Barnstable County, Massachusetts - Biographical sketches (3 of 12 so headed), 1890

Biographical sketches

Joseph Allen, only son of Joseph and Ruth Allen, was born in 1846. He has been captain of the light ship Pollock Rip since 1881. He was married in 1872, to Mary H. Crowell. They have six children: M. Maude, Joseph E., Albert F., William D., Orra I., and Peyson E.

Allen B. Baker, born in 1832, is a son of Hersey, and a grandson of Washington Baker. His mother was Mercy, daughter of Daniel Homer. Mr. Baker was a sea captain until 1874, and since that time he has kept a livery and boarding stable at South Yarmouth. He was married February 12, 1855, to Betsey A. .daughter of Amos and Nancy (Gorham) Farris. They have one daughter, Fanny A.

Bernard L. Baker, born in 1839, is a son of Hiram and grandson of Jonathan Baker. His mother was Keziah, daughter of Benjamin Parker. Mr. Baker followed the sea for some years, after which he drove an express wagon to the South Yarmouth depot for ten years. Since October, 1887, he has been postmaster at South Yarmouth. He was three years on the school committee, as a democrat. He was married in 1871, to Tamsen F., daughter of Prince Giflford. They have two children: Katie F. and Henry C. Mr. Baker is a member of Howard Lodge, A. F. & A. M.

Elisha T. Baker, born in 1848, is a son of Orlando, grandson of Laban and great-grandson of Abram Baker. He has been a contractor and builder for twenty years, and since 1881, he has owned a shoe store at South Yarmouth. He was married in 1872 to Phebe G., daughter of Frederick White. They have one daughter, Annie W.

Joseph Bassett is one of six surviving children of Henry and Abigail R. (Crocker) Bassett. He is engaged in the poultry business. He was in the late war eleven months in Company A., Fortyseventh Massachusetts Volunteers, and again two years in the Thirteenth New York Marine Artillery. He was married first to Huldah E. Pierce. She died, and he married Mrs. Ella P. Matthews, widow of Frederick Matthews, who died in 1885, aged eighty years. Mr. Matthews was engaged during his life in agricultural pursuits and salt making, and was one of the first to introduce forest planting on the Cape. He left one daughter, Mary Matthews.

Albert Berry was born in 1833. He is the eldest and only surviving son of Howes and Caroline (Bassett) Berry, and grandson of Isaac Berry. Mr. Berry is a contractor and builder. He was married in 1854 to Lucy A., daughter of Edward Sears. Their children are: Lucy E., Carrie H., Daisy F., and Minnie H. Mr. Berr>' is a member of Fraternal Lodge and Oriental Chapter, A. F. & A. M. His only brother, Theophilus B., was killed in Oregon, in 1882.

Charles M. Bray, son of Eben and Rebecca (Matthews) Bray, and grandson of Edmund Bray, was born in 1832. He followed the gea several years as a master mariner prior to 1868. Since that time he has dealt in lumber and builders' supplies at Yarmouth. He was married to Kate D. Baker, and they have five children: Charles D., Robert, Carrie D., James G., and Sarah E. They lost one child. Mr. Bray has been deputy sheriff thirteen years.

Town Of Yarmouth

Alexander B. Chase was born in 1848. He is a son of Rev. Enoch E. Chase, who was ordained as a Baptist preacher in 1832, and died in 1886, aged eighty-two years. He left two children: Rebecca B. and Alexander B., who occupies the homestead where Enoch E.'s father, Anthony Chase, lived. Mr. Chase is a contractor and builder. In early life he followed the sea. Ho was married in 1873 to Lucy H., daughter of David Bearse. They have two children: George H. and Nellie S. Mr. Chase is a member of the First Baptist church of Hyannis.

Theophilus Chase, born in 1831, is a son of Sylvester and Sarah (Kelley) Chase, grandson of James and Mercy Chase, and great-grandson of Job Chase. Mr. Chase followed the sea from 1840 to 1887, and was master thirty years. He "was married in 1866 to Sarah K., daughter of Freeman Crowell. They have three children: Lafayette K., Hattie C, and Herbert C. Mr. Chase is a member of Howard Lodge.

John T. Cobb was born in 1858, in the state of Vermont. He came to the town of Yarmouth in 1883, where he has had charge of his brother-in-law's farm since that time.

Daniel Cole, son of Daniel and Mercy (Higg^ns) Cole, and grandson of Elisha Cole, was born in 1835. He is a carpenter and builder, having followed that business for thirty-five years. He married Eunice M., daughter of Isaac Smalley. They have had two children, both of whom are deceased.

Charles B. Cory bought in 1882 of S. R. Payson, Great island, comprising about six hundred acres, at the extreme southwest corner of the town of Yarmouth, where he now has a rare game preserve. Among his birds we find the golden, silver, copper and English pheasant, and others. He has a part of the island which is thickly wooded (about 120 acres), enclosed with a suitable fence, and in 1883 he placed in this enclosure about forty deer, which have increased until he has one of the finest deer preserves in this country. The island is well supplied with fresh water lakes, which are stocked with bass, pickerel and perch.

Daniel B. Crocker was born in 1844. He is the youngest son of Daniel and Lucinda D. Crocker, grandson of Joseph and great-grandson of Daniel Crocker. Mr. Crocker is a merchant at Yarmouth Port, and is largely engaged in cranberry culture. He married Mary R. Knowles, and they have two sons: Fred R. and Ralph D. Mr. Crocker has two sisters: Joanna B. (Mrs. Otis White) and Susan.

