Bristol County, Massachusetts - Biographical sketches (4 of 5 so headed), 1883 (part 2 of 3)

Robert Thompson Davis, M.D., M.C., is a native of County Down, in the north of Ireland, and was born Aug. 28, 1823. His father was of Presbyterian education and ancestry, while his mother belonged to the Friends' Society. Coming to America when three years old, he passed his early life at Amesbury, Mass., where his father resided for half a century. He was educated at the Friends' school at Providence, R. I., and Amesbury Academy. Choosing the medical profession for his life-work, he became a student of Dr. Thomas Wilbur, of Fall River, passed two years at Tremont Medical School, Boston, and was graduated i'roni Harvard Medical Department in 1847. After a short experience as dispensary physician in Boston, he went to Waterville, Maine, and after three years came to Fall River in 1850, and permanently established himself here in his profession. Excepting four years of New York City life, Fall River has since been his home. He at once became actively interested in the Bristol County South Medical Society, was again and again elected its president, the youngest man at that time on whom the honor had been bestowed. He is a member of the Massachusetts Medical Society, and has been frequently elected councilor of that honorable body. He is also a member of both the American Medical Association and National Public Health Association. He has been much in public affairs, and from early life was strongly anti-slavery in sentiment, and was bold and earnest in advocacy of its cause, beginning his public career in 1851, by a spirited and eloquent speech in favor of instructing the representatives of Fall River in the State Legislature to cast their votes for Charles Sumner for United States senator. The vote was taken in harmony with the forcible presentation of Dr. Davis and the representative voted for Sumner, who was elected. Dr. Davis was a member of the Constitutional Convention of the State in 1853. In 1858 and 1860 he was elected to represent his district in the State Senate. No public matter came up during these troublous times on which Dr. Davis did not eloquently express his views, either by speeches or written articles, and show a keen power of forecasting the future. He was instrumental in securing the line adopted and ratified by the Legislatures of Rhode Island and Massachusetts as the boundary between those States, and clearly foresaw the value of such action to the prosperity of Fall River.

He was a delegate to the National Republican Convention in 1860 which nominated Abraham Lincoln, and also a delegate to the one in 1876 that nominated Rutherford B. Hayes. Governor Andrews appointed him, in 1863, a member of the State Board of Charities. In 1869, on the organization of the State Board of Health, he was appointed one of its members by Governor Claflin, and by repeated appointments continued on the board during its existence. It was superseded by the State Board of Health, Lunacy, and Charity, and of this new body he was immediately made a member by Governor Talbot, and was reappointed by Governor Long. In 1873 lie was elected mayor of Fall River, there being no opposing candidate. His administration was in a great transition period of the city, many large and expensive improvements were under way, and his inaugural was full of important recommendations that were, with few exceptions, adopted and carried out by the city. Among the improvements thus recommended and made was the erection of three large public school-buildings (one of which was named " Davis School"), three, engine-houses and police-stations, the widening of Pleasant Street for a distance of two miles, laying out and finishing many other streets. A plan of sewerage was adopted in accordance with his recommendation ; also the City Hall was completed and dedicated under his administration, and Dr. Davis was the one who delivered the address. The mains, machinery, and buildings of the water-works were brought to completion sufficiently for use during the same period, and in the same year the city government adopted the State law, furnishing the pupils of the public schools text- books free of cost to them. Fall River was the first city in the State to do this, and the result amply proves the wisdom of this action. Dr. Davis was mayor one year only, he declining a reelection. The salary of the office he donated to the " Children's Home."

Always a friend and earnest worker in the cause of education, he has aided everything proposed for the good of the scholars and increasing their proficiency.

He has been prominently and actively interested for years with the business prosperity of Fall River. He purchased real estate in the eastern portion of Fall River in 1869-70, and made investments in the various corporations having mills in that locality, and its rapid increase of business and population is much of it due to his enterprise and business sagacity. He is president of the Wampanoag Mills, a director in various other corporations, and was one of three to purchase the Globe Print- Works property, where two mills have since been put up.

He is often called on to address public assemblies. He delivered in 1868 the first address made in the city on Decoration Day. At a public meeting, held in the fall of 1871, to relieve the sufferers by the Chicago fire, Dr. Davis, in a forcible speech, proposed and sustained resolutions pledging Fall River to give twenty-five thousand dollars for this purpose. They were adopted by the meeting, approved by the city authorities, and the amount sent to Chicago. He delivered a centennial address Oct. 25, 1880, before the assembled scholars of the higher grades of the public schools on the one hundredth anniversary of the adoption of the constitution of Massachusetts. He closed with this practical and patriotic advice: " Now, my young friends, in closing, let me simply say that you are on the threshold of the duties and responsibilities of American citizens. The generation of which you form a part will see your own country the dominant power of the civilized world. It is of vast importance that that power shall be wielded in favor of free and good government. I have no fears that educated as you are in Massachusetts, inheriting the traditions of your forefathers, and imbued with their spirit, you will not perform all your duties in this great regard. The present generation must transmit to its successors that which it has accomplished or inherited from the past. It must hold firmly aloft that glorious standard of free principles which your predecessors maintained so firmly and so long ; that standard which waved before the armies of the Revolution and of the Union, and which led them on to conflict and to victory, giving us in the one case a country, and in the other preserving its liberties and its life. It is a standard consecrated by the efforts, sacrifices, and memories of the noblest, best, and bravest names in our history. May it float forever, the unquestioned symbol not of national power- and progress only, but of the eternal principles of freedom and justice."

He was unanimously nominated in 1882 by the Republican Congressional Convention of the First District as its candidate, and was elected member of Congress by eleven thousand four hundred and seventy-five votes in his favor to five thousand five hundred and eighty-one cast for his opponent on the Democratic ticket.

He married Oct. 1, 1848, Sarah, daughter of Dr. Thomas Wilbur, his instructor in medicine. She died in 1856, having survived their only child. He married, in June, 1862, Susan Ann Haight, of New Castle, N. Y. They have one son.

As an evidence of the pleasant social qualities of Dr. Davis we will mention that on the organization of the Commercial Club of Fall River, an institution formed for sociality, Dr. Davis was elected president, and still holds that office.

Edmund Chase

EDMUND CHASE. Edmund Chase, the subject of this sketch, was born in Fall River, June 14, 1818, and is the son of Edmund and Phebe Chase, who were prominent members of the Society of Friends.

Edmund Chase, Sr., was the son of Obadiah and Eunice Chase, and was born in Somerset, Mass., April 11, 1787. He learned the trade of a tanner, and commenced business in Somerset, doing his first tanning in a half- hogshead. He married, Sept. 30, 1813, Phebe, daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth Slade, of Swansea, Mass.

Removing to Fall River in 1810, he purchased the place adjoining the present post-office building, where his son now carries on business, and where he for nearly fifty years conducted the business of a tanner and currier.

His son, Edmund, was reared to the occupation of his father, and received his education at the common schools and the Friends' Boarding-School, Providence, R. I.

July 2, 1843, came the " Big Fire," entirely destroying his lather's business, involving a loss often thousand dollars. He immediately rebuilt, taking his son as partner, so that by the end of the year the business was again in successful operation, the firm being Edmund Chase & Son, and so remained until the death of his father, which occurred July 4, 1859.

" For nearly half a century he has been the steady, industrious, and upright man of business, maintaining under all circumstances a character for strict integrity and probity, leaving behind him a reputation for the

"He was one of our oldest and most respected citizens, a man of uprightness and integrity in all his business and social relations, and most careful and conscientious in his daily walk and conversation. Through a long life he maintained a character above reproach, and has left behind him what is more to be coveted than riches and honors, the record of a good example, not soon to be forgotten by those who enjoyed his friendship and confidence."

After the death of his father, Mr. Chase began the manufacture of belts, and this has since been his principal business. He has been a director in the Granite and Stafford Mills from their organization, also director and president of the Bourne Mills, and director in the Massasoit National Bank since 1857. Besides these Mr. Chase holds offices of responsibility and trust in various other important relations.

He has been twice married. His first wife was Amy C. Douglass, daughter of Daniel and Patience Douglass, whom he married Nov. 12, 1841. She died Oct. 5, 1863. He married for his second wife Sarah B. Vickery, daughter of Caleb B. and AlmiraW. Vickery, May 30, 1865.

Job B. French

Job B. French, son of Enoch and Sarah French, was born in Troy (now Fall River), March 6, 1806. He is a descendant of Ephraim French, who came from England about 1680 and settled in Raynham, Mass. One of the descendants of the latter, Ephraim, of Raynham (probably his grandson), married Elizabeth Presbrey in 1775, and had two sons, Ephraim, born in 1777, and Enoch, born in 1779. Enoch was taken to Fall River by his mother at the time of her second marriage, the father having died a young man. He was soon after apprenticed to a tanner named James Read, whose youngest sister Sarah he married in 1799. The children of Enoch and Sarah were Asa P., George R., Stephen L., Richard O, Job B., Nancy, Abram, William, James, and Eliza, - eight sons and two daughters. Soon after his marriage, Enoch, although not quite of age, bought the tannery and subsequently added »a shoe manufactory. He also engaged quite extensively in farming. The sons worked on the farm and learned the trades of tanning and shoemaking.

