Bristol County, Massachusetts - Biographical sketches (4 of 5 so headed), 1883 (part 1 of 3)

Biographical sketches

NATHANIEL BRIGGS BORDEN. Mr. Borden was a descendant in the seventh generation of Richard Borden, who came from England in 1635, and settled in 1638 in Portsmouth, R. I. The first English ancestor was from Bourdonnay, in Normandy, and came to England as a soldier under William the Conqueror. After the battle of Hastings (a.d. 1066) he was assigned lands in the county of Kent, where the family subsequently became wealthy and influential, and the village where they resided was named Borden.

Early in the seventeenth century John Borden removed to Wales, where his sons Richard and John were married, and after they had returned to their native town of Borden, in England, they embarked for America in May, 1635. The line of descent from Richard Borden, the first American ancestor, and from whom probably all of that name in this vicinity descended, is as follows: Richard1, John2, Richard3, Joseph4, Abraham5, Simeon6, Nathaniel B.7

Nathaniel Briggs Borden was born April 15, 1801, in Freetown, in that portion thereof subsequently set off and incorporated into a separate township by the name of Fall River, and he died in Fall River, April 10, 1865, being five days less than sixty-four years old. He was born in the house which stood formerly on the west side of South Main Street, south of what is now Pocasset Street, and nearly opposite the south end of the present Pocasset Mill. The house had a local celebrity from the fact that two British soldiers were shot and killed at its eastern door when the British made their attack upon the village during the Revolutionary war.

Simeon Borden, his father, was also born in Freetown in 1759, and continued to reside there until 1806, when he removed to Tiverton, R. I., where he died Nov. 27, 1811. He was a man of generous impulses, possessed of a strong mind, and largely interested in the water-power at Fall River. The mother of Nathaniel, Amey Borden, nee Amey Briggs, was said to have been a woman of sterling traits of character and superior business qualifications. She was one of the original proprietors of the Troy Cotton and Woolen Manufactory, one of the earliest and largest manufacturing establishments in Fall River, then called Troy, incorporated in 1814. In consideration of a grant to the company of the land and upper fall, upon which the mill was located, and by which it obtained a relative control of the whole waterpower, she received eleven of the one hundred shares constituting its capital stock. She died May 26, 1817, leaving five children, of whom Nathaniel was the fourth.

Nathaniel was but five years of age when his father removed to Tiverton, and only ten when he died. The greater part of his youth was spent there, upon the farm at what was called Nana Quaket. During the winter months he attended the country school, and assisted upon the farm the rest of the year. His mother sought to give him a liberal education, and for this purpose sent him to the Plainfield Academy in Connecticut, but as she died when he was only sixteen years of age this project had to be abandoned, and he returned home to enter thus early upon the busy conflict of life. Although his school education was indeed meagre, young Nathaniel made the best use of his opportunities, and his great interest in the success of the government of the then infant republic, kindled anew by his boyhood knowledge of the second war, led him to read and study well the best authors on government, paying particular attention to the writings and speeches of the statesmen of all countries, especially to those of the fathers of our country.

Having previously removed from Tiverton to Fall River, Mr. Borden associated himself with others in purchasing several mill-sites and adjoining lands, including the falls just west of Main Street, where the Granite Block and Pocasset Mills now stand. On the loth of August, 1821, these associates held a meeting and organized as the Pocasset Manufacturing Company. Mr. Borden, though but a few months over twenty years of age, was chosen clerk and treasurer of the corporation, and continued to hold these responsible positions to the entire satisfaction of the owners until January, 1838, when he resigned on account of the pressure of public duties devolving upon him as a member of Congress. The Pocasset Manufacturing Company, after its organization, proceeded at once to develop iis property, voting at first to erect a grist-mill, but subsequently changing its plans, erected what was known as the Old Bridge Mill, which was built of stone, one hundred feet by forty feet, three stories high, and stood just north of the stream in front of the present Granite Block, on territory subsequently taken by the town in the widening and straightening of Main Street. It seems to have been one of the main purposes of the Pocasset Company in those days to encourage small manufacturers, and to this end it erected buildings successively for ten or fifteen years, which were leased to other parties. In 1825 the Satinet Mill, so called, was erected. In 1826 a stone building was erected on the site of the present engine-room and picker-room of the Pocasset Mill, where the old Quequechan Mill formerly stood. The next year still another stone building was put up, which was afterwards known as the Massasoit, and now as the Watuppa

Mill. All the above buildings were let, the latter - which was thought to be so large that no one firm would want the whole of it, and consequently was built with a partition wall in its centre and two wheelpits - being leased as a whole for fifteen years to that young master business-spirit of the time, Holder Borden. In this way the Pocasset Company fostered the early manufacturing enterprises of the town.