Hatsel Crosby, born in 1807. is the only surviving child of Abijah and Desire Crosby, and grandson of Elisha Crosby. He was a shoemaker in Brewster for fifteen years, prior to 1848, when he came to South Yarmouth, where he was engaged in salt making until 1883. He was married in 1836 to Jerusha S. Homer, who died in 1854, leav- ing five children: Susie, Abbie, Hattie E., Herbert F., and Nellie P., who died November 2, 1864. Mr. Crosby was married in 1856 to Elizabeth S. Bangs, who died the same year. He was married in 1858 to Hannah, daughter of Jabez Nye. They have two sons: Benjamin B. and Chester L.

Elbridge Crowell, born in 1822, is the youngest son of Timothy and Polly (Taylor) Crowell, and grandson of Abner and Sarah Crowell. He is one of eight children, of whom three are living. From 1831 to 1884 he followed the sea, then was appointed port warden at Boston, which oflBce he still holds. He was married in 1849 to Susan, daughter of Hersey Baker. Their two children are: Fred A. and Hattie M. (Mrs. Charles B. Whelden). Mr. Crowell is a member of the Boston Marine Society, and a member of the Masonic order.

Isaiah Crowell, born in 1832, is descended from Elkanah', Elkanah', Simeon*, Ephraim', John', Yelverton Crowell'. Yelverton Crowell died in West Yarmouth in 1683. He had five children. The farm on which he settled in 1640 is still in the Crowell family. Mr. Crowell has kept a general store at West Yarmouth since 1867, the store having been built three years previous by Osborn Chase. Mr. Crowell followed the sea in early life. He was married in 1867 to Mercy, daughter of Zadock Crowell, who was a son of Timothy and grandson of Jeremiah Crowell. They have three children: Joshua F., Thomas S., and Isaiah W. Mr. Crowell was eleven years a member of the school committee, and has been clerk of the West Yarmouth Congregational parish for twenty years.

Manton H. Crowell, son of Gideon and Ruth (Taylor) Crowell and grandson of Gideon Crowell, was born in 1852, and is a painter by trade. Since 1872 he has carried on a wagon and paint shop at South Yarmouth. He was married in 1873 to Christina, daughter of Allen B. Crowell. They have two daughters: Grace E. and Ethel W. Mr. Crowell is a member of the South Yarmouth ' Methodist Episcopal church.

Nelson Crowell, son of Jabez Crowell, was born in 1822 and died in 1876. He was a seafaring man. He was married in 1848 to Mary P., daughter of Judah and Polly (Parker) Crowell and granddaughter of Judah Crowell. They had three children: Mary N., Lester E. and Albert A. Mr. Crowell was a member of Howard Lodge, A. F. & A. M.

Rev. Simeon Crowell, born in May, 1778, the son of Abner and Ruth (Nickerson) Crowell, departed this life in August, 1848. Abner Crowell, the father, died on board a prison ship in Newport harbor three months before the birth of Simeon, leaving his family destitute. The pressing needs of the family and his tender regard for his mother induced the subject of this sketch to early brave the hardships of a sailor's life. He rose rapidly to the position of master and by the application of his characteristic energy, made success his reward. At the age of thirty-six he left the sea to engage in the -manufacture of salt, which he continued until his death.

After leaving the sea he was impressed with a sense of duty in the direction of special Christian work, and yielding to this impression, he entered the ministry, being ordained at his own house. The Baptist church received his life-long labors. He married Charlotte Clark of Harwich (now Brewster), an estimable lady, whose efficient assistance, especially in his pastoral work, can never be measured. They reared four children: Charlotte, born June, 1803, died March, 1877; Mary, born February, 1806, died December, 1886; Simeon, born January, 1808, died September, 1849; and Ruth H., who was born January, 1810, died October, 1851. Of these children, Charlotte and Mary lived and died unmarried. Simeon, in May, 1841, married Desire Crosby of Brewster, and died without issue. Ruth H. married Barnabas Sears, jr., and of their four children three died in infancy; Simeon, the youngest, died at sixteen in the manner mentioned in the biography of his father.

Rev. Simeon Crowell has left the record of a faithful citizen in all public and private acts. He won the confidence and respect of the entire community, and was many times called to serve his town in responsible positions. As a minister and teacher he was untiring in his devotion to his Master, declaring the counsels of truth whenever occasion presented, and sowing that gospel seed which has brought forth an hundred fold.

Sturgis Crowell, son of Elkanah, was born in 1822, and followed sea from 1832 to 1874, being master thirteen years. He was married in 1858 to Emily, daughter of Elisha and Polly Baker. She died in 1859. He married again in 1874, to Susan J., daughter of Freeman and Patience Baker. They have two daughters: Alice Maude, and Annie S. By his first wife he had one son, Elisha B. S., who died February, 1872, aged thirteen years.

William P. Davis, son of James Davis, was born in 1816, in New Bedford, and came to Yarmouth at the age of four years. He was engaged in salt making until 1858, when he entered the Yarmouth National Bank as assistant cashier. He became cashier in 1875, at the death of Amos Otis. He has filled the office of town clerk since February, 1844. He married Hetty K. Crowell. They have four children: William J., who has been in the bank with his father .since 1866; Abbie A., Hannah H. and Lucy W.