Read's tannery, where Enoch French served his apprenticeship, was on what is now known as French's Hill, the name of the latter owner having entirely superseded that of the former. In 1820 he opened the first boot- and shoe-store in Fall River, on the corner of North Main and Central Streets, where the Durfee block now stands, Asa, Stephen, and Job acting as clerks. In 1822 he moved a few doors west on

Central Street, and in 1824 again moved to Main Street, a few doors south of the present location of the store of J. B. French & Son. In 1822, Asa became a partner, the name of the firm being changed to Enoch French & Son. Stephen was admitted in 1824 and Job in 1826. In 1832 the firm was dissolved, Asa taking the tannery, Stephen the shoemanufactory, and Job remaining in the store with his father, the firm-name being Enoch French & Co. Their store was destroyed by the fire of 1843, but they at once erected the "brick block (Merchant's block), where they continued business until the senior partner died, in 1847, aged sixty-seven years.

Mr. Enoch French was an influential and highly respected citizen. He was a selectman in the town of Fall River eight years, 1821-22, 1824-29, and was representative to the General Court, 1828-29 and 1840. He was one of the committee often appointed to distribute funds sent to Fall River after the great fire of 1 843, He was a corporator of the Fall River Savings- Bank, and April 15, 1828, he was elected chairman of its first board of investment, a position which he held until his death, a period of nineteen years.

The following will illustrate his high sense of business honor. His son Richard, when but fourteen years old, was engaged for a year to work for a man near Newport, R. I., but getting homesick he returned before the expiration of his time of service, and plead so hard to be relieved that Job was sent to take his place, the father contending that the contract must be fulfilled by one of the boys.

But it was not in the business or political aspects of his life that his character was most illustrious, although he discharged most honorably the duties of the various offices assigned him, and in a spirit so uniformly kind to all with whom he associated as to secure universal esteem and respect.

In early youth he became a member of the First Baptist Church of Fall River, which was then small and feeble, and from that time until his death the enlargement and prosperity with which that church was blessed were inseparably connected with his history. For more than forty years he served the church in the offices of deacon and treasurer. During the early part of this period he was accustomed to assist in conducting the public services, the pastor, the late Rev. Job Borden, being blind. At some seasons, when the church was dependent npon occasional supplies for the pulpit, he was called to discharge the duties belonging to the pastoral office. In many instances funeral services were conducted by him alone, or in connection with an associate deacon.

Job B. French, the immediate subject of this notice, has been so intimately associated with his father and his brothers that it is impossible to consider his Life as separate from theirs. Nor would it be desirable on his part could such a tiling be done, for he modestly asks that to his father especially should be given the more prominent place in this record.

After his father's death, Job B. continued the business alone until Jan. 1, 1864, when he admitted his son, Edward A. French, into partnership. The firm since then has been J. B. French & Son. We have thus traced the business back to the beginning of the century, a little more than eighty years.

Mr. French was a representative to the General Court in 1835 and 1841, and a member of the Common Council of Fall River for several years, and he has also been an assessor. He has served as president of the Fall River Savings-Bank for sixteen years, and as trustee nearly forty years, a position which he still holds. He has been director of the Mechanics' Mills, and president of the Weetamoe Mills since its organization. He has been since 1830 a member of the First Baptist Church of Fall River. He married for his first wife Abby, daughter of William S. N. Allan, of Newport, R. I., April 17, 1831. She was born June 20, 1807, and died March 17, 1870, in the sixty-third year of her age. She too joined the Baptist Church in 1830. Of this union there were born six children, whose names are as follows: (1) Mary E., wife of D. H. Dyer, of Fall River; (2) James R., deceased ; (3) Sarah J., wife of William Lindsey ; (4) Edward A., business partner with his father, and who married Eliza A. Ricketson ; (5) Abby M. ; and (6) Julia W.; the latter two residing at home.

Mr. French married for his second wife, Aug. 19, 1873, Mary B., daughter of Robert Cook, of Fall River. She was born in Wrentham, Mass., Sept. 15, 1816, and died April 26, 1882. She was a member of the First Congregational Church of Fall River for many years.

Although past seventy-seven years of age, Mr. French is a remarkably active man of unusually good judgment, and his advice is very frequently sought. He is a person of sterling integrity, and enjoys the respect and esteem of the community in which he lives.

George Read French

George Read French, second son of Enoch and Sarah (Read) French, was born in Troy (now Fall River), Mass., on the 24th day of January, 1802. He is a descendant of Ephraim French, who came from England about the year 1680, and settled in Raynham, Mass. One of the descendants of Ephraim French married Elizabeth Presbry in 1775, and had two sons, whose names were Ephraim (born in 1777) and Enoch (born in 1779). Enoch French located in Troy (now Fall River), and married Sarah Read in 1799. To them were born ten children, - Asa P., George R., Stephen L., Richard C, Job B., Nancy, Abram, William, James, and Eliza.

At the age of seventeen years George R. French became the manager of a leather- and shoe-factory at Oneysville (now a part of the city of Providence, R. I.), where he remained some six months, when, in consequence of failing health, he embarked in a sloop ("Rosetta") for Darien, in the State of Georgia, where he engaged as clerk with Perry Davis, late of Providence, R. I., who at that time was conducting a mercantile business in said place under the firmname of Davis & Kelly, and who was subsequently and more popularly known as proprietor of " Perry Davis' Pain-Killer."

After residing in Georgia about ten months, Mr. French returned to his home, and in the autumn of 1822 made another trip South, and located in the town of Wilmington, N. C, where, under the firm of Hathaway & French, he entered into business with the late John Hathaway (father of his lifelong friend Mr. James L. Hathaway, of New York City), dealing in lumber shipments and general merchandise, laying the foundation of his long and successful business career in the city of Wilmington. In the year 1828 he opened a shoe-store in his own name, the firm of Hathaway & French being dissolved.

On the 5th day of April, 1827, he was married to Sarah C. Weeks, of Wilmington, with whom he lived till her death on the 19th day of May, 1867. They had twelve children, - Sarah A., Susan M., George H., Georgianna C, William A., Margaret G., Caroline, George R., James McD., Charles E., Eliza D., and Josephine H. George H., Georgianna C, and Caroline died in infancy and youth. All the others are still living, situated as follows :

James McD. married Mattie Boykin, of Southampton County, Va., who died leaving no children. His second marriage was with Edna Godwin, of Lumberton, N. C.

Josephine H. is the wife of M. C. Toms, of Buncombe County, N. C, now residing in Hendersonville, N. C. From the date of his engagement in the shoe trade (1828) up to the beginning of the late civil war (1861) Mr. French was the sole manager of his business, which he successfully prosecuted with characteristic energy through the financial changes of that period, maintaining his mercantile credit and high standing, and so protecting his commercial honor that at no time was his paper dishonored or protested.

Taught in his early youth to honor the flag of his country and cherish a patriotic adherence to the Union, he took a decided stand against the doctrines of secession, and during that entire struggle (although surrounded by friends and his family, who entertained opposite views politically) he adhered to his convictions as to the folly of appealing to arms for the settlement of the then existing differences, remaining true in his allegiance to his country.

In the year 1865, by admitting his son William A. into copartnership, the firm of George R. French & Son was formed, and in 1866, admitting George R., Jr., and James McD., the firm now known as George R. French & Sons was established. In 1879, James McD. retired from the firm and removed to Lumberton, N. C.

In the year 1827, Mr. French became a member of the First Baptist Church in Wilmington. From that date to the present, through all the changes wrought in the history of this church, down through the past fifty-six eventful years to its present prosperous condition, the position occupied by Mr. French has been deservedly prominent, as evidenced by his early ordination as deacon, his services as superintendent of the Sabbath-school, as chairman of committees intrusted with the most important enterprises of the church under its eight successive pastorates. To his personal efforts and contributions, in a large measure, are the Baptists in Wilmington indebted for their present handsome church edifice standing on the corner of Fifth and Market Streets.

During his commercial career Mr. French has held positions of trust and honor in local corporations, - director in the bank of Cape Fear, director and also president of the Bank of Wilmington, director in the Wilmington Savings-Bank and the Bank of New Hanover, director in the Wilmington Gas-Light Company, director and president of Oakdale Cemetery, president of the Seamen's Friend Society of the port of Wilmington.

A warm friend and supporter of educational and religious institutions, he has served as trustee of Wake Forest College, as vice-president of the Board of Missions in the Southern Baptist Convention, and as vice-president of the American Sunday-School Union, of which he is a life member.

Mr. French is now in his eighty-second year, remarkably vigorous and well-preserved in body and mind, and although having retired from active business, he still maintains his interest in the firm conducted by his sons. It is his custom now in his ripe old age to pass his time quietly enjoying the comforts of his Southern home in the winter season, and in summer he visits his three beloved brothers, residing in Fall River and vicinity, or shares the warmhearted welcome awaiting him in the widely-separated homes of his devoted children.

John Jason Archer

John Jason Archer, son of Dr. Jason H. and Jennette (Bowen) Archer, was born in Fall River, Mass., July 26, 1845, and died at his residence in the same city, Oct. 31, 1882. His paternal grandfather was Amos Archer, a resident of Wrentham, Mass., and was one of her most esteemed men. His father, Dr. Jason H. Archer, was a native of Wrentham, Mass., where he spent his youth and prepared for college at Day's Academy. He entered Brown University in 1812, and graduated in 1816. He immediately commenced the study of medicine with the celebrated Dr. William Ingalls, of Boston, and after completing his medical studies, he very soon came to Fall River, where he continued to have a successful practice till May 12, 1852, when he returned to his native place, and resided there until his death, January, 1864.