And thus Mr. Borden, though scarcely twenty-five years of age, was continuously engaged in building operations, whether of dwellings, factories, or workshops, in leasing the same, and in buying and conveying real estate.

In 1825, Mr. Borden, with others, obtained acts of incorporation from the Legislatures of Massachusetts and Rhode Island as the Watuppa Reservoir Company, authorized to build a dam and make reserves of water in the Watuppa Ponds while yet the damages for flowing the surrounding lands would be inconsiderable, and realizing, it may be hoped, that some of the waters then in the ponds would ere long be wanted to quench the thirst of the population of the great and prosperous city that they conceived would grow up and occupy the territory between the ponds and Mount Hope Bay.

A man of large capacity, thus early schooled in taking responsible positions in the management of manifold industries, Mr. Borden's advice and aid were largely sought and highly appreciated.

He was for many years in local public life as town clerk, selectman, assessor, and highway surveyor, believing it to be the duty of every citizen to serve the public when called upon to occupy any official position for which he was qualified.

He was a member of the lower branch of the Massachusetts Legislature in 1831, 1834, 1851, and 1864, and was a member of the Senate in 1845 and 1847.

At the time of the agitation of Freemasonry and Anti-Masonry he took decided grounds against secret institutions in a free country, believing them to be unnecessary and of no practical use in a country where the government is the people. Identified with the manufacturing interests from association and business, he acted in the earlier part of his adult life with the National Republican party, until the time when the Masonic question became a distinct issue, and then, as heretofore stated, he was found opposed to the Masonic fraternity. He advocated for those times a protective but not a stimulative tariff, believing that capital should be left free to invigorate all the industrial interests of the country. He was prominent among the early and personal friends of the slave, and made his house an asylum for the fugitives, many of whom he assisted, either directly or indirectly, on their way to Canada and freedom. In 1834, at a time when it was fashionable to mob abolitionists, he opened the Washington School-House, then his private property, in which to form an antislavery society.

In the winter of 1833-34 the questions of the re- J charter of the United States Bank and the removal of the deposits were prominent subjects of public and private discussion, and Mr. Borden was found nearly ; in harmony with the Jackson party upon those questions. This led to his nomination as representative to Congress in the fall of 1834, and he was supported by both the Anti-Masonic and Jacksonian parties for that position. It was a spirited contest, and he was not elected until the third trial, being the first citizen of Fall River ever chosen to said office. In 1836 he was re-elected to the Twenty-fifth Congress by an overwhelming vote. The Twenty-fourth Congress comprised the last two years of the administration of Gen. Jackson, and the Twenty-fifth the first half of the administration of Martin Van Buren ; and besides the bank question, the tariff questions, and the embarrassing questions of finance incident to the period of the most disastrous financial crisis through which the country has ever passed, the slavery question was even then dominant, and began to assume portentous magnitude. New Territories were being acquired, and new States were knocking at the door of the Union, and in every instance the battle had to be fought over again whether they should be admitted unless their constitutions prohibited slavery. The proslavery party were seeking to annex Texas for the purpose of cutting it up into slave States, and the antislavery people of the North were pouring in a mul titude of petitions for the abolition of slavery, only to be jeered at, and met by Congress with a rule that upon their presentation " all such petitions, without further action, should be laid on the table without being debated, printed, or referred." To Mr. Borden, whose heart was so earnest in the anti-slavery cause, it was a source of great satisfaction that in this severe conflict, in influence, in committee, and in vote, if not in debate, he was privileged to participate in the support of the " old man eloquent" in his triumphant battle for the right of petition. With him were such men as Joshua R. Giddings and Stephen C. Phillips and Levi Lincoln and George N. Briggs and Richard Fletcher and William B. Calhoun, whose names might well have been stereotyped into the multitude roll-calls, always in favor of the right of petition.

In the election of 1838, in consequence of some modifications in his views relative to the United States Bank, for the purpose of relieving the financial distress of the country, and his entire want of sympathy with the administration of Van Buren, and possibly his extreme anti-slavery principles, Mr. Borden was defeated, and the Hon. Henry Williams, of Taunton, elected.