Edward S. Ellis, son of George W. E. and Sarah P. (Story) Ellis, was born in 1856, at Bournedale. He has been station agent for the Old Colony Railroad Company since 1882 - two years at Bournedale, and since then at Yarmouth. He spent five years in California prior

James Ellis, born in 1828, is a son of Philip and Dorcas (Robinson) Ellis, and grandson of Philip Ellis. He is a farmer, and since 1889 has kept a livery stable at Hyannis. He was married in 1842, to Mary R., daughter of Job Cash. They have two children living: Helen M. and Judith A. They lost three.

Russell D. Farris, born September 11, 1818, is the oldest son of Reuben K., and a grandson of Samuel Farris. He is a harness maker by trade, but has been a merchant at South Yarmouth for forty-five years. He was married in 1842 to Mercy F. Easton. His second wife was Eliza Kelley. She died leaving one son, William R., who was married in 1885 to Lillian S. Baker. Their only son is Russell D., 2d. Mr. Farris married Mrs. Augusta Copeland, for his third wife, in 1877.

Loring Fuller, born in 1831, is one of nine sons of William and Eliza (Chase) Fuller, and a grandson of William Fuller. He has been a seafaring man since he was ten years old. Since 1866, he has run a packet from South Yarmouth, in connection with the grain and coal store of Loring Fuller & Co. He was married in 1863 to Mary C. Ryder. They have three children: Joseph W., who married Clara E. Hurst in 1876; Lizzie B., Mrs. C. F. Purrington, and Mernie L.

Benjamin T. Gorham, born in 1862, is the only son of Benjamin and Clara (Matthews) Gorham, grandson of Hezekiah, and greatgrandson of John Gorham. Mr. Gorham was for six years clerk in the store of A. A. Knowles. In October, 1888, he opened a boot and shoe store at Yarmouth Port, where his father does repairing, having worked at the trade since 1837.

Fred. Hallett is the eldest of four sons of Manchester and a grandson of Nathan Hallett. He learned the printers' trade in the oflBce of the Cape Cod Item, where he was foreman for six years. Since January, 1889, he has run a job printing oflSce of his own at Yarmouth Port. He married Grace E. Ryder.

Barnabas C. Howes, born in 1839, is a son of Cyrus, and grandson of Alexandar, and great-grandson of Jonathan Howes. His mother was Hannah H., daughter of Nathan Crowell. Mr. Howes followed the sea from the age of fifteen years until 1887, as master the last twenty-one years. He was married in 1869 to Rebecca, daughter of Orlando Wood. Their children are: Margaret, Willis and Cyrus P. Mr. Howes is a member of the Boston Marine Society.

Benjamin R. Howes was born in Dennis in 1831, and is a son of Charles and Nancy Howes, both natives of Dennis. Mr. Howes has carried on a coat factory at Yarmouth since 1866. He was married to Louisa, daughter of Joshua Eldridge, of Yarmouth. They have two children: Charles R., who is with his father in the coat factory, married to Mary E. Edwards, of Dennis; and Mary J., now Mrs. John Thacher. Mr. Howes is a member of Fraternal Lodge of Masons.

Millard F. Jones is a son of Luther Jones, M. D., who was a native of Acton, Mass., and practiced medicine in Yarmouth for several years prior to his death, which occurred in California, in 1862, aged forty-five years. Mr. Jones' mother was Susannah, daughter of Jonathan Kelley. She died, leaving three children: Millard F., Elizabeth K., and Robena. Mr. Jones and his two sisters occupy the house which was built in 1832, by Jonathan Kelley.

David Dudley Kelley, son of David and Phebe (Dudley) Kelley, was born in 1846. Since 1867 he has been a dry goods merchant at South Yarmouth. He was one of the first trustees of the Bass River Saving Bank, and has been its treasurer since 1877. He was married in 1869, to Mary E., daughter of Winthrop Sears. He built a nice residence in South Yarmouth in 1874.

Seth Kelley, born in 1838, is the oldest son of David Kelley', who descended from Seth', David', Seth', Jeremiah', David O. Kily', who took the oath of fidelity to the colony in 1657. Mr. Kelley 's mother was Phebe Dudley. He is a machinist by trade and is now engaged with the American Metallic Fabric Company at South Yarmouth. He carried on an ice business at South Yarmouth about twenty-five years. He was married in 1865 to Harriet, daughter of Orlando Baker. They have two sons: David, and Ralph D. Mr. Kelley is a member of the Society of Friends.

Edward Lewis, born in 1817, is one of nine children of Elnathan, ' and grandson of Benjamin Lewis. His mother was Lavina, daughter of Zachariah Howes. Mr. Lewis followed the sea from 1833 to 1874, as master after 1838. He was married in 1845 to Lucretia, daughter of Ezekiel Crowell. She died in 1886, leaving three children: Martha (Mrs. Levi Snow), Lavina (Mrs. Julius Crowell), and Joseph. Mr. Lewis has been selectman in Yarmouth for eight years, and he has been two years on the school committee. He is a member of the West Yarmouth Congregational church.