While a citizen of Fall River he took an active part in all matters pertaining to the welfare of the town. Politically, he was a Whig and Republican. He was the first president of the Massasoit Bank, and continued to hold that position five years, until he severed his relations with the place. He received from the officers of the bank soon after his retirement a beautiful " service of silver" in recognition of his valuable services. During his residence at Wrentham he was a director in the Wrentham Bank.

He married Jennette, daughter of Abraham and Ruth Bowen, and had four children, viz., Amanda M. ; Caroline A., wife of Frederick H. Gee ; Jennette F., died in infancy; and John Jason. Mrs. Archer's father, Abraham Bowen, was one of the first men in Fall River to commence the manufacture of cotton or woolen goods. (For a more detailed history on this subject, see history of Fall River.)

Abraham Bowen, son of Nathan Bowen, was one of Fall River's most intelligent and useful citizens. His heart was in every good work, and he did much to build up the rural and material interest of the town. His house was often the house for the weary traveler, and especially ministers of various denominations.

He was social, hospitable, and kind, and the poor found in him a warm and sympathizing friend. Mrs. Jennette (Bowen) Archer was born in Fall River, Oct. 16, 1805, and died at her residence in the same city, Jan. 19, 1883.

"Death of John J. Archer, Esq. - One of the most highly-esteemed members of the bar of this city, John Jason Archer, passed peacefully away between six and seven o'clock this morning. He had been in failing health for about eighteen months, but was fully as well as he had recently been until about two weeks since, when he was attacked with fever with typhoid symptoms, and gradually sank until his death this morning.

" Mr. Archer was the son of Dr. Jason H. and Jennette Archer. His father died a number of years since, hut his mother has been spared to render such ministries to him as only a devoted mother can in the hours of suffering and mortal weakness.

"He was born in till - city, where he resided until the removal of his parents to Wrentham, from whence he went to Brown University and graduated in the class of 18CG. Very soon after graduating he was appointed an instructor in English literature in the Naval Academy at

Annapolis, where he remained between one and two years, when he was attacked with measles, which were epidemic at the Academy at the time. On recovery from the disease his eyes \vere found to he so much affected as to prevent his performing the duties of his position, and he resigned and returned home. He soon after commenced the study of law, and was admitted to the bar of Norfolk County. On his return to this city he began practice, and has been for a number of years the senior member of the firm of Archer & Jackson. He was also associate justice of our District Court, and was for several years a member of the school committee.

"In all the relations of life as son, brother, wise and honest counselor, friend, and good citizen, Mr. Archer has left a record that is equaled by few and seldom surpassed. He was thirty-seven years of age."

Nov. 1, 1882, the members of the Bristol County (Second District) bar, met in the court-room to take action on the death of the late John J. Archer, associate justice of the court. Hon. J. C. Blaisdell was appointed chairman, and A. B. Leonard, clerk.

A committee, consisting of Hon. Mayor Braley, Milton Reed, and Andrew J. Jennings, was appointed to draft resolutions, and presented the following:

" With unfeigned sorrow we assemble here to-day. The death of John J. Archer has removed from our bar one whose place cannot easily be filled. Intellectually and morally he had few, if any, superiors in our community. His scholarship was not only wide and varied, but also accurate and unpretentious. Thoroughly read in law and master of its fundamental principles, he was one of our safest and ablest counselors. No man had a keener sense of right or wrong, or stronger moral convictions. Upright in all his ways, he ever had a charitable word for the wrong-doer. His attainments commanded the respect, and his character the regard of all who knew him.

"Realizing the worth of such a man, not only to our profession, which he dignified and adorned, but to the community at large, which he influenced and elevated;

"Resolved, That we the members of the Fall River bar, most fully and keenly recognize the ability, worth, and high character of our deceased brother, John J. Archer, and with feelings of mingled pride and sadness attest his many virtues, his professional attainments, and his upright life ; that in him we have each lost a sympathizing friend, and one whose intercourse with us was ever marked by the greatest courtesy and kindness.

" That the above resolutions be adopted as the sense of the bar and be presented the Second District Court to be spread upon its records, and that they be sent to the family of the deceased and to the press for publication."

A special session of the District Court was subsequently held before his Honor Judge Blaisdell, at which A. J. Jennings, on behalf of the members of the bar, presented the resolutions adopted at their meeting. In a few remarks Mr. Jennings' said, -

" My heart responds to every word in the resolutions. It is a day when a bar like this should rejoice when they can write words of truth, as these words are, about any man who has been a member of it. I think we have a right to have something bright mingled with our sadness, when we can point to such a man as a member of the bar here, as one who has chosen our profession, as one whose every act and thought has simply tended to elevate, to raise it in the respect and esteem of the community, and who gained for himself the love and respect of all his fellow-members and the members of the community in which he lived.

lution and its preamble express to myself the cordial relation in which he stood to me. I never heard from his lips any words except those of truth, of justice, of honesty. I never .heard from his lips aivy words in which he sought to belittle other men; strong words he sometimes spoke against wrong and evil, but he always found there was some good in the man that committed the wrong.

" He seemed to be always looking for the best instead of for the worst, but always in the straight line of integrity, honesty, and uprightness, and all his words and acts conformed to it. He was very sparing of his speech to those who swerved from the true path, and I say we should honor him for it, and should be proud of him for it.

" One of our younger members has been taken away and our ranks are broken, but I am glad we can assemble here and feel that the good acts done will live after him. His acts must still remain to exert their influence upon us who have seen his life, been impressed by his thoughts and works, to make us better and truer men, better and truer members of the profession. I submit to the court these resolutions, and ask that they be spread upon its records."

" It seems to me that it is fitting for the bar to pause a moment in its career of business, and take notice of the death of one of its membersbrother Archer. He delighted to make himself a master of law. He was a sound adviser, and was a legislator of this court for some time, and always presided with dignity, with impartiality, and with justice. In his intercourse with the members of the bar he was always pleasant, always cordial, and also strictly true. Whatever he said might be relied on, and in his death we lose a faithful friend."

Hon. M. Reed made a few remarks, and incidentally referred to the death of members of the bar since he was received. J. M. Wood, M. G. B. Swift, A. N. Lincoln, and H. A. Dubuque followed, each mentioning some pleasing trait in the character of the departed.

" After hearing the eulogies pronounced by you, gentlemen of the bar, I can but say that the occasion of our meeting is a most unusual one. ' A good man has fallen,' not simply a lawyer, not simply a neighbor or kind friend, but a good citizen, with all that that term implies. My words must be few after so much has been said. In the life of Mr. Archer, who has now passed on and gone before, we have a lesson for ourselves, a lesson for us to learn. He was a true man in all the relations of life. So far as I have knowledge of him, he was emphatically a true man. He never misled, never deceived, never permitted litigation for the sake of litigation.

"I can only say that I only knew John Jason Archer to respect him. As one of the special justices of this court he discharged the duties with fidelity, with truthfulness, with high motion before him to always do justly between party and party, and was conscientious in the discharge of his duty. More than a lawyer, his character, as I understand it, is engraven to-day not only upon our memories here, but it is er-graven in matters of education, of good example here in our community, going in and out before us an upright man. When such a man passes away we may well pause in our ordinary proceedings of life to pay tribute to the fallen. Try and pay that tribute of respect which is due to such a man. It is the pleasure of the court to order that these resolutions be enrolled upon the records of the court."

of the Dally News soon after graduation, but subsequently studied law at the Harvard Law School, and was admitted to practice in 1872. He opened an office in Fall River, and rapidly advanced to a high rank in his profession. He served several years as special justice of the Police and District Courts and city solicitor, in the latter capacity extending his reputation as a sound and able lawyer by his success with the important cases of the city. In 1880 he was chosen senator for the Second Bristol District, and rapidly made a reputation at the State House as a brilliant debator and sagacious legislator. He declined a renomination the following year. In 1881 and 1882 he was the Republican nominee for mayor, and although defeated polled the highest vote ever given an unsuccessful candidate. Mr. Reed is a man of studious habits, great energy of character and business foresight, which have already reaped him a substantial reward. He is interested in many and a director in several of the largest corporations of the city, and for his age one of the most successful citizens of Fall River.

Milton Reed

MILTON REED. Hon. Milton Reed was born in Haverhill, Mass., on Oct. 1, 1848. He is the second son of William and Sophia (Ladd) Reed, and through both father and mother descended from the first English colonists in the Merrimac Valley. In 1868, the youngest in his class, he was graduated with high honors from Harvard University, and came to Fall River as editor

Edward Purington Buffinton

Edward Purington Buffinton, son of Aaron and Rebecca Buffinton, was born in Westport, Mass., Nov. 16, 1814. His parents coming to Fall River when he was but a lad, he grew up personally interested in all that related to the prosperity of the growing town. Mr. Buffinton engaged in business for himself early in life as a market-man, at the corner of Main atfd Pocasset Streets until the erection of the town-hall and market-building in 1846, when he removed thither, and continued in the same pursuit until the close of his life, being one of the leading merchants in' that department. In 1852 he was elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives. In 1854, when Fall River changed its form of government and became a city, he was honored with an election to the Board of Aldermen, and in November, 1855, was chosen mayor to fill the vacancy occasioned by the' resignation of Hon. James Buffinton. The following year, 1856, he was elected to the same office by the people. The three succeeding years he devoted to his business and private affairs, during which he was free from the cares and responsibilities of official life, and happy in the change. In 1860, however, he was again elected to the mayoralty, and held the office for seven consecutive years.