But in 1840, Mr. Borden's friends again rallied to his support and elected him to the Twenty-seventh Congress, covering the period of the first half of the term for which President Harrison was elected, but who, unfortunately for the country, soon died, and was succeeded by Vice-President Tyler, for whose administration no party seems to have had respect. Again the great struggle between slavery and freedom for the colored race was renewed, and while even then the pro-slavery party in Congress were plotting the destruction of the government, John Quincy Adams was threatened with expulsion by the House for presenting the petitions of the women of Massachusetts praying for the peaceable dissolution of the Union. Again Mr. Borden was only too glad to be there and stand shoulder to shoulder with Mr. Adams, whom he loved and venerated, until, after one of the most stormy conflicts, of eleven days' duration, such as even " our stormy hall of legislation" has rarely witnessed, the heroic old man's complete vindication and victory came, his assailants being discomfited and vanquished, and their resolution ignominiously laid upon the table.

At the close of the Twenty-seventh Congress, Mr. Borden declined a renomination. As a legislator he had extensive practical knowledge, a cool, deliberate judgment, and a firm purpose to do what he believed to be right regardless of personal or political consequences to himself. His convictions of duty were ever in advance of any real or supposed interests that were merely personal.

Mr. Borden was a large owner of real estate, a good deal of which was situated in the very centre of the town, and when the great fire of 1843 visited the village he was one of the largest sufferers, having eleven buildings consumed, the loss of which was severely felt. His private residence on Second Street, nearly opposite the point where the fire started, was saved by the exertions of friends and neighbors, and was hospitably thrown open to those who had been less fortunate. Although somewhat disheartened Inspirits rallied, and by the advice and encouragement of his friends he immediately set about rebuilding in earnest.

In 1845 the Fall River Railroad was opened as far as Myricks, and the next year it was extended to South Brain tree, connecting there with the Old Colony Railroad. In 1847, Mr. Borden was chosen president, which position he held until 1854, when the Fall River Railroad was consolidated with the Old Colony Railroad, a measure to which he was opposed as being against the best interests of Fall River. During his connection with the railroad the Fall River steamboat line to New York was established, which added largely to his labors. Mr. Borden carried to this position the benefits of his large experience, sound judgment, and practical knowledge, and discharged its duties with his accustomed zeal and efficiency.

During the session of the State Legislature in 1851, the long and memorable contest for the election of a senator in Congress arose, wherein Robert C. Winthrop and Charles Sumner were the leading candidates. Mr. Borden was chosen to the Legislature on the Whig ticket, and to deal justly by his supporters he continued to vote for his old friend and colleague in Congress, Mr. Winthrop, until by town meeting and by petitions from the people of his district, it appeared that a large majority were in favor of Sumner, whereupon he changed his vote, and has the credit of casting the one ballot which secured Sumner's election. As was natural, Mr. Borden's course was considerably criticised at the time, he was blamed for overlooking party lines in so acrimonious a contest, and was even charged with having been instrumental in procuring the expression of his townspeople in the mode it was given. But to Mr. Borden's credit be it said, that he was always a firm believer in the right of the people to " give instructions to their representatives," under Article XIX. of the Bill of Rights of the Constitution of Massachusetts. He therefore, in cheerful obedience to the constitutional right of his constituents as well as in deference to his own personal preference, voted for Charles Sumner, and it is to be hoped that neither the people of Fall River nor of Massachusetts ever had occasion to regret that vote.

In 1856 he was chosen mayor of Fall River, and during the trying times of the winter of 1856-57, while the mills were stopped owing to the greatly depressed condition of the business of cotton manufacture, and hundreds were thrown out of employment and destitute, the constant and untiring efforts of Mr. Borden shone with a benevolence rarely surpassed. He believed that starvation and suffering for want of food should never be permitted in a Christian community having the means to alleviate them, and most nobly did he fulfill his duty. Employment was given to many of the idle laborers, having no legal settlement, at a very cheap rate in necessary work about the city. By this means great improvements were wrought upon the city farm and Oak Grove Cemetery, and in building new streets and repairing old ones at a very small cost to the taxpayers. Mr. Borden believed it to be a just and wise, as well as a humane policy, to provide for the wants of these people temporarily, and secure to the city at the same time the benefits of their cheap labor. They were thus retained at comparatively little additional expense to the city, where their useful services would again soon be in demand, and the objectionable course avoided of throwing them as a burden upon the State, with all the family disorder and social degradation consequent- thereupon. If deeds of kindness and sympathy, coupled with welldirected charity, embalm a man's name in grateful remembrance, such will be the recollection of the name and character of Mr. Borden during this trying time.