George H. Loring, son of John, grandson of David and great grandson of David Loring, was born in 1834. He began going to sea at the age of eleven, continuing until he was forty years old. He was master mariner nineteen years. He was selectman two years (1877 and 1878), and represented his district in the legislature in 1886 and 1887. He was married in 1855 to Alvira, daughter of Laban Baker. Their only surviving child is George E. They lost three children: Elmer E., Lizzie T., and Nellie Y. Mr. Loring is a member of Howard Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and a member of South Yarmouth Methodist Episcopal church.

William D. Loring, son of John and grandson of David Loring, was born in 1823. He was a master mariner twenty-five years, and since 1872 he has kept a grain store at Yarmouth. He married Mary P., daughter of Otis and Sarah (Hallett) Crowell. They had one adopted daughter, Addie W., who died.

Richard Wallace Marston, born in 1861, is a son of Richard and Sophia L. (Grush) Marston, and grandson of John and Temperance (Matthews) Marston. Mr. Marston graduated from Bridgewater Normal school in 1884. Since that time he has been engaged in teaching, and is now teaching his third year in the Yarmouth grammar school.

Braddock Matthews was born in 1812, and is the oldest son of Ezekiel, grandson of Ezekiel, and great-grandson of David and Anna (Crowell) Matthews. His mother was Bethia, daughter of Eleazer Crowell. Mr. Matthews went to sea from 1824 to 1838, at which time he went into a store at South Yarmouth with David Matthews and continued until 1865. He has been selectman in Yarmouth sixteen years. He was married in 1837 to Zipporah, daughter of Timothy Crowell. They have one daughter living and have lost three.

David Matthews, deceased, was the representative of two old families of the Cape, one the family name which he bore, and the other the Hallett name. The Matthews family were often mentioned in the civil and military affairs of Old Yarmouth prior to 1700. Ezekiel Matthews married Lydia Hallett and in his lifetime was active in the affairs of the town, departing this life July 17, 1849, at South Yarmouth. His wife died January 25, 1852. They reared eleven children, of whom David, the eighth, was born October 20, 1801. The common schools of that day afforded the only accessible means of an education, of which he availed himself and started out upon the journey of life. He was married April 12, 1835, to Emeline Hallett, who died August 21, 1849. Their children were: Hebron V., born November 3, 1835; Albert, December 29, 1836; Elnathan, June 2, 1838; Gideon, January 17, 1840; and Mary H., June 17, 1842. Of these, Gideon died in infancy and Albert died August 4, 1877, on board the bark Norway, of which he was master, in Lat. 38° 28', Long. 27° 37'. He had been talking with his wife, and as he turned to go on deck, fell; she heard a long, heavy breath, and he was dead. August 6th his remains were committed to the deep, leaving his stricken wife to continue the voyage of life alone. He was twice married: first, November 7, 1870, to Mary H. Lewis of West Yarmouth; and second, on January 18, 1877, to Clara Gilkey of Watertown, Mass., who still survives. He was an active, enterprising master, respected for his integrity and beloved for his thoughtful kindness in contributing to the happiness of others as a husband, brother and friend.

The three surviving children of David Matthews are residing at South Yarmouth. Hebron V. was married January 27, 1861, to Adeline F. Baker of South Dennis; his life for many years was on the sea, until 1888, when he opened a grocery store at Lower Village, South Yarmouth. Elnathan, unmarried, resides at the homestead near his brother; he learned the tailor trade, but never made it a business. Mary H., a milliner, June 26, 1864, married Frederick A. Baker, who keeps a livery at South Yarmouth. They have one daughter, Emeline G., born January 29, 1865, and resides with her parents. David Matthews, after the death of the mother of these children, was married November 17, 1850, to Laura A. Hallett, a sister of the first wife, who survived him several years, departing this life January 15, 1888. After a long life of usefulness Mr. Matthews died April 10, 1884.

His life of over four-score years was fraught with the cares of military, civil and business duties which were incidental to the growth of the village. The salt works in his younger days, a grocery and fitting-out store on the shore for nearly half a century, and interests in the coasting and fishing trade, coupled with his social and civil relations, rendered his a busy life. His retiring nature led to the declination of proffered political preferment. Until the last few years of his life he was constantly engaged in some useful employment in which he was always considerate of the welfare of others. At his death the Yarmouth Register said: " David Matthews was a useful citizen, possessing a large heart full of kindness and sympathy for the poor and suffering. He was interested in the cause of religion and assisted greatly in sustaining the gospel. He was a peacemaker, delighting in promoting the best good of others in an unobtrusive manner. He had a kind word for children, and several would be with him when he was able to go out. His removal was a loss to the community where he was so useful. ' Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God.' "

Seleck H. Matthews was born in 1819, and died in 1886. He was a son of Freeman, and a grandson of Ezekiel Matthews. Mr. Matthews was a master mariner, and for some years prior to his death he was superintendent of a steamship. He was first married to Rebecca Crowell, who died leaving one daughter, Rebecca H., and one son, Seleck H. In 1848 he married Lucy J., daughter of ApoUos Pratt, M. D., who died in Yarmouth in 1860, aged eighty-three years. Mr. Matthews was a member of Howard Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and a steward of the South Yarmouth Methodist Episcopal church.

until he retired from active life. He married Lucy, daughter of Eben Sears, and had seven children, four of whom are living: Mary J., Lucy (Mrs. Oliver Crocker), Isaac, and Clara W., now the widow of Captain Winthrop Sears.