From the inauguration of the Rebellion to its close, Mr. Buffinton was at the head of the city government, and had an experience from which a man of weaker nerve would have shrunk discouraged. His labors were almost incessant day and night, but he never for a moment faltered in the discharge of his duties, and his entire administration was distinguished for judiciousness, care, economy, and humanity. He died Oct. 2, 1871.

William Lindsey

William Lindsey, son of Capt. Jonathan W. and Hannah Lindsey, was born in Bristol, R. I., Sept. 20, 1816. His grandfather, also William Lindsey, was a lifelong resident of Bristol, and died advanced -in years. Jonathan was a hatter in early life, and afterwards going to sea rose to be shipmaster. He was born June 18, 1778, and married Hannah Easterbrooks, who was born in Bristol, Aug. 18, 1778. They had eleven children born in Bristol, - Sarah, Hannah, Martha, .Mary, Lydia, Jonathan W., Catherine, Abby, William, Nancy W., and Nathaniel. All attaiued maturity, married, and all except Lydia had children. The combined ages of the eight now living is five hundred and sixty-six years. Mrs. Lindsey died in Bristol, March 21, 1851. Capt. Lindsey survived her three years, dying April 12, 1854.

William Lindsey had but limited advantages for school education. At the age of seven he accompanied his parents to Providence, and after working a short time on a farm, at the age of thirteen went to work in a hat-factory, thus early commencing the battle of life. He came to Fall River, then Troy, when he was fifteen, and entered the employ of G. Burr & Co., wholesale grocers and provision dealers, as clerk. Remaining with them until he was nineteen, he acquired a full knowledge of the business, and purchased it from his employers. This was in 1836. From that time Mr. Lindsey continued in trade, under the different firms of William Lindsey, J. W. & W. Lindsey, Lindsey & Brothers, and W. & N. Lindsey, until 1875. For forty-three years, from 1832 'to 1875, he was in constant occupancy of the same location. He was prosperous, his industry and integrity bringing satisfactory financial results and a well-deserved reputation for business capacity. Mr. Lindsey was for many years largely interested in whaling, coasting, and trading vessels, owning alone or in company with others quite a large number. In 1875, Mr. Lindsey became treasurer of the Weetamoe Mills, of Fall River, and has held that office to the present writing. He has been a director of the Metacomet National Bank, of Fall River, since its organization, and its president since 1881. He has been a trustee of the Fall River Savings-Bank for more than forty years, and its president since 1882.

He is a stockholder and director in various corporations, notably, King Philip Mills, Globe Yarn- Mills, Weetamoe Mills, and Conanicut Mills. Politically, Mr. Lindsey was in former days a Whig, and since the organization of the Republican party a supporter of its principles, never, however, a bitter partisan, but caring more for the triumph of right principles and the election of good men than for party or personal gain.

He has never sought political distinction, his time being fully employed in attending to business. Without seeking the position, he was in 1871 elected a member of the first board of water commissioners of Fall River, and held that position during eight years, and until after the completion of the water-works, when, at the expiration of his third term of service, he declined a re-election.

Mr. Lindsey has been three times married, - first to Eliza A., daughter of Deacon Enoch French, of Fall River. They had three children, - Crawford E. (twice elected mayor of Fall River), Charles B., and Sarah F. His second wife was Ariadne M., daughter of Leander P. Lovell, of Fall River. They had five children, - William, Maria L., Eliza, Anna B., and John H. His present wife, Sarah J., is daughter of Job B. French, of Fall River.

From his twentieth year Mr. Lindsey has been a member of the Baptist Church, and identified with measures and means for the elevation and improvement of mankind. He is truly a self-made man, and his life has been steadily and actively devoted to business. He has a good knowledge of men and events, and a marked individuality of character. Cautious and prudent, of high honor as a man, rich in experience, faithful to all trusts, he has won and maintained a high place in the regards of his associates for his financial ability and his sound and wise judgment. Inheriting a vigorous constitution, strengthened by the labor of early years and methodical habits of life, at an age when many men lay aside active business he performs his many duties with a vigor of mind and body which promises many years of usefulness.

William Mason

William Mason, son of Wm. and Nancy (Northum) Mason, was born in Swansea, Mass., Sept. 13, 1806. His father was a merchant in Swansea, where he resided till his death, which latter event occurred in April, 1816, when he was thirty-eight years of age. His mother was the daughter of Capt. Joseph Northum.

William was brought up with limited opportunities for education, beginning at the early age of seven to work in a small cotton-mill near his home, and while in his eleventh year entering upon an apprenticeship to the shoemaker's trade, in which capacity he continued until he was twenty-one, attending school but a few months each year. He, however, was a diligent student, as well as a thorough and active worker at his trade.

After working a few months for Richard Chace, with whom he had served as an apprentice, he went to Fall River in November, 1827, and entered the employ of Leonard Garfield, a shoemaker, with whom he continued about six months, when he commenced doing work on his own account in a little shop which he had hired for that purpose. After a few months he entered into a copartnership with Gardner D. Cook in a store situated on the west side of Main Street, where the Granite Block now stands. Afterwards they had a store on the east side of Main Street, nearly opposite the first. After some two years Mr. Mason purchased his partner's interest and continued the business himself. His trade grew, and he employed several hands and made goods to order, besides dealing in ready-made boots and shoes. He continued this business until December, 1837, when he closed out, and in May, 1838, settled his family in Woonsocket, R. I., where he went into the manufacture of soap with his brother, Stephen N. Mason, under the name of W. & S. N. Mason. They continued till the spring of 1843, and on March 6th of that year Mr. Mason returned to Fall River, where he continued to manufacture soap on his own account, and after a few months formed a partnership with George S. Holmes (firm of Holmes & Mason), and at the expiration of about seven months they dissolved, and Mr. Mason remained in the business till about 1864. During this time he had Joshua Remington as a partner about two years. During a portion of this time he was also engaged in the grocery business, which he conducted after they had dissolved partnership.

During this time (1859) he invested some money in the Union Mills, and was chosen a director, which position he held till he sold his entire interest therein. He also owned an original interest in the Granite Mills, was a director, and was chosen president of the company, which position he still holds. He is also a director in the Stafford Mills, a director in the Chace Mills many years, and a director in the Massasoit Bank about twenty years. He has also been engaged with Foster H. Stafford and Asahel T. Pierce, of Pawtuxet, R. I., in the manufacture of yarn. They have three mills, - one in North Dighton, one in Norton, Mass., and one in Warwick, P. I., and they run a thread-mill in Pawtucket. Besides all these, Mr. Mason owns large interests in various manufactories of Fall River, and is a director in the Merino Manufacturing Company.

In politics he is a Republican, but he has a decided disinclination to office, although he allowed himself to be elected a member of the board of aldermen in 1857. He declined the nomination for mayor, preferring to give his undivided attention to his large and increasing business.

He has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church since February, 1823, when he joined at South Somerset, Mass. Since that time he has been an ardent supporter and a worthy member of that large and influential Christian body, in which he has been a class-leader for more than half a century, Sunday-school superintendent, steward, trustee, etc. He was the first Sunday-school superintendent in St. Paul's Church. He has been, and is, a liberal supporter of the various church interests, while his sympathies and support extend to all matters which have for their object the good of the community in which he lives, and the elevation of humanity at large. On the 6th of January, 1831, Mr. Mason was married to Harriet, daughter of Jeremiah W. and Sarah Anthony. Six children sprang from this union, viz. : Sarah E., wife of Iram Smith ; William W., died in infancy; William W. (2d), Harriet A., died in infancy ; Edmund F., Charles T.

He married, second, Jan. 1, 1866, Lois Richmond Anthony, daughter of Jonathan and Lorana Anthony. She died May 23, 1867, in her thirty-eighth year, leaving an infant son, Louis R. A. Mason.

His third and present wife was Emeline F., daughter of George W. and Emeline E. Reed, of Fall River, to whom he was united Dec. 16, 1869. They have had three children, - George R., Stephen N. (died in infancy), and Emeline E.

Iram Smith

Iram Smith, son of Henry and Susan (Higgins) Smith, was born in Hampden, Me., Oct. 26, 1807. His father was a farmer and also a mason by trade, but the former was his principal occupation. He was a native of Cape Cod, and resided with an uncle by the name of Hinckley. He had two children, - Iram and Susan, who married Jefferson Stubbs, of Hampden, Me., and had several children, of whom only two daughters are living. Henry Smith died in Hampden, aged eighty-six years ; his wife died in 1811.