Mr. Borden was an alderman from 1850 until his death in 1865, and it mattered little what party or combination was formed against him in his own ward, the people there knew him, ami that was sufficient to secure his election. He was president of the Fall

In stature Mr. Borden was rather short and thick set, but not gross, with a genial countenance. Possessed naturally of a happy, cheerful disposition, he was a pleasant and agreeable companion, a kind and indulgent parent.

In religious faith he was a Unitarian and a firm believer in both the justice and goodness of the Deity. He uniformly maintained that the best preparation for a happy future life was to do well here. Cant and pretence had little influence with him. "The doers of the word," and not the mere pretenders, were in his view Christians. "Show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works" was his favorite text and the rule of his conduct.

And so by holiness in life and godliness in walk, he sought to be judged rather than by any show of the mere ceremonials of profession. Thus sought he his reward. It is what earth can neither give nor take away, " profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come."

Such a character is pleasant to contemplate. With a moral integrity unimpeached and unimpeachable, a large heart and generous sympathies, he passed through life, shedding light upon and assisting by kindly acts his fellow-man wherever found, without regard to the color of his skin, the place of his birth, or the nature of his creed. To oppression he was an enemy, to the oppressed a friend.

At a special meeting of the City Council of Fall River, held on the day of his decease, the following preamble and resolutions were unanimously adopted :

" Whereas, It lias pleased Almighty God to call one of our number, the Hon. Nathaniel B. Borden, from the active arena of life to enter upon the untried scenes of eternity, one venerable in years, rich in experience both in national, State, and municipal legislation, one who has filled the highest executive position in our city, it is therefore

" Resolved, That it is with feelings of solemnity and sorrow that we bow under this dispensation of His providence in severing from the midst of this board one whose services have so long been identified with its action, one whose long experience in the municipal affairs of the city, together with his good judgment, enabled him to give direction to its councils and decisions.

" Resolved, That the members of this board sympathize with the family of the deceased in this their sad bereavement, and commend them to the loving-kindness and compassion of our blessed Lord, who doth not willingly afflict His children, but doeth all things, after the counsel of His own will, f>r our good.

" Resolved, That in token of our esteem for the deceased, we do attend his funeral in a body, and that the public offices of the city be closed on the afternoon of his funeral.

" Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be transmitted to the family of the deceased by the city clerk, and the same be published in the newspapers of the city.''

His fourth wife was Lydia A., daughter of William Slade, of Somerset, Mass., and widow of John Wilbur, of Fall River, whom he married March 14, 1855. She is still living.

Col. Richard Borden

The Borden family traces its ancestry through a long and honored lineage to the blood of the Norsemen, the fierce and warlike vikings of Scandinavia. Later on we find the ancestor of the Bordens of America a soldier with William the Conqueror, and was meted out his full share by that sanguinary chieftain of the spoils of war, and received his just distribution of the lands of the conquered Saxons. The ancestry of Col. Richard Borden is clearly traced to John Borden, of Kent County, England, who was a man of note in the realm. His sons, I Richard and John, emigrated to America in 1635. John Borden and his descendants seem to have soon i passed out of notice of their cotemporaries, but Richard Borden became prominently identified with the settlement of the northern portion of Rhode Island, and died May 25, 1671. From one of his sons, John Borden, a large number of the Bordens in this country are without doubt descended. His eldest son, Richard, was born in 1671, died in 1732. The descent from this Richard Borden to Col. Richard Borden, the subject of this memoir, is as follows : Richard1, Thomas'2, Richard3, Thomas*, Richard5. Thomas, father of Col. Richard, married Mary Hathaway, and had thirteen children.

Col. Richard Borden was born in what is now Fall River (then Freetown), April 12, 1795, and he was in his eighth year when Fall River was incorporated in 1803. He was educated in the common schools in | his native town, and after the period of boyhood, his early years were spent as a farmer, aud to the end of I life he continued his interest in that honorable pur- ; suit. But, step by step, he became identified with all the different leading business interests of the rapidlygrowing town, village, and city. He was early identified with the maritime interests of the place, and gave fresh impulse to the local shipping pursuit when as yet it was but a rural village. While still a young man he ran a grist-mill (1812-20), which stood just west of the present Annawan Mill, where the corn of the whole region was ground. In company with his brother Jefferson, it was his custom to go down to Prudence and Conanicut Islands, in the sloop " Irene and Betsey," which carried about two hundred and fifty bushels of corn, and having secured a load, to return to Fall River and discharge it directly into the mill. The "Irene and Betsey" was also used as a packet between Fall River and the neighboring places, and the surplus meal was sold in Warren, Bristol, or Providence, and a return freight secured of provisions, groceries, cotton, etc. Another mill was placed on the north bank of the creek, at the next fall above, where the Annawan Mill is now, and a tramway had been constructed from this mill (known as the Davenport Mill, but owned by Richard Borden, the uncle of Col. Richard) to the shore, and a car run up and down this incline, drawn by a rope. This rope was wound on a drum, which connected by gearing with the water-wheel, and thus the water-power was made to do double service. The great strength of the colonel was always a marvel to the small boys sent on horseback with a grist to grind, it being his ordinary feat, after putting two or three two-bushel bags of meal on the horse with the greatest ease, to take the boy and lift him to his place on top of all. It was about this period he joined Maj. Durfee in the construction of several small vessels, the lumber for which was prepared in a saw-mill adjoining the grist-mill. Here, too, the strength of the colonel found development, as single-handed he would roll into position great whiteoak or mahogany butts, two feet through and twenty feet long.