Rodman R. Nickerson, born in 1835, is a son of Crowell and Mary Nickerson, and grandson of Sylvanus Nickerson. He has been a mariner since sixteen years of age, with the exception of nine winters, when he was engaged in teaching school. He was married in 1861 to Permelia E., daughter of William and Azubah (Baker) White. They have had two sons, who died.

Sylvanus Nickerson, a son of Henry and Lucy (Shiverick) Nickerson, was born in 1832, and has been a master mariner since he was twenty-one years of age. He was in the naval service four years during the war of the rebellion. He was married in 1855 to Mercy, daughter of Hersey Baker. They have three children: Henry A., Alfred H.,- and Grace V.

Elisha Parker, the youngest and only surviving child of Benjamin, and grandson of Jacob Parker, was born in 1814 in West Yarmouth, near Parker's river, which derives its name frcm the Parker family. Mr. Parker's mother was Elizabeth Crowell. He was a shoemaker by trade, and kept a shoe store at South Yarmouth until 1884, when he retired from business. During the last twenty years of his business life he was connected with a woolen mill at Falmouth, and supplied the stores on the Cape with the noted Falmouth jeans and kerseys. He was married in 1837 to Elizabeth Baker, who died. Two of their three sons are living: Edward K. and Silas B.; Benjamin H. died at the age of seventeen years. In 1860 he married his second wife, Mary A. Smith. Mr. Parker is a member of the South Yarmouth Methodist Episcopal church.

E. Dexter Payne, merchant at Yarmouth Port, was born at Eastham in 1840. He is a son of Elkanah K. and Mehitable P. (Knowles) Payne. Mr. Payne came to Yarmouth in 1854, where he was clerk in a store for ten years. Since 1865 he has kept a general store at Yarmouth Port. He was one year in the war, in Company E, Fifth Massachusetts Volunteers, and is a member of Charles Chipman Post, G. A. R. He married Mary L. Gorham.

Charles E. Purringlon was born in 1843 in New Bedford, Mass., and is a son of Nathaniel and Louisa A. (Brown) Purrington. Mr. Purrington has resided at South Yarmouth since 1885, and was connected with the grain store of Loring Fuller & Co. until 1890, when he became a member of the firm of Purrington & Small, succeeding Wing Brothers in the grocery business. He was married in 1882 to Lizzie B., daughter of Loring Fuller. Their children are: Wallace F. and Florence May.

Barnabas Sears, deceased, was in the lineage, direct, from Richard Sears, who came with the last of the congregation of Leyden, landing at Plymouth, May 8, 1630. The tax rates of that plantation indicate that he was possessed of a large property. In 1643 a company led by him passed through Mattacheese to Scargo hill and settled at what is now known as East Dennis. The descent was Richard, Silas, Joseph, Barnabas, Stephen, Stephen, and Barnabas, the subject of this sketch. Stephen, his father, born in 1765, married Sarah Gorham, had seven children and died in 1851. He was early at sea and was a thorough seafaring man. He was engaged in the fishing and coasting business during the war of 1812, was captured, shipwrecked, and encountered many reverses. During the war of 1812 he went to the Mediterranean to sell a cargo of fish. The Spanish seized his vessel and cargo, sent him to America, landing him near Wilmington, N. C, to return home on foot.

Barnabas Sears, born July 3, 1790, married Hannah Crocker, who was born November 13, 1792, and died January 7, 1879. Their six children were: John K., born September 11, 1816; Barnabas, September 13, 1818; Stephen, July 15,1822; Seth, September 27,1825; Elizabeth, November 18, 1828; and David, born July 6, 1832. Seth died August 8, 1848, and the remaining five reside at South Yarmouth in five adjacent homes. Of these John K., the oldest, lives farthest west, and east of him are the other four, by a curious coincidence, in the order of their births, to David, the youngest, who lives farthest east. These are so many living branches in the wide-spreading tree of which Richard Sears is the trunk.

The early life of Barnabas Sears was spent at sea, shipping at the age of nine in his father's vessel, he and another boy taking a man's share. About 1820 he was induced to stop ashore to engage in the then lucrative business of salt manufacturing at South Yarmouth. He was most successful on the sea, rapidly rising to master. He manufactured salt eighteen years, and passed the remainder of his days in the cultivation of his farm. He enjoyed the full confidence of his townsmen, but would never accept any trust that would interfere with his social and business relations. His life was one of marked loyalty to truth and honesty, and his ready sympathy and genial nature won for him many friends who sincerely mourned his death, which occurred at the homestead, July 17, 1875.

John K. Sears. - This enterprising citizen of South Yarmouth is the oldest son of Barnabas Sears, whose genealogy is given in the preceding biography. He was born September 11, 1816, and passed nearly seventeen of the first years of his life at home, in acquiring a common school education and assisting his parents. Instead of a love for the sea, his mind early turned to mechanics, and at seventeen he went to Nantiacket to learn the carpenters' trade. At twenty-one lie was a master builder and was in business for himself, which he continued there until 1850. He was married March 24, 1839, to Sarah, the youngest daughter of the six children of Reuben Burdett - a whaleman of Nantucket, and later, master of a packet, who passed his last years with Mr. and Mrs. John K. Sears, and died aged eightyeight years.