Iram, at the date of the death of his mother, was ' only four years old, too young to realize how great a loss he had sustained; for no father, however kind and wise, can fill the place of a good mother. He was reared by his father till eleven years of age, and then lived with a Mr. Mayhew, in Hampden, and Mr. Harding, at Cape Cod, until the age of nineteen, when he went to Duxbury, Mass., and remained there till he was twenty-one. During this time he had learned the carpenter's trade, and had acquired such education at the common schools as his limited circumstances would permit.

On Nov. 1, 1827, he went to Fall River, Mass., where he has ever since remained. As an example of his true worth we give the following. His father was afflicted with a disease which incapacitated him for labor or for earning a livelihood, and, being poor, as soon as young Irani was old enough, he took the care of his father until his death.

In 1827, the same day Mr. Smith arrived ;n Fall River, he entered the employ of Deacon Shaw, a contractor and builder. He soon after engaged with Andrew Robeson, with whom he remained till failing health compelled him to relinquish his trade and seek some other mode of employment. In 1832 he put one thousand dollars, which he had saved from his five years' hard earnings, into a small grocery business, - only, however, to be swallowed up in less than a year, leaving him destitute but not disheartened. He was young and energetic, and by his talents and versatility could easily retrieve his loss in some new enterprise. This proved to be the turning-point in his life, for just then he had started a general variety store, and made a special run on calicoes, which he could and did sell cheaper than any of his competitors. Though badly in debt, with failure staring him in the face, this good luck, or, perhaps, more properly, successful competition, brought him out safely, and, as the saying is, put him on his feet. He loves to associate with this also an important event in his religious life. His cheap calicoes were drawing many customers to his store, and the evening trade was especially valuable. It was class-meeting night, and he was the leader. What should he do iu this conflict between interest and duty? He decided to ask his customers to come some other time, and went to his class. They did come, and more with them, impressed by the example he had set, so that he was undoubtedly a great gainer in a pecuniary point of view, and what was more important on that eventful night, while at class, he received such evidence of his spiritual acceptance that it has ever been looked back to as the bright epoch of his life. How small an act of self-sacrifice may exalt the spirit and bring it to a sweet consciousness of peace and joy. Through duty the soul is opened to the " visitations from on high," and the law of duty is thus revealed as the law of true life. Blessed are they who learn to follow it in youth.

Regaining his health, he entered trade as a drygoods merchant, which he continued till 1873, when he sold to his son, Iram N., and Mr. Jenney, since which he has not been actively employed in business, though he is identified with several manufacturing interests. He is a director of the Granite and Stafford Mills; has been president of the Massasoit Bank since 1878 ; has been a director of the same since the organization, and is the only original director now living. He is a member of the board of investment of Bank.

Mr. Smith is a Republican in politics. He cast his first Presidential vote for Gen. Jackson in 1882, was a member of the Liberal party in 1840, and voted for James G. Birney for President and Thomas Earle for Vice-President. He was one of the First Free-Soilers in Fall River. In 1839 he was a representative to the General Court, and has since served five times in that capacity, acting on several important committees.

He joined the Methodist Episcopal Church in 182G, and has been a class-leader more than half a century, and during an equal period a teacher in Sunday-school. He is liberal, eveu generous, in the bethe Fall River Five Cents Savingsstowment of aid on all worthy objects, and an active supporter of education. For many years he has been a trustee of East Greenwich Academy, R. I.

His first wife was Betsey L., daughter of Daniel and Patience Douglass, whom he married Aug. 15, 1834. She was born Oct. 23, 1814, and died July, 1859. Their children were: 1. Susan H.; 2. Henry D. (deceased); 3. Rhoda D. ; 4. Ellen A.; 5. Elizabeth L. (deceased); 6. Iram N. ; 7. Emma E. ; 8. Charles H. (deceased).

He married for his second wife, June 15, 1864, Sarah Elizabeth, daughter of William Mason, of Fall River. (See sketch of William Mason.) She was born in Fall River, Nov. 13, 1832. The children by this marriage are: 1. Harriet A.; 2. Annie M. ; 3. William H. ; 4. Charles E., - all living at home.

Col. Thomas J. Borden

Col. Thomas J. Borden, one of the leading business men of Southeastern Massachusetts, was born in Fall River, March 1, 1832. He was educated in the private select schools of his native town, and at the age of sixteen years entered the office of the Fall River Iron-Works Company, of which his father, Col. Richard Borden, was treasurer. After remaining here one year he entered the Lawrence Scientific School at Cambridge, where he completed a two years' course, studying engineering under Professor Eustis, and chemistry under Professor Horsford. The technical knowledge acquired at this institution proved invaluable to Col. Borden in his subsequent successful business career.

He returned to Fall River in 1851, and re-entered the employ of the iron-works company, where he remained two years, developing business capacity of a high order. In the summer of 1853, being at that time only twenty-one years of age, he was appointed agent and treasurer of the Bay State Print- Works, a newly organized corporation. The financial panic of 1857 led to the consolidation of these works with the American Print- Worksj and Col. Borden was retained as manager of the new corporation.

In February, 1860, he was appointed agent and treasurer of the Troy Cotton and Woolen Manufactory, and immediately commenced operations for the enlargement of the mills. The plans submitted by him were at once adopted, and in less than ten months the capacity of the Troy Mills was increased fourfold, and the property which was valued at two hundred thousand dollars in 1860, had risen in 1876 to the value of eight hundred thousand dollars, and more than one million two hundred and fifty thousand dollars had been paid in dividends. Upon the organization of the Mechanics' Mills, in 1868, Col. Borden Avas chosen president and agent, and officiated in that capacity about eighteen months, when he was elected treasurer, thus devolving upon him the entire management of the business.

In 1871 he organized the Richard Borden Manufacturing Company, and was chosen treasurer of the corporation, and held that position until February, 1876. He has been a director since its incorporation, and president since the early part of 1874. Thus it will be seen that Col. Borden was practically the controller from 1871 to 1876 of the Troy, the Mechanics', and the Richard Borden Mills, the three corporations embracing a total of one hundred and thirty-seven thousand seven hundred and seventy -six spindles and three thousand two hundred and twentyeight looms. Although the management of this large interest caused a severe strain upon his mental and physical powers, Col. Borden proved himself equal to the labor imposed, discharging his duties with emi- ' nent ability, and these mills enlarged their operations and were financially successful under his skillful and judicious management.

In 1876 he relinquished the active management of the three corporations mentioned above, and accepted the onerous position of treasurer, agent, and director of the American Print- Works (now American Printing Company), which he has held to the present time. The manufactory of the American Printing Company is one of the finest and most complete in the world that is devoted to the printing of cotton cloths. (See history on a former page.)

Col. Borden has been a director in the Troy Cotton and Woolen Manufactory since 1860, in the Mechanics' Mills Company since 1868, and in the Richard Borden Manufacturing Company since 1871. He has also been treasurer of the Wautuppa Reservoir Company since 1864, and has been intrusted with the management of the vexatious litigation to which this company has been subjected. He has been a director in the Metacomet Bank since its organization in 1854. He was elected a director in the Old Colony Railroad Company in January, 1874, and in the following June was chosen a director in the Old Colony Steamboat Company. He has also been a. director of the Fall River Manufacturers' Mutual Insurance Company since 1870; of the Boston Manufacturers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company since 1876 ; of the Worcester Manufacturers' Mutual Insurance Company since January, 1879; of the State Mutual Fire Insurance Company since 1878 ; and of the Whatcheer Mutual Fire Insurance Company, of Providence, R. I., since 1873.

Col. Borden inherited from his honored father, Col. Richard Borden, his love for the military, and rose from first lieutenant in the Massachusetts militia to the rank of colonel. He was commissioned as first lieutenant of the Fall River Light Infantry Sept. 3, 1863; as first lieutenant of the Fifth Unattached Company May 4, 1864; as captain of Company K, Third Regiment, Sept. 16, 1864; as lieutenant-colonel of the same regiment on Sept. 3, 1866; and as colonel on the 25th of June, 1868. He resigned the latter position in 1871.

All measures tending to advance the welfare generally of his native town have found in Col. Borden an earnest advocate. His efficient service in the fire department, from 1865 to 1872, will not soon be forgotten. He labored unremittingly to advance the efficiency of the department, and upon retiring from the office of chief engineer, which he had held for the last three years, he left the department in most excellent condition. He has been a trustee of the Fall River Savings-Bank since 1866, and in 1874 was made a director in the Borden Mining Company of Frostburg, Md., which Col. Richard Borden had assisted in organizing. He is a prominent member of the Central Congregational Church, and was chairman of the building committee during the erection of the present imposing edifice of the society on Rock Street. He has also been a corporate member of the American Board of Commissioners of Foreign Missions since 1877. He was a member of the Common Council of the city of Fall River in 1874, and president of that body in 1875.

Col. Borden's life has been one of steady and active devotion to business, and his great success has been the natural result of his ability to examine and readily comprehend any subject presented to him, power to decide promptly, and courage to act with vigor and persistency in accordance with his conviction.

Feb. 20, 1855, Col. Borden united in marriage with Mary E., daughter of Ebenezer A. Hill, and their family has consisted as follows: Harriet M., Anna H., Carrie L., and Richard, all of whom are living except Richard, who died in early life.