The year 1821 ushered in an important era in the history of Fall River. In that year was organized the Fall River Iron- Works Company, which for sixty years has been a powerful element in the financial operations of Fall River. In the organization of this company, that " earliest germ of the wealth of the city," Col. Borden took an active part, and was appointed treasurer and agent, a position which he filled with distinguished ability up to the day of his final withdrawal from business, a period of over fifty years. The Iron-Works Company meeting with assured success almost from the start, soon turned its attention to the improvement of its landed estate, water-power, etc., and as part owners became largely interested in enterprises somewhat foreign to its own legitimate sphere of work. The agent of the company, as its representative, thus became an active participant in all these schemes, and the business tact and skill of Col. Borden were brought into fullest exercise. In this way the Iron-Works Company became owner in the Watuppa Reservoir Company, organized in 1826; in the Troy Cotton and Woolen Manufactory ; in the Fall River Manufactory; in the Annawan Mill, built by it in 1825 ; in the American Print-Works, whose buildings were all erected by the Iron- Works Company in 1834, and leased to the Print-Works Company; in the Metacomet Mill, built in 1846; in the Fall River Railroad, opened in 1846 ; in the Bay State Steamboat Line, established in 1847 ; in the Fall River Gas- Works, built in 1847 ; as well as in the erection at various times of buildings which were leased to individuals for the establishment of business or private manufacturing enterprises.

Fall River

The care and development of the interests of these corporations brought into exercise those qualities which mark the highest order of business talent, and which in him were combined to a remarkable degree, namely, clearness of perception, excellent judgment, and great energy, together with the highest and purest moral integrity. Col. Borden was a thorough business man, and devoted himself untiringly to the trusts imposed upon him. These were enough to crush any common man, but he possessed that happy faculty of dropping one subject completely and taking up another as occasion required, and when he left his office he left his business there too, putting it off as an outer garment, so that in his home and in his family he was untrammelled and free from care, the loving father and grandparent, the genial host, the centre of the heart's warmest affections and highest esteem.

It is not surprising, therefore, that he filled a most uncommon list of offices of trust in the community and in the State. In the cotton manufacturing industries of the city he was conspicuously interested, being identified with several companies either as originator or director. He was president and director of the American Print- Works, the American Linen Company, the Troy Cotton and Woolen Manufactory, the Richard Borden Mill Company, and the Mount Hope Mill Company, and director of the Anuawan and the Metacomet Mill Companies. He was president and director of the Fall River National Bank, director and treasurer of the Fall River Iron-Works, president of the Watuppa Reservoir Company, agent of the Fall River Furnace Company, and director of the Fall River Gas Company. In corporations operating outside his own home his interests were also large and his administrative ability recognized. He was president of the Bay State Steamboat Company^ Providence Tool Company, Cape Cod Railroad Company, the Borden Mining Comrjany of Frostburg, Md., and director in the Old Colony Railroad Company. One of those men whom office has to. seek, though his patriotism and conspicuous public service in an individual capacity might easily have secured him any position his ambition could have aspired to in his native commonwealth, the legislative terms he filled both in the Senate1 and House of Representatives were probably the most ungrateful duties of a long life of duty, and yet while the highest political position possessed no exaltation to attract him, his genuine appreciation of a citizen's duty would not allow him to refuse the humble town or village dignity of assessor or highway surveyor, when his service seemed obviously needed. If there was one public recognition of his patriotism and public worthiness those who know him can fancy he took pleasure in, it was doubtless the honor accorded to him by the

1 He was elected to the Lower House in 1871 , and to the Senate in 1854. In the former he served on the Committee on Mercantile Affairs and Insurance, and in the Senate on the Committee on Claims.

