery and, later, a laundry. In 1920 he entered the lunchroom business, in which he has since re- mained. At the beginning he was in partnership with James F. Tague and, when the latter died, he bought of the widow his former associate's interest. His place is known as "O'Kane's Diner," in which he has the reputation of dispensing only food of the highest quality.
Mr. O'Kane's political career began with election to the office of tax collector of Dudley, which he filled for two years. In 1910 he was chosen to
Wand M. Jager
331
WORCESTER COUNTY
the board of selectmen, and with the exception of one term has since been a member and for several years served as chairman of the board. The road to Beacon Hill was cleared for him in 1925, which was the year he was first elected Representative to the Legislature from the old Southbridge-Dud- ley District. Following the redistricting of the district and reapportionment, he was reelected for the new district, and altogether has served four terms of two years each, or a total of eight years. His service in the Legislature has been rendered more important through his work on the various committees to which the Speaker of the House appointed him. He is or has been a member of the following committees: Public service, towns, agri- culture, highways and motor vehicles, reapportion- ment of congressional districts, and the recess com- mittee to make more understandable the initiative and referendum.
He is a member of the Massachusetts State Association of Selectmen and the Worcester County Selectmen's Association. His fraternal affiliations include the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Patrons of Husbandry (Grange), Fraternal Order of Eagles, Loyal Order of Moose, Ancient Order of Hibernians, and Knights of Columbus.
Mr. O'Kane married, October 27, 1927, Jennie Ingraham, of Oxford. They have a fine, attrac- tive home on Dudley Hill, their post office address being Webster. Mr. O'Kane possesses valuable property in the town of Dudley, of whose future growth and continued prosperity he is confident.
GEORGE EDMUND RICE-Among the leaders of the Worcester County bar of the younger generation is George Edmund Rice, who practices in the city of Worcester and in Spencer, having his home in the latter town. Not only has he gone forward professionally, but also politically, having been elected to the Massachusetts Legisla- ture.
Mr. Rice's grandfather, Emerson K. Rice, was one of the pioneer settlers of Worcester; a car- penter by trade and also a contractor, he built many of the early homes on the east side of the city and also built schoolhouses. His father, George Calvin Rice, a native of Worcester, is of old New England Colonial stock, a machinist by trade, now living retired. He married Maria Dansereau, born in Winooski, Vermont, and of a family of French origin.
George Edmund Rice was born in Worcester, February 22, 1899, and attended the public schools of this city, afterwards going to Montreal, Canada, where he prepared for college in high school. En- tering the University of Montreal, he studied there one year and then came to Worcester, where he was a student at the Assumption College for three years. In 1920 he entered Boston University Law School and in the class of 1923 was graduated Bachelor of Laws. The same year he left the law school he was admitted to the bar at a sitting of court in Worcester County. He was associated with the office of Thayer, Smith and Gaskill in this city for one year. In the fall of 1924 he established himself in an office in his own name here and since has been steadily engaged in car- ing for a growing clientage. He also maintains an office in Spencer, where he attends to the re- quirements of his clients in the evenings. He is a member of the Worcester County Bar Association.
In 1931 he took a residence in Spencer, and since has become a popular citizen of this com- munity. In November, 1932, he was elected to the Massachusetts Legislature by a majority of twenty-two votes over his opponent. This showing is considered remarkable, since he was at the time comparatively a stranger in the town, especially from a political viewpoint. During the campaign of that year he set a high record as a campaign speaker and drew a large following. When the World War drew in the United States, he was at school, but in lieu of possible active service at the front, he did his bit as a member of the Students Army Training Corps.
DAVID N. TAFT-President and treasurer of the David N. Taft Manufacturing Company, manufacturers of woolens at Oxford, David N. Taft continues the enterprise founded originally by his father at Oxford many years ago. He has long been a leading figure in the life of this city.
Mr. Taft was born in Oxford on May 21, 1876, a son of Nathaniel E. and Chloe A. (Fitts) Taft. His parents were natives of Mendon, Massachu- setts. Nathan E. Taft, the father, located in North Oxford in the year 1875, building a factory where he engaged in the manufacture of shoddy. In 1887 the factory moved to a new location on Lowe's Pond, but after three years' operation there it was destroyed by fire. For the next five years the business was continued at the North Oxford fac- tory. Then in 1895, Mr. Taft, with his son, David N. Taft, built a new mill on the site of the factory destroyed by fire under the name of the N. E. Taft and Son Mills. In the following year the father died and from that time Mr. Taft has car- ried on the business under his own name.
David N. Taft was educated in the public schools of Oxford and at Worcester Academy, supple- menting his academic training with a course in business college. After he left school he joined his father in the operation of the family mills, succeeding to control of the enterprise with the death of the older man. Mr. Taft has kept abreast of all developments and improvements in the woolen industry. The output of the plant has steadily increased and new and modern machinery has been installed from time to time to keep pace with the progress of the town. In 1929 the business was incorporated as the David N. Taft Manufacturing Company, with Mr. Taft as president and treas- urer and his son, D. Russell Taft, as assistant treasurer and secretary. This firm employs about one hundred and twenty-five people in normal times and manufactures woolen goods exclusively, find- ing a ready market for their product which is well known in the industry.