Hon. Crawford E. Lindsey

Hon. Crawford E. Lindsey, son of William and Eliza A. (French) Lindsey, was born in Fall River, Aug. 19, 1838. His education was obtained in the public schools of Fall River, Mass., in Providence, R. I., and at Peirce Academy, in Middleborough, Mass. Upon leaving school in 1857, when in his nineteenth year, he entered the office of the American Print- Works of Fall River in the capacity of clerk, and subsequently became book-keeper. A portion of the company's goods had always been sold in Boston by commission merchants, and it was mainly through the suggestions of Mr. Lindsey that in 1860 a change was made, and this market supplied direct from the works He was appointed selling agent, which position he held until the suspension of the company in 1879, when his connection with the company was dissolved.

When a young man, Mr. Lindsey became actively identified with the industries of the city. He was one of the originators of the Merchants' Manufacturing Company, and was a director from its organization until very recently. He was also until lately a director of the Fall River Bleachery, being a member of its first board of officers. He was largely instru- mental in organizing the King Philip Mills in 1871, and was elected its first president, which position he still retains. In 1880 he, with a few others, purchased what had been known as the Mount Hope Mill property. A corporation was organized under the name of Conanicut Mills, and Mr. Lindsey was elected treasurer, which position he now holds. Under his management, the property has been greatly improved and enlarged, and devoted to the manufacture of fine cotton goods.

Mr. Lindsey's political associations have always been with the Republican party. In 1869 and 1870 he was a member of the Common Council of the city of Fall River, and the latter year was chosen president of that body. In 1871 and 1872 he served as a member of the Board of Aldermen, and in 1874 he was again a member and president of the Common Council. In 1870, 1871, and 1872 he served as a member of the school committee. In 1878 and 1879 he was mayor of the city of Fall River, the second year being elected with practically no opposition. The two years during which he served as mayor were dark and trying ones in the history of Fall River. Extreme business depression prevailed throughout the country. The defalcations which were discovered during the first year, and which resulted in the ruin of several corporations and a general suspension of manufacturing, threw large numbers of helpless operatives upon the city's charity. In 1879 an unfortunate strike of mill operatives, the most serious which has ever afflicted the city, and attended with considerable disorder, rendered the second year also of Mr. Lindsey's administration peculiarly trying and difficult. His office hours were extended through the whole day and often into the night. The times demanded firmness, and the greatest promptness and vigor of action in the performance of official duties, and very often the executive authority failed to receive the support of a majority of the Board of Aldermen, yet the mayor acquitted himself to the general approval of his fellow-citizens. Since his retirement from the office of mayor he has held no public position, except that of trustee of the public library, to which he was elected in 1882.

Mr. Lindsey is now in the prime of life, and enjoys in the community in which he resides the esteem and confidence which he has won by his decided abilities, his persistent industry, and his strict and undeviating integrity.

Elijah C. Kilbt'Rn

The name of Kilburn is found among the English nobility as far back as Chaucer, and the line of descent can be directly traced down to the present. Thomas Kilburn was the ancestor of the family in this country, and came from England in 1635, bringing with him his wife and five children. One of his descendants of the fourth generation was John Kilburn, the first settler of the town of Walpole, N. H. He settled there in 1749. He was born at Glastonbury, Conn., in 1704, married Mehitable Bacon Oct. 26, 1732, and had four children, of whom the only son was John, who accompanied his father to Walpole. This son is spoken of, in connection with his father, in an account of an Indian attack upon that town, recorded in Aldrich's " History of Walpole:"

" Kilburn and his son John, in his eighteenth year, a man named Peak and his son were returning home from work about noon, Aug. 17, 1755, when one of them discovered the red legs of the Indians among the alders ' as thick as grasshoppers.' They instantly made for the house, fastened the doors, and began to make preparations for an obstinate defense. Besides these four men there were in the house Kilburn's wife and his daughter Hetty, who contributed not a little to encourage and assist their companions, as well as to keep a watch on the movements of the enemy. . . .

"The Indians next appeared on the eminence east of Kilburn's house, when the same ' old devil' Philip who had visited him the summer before came forward, and screening himself behind a tree called out to those in the house to surrender. ' Old John, young John,' says he, ' I know you ; come out here, we give you good quarter.'

"'Quarter!' vociferated old Kilburn with a voice of thunder that rang through every Indian heart and every hill and valley. ' You black rascals be gone, or we'll quarter you !'

" Philip then returned to his companions, and after a few minutes' consultation the war-whoop was given. The Indians rushed forward to the work of destruction, and probably no less than four hundred bullets were lodged in Kilburn's house at the first fire. . . . They had several guns in the house, which were kept hot by incessant firing. . . . The women, with true Grecian firmness, assisted in loading the guns. . . . The contest was kept up till nearly sundown, when the Indians began to disappear, and as the sun sank behind the western hills the sound of the guns and the cry of the war-whoop died away in silence."

The account from which the above is quoted closes with these words, "Seldom has it fallen to the lot of our forefathers, by personal courage and valor, to reap a more brilliant crown of laurels than that won by Kilburn on that memorable day. . . . During the whole of the Indian and French war, which lasted till 1763, the Indians never afterwards made their appearance in Walpole."

Young John, or, as he was afterwards called, Capt. John, married Content, daughter of Rev. Ezra Carpenter, of Swansea, N. H. He died in Shrewsbury, Vt., July 20, 1819, leaving five children, of whom Elijah, the father of our subject, was the youngest. He was born in Walpole, Sept. 30, 1772; married Rebecca Jennison, daughter of John and Sybil Jennisou, in 1798. He died in 1847; his wife in 1849. They had nine children, all born in Walpole, viz. : (1) Harriet, died unmarried in 1830; (2) Mary, wife of Noah Smith ; (3) Josiali, married Emily Bonney ; (4) George, married Laura Hooper; removed to Fall River about 1840, and subsequently connected with the Lonsdale Manufacturing and Bleaching Company, of which he was superintendent; (5) John, married Maria E. Gage, and settled in Fall River, where he died Dec. 4, 1846 ; (6) Frederick, married Mary Ann Watkins ; represented Walpole in the General Court in 1858-59; a carpenter and millwright by occupation; (7) Elijah C, the subject of our sketch ; (8) Rebecca, wife of Rodney Smith ; (9) William J. , a wholesale merchant of Augusta, Me., firm of William J. Kilburn & Co.

Elijah C. Kilburn, the immediate subject of this notice, was born in the town of Walpole, N. H., June 10, 1811. His father was poor, with a large family to support, and the only income was from his daily labor as a carpenter. Hence as soon as the boys were able to be of any service to their father in his business and could assist in the support of the family they were put to work. In this way Elijah had gained quite a knowledge of the carpenter's trade before he was nineteen years of age, and was getting what was considered good pay for the times, - about fifty cents per day and board.

Previous to this time, as a lad, he had worked on the farm of one of his elder brothers in Walpole. His early school advantages were few ; the most he attended was during the three months of each winter, and some years not so much as that.

When between nineteen and twenty years of age, in the year 1830, he left home and went to Boston, where his brother John had been three years, and was then the proprietor of what had been Holland's Coffee-House. He was given employment by his brother at eleven dollars per month and board. By carefully saving what money he earned, and what was given him by the boarders for odd jobs done for them, at the end of four years he had accumulated about five hundred dollars. Then borrowing of a friend the sum of two hundred dollars, he was able to buy of his brother a half-interest in the public-house, which became known as Kilburn's Coffee-House, situated on Howard Street, and was well known in those days. It was the first temperance house in Boston.

They had some twenty steady city boarders, and they catered for a class of transients who came into the city to attend the Legislature in the winter, and country merchants who came to Boston to buy goods, staying from one to two and sometimes three weeks. He remembers with a great deal of pride many men who used to stop at his house who have since become famous in the world of business and of letters. The first money he made he used in paying the two hundred dollars he had borrowed.

While in this situation, on the 24th of September, 1835, he united in marriage with Hannah S., daughter of Benjamin and Martha (Tilton) Carter. It may be as well here as elsewhere in this sketch to give the names and dates of birth of their children, which are as follows: Emily A., born April 1, 1839; Mary Theresa, born Aug. 3, 1841 (deceased) ; Charles W., born July 12, 1844 (deceased) ; Elias T., born June 21, 1850.

After being associated with his brother about three years in the hote^ business, he sold his interest for about three thousand dollars, and in 1837 returned to Walpole and bought with his brother George a half-interest in a farm in that town known as the Major Jennison farm, which had previously belonged to his grandfather. On the farm was a famous stock of fine Saxony sheep. They carried ou the farm together about one year, when his brother retiring, left him sole proprietor. He remained here about nine years, and in addition to the work of the farm he became quite a contractor, building highway bridges, doing masonry-work, and entering somewhat into the lumber business. In the year 1846 he represented the town of Walpole in the General Court.

In 1847, Mr. Kilburn removed to Fall River, Mass. His brother John, who had preceded him to Fall River and had established the machine business, water-wheels, died in 1846, leaving his widow executrix of his estate. Mr. Kilburn took charge of the business in 1847, and not being a practical machinist, associated with him Mr. Jonathan T. Lincoln, under the name of E. C. Kilburn & Co. The business was carried on under this name till 1856, when, on account of the illness of Mr. Lincoln, his son, Henry C. Lincoln, was added to the firm, which then took the name of Kilburn, Lincoln & Son. They carried on business till 1867 in the old shops on the site of the present Fall River freight depot/between Water and Pond Streets.