Col. Borden's ship-building and boating experiences fitted him for further enterprise in the same line, and under the auspices of the Iron-Works Company a regular line of steamers was established between Fall River and Providence, commencing in 1827 with the steamer " Hancock." Other steamers had previously attempted to establish communication between Fall River and the neighboring places, but with only partial success. The " Hancock" was succeeded in 1832 by the steamer " King Philip," the " King Philip" succeeded in 1845 by the steamer " Bradford Durfee," and in 1874 the steamer " Richard Borden" was also placed upon the route.

One of the largest debts of gratitude which Fall River owes to Col. Borden is for the present admirable system of communication with New York and Boston. Up to 1846 there was no communication direct by steam with either city, though the traveler could, by going to Providence or Stonington, catch a train or a boat. At this time Col. Borden projected, and mainly by his own effort constructed, a railroad from Fall River to Myrick's, to connect with the New Bedford and Taunton Railroad, and using the latter to join the Prov.dence Railroad and complete the route by rail to Boston. This was an eccentric way of reaching the State capital, and the next advance was consequently made to South Braintree, striking the Old Colony Railroad of that day. A satisfactory through route was thus secured ; but Col. Borden, not satisfied yet, was ambitious not only to have the communication opened for his favorite city, but to make it self-sustaining. With this view he organized the Cape Cod Railroad Company, of which he was president, and constructed a line from Middleborough down to the Cape, as a feeder for his Fall River route. The care, administrative and executive ability, and the financial involvement - for he was not only the designer but the banker of the enterprise - were excessive demands to be made upon one man in that comparatively early day; but Col. Borden's resources in all respects were equal to the exigency. It was his good fortune soon to see his railroad enterprise at least relatively a success. His purpose in freeing Fall River from its isolation was at any rate accomplished, and in a year or two he was relieved of his new responsibility by a consolidation of the roads he had constructed with the Old Colony.

In the mean time, being the second year (1847) of the Fall River Railroad, observing the success of the two steamboat lines running between Stonington and Norwich (Conn.) and New York, Col. Borden determined to inaugurate a similar water communication for Fall River. The capital appropriated was three hundred thousand dollars, and the line was started in 1847 with the " Bay State," a line craft for that day, built for the company, and the old " Massachusetts," chartered as an alternate boat. The following year the " Empire State" was launched and put on the route, and in 1854 the mammoth " Metropolis," the most superb boat of her period on Eastern waters. Both boats were paid for out of the earnings of the line, which was such a success as in 1850 to pay six per cent, monthly dividends for ten successive months.

In 1864, dissatisfied with his connection with Boston via the Old Colony Railroad, Col. Borden obtained an act of organization and set about a second through route to Boston, starting from the west side of Mount Hope Bay, opposite Fall River. It was a great scheme, with a warranty of profitable result through its control of the New York boat connection, but en- | tailing great effort and care upon a man, however ; energetic and indefatigable, who was far advanced in j life. Unquestionably the road would have been con- | structed, but the Old Colony corporation could not permit a competing route to either terminus, and its policy, as it could not prevent the action of the new company, was to control it by a purchase. The proposition was accordingly made to Col. Borden to transfer his charter to the Old Colony Company upon terms of a very favorable character to himself and his stockholders. Had he been in middle life, retaining the physical as he still did the mental vigor of maturity, it is doubtful if he would have entertained any proposition however favorable. In his consideration of the business he determined to make it a condition of his acceptance that the Old Colony Railroad Company should purchase the steamboat line to New York. With this proviso he made known his acquiescence in the proposition, and after a short deliberation the Old Colony became possessed of the most profitable water route to New York, and at the same time secured relief from the certainty of a very dangerous competition.

During the war of 1812, Col. Borden joined the local militia company as a private, and was promoted while yet in his minority. He was first commissioned ensign in a company of the Second Regiment of infantry July 30, 1814. Sept. 14, 1815, he was commissioned lieutenant in the same regiment. He received his first commission as captain April 11, 1818, and his second commission as captain May 2, 1822, both in the Fifth Regiment of infantry. He was made lieutenant-colonel of the same regiment June 28, 1823, and colonel March 12, 1828. After this promotion he withdrew from the service that others might gain for themselves as noble or higher honors. His patriotism during the late civil war, developed in a most active interest on behalf of the Union and an earnest care for the well-being of its defenders, will not be forgotten while the beautiful monument and grounds of the soldiers' burial-place, given by him, at the entrance of Oak Grove Cemetery, and the Richard Borden Post of the Grand Army of the Republic, named in honor of his benevolence to the soldiers and their families in the trying days of the Rebellion, remain to perpetuate his memory.