The great fire of 1846 interrupted the business of Mr. Sears at Nantucket, and after a strong desire to visit California, from which he was restrained, he i-etumed to South Yarmouth in 1860. The seeming need of a mill at his place at South Yarmouth induced him with his brother Barnabas, to erect, in 1854, a commodious building in which planing, sawing and grinding were done for the community. House building was at the same time extensively carried on and he now points with pride to his own and many other beautiful residences of which he was the master builder. In 1865, the planing works were discontinued, and in 1869 the building was removed to the yard at Hyannis, where he had purchased the lumber business of Samuel Snow. This business was at once greatly enlarged, additional buildings were erected, and in 1874 a branch yard was established at Middleboro, which is continued under the name of J. K. & B. Sears. Another branch lumber yard was established in 1882, at Woods Holl, the particulars of which, with that of Hyannis, are fully given in the histories of those villages.

The active, progressive business nature of Mr. Sears has precluded all desire to hold ofiBcial trusts, but in 1860, and again in 1861, as a. true exponent of republican principles, he consented to represent his district in the legislature, since which time he has peremptorily declined all honors. Wherever he has resided he has taken a leading interest in the Sunday schools. The Methodist church of his village now enjoys both his liberal material, and spiritual aid. Broad in his views he has sought to do his duty toward Gcd ?nd tcvsid man, and the impression he has made upon his fellow men is that of a life grounded upon honest principles. Having no children of his own he has filled the position of a parent, in his munificence to those of others.

Barnabas Sears. - This citizen of South Yarmouth was born September 13, 1818. He is the second son of Barnabas Sears, deceased,, with whose genealogy the reader of the preceding pages is familiar. Unlike most lads of the Cape, Barnabas turned his mind to mechanics instead of the sea. After such educational advantages as his own village afforded he went to Nantucket at the age of seventeen as an apprentice to the carpenter trade, and there for a short time he attended an evening school. At the age of twenty-one he returned to South.

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Yarmouth, but was induced to spend the subsequent season on the island before he made a permanent residence in his native place. With his brother, John K., he engaged in the building and planing mill business as has been mentioned in the village histories of South Yarmouth and Hyannis. In the fall of 1873 be, with his older brother, as J. K. & B. Sears, established a lumber yard at Middleboro, where Barnabas removed, remaining there until 1887, when he returned, leaving the business with his youngest son, Henry W. Sears, who continues it.

Mr. Sears has been three times married; first to Ruth H. Crowell, daughter of Rev. Simeon Crowell, whose portrait appears at page 492. They had four children, three of whom died in infancy, Simeon C, then the only survivor of his mother's branch of an illustrious family, met an untimely death on board the ship Fleetwitig, off Cape Horn. He was only sixteen when, against the wishes of his parents, he made his first voyage with Captain David Kelley, and during a snow storm fell from the main yard. Twelve days after his fall his body was consigned to the waters of the Pacific. By his death, that branch of the Crowell family has become extinct. The wife and mother died October 13, 1850. Mr. Sears' second marriage was in October, 1852, to Deborah M., daughter of Captain William and Lydia Clark, of Brewster. She died April 22, 1885, leaving three children: Isaiah C, who was born in 1853 and married Sarah R, daughter of Timothy Crocker; Henry W., who was born in 1869, and married Martha, daughter of James and Lucy Pickens, of Middleboro; and Etta Frances Sears, born 1866. The present Mrs. Barnabas Sears, to whom he was married May 2, 1886, was Sarah H., daughter of Hatsel and Jerusha Crosby, and widow of Edwin F. Doane. She has one son. Walter H. Doane.

Mr. Sears has persistently declined to hold office, prefering the social relations of life to the strife of party. He is a republican politically, with a strong tendency to promote the cause of temperance wherever an opportunity is presented. He has been earnest and forward in that cause as well as in every other good work. He is a member of the Middleboro Congregational church, but earnestly supports the religious societies of his village. In 1849 he erected his present fine residence, the subject of the accompanying illustration, where he is passing the twilight of his well-spent days in the quiet enjoyment of the association of brothers and sisters and in the full confidence of the entire community.

Stephen Sears, the third son of Barnabas Sears, deceased, was bom July 16, 1822. During his boyhood he improved the educational advantages afforded him, early developing a love for mechanics and kindred arts. At sixteen years of age he went to sea, where he was

Steadily employed until 1848, and later he acted for thirteen months as first officer on Philadelphia steamers. On the 16th of April, 1846, he married Henrietta Adelia, daughter of Andrew and Laura (Leonard) Hull, of Willington, Conn., married in 1826, and of whose seven children she and one brother are the sole survivors. Dea. Andrew Hull died May 6, 1879; his wife in 1850.

Since Mr. Sears retired from the sea he has constantly filled some trust connected with the social or civil interests of his town. He was teacher of the seminary at Harwich four years, and taught fifteen in grammar schools, the last four at Newport, R. I. He was the agent ten years for New England for the educational works of Harper, Appleton and Sheldon & Co. He was president of the county Teachers' Association five years. In his social relations his usefulness is no less marked. He has been a superintendent of Sunday schools thirty years of his life, and, although really, with his wife, a member of Doctor Bates' Methodist Episcopal church of Boston, he now superintends the school of the Baptist church. South Yarmouth, and renders to that society his spiritual and material aid. For five years he was president of the Cape Cod Musical Association, and has been otherwise largely interested in the libraries, lodges and societies of his town and county.