The present corporation of Kilburn, Lincoln & Co. is a joint-stock company, with a paid-up capital of eighty thousand dollars. It was incorporated in 1867. At that time the new shops at the corner of Pocasset and Canal Streets were built.

James Mott Aklrich was born in the town of Smithfield, R. I., Oct. 30, 1817. He is the son of Arnold Aldrich, who was the twelfth and youngest child of Judge Caleb Aldrich, of the same town. He is the fifth generation in descent from George Aldrich and his wife Catherine Seald, who came to this country from Derbyshire, England, in 1631, and settled in the town <»i' Mendon, Mass. George was one of the original purchasers of the town, and reared a family of eleven children. Moses, the grandson of George, and the lather of Caleb, became an eminent Quaker preacher, and traveled quite extensively in prosecuting his divine mission. After suffering many petty persecutions and deprivations from the dominant religious sect of his native State on account of his religion, he moved to the freer atmosphere of Rhode Island, bringing with

Mr. Kilburn sold most of his interest in the machine-shops in 1869, and in 1871 united with Crawford E. Lindsey, of Fall River, Jonathan Chace, of Valley Falls, R. I., and others in organizing the King Philip Mills Company, of Fall River. After several interviews it was decided by these gentlemen to test the practicability of raising a capital stock of five hundred thousand dollars for the erection of a mill of about thirty-six thousand spindles for the manufacture of fine cotton fabrics. Says the history of Fall River industries, "The matter was put in charge of Mr. E. C. Kilburn, and within a fortnight the whole amount of five hundred thousand dollars was taken by forty-seven responsible persons, and an additional one hundred and sixty thousand dollars asked for; but at the first meeting of the subscribers, held July 14, 1871, for organization, it was decided to limit the capital stock to five hundred thousand dollars."

Mr. Kilburn was one of the original board of directors, and was elected treasurer of the corporation, which office he still holds. The company was incorporated Sept. 15, 1871. The mill was built under the superintendence of Mr. Kilburn, assisted by W. F. Sherman and F. P. Sheldon, architects and draughtsmen, and started in January, 1873.

Mr. Kilburn was one of the original stockholders of the Union Mills, and upon the death of Mr. Hale Remington was elected a director, and remained in that capacity until the suspension. He was also a director in the Border City Mills, and is at present a director in the following companies: Conanicut and Weetamoe Mills, Union Belt Company, Fall River Manufacturers' Mutual Insurance Company. He was and is an original stockholder and director in the Second National Bank, an original trustee of the Five Cent Savings-Bank, and about ten years past a member of the Board of Investment. During the years 1860-63, 1866-67 he was a member of the Common Council of Fall River.

him and transmitting to his children such a hatred of religious tyranny and priestly domination that it has not yet become extinct in his later descendants. James was the youngest of ten children, seven sons and three daughters, of whom he is the only one living.

As an interesting evidence of the multiform branching of the family tree, there is to be found on the headstone of his grandmother's grave the statement that at the time of her death she had living nine children, ninety-seven grandchildren, and one hundred and seventy great-grandchildren.

He was of a somewhat delicate and sensitive organization, and has never enjoyed the vigorous health which was shared by the other brothers of the family. His childhood and youth were spent on his father's farm, which was pleasantly situated about one mile south of Union village, near the main road to Providence.

After obtaining a knowledge of the common branches of education at the public and private neighborhood schools he entered the academy at Union village, which was then under the charge of James Bushee. Here he studied the higher branches taught in a select school, and during the time read ancient and modern history and the writings of the standard poets, of which he was particularly fond. He was a studious scholar, loved learning for its own sake, aud took a high rank among his fellow-pupils. Another means of his education which should not be overlooked was the Debating Club, of which he was an active member. Here were discussed, and frequently by the most intelligent persons in the community, the various prominent and public questions of the day, and as Mr. Aldrich was particularly fond of debate, he used all available means to enable him to discuss these questions intelligently, and being a ready and not unpleasant speaker, he became quite prominent in these friendly educational contests. Through these various methods, aided on the religious side of his nature by the instruction received from his Quaker parents, he arrived at the stage of manhood with convictions matured beyond many of his years, and being naturally conscientious and of an active temperament, he soon identified himself with the earnest opponents of slavery, intemperance, capital punishment, and restricted charter suffrage, the four questions which were just then disturbing the usual quiet of his State. To his great disgust the latter reform soon fell into the hands of unwise leaders, and he withdrew from all further connection with the party, not being inclined to place himself in rebellion against the de facto authorities of the State, though not the less convinced of the justice of the demand. From early childhood Mr. Aldrich had been a victim of gastric disease, which in his later youth increased in severity, and was occasionally accompanied with severe intestinal complications, which, with the debilitating effects of the treatment considered necessarv to give relief, greatly enfeebled his general health, and caused his friends much solicitude for the future. An entire change in the treatment was finally decided upon, and on the accession of one of these attacks a botanic physician was called, who gave him more speedy relief and with less exhaustion than he had previously experienced. The treatment finally resulted in the establishment of better health than he had ever before enjoyed. This gratifying result turned his attention to the study of medicine, and in the early part of the year 1839 he entered the office and infirmary of Dr. J. A. Brown, of Providence, R. I.

With his usual ardor he entered upon his new course of study, also gaining a practical knowledge of the use and effects of remedies at the bedside of the numerous patients treated in the infirmary. Here he remained until the last of November, 1840, when he accepted an invitation to go to Fall River, Mass., to take the place of Dr. J. B. Woodward, who went South for the benefit of his health. Dr. Woodward returned in about a year, and Mr. Aldrich left to further pursue his studies. He attended a course of lectures in the Medical Department of Harvard College, and subsequently a course at the Botanic Medical College in Cincinnati, where he received his diploma and was chosen valedictorian of his class. After practicing several months in Woonsocket, he removed to Fall River in November, 1843, again taking the place of Dr. Woodward, then made vacant by his death, and now antedates by some years any other practitioner in the city, and has been the longest in practice of any one of his school in Bristol County. He continues to adhere to the same principles of sanitive medication he at first adopted, yet, profiting from his experience and keeping himself somewhat familiar with current medical literature, he is ever ready to adopt such changes in remedies and methods of application as his judgment approves.

For the purpose of combating medical intolerance and prejudice, and giving to such as were disposed to inquire a knowledge of the reformed practice, Dr. Aldrich, in connection with Dr. T. W. Wood, A.M., of Middleborough, published for a year (in 1846-47) a monthly paper called the Medical Enquirer, of which several hundred copies were issued. In 1867, Dr. Aldrich was elected president of the Massachusetts Eclectic Medical Society, and subsequently delivered the annual address. The energy and perseverance required to overcome the peculiar obstacles incident to his independent position as a physician, added to the ordinary duties of a remunerative practice which he secured, did not prevent the doctor from taking an active part in some of the vital questions which have agitated the community. Indifferent to the odium which for a time was thrown upon the Abolitionists of the Garrison school, he early became one of the most active and earnest laborers in the anti-slavery cause to be found in the place. He circulated petitions, secured lecturers, presided at their meetings, conducted the correspondence, and was closely identified with the comparatively few of a similar faith and accordant spirit. He has always been a strong advocate of total abstinence from all alcoholic beverages, was for years president of the Temperance Society, has frequently spoken at temperance meetings, and for many years has almost entirely discarded the use of alcohol as a curative agent.

His early views on the suffrage question made him a ready advocate of woman's right to the ballot as a matter of justice and sound expediency.

For some years he has held the office of president of the Children's Home, a public institution designed to have charge of orphans and destitute children, and in the success of which he has been much interested. He has also been the principal physician employed at the Home in cases of sickness. In 1852 the doctor was elected a member of the school committee, the only political office he ever held, being loosely bound by party ties, though strongly in sympathy with the Republican organization. From 1852 to 1879 he held the office fifteen years, the last five of which he was elected chairman of the committee. He declined a further renomination, and after a year's interval his wife was elected to the position, which she still holds. The annual reports of the committee during his chairmanship indicate theintelligentinteresthe manifested in the discharge of his official duties.

Dr. Aldrich continued his connection with the Society of Friends until the New England Yearly Meeting decided to forbid the opening of its houses of worship for anti-slavery meetings, and advised its members not to be identified with the Abolitionists, since which time he has ceased to regard himself as a member of the denomination, though never disowned by the society.

The knowledge and experience gained during these years liberated his own mind from some religious assumptions and peculiarities which he formerly regarded as important and led him to separate religion, which lie defines as the vitalizing and guiding principle which exalts and dignifies the soul and consecrates it to noble uses, from the great body of theology which the human intellect has imposed upon it. In 1871 he united with the Unitarian Society, and was shortly after chosen a member of the standing committee, which office he still holds, and is ranked among the most active, liberal, and progressive members of the society.

Dr. Aldrich was married, May 24, 1844, to Mary A. Allen, of Dedham, Mass. She was a teacher in the higher branches of instruction, and thoroughly in accord with her husband in social and reformatory questions. She never enjoyed vigorous health, and died of inherited pulmonary disease Dec. 18, 1857. He was again married, Sept. 23, 1862, to Louisa G., youngest daughter of Hon. Nathaniel B. Burden, the atmosphere of whose home was permeated with those ideas of practical righteousness which underlie all that is genuine in life and enduring in character. They have a daughter and son, the former of whom has nearly completed her second year in Smith College, Northampton.