Personally, Richard Borden represented the best type of that pure, straightforward, stalwart Saxon virtue which has proven New England's best inheritance from the mother-country. His sympathies were given to all good things; he was a man broad in his views, true and steadfast in his convictions and feelings. A sincere, outspoken Christian in early life, identifying himself with those observant of the Sabbath, the public services of the sanctuary and the requirements of the gospel, he became, in 1826, a member of the First Congregational Church of the city, and afterwards one of the leaders of the Central Congregational Church, which to his energy, liberality, piety, and judicious counsel is largely indebted for the success that has marked its subsequent history. In the mission Sabbath-school work he engaged with his characteristic energy, for a long time going seven miles out of the village for this purpose. His interest in this department of work continued so long as he lived. The benevolence of his nature flowed out as a deep and silent stream. He gave as to him had been given. None sought aid from him in vain when they presented a worthy cause. He was always willing to listen to the appeal of the needy, and sent none such empty away. " Home and foreign charities alike found him ready, yea, often waiting to attend on their calls, and among our institutions of learning not a few are ready to rise up and call him blessed for the timely aid rendered in the hour of their greatest need. Thus he came to be looked upon as the foremost citizen of the place, and his death left a void in the community which no one man will probably ever fill again. Generous, noble-hearted, sagacious, enterprising, of untiring energy and spotless integrity, far-seeing, judicious, ever throwing his influence and his means on the right side, he presents a character for admiration and example which is fragrant with all the best qualities of our New England life."

" Among his last contributions," says the Fall River Daily Evening News of Feb. 25, 1874, "was one of marked generosity to the State Temperance Alliance. The newly-dedicated Children's Home also counts him its most liberal benefactor. ... As one of the corporate members of the American Board of Commissioners of Foreign Missions he was most highly esteemed, not only for his judicious counsel and genial fellowship, but also for his generous contributions."

The cursory sketch of his business career which space has permitted will suggest the conspicuous qualities of Col. Borden's mind and temperament, as the world saw them and events caused them to develop. It is doubtful, however, if any qualities of his can be termed more conspicuous than others, among those who really knew him, so well rounded was his nature. His achievements were many and great, a few of them extraordinary in view of his resources and experience, yet he did not possess one spark of the so-called genius to which exceptional successes are generally ascribed. His brain was like his body, robust and full of forces; his mental process direct and simple ; his faculties of perception and deduction more than the average in quickness and correctness of action ; his scope of observation and consideration general and yet effective. He had, moreover, a thorough self-reliance and self-assertion, yet was not oversanguine. The possession of such a mental structure always assures excellence of judgment and consequent success if combined with a suitable temperament, and such was the fact in the present instance. Col. Borden's nerve was strong and undisturbed by sudden or severe trials. Exceedingly honest of purpose, he was wonderfully persistent when his judgment supported his efforts, never giving up when legitimate means and thorough industry could compass an end he had started for. His industry was his conspicuous quality, if he had one. He was an indefatigable worker while the day lasted.

May 27, 1872, Col. Borden was stricken with paralysis, and from that day forward he was invalid. He sank to rest on the 25th day of February, 1874,

Feb. 22, 1828, he united in marriage with Abby W., daughter of James Durfee, and their children are as follows: Caroline, Thomas J., Richard B., Edward P., William H. H., Matthew C. D., and Sarah W.

Dr. Phineas W. Leland

Dr. Phineas W. Leland was born in Grafton, Mass., in 1798. He entered Brown University, Providence, R. I., in 1821, but left college before the expiration of the usual term of four years, owing to ill health. He studied medicine with Dr. George C. Shattuck, of Boston, and received the degree of M.D. at Bowdoin College, Brunswick, Me., in 1826, and practiced his profession for some time at Medfield, Mass., but abandoned it in 1834, and removed to Fall River, where he received the appointment of Collector of Customs from President Jackson. This position he held in all about twenty years, being reappointed by the successive Democratic administrations. He retired from this otlice in 1860, at the beginning of President Lincoln's administration, and from that time until his death lived in retirement. In the fall of 1842, Dr. Leland was elected to the State Senate, and on taking his seat, in 1843, was elected president of the Senate. This is the only political office he ever held. He retained through life his early attachment to the Democratic party, and was a constant attendant to the conventions of that party until his retirement from public life. The excellence of Dr. Leland's personal character, his large public spirit, and above all the high standard of his literary attainments, gave him a marked individual prominence in the community. He was always interested in everything that tended to improve the literary taste of Fall River, and was identified with many plans to effect this result. He was one of the founders, and for many years president, of the Fall River Athenaeum, and when the Public Library was organized he was elected one of the trustees, a position he held until his death. He served on the building committee of the City Hall, and delivered the address on the occasion of its dedication in 1846. He was always active and ardent in all literary enterprises. Dr. Leland was for many years connected with the press, and his writings were distinguished for a peculiar piquancy and brilliancy. He was the editor of the Fall River Patriot, a journal which was started in 1836, and continued four years. He was also the first editor of the Fall River Weekly News, started in 1845, and after his connection with that journal was severed, he was an occasional and popular contributor.