In addition to his long connection with the Taft mills, which he has directed very successfully, Mr. Taft was one of the men who built the Oxford water works as a private venture a number of years ago. It was sold in 1929. He has also found time, in spite of the pressure of business, to be active in civic and community affairs, serving on the finance committee for several years and as a selectman for five years. He has always been ready to give his time and effort in the public interest when convinced that he could genuinely be of service. Fraternally, Mr. Taft is affiliated with Oxford Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, and in this order is a member of many higher
332
WORCESTER COUNTY
bodies, including Worcester Commandery, Knights Templar, and Aleppo Temple, Ancient Arabic Or- der Nobles of the Mystic Shrine.
On September 15, 1902, David N. Taft mar- ried (first) Maude P. Russell, who died on June 30, 1924. He married (second), January 1, 1926, Katharine L. Copp, of Oxford. Of the first mar- riage there is one son, David Russell, a graduate of Oxford High School, Rumson Academy and Lowell Textile School. He is now an officer of the David N. Taft Manufacturing Company. There is also one son of the second marriage, Nathaniel C., born December 9, 1926.
MRS. JANE LEWIS SATTERTHWAITE was born at Norwood, St. Lawrence County, New York, daughter of Morgan Quincy and Sarah Ann (Bean) Lewis. Educated in public and private schools she early displayed unusual talent for music. For four years she studied at the New England Conservatory of Music at Boston. She was mar- ried in 1902 to Dr. Samuel T. Satterthwaite of Fargo, North Dakota, and later with him spent three years in Europe, studying music, art and literature. She also took a course at Columbia Universiy.
Returning from Europe, Mrs. Satterthwaite sang in grand opera and did concert work throughout the United States. She retired from opera and con- cert singing to take charge of the voice depart- ment at the Denver Conservatory of Music.
In 1912 Dr. Satterthwaite purchased property in Boylston, Massachusetts, and spent several years in beautifying this as a summer estate. Dr. Satterth- waite died in 1921, and after his death Mrs. Sat- terthwaite opened the estate as a tea room. It was known as "Chalet at Rocks" and became popular among those who appreciated true beauty.
In 1929, when the Worcester Electric Light Company established its department of home eco- nomics, Mrs. Satterthwaite's qualifications led to her being appointed executive head of the depart- ment. She has since filled this position with effi- ciency and fidelity. Active in many phases of Worcester life, she has served as trustee of the Worcester Public Library, was a member of the Republican city committee, and exercises influence in party councils. Her services are always avail- able to worthy civic projects.
A brilliant conversationalist, she is admired for her high conception of all the nobler qualities of life and is an inspiration to all who know her.
Mrs. Satterthwaite is a sister of the late Miss Jessie Dell Lewis (q. v.), prominent dramatic director and coach, of Worcester.
MISS JESSIE DELL LEWIS was born in Norwood, New York, but received her early edu- cation in the public schools in Topeka, Kansas. She early developed a talent for public reading and studied with the best teachers in the West. After teaching dramatics and expression in Denver, Colorado, she came East and studied with noted Boston teachers, later coming to Worcester and opening a studio of expression. She established herself not only as a dramatic reader, but also as a well-known coach of pageants and plays, not only in this State but in other sections of the country.
Miss Lewis arranged and directed the pageant, "The Spirit of Worcester," for the dedication of
the Worcester Municipal Auditorium, September 29, 1933. This pageant was written while she was ill in Memorial Hospital, Worcester, and the re- hearsals were conducted at the Auditorium while she was suffering greatly. The pageant was patri- otic in nature and consisted of a series of tableaux depicting the history of Worcester from the coming of the first white settlers to the present time. Three hundred persons took part in the pageant which was one of the most artistic and beautiful productions ever staged in this city.
Miss Lewis was active in the affairs of the Worcester Woman's Club, the Quota Club, the Business and Professional Woman's Club and The Players Club. She passed away on February 22, 1934, in Memorial Hospital, Worcester, and is mourned by a host of friends. Every one with whom she came in contact loved her for her sym- pathy, her kindliness, her deep insight into human nature, and her keen wit.
REV. FRANCIS J. DOLAN, S. J .- As presi- dent of Holy Cross College, the Rev. Francis J. Dolan, S. J., heads one of the major institutions of higher education in America and one of the most famous of all Catholic colleges. He has devoted his entire active life to the cause of Catholic edu- cation and is highly qualified by character and attainments for the responsible office to which he has been called.
Father Dolan was born at Jamaica Plain, Mas- sachusetts, July 14, 1893, and was educated in Catholic schools of this State. Following his grad- uation successively from Boston College High School and Boston College, he entered the novitiate of the Society of Jesus at St. Andrew-on-Hudson, Poughkeepsie, New York, remaining there from September 7, 1912, until 1915. From 1916 to 1919, he was engaged in the study of philosophy and the classics at Woodstock College, Woodstock, Maryland, and in the latter year was appointed professor of classics at Loyola College, Baltimore. In 1921 he first came to Holy Cross College as professor of classics. In 1923 he returned to Woodstock College to study theology and was so engaged for four years following. He was or- dained to the priesthood of the Roman Catholic Church on June 14, 1926. In 1927 Father Dolan was named dean of freshmen at Boston College and professor of natural theology in the graduate school of the college, retaining these positions until 1929. In 1929-30 he carried on special studies in England and on his return to the United States in July, 1930, was appointed dean of studies at Holy Cross College. He served in that capacity until his appointment as president of Holy Cross College in July, 1933, succeeding the Rev. John M. Fox, S. J.
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.