For twenty-five years the doctor lived in the Blossom house, No. 77 North Main Street, on the corner of Franklin Street. In 1870 he purchased a pleasant home on the corner of Hanover and Prospect Streets, where he has since resided, hut continues his office at the old place on Main Street.

" Dr. Aldrich has more than a reputation, he has a character so well woven into the woof and warp of his e very-day life as to present a degree of faultlessness that has secured for him general confidence and respect. He is a gentleman of strong convictions and marked individuality; has opinions of his own, and is not slow in defending them when it becomes necessary for him to do so. Indeed, his combativeness is fairly developed, and at times he loves controversy, and wields a ready and caustic pen, as those have found who have crossed lances with him. While honoring the profession of which he is a worthy member, he has found time for that general and select reading which, as much as anything, develops, strengthens, and makes the man. As a physician, Dr. Aldrich is safe, reliable, and always to be trusted ; as a citizen, gentlemanly in his bearing and deportment, and holds a high and well-merited place in the good will of the community.

" His services on the school committee of Fall River, for which he is admirably adapted both by culture and experience, have been valuable in many ways, and his interest in general education and all that is good and ennobling in life are well known and appreciated. We wish him the addition of many golden years to the silver summers of his life."

Dr. Jerome Dwelly

DR. JEROME DWELLY. Dr. Jerome D welly was born in Tiverton, R. I., Jan. 21, 1823, about four and one-half miles south from the city of Fall River. His father, Daniel Dwelly2, was a well-known and respectable farmer, and was a direct descendant of Richard Dwelly, who was one of the early settlers of Plymouth Colony, and who, about 1605, settled in Scituate, Mass., having been in some of the neighboring towns as early as 1654. He had a grant of land in Scituate from the colony for services rendered in King Philip's war in 1676. His grandson, Joshua Dwelly, being a ship-carpenter, emigrated from Scituate to Swansea, Mass., and about 17' io to Tiverton, R. I., and his grandson, Richard Dwelly3, emigrated from Tiverton, R. I., to Manlius, N. Y., when his son, Daniel Dwelly-', was about eleven years of age, where the family remained, except the son Daniel, who returned to Tiverton and married the daughter of Jonathan Slade2, formerly of Slade's Ferry. Jerome Dwelly, his son, having become lame when quite young, was sent to school at Fall River, and subsequently to Pierce' Academy, at Middleborough, Mass., to fit for college, with a view of becoming a lawyer. He remained there three years, and then, his health failing, he was obliged to suspend his studies for two or three years, after which his mind became diverted to the study of medicine. He then became a student in the office of the late Thomas Wilbur, of Fall River, and subsequently entered the offices of Dr. William E. Townsend and his father, Solomon D. Townsend, one of the surgeons of the Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston. He was graduated in medicine at the Harvard Medical College in 1847, and has been in the active practice of his profession in Fall River since that time, with the exception of two years spent in California, from 1849 to 1851. He was for about twenty years a member of the school board of Fall River.

Augustus Uhace

A man who entirely by his own efforts has risen to affluence and social position, and through all the changing events of an active business life has preserved his integrity unimpeached, well deserves the pen of the historian. Such an one is Augustus Chace, the subject of this sketch. Without the advantages of inherited aid he has worked the problem of his own fortune, and lives to enjoy the fruition of a successful business career.

Augustus Chace was born in Freetown, Mass., Sept. 20, 1813. While he was quite a small lad his parents removed to Valley Falls, R. I., where they remained about five years, and then removed to Fall River. His first work in a mill was at Valley Falls, where he received one dollar per week. Upon coming to Fall River he commenced work in the Print- Works, carrying cloth, and soon after went into what was long known as the " yellow mill," stripping cards, receiving the meagre salary of fifty cents per day. Here he remained about eight years, and then removed to Eagleville, and later to Newville or " Sucker Brook," as the locality is called.

He had now became a thoroughly practical manufacturer, and with that clear foresight which has ever been characteristic of the man, he saw the facilities afforded by Fall River for manufacturing purposes, and in 1845 he came here, and in company with the late William B. Trafford erected a small mill for the manufacture of yarns, etc., under the firm-name of Chace & Trafford. This partnership continued about fifteen years. The firm subsequently purchased the Westport Manufacturing Company, and after about six years the partnership was dissolved, Mr. Chace retaining the interest of the linn in the Fall River property, and Mr. Trafford taking the Westport project. The business was originally commenced in a

Weaver Osborn

Weaver Osborn, son of Thomas and Anna (Durfee) Osborn, was born in Tiverton, R. I., May 23, 1815. He remained at home until he was eighteen, working on the farm and attending the common school, which furnished his early advantage for an education, except a few months' instruction at the seminary at Little West Hill, South Kingston, R. I. At eighteen he began to learn the blacksmith's trade in Fairhaven, small way, the product being about eighty pounds of coarse yarn per day, employing six persons. It has increased and developed until at the present time the production is three' thousand six hundred pounds per day of cotton twines and carpet warps, - employing ninety persons. During the present year the capacity of the mill is to be largely increased.

Mr. Chace has ever manifested a lively interest in all matters tending to advance the welfare of his adopted town, and may be ranked as one of the leading mill directors and manufacturers in this famous manufacturing city. In addition to the Wyoming Mills, which are owned exclusively by him, he is president of the Tecumseh Mills, president of the Chace Mills, a director in the Fall River Spool and Bobbin Company, also in the Merchants' Mill Corporation, and is an owner in the Barnaby Manufacturing Company. He has been president of the Union Savings-Bank since its incorporation in 1869. He was a member of the Legislature of Rhode Island when the town of Tiverton embraced a portion of the present city of Fall River, and has also been identified with the city government, serving in the Common Council, and also in Board of Aldermen.

Sept. 20, 1832, Mr. Chace united in marriage with Rhoda M. Lake, a native of Tiverton, R. I., and their family consisted of four children, - Augustus W. D., deceased ; Mary Maria, deceased ; Adoniram J., who is in his father's office ; and Sarah L., wife of John J.Wood.

Augustus Chace's career has ever been guided by a truly religious principle, and from that Sabbath morning while playing marbles in the streets of Valley Falls he heard the voice of the Christian woman inviting him to the Sunday-school, to the present time his life has been characterized by a consistent Christian spirit. He was a member of the Second Baptist Church of this city for forty years.

Augustus Chace is essentially a self-made man. Early in life he learned that the way to success was by no royal road, but was open to stout hearts and willing hands. He has gained nothing by mere luck, but everything by perseverance and well-digested plans, and the intelligent application of his energies to the end in view. In social life he is gentlemanly and affable, and is one of Fall River's most enterprising and honored citizens.

In 1835, Mr. Osborn bought out Nathaniel Peirce, of Tiverton, and carried on his trade there about eight years, and in 1843 he removed to Providence, where he remained one year, when he returned to Tiverton. In 1844 he began to work for Andrew Robeson as a journeyman, and continued in that capacity four years, when in 1848 he resumed business in his native town, continuing till January, 1855, when his shop was destroyed by fire. In this juncture of affairs he removed to Fall River and entered into copartnership with James M. Osborn, his younger brother (firm of W. &. J. M. Osborn). Their shop was situated where the new post-office now stands, and the partnership lasted till 1871.

Since then Mr. Osborn has been closely connected with manufactures and with the growth and development of Fall River. He was elected president of the Pocasset National Bank in 1873, an office which he still holds. He has been a director in the same bank since its organization in 1854, when it was known as the Pocasset Bank under the State laws. In 1873 he was elected chairman of the board of investment, and still holds the position. He has been a member of the board since its organization in 1851, and, with the exception of William C. Chapin, of Providence, he is the only living member of that original board.

Mr. Osborn is president and director of the Osborn Mills, which take his name. He was chiefly instrumental in getting the stock taken and building the first mill in 1872- Since the last date he has also been a director in the Montaup Mills. He is a trustee of the Citizens' Savings- Bank of Fall River, one of the board of water commissioners, and one of the trustees of the State workhouse at Bridgewater, Mass.

As a Whig in politics, he cast his first vote for Henry Clay, but became a Republican upon the organization of the latter party in 1856. As such he was elected to represent the town of Fall River, R. I., in the State Senate in 1857, 1858, and 1859, and served on the military and other committees. He has since served in the Legislature of Massachusetts for the following-named years, 1868, 1869, 1871, 1873, 1876, 1877, and in 1879 he was a member of the State Senate, and served on several important committees.

Mr. Osborn has had much experience in the settlement of estates, and his labors in that direction have given general satisfaction. He is a man of strict integrity and sound practical judgment.

He married, Jan. 7, 1837, Patience B. Dwelley, daughter of Daniel and Mary Slade. They have had four children, as follows: (1) Mary S. ; (2) Daniel W., died in his twenty-third year; (3) Thomas F., died aged nine; (4) Anna Jane, died aged nine.

The nine children of Thomas and Anna (Durfee) Osborn were (1) William, (2) Thomas, (3) Joseph, (4) Anna (deceased), (5) Wilson (deceased), (6) Patience (deceased), (7) Eliza, (8) Weaver, (9) James M.