While a member of the State Senate he contributed a series of articles to the Boston Post, entitled " Pen and Ink Sketches from the Gallery of the Senate Chamber," which were widely read and admired. He was always interested in the study of Indian history, and was thoroughly acquainted with all the Indian lore of this part of New England. For several years previous to his death he was very much of an invalid, and after many weeks of painful suffering he rested Jan. 22, 1870, aged seventy-one years.

Samuel Hathaway

Samuel Hathaway was born in Freetown, Mass., Oct. 31, 1807, his parents being Samuel Hathaway and Hannah Cook. When he was ten years of age his mother, with her four children, of whom he was the eldest, removed to Fall River. His educational advantages were limited, and at an early age he was obliged to leave school and assist in the support of the family. In 1824 he became employed at Robeson's Print Works, where he learned the trade of a color-mixer, and became overseer of the color-shop. He subsequently became manager of the Print Works, which position he retained until 1848, when Mr. Andrew Robeson, Sr., then the principal proprietor, retired from business, and the establishment changed hands. Mr. Hathaway then severed his connection with the Print Works, and retired to agricultural pursuits in the suburbs of the city, a business to which he devoted most of the remaining portion of his life.

Mr. Hathaway was one of the first to organize the Citizens Savings-Bank in 1851, and was ever after till his death one of its board of investment. In 1854 he assisted in organizing the Pocasset Bank, of which he was the rest of his life a director, and during his last ten or twelve years its president. As a hanker he was noted for his sound judgment, strict integrity, and faithful performance of all the trusts reposed in him.

He was also largely interested in the manufacturing interests of Fall River, having been a prime mover in organizing the Robeson Mills, and an active participant in the founding of the Stafford and Davol Mills. He was a director in the Watuppa, Granite, Robeson, Davol, and Stafford Mills, from the time of their organization, and was the president of the Robeson Mills and a director in the Manufacturers' Gas Company.

In all these responsible positions his judgment was valued by his associates. For politics and officeholding he had little taste, though always earnest in the support of correct principles and the elevation of the most suitable men to office. He was a member of the board of aldermen for one year, declining a reelection at the expiration of his term. Though frequently importuned to become a candidate for the office of mayor, he always declined.

For many years Mr. Hathaway was one of the foremost and most valued citizens of Fall River. Possessed of a rugged and independent character, he was always bold in his denunciation of shams and frauds, and earnest in the defense of what he considered to be just and true. His uprightness and integrity were known to all men, and no one had a greater share of public confidence in all fiduciary relations. He was an earnest friend of temperance and active in all efforts for the moral welfare of his native city. He was a friend of the widow and orphan, an earnest hater of pretenses, and will long be remembered for the sterling virtues of his character. His life was well spent, and the memory of his good deeds and upright life will long survive him.

Mr. Hathaway married Abby Warren, daughter of Joseph and Rhoda Warren, March 21, 1832. She was born Aug. 10, 1811, in Fall River, and died Feb. 10, 1869. They had ten children, four of whom died in infancy, and daughter Mary, at sixteen years of age. The surviving children are : Abbie, wife of Eleazer Waldron, of Fall River; Edward E. ; Marion A., wife of Henry Fry, of Providence; Samuel W., and Clarence M.

Hon. Oliver Chace

HON. OLIVER CHACE. Hon. Oliver Chace was born in Swansea, Mass., Nov. 11, 1812. He is descended in a direct line from William Chase, who was the first of the name settling in America, and who came from England in the fleet with Governor Winthrop in 1630, bringing with him his wife, Mary, and his eldest son, William, then a lad about eight years of age. The first residence of William Chase was in Roxbury (now Boston Highlands), Mass., where he lived until 1637. He was a carpenter by trade, and