In civil and municipal affairs his worth is acknowledged by bis reelection. He acts on the school committee, and of the board of selectmen has been the chairman for six years. His labors are manifold, yet accomplished with that precision and sound judgment which characterize him.

Of his six children, four daughters have died: Hannah Elizabeth, bom October 11,1852, died May 29, 1862; Henrietta Adelia Hull, September 26, 1865, died January 17, 1856; Sarah Leonard, April 26,1857, died April 4, 1858; and Mary Pollard, who was bom June 5, 1860, and died May 29, 1862. The only surviving daughter, Laura Helen, married James Gordon Hallett, December 6, 1871, and they have two children - Marietta Sears, aged thirteen, and James Gordon, aged seven years. The son, Stephen Hull Sears, M. D., married Marianna B., daughter or D. P. W. Parker and Angeline F. Bearse of Barnstable, and their children are: Stephen Hull, aged seven; Henrietta Frances, five; and Laura Helen, aged four years.

Among the citizens of Yarmouth none are more identified with the welfare and prosperity of the community than he. In every object for the good of society his labor and means are employed, and he commands the respect of his townsmen for his ready skill in mechanics, his undoubted integrity in municipal affairs, his liberal benefactions, and his symmetrical social and religious life.

James F. Sears, born in 1834, is the youngest and only tuiviving son of James, grandson of James, and great-grandson of James Sears. Mr. Sears' mother was Phebe Lewis, who died September 25, 1889, aged eighty-five years, nine months and fourteen days. Mr. Sears has been a master mariner since 1862. He was married in 1856 to Sophia S., daughter of Francis and Rozetta Small.

Nathaniel Stone Simpkins. - Nathaniel S. Simpkins was bom in Brewster, Mass., January 8, 1796. He was the eldest son of Rev. John and Olive (Stone) Simpkins, and grandson of Dea. John Simpkins, of Boston. The Rev. John Simpkins graduated from Harvard College in 1786, married a daughter of Rev. Nathaniel Stone, the minister of the first church at Harwich. His son Nathaniel, received an Academical education, and was trained to business pursuits. He engaged for a few years, in the book-selling and stationery business in Boston, and established the " County Book Store " m Barnstable, for many years the only one of the kind in the County.

Mr. Simpkins was the founder of two Cape newspapers. In 1836 he established the Barnstable Journal, which he soon placed on a paying basis, and it continued to succeed during the three or four years of his management. In 1836, in connection with four others, he established the Yarmouth Register, being one of its proprietors and its business manager and publisher, for about two years. Nearly fortyfive years ago he was engaged in fitting out and managing fishing vessels at Yarmouth Port. He purchased the wharf, store and landing place on the premises, which something like two centuries before had been owned by Capt. Nicholas Simpkins, who in his day was in command of the Castle in Boston harbor, who for a few years was a resident here, and who sold to Andrew Hallet, in 1645, his lands in this town. Mr. Simpkins was a direct descendant of 'Nicholas, but at the time of coming into possession of this property was not aware that it had ever been held by his ancestor.

Mr. Simpkins was a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives, in the years 1836, 1850 and 1851. He was one of the earliest advocates and promoters of the Hoosac Tunnel enterprise, and voted for the first bill passed in favor of that project. He was for many years a director of the First National Bank of Yarmouth, and also a director of the Cape Cod Railroad until it was merged with the Old Colony Railroad. In these positions he proved a prudent, faithful and efficient guardian of the interests confided to his care. In his private dealings he was careful, pains-taking, scrupulous in fulfilling his engagements and kindly in his bearing to those with whom he came in contact.

as the general organization. By his union with Eliza Thacher of Yarmouth, five children were born, who arrived at mature age, viz: Charles H., Mary, John, George W., and Nathaniel Stone, jr. John and Nathaniel Stone were prominent and successful business men in New York, both being especially identified in the Calumet and Hecla Mining Copper Company. John died in 1870, and Nathaniel S., jr., in 1883. Of the surviving sons Charles H. Simpkins is engaged in business in San Francisco and was one of the original pioneers of 1849. George W. Simpkins resides in St. Louis and occupies in summer, the old homestead in Yarmouth Port, which belonged to hia father.

George H. Snow, was born in 1849, in Harwich; is a son of Caleb and Laurietta (Smith) Snow, and grandson of Laban Snow. He has followed the sea since 1861, and since 1877 has been master of vessels. He is a member of Newport Marine Society and a member of the Masonic order. He married Anna T., daughter of Joseph Robinson, and has one son, Herbert R.

William N. Stetson, born in 1855, is a son of John Stetson, M. D., of West Harwich, and a grandson of John Stetson, of Bridgewater. His mother was Elizabeth, daughter of Barnabas and Hannah Seais, of South Yarmouth. Mr. Stetson has been traveling salesman for Israel W. Monroe & Co., since 1879. He was married in ]879 to Lucy J., daughter of D. P. W. Parker. They have four children: Elizabeth P., Angeline F., Monroe B. and William N., jr. Mr. Stetson is a member of Howard Lodge, A. F. & A. M., also of Sylvester Baxter Chapter, and is a member of the New England Commercial Travelers' Association.

Hon. Charles F. Swift. - This respected citizen of Yarmouth traces his descent in the ninth generation from William Swift, of Bocking, Eng., who came over in the first expedition with Winthrop's company, was in Watertown in 1632, and in Sandwich in 1638. Charles F. Swift was born in Falmouth, June 18, 1825, and received his education in the common school and academy of his native town. At the age of fourteen he entered a printing ofl&ce, still keeping up his studies, and in 1847 became associate editor of the Yarmouth Register, of which he has been editor since 1850. With the many cares of an editorial life, during his years of service he has written over 6,000 columns of newspaper matter, published one book, and delivered many lectures and public addresses. Nor has he been idle in affairs of the body social and politic. The first ten years of its existence he was president of the Yarmouth Library Association, has been president of the Cape Cod Historical Society since its organization; two years president of the Barnstable County Agricultural Society; was collector of customs for Barnstable district from 1861 to 1875, with only four months interruption; and in 1859 filled a vacancy of several months in the office of register of probate. His first election to the office of treasurer of the county was in 1851, to which he was three time re-elected. In 1857-58 he was sent to the state senate, where he served on the committee on fisheries, election laws and the libraries, and was appointed chairman of the joint special committee on the pilotage laws. In 1860 he was a member of the executive council of the state. Later, in 1880 and 1881, he was the representative of the third district of the county in the legislature, serving both years as chairman on the part of the house of the committee on prisons and on the library, and the last term he served on the joint special committee for the revision of the laws of the Commonwealth. Thus for over three-score years has Mr. Swift been a prominent factor in the welfare of the county, and since the formation of the republican party one of its lights in Barnstable county. The wielding of a ready pen, being thoroughly conversant with political and local afi'airs, and withal his being a genial and obliging friend, has made Mr. Swift a popular and useful man in the county.

In 1852 he was married to Sarah A., daughter of John Munroe, of Barnstable, and they have seven children: Hannah C, wife of Frank E. Chase, of Grand Rapids, Mich.; Francis M., in the railway mail service; Fred. C, counsellor-at-law; Theodore W., in the railway mail service; Caroline M., a teacher; Sarah M., a stenographer; andCharles W., at present assistant editor of the Register.

Ellsha Taylor. - The ancestors of this citizen of South Yarmouth were early settlers on the north side of the Cape, and in the growth and wealth of the town were an important element. Abner Taylor, one of their descendants, settled later at West Yarmouth, where he became the proprietor of a large tract of land. He married Ruth Rogers, and of their children two survive: Elisha Taylor and the wife of Captain Albert Chase, of Hyannis.

Elisha Taylor was born February 1, 1809, at West Yarmouth, where he received the educational advantages of his town and the academy at Sandwich. He was married November 5, 1831, to Sophia, one of the eight children of Timothy and Polly Crowell. Besides her. Captain Elbridge Crowell, of Boston, and Mrs. Mary Jenkins, of South Yarmouth, are the only other survivors of this branch of an ancient family. While young, Elisha Taylor placed his mark high in the road to affluence and distinction, and steadily toward the goal he advanced. He was active in commercial and civil affairs until compelled by physical infirmity to desist.

He was president of the Marine Insurance Company of South Yarmouth seven years; selectman twenty-five years; justice of the peace twenty-eight years, besides other minor offices, and refused to serve in these positions longer because of his infirmity. He has ever taken a keen interest in public affairs, espousing the cause of the republican party; by careful reading was always abreast the moving world, and in 1889 was still a subscriber to nine different journals. In his religious preferences he is a Congregationalist, but Mrs. Taylor being an earnest member of the Methodist Episcopal church, he has given that society his support, contributing at one time, wholly or in greater part, to the erection of what is familiarly called Taylor's Chapel.

For nearly three-score years he and his good wife, although no children bless their home, have journeyed pleasantly together through the morning, the noon, and into the evening of life. His civil and business career is recorded in the books of the town and in the memories of his neighbors and townsmen.

William White' was bom in 1811. His ancestors are as follows: Peregrine', Deacon Joseph', Joseph', Jonathan*, Peregrine' (born in Provincetown harbor, on board the Mayflozver), and William White'. Mr. White's mother was Betsey, daughter of Atkins Matthews. Mr. White was a master mariner until forty years of age. From 1851 to 1883 he kept a lumber yard at South Yarmouth. He was married in 1833 to Olive, daughter of Ebenezer Hallett. Of their nine children only five are living: Helen, Cyrus W., Osborn, Almena, and Edwin M. Mr. White has a cane that is said to have belonged to Peregrine White'.

Stephen Wing, born in 1828, is the eldest son of Daniel, grandson of Stephen and Dorothy (Allen) Wing, and great-grandson of John and Lydia (Allen) Wing. Mr. Wing is a coach maker by trade. He was eight years in California, after which he was for about twenty-five years in the grocery business at South Yarmouth, with his brother Daniel. He has been selectman four j-ears in Yarmouth. He is a member of the Soiith Yarmouth Society of Friends. He was married in 1866 to Minerva, daughter of Orlando and Harriet (Crowell) Baker.

Orlando F. Wood, born in 1825, is a son of Zenas and Mercy (Howes) Wood, and grandson of Zenas and Lydia (Kelley) Wood. Mr. Wood is a tailor by trade. He worked in Boston and New Bedford for twenty-five years, and has lived at South Yarmouth since 1879. He has been local correspondent for the Yarmouth Register for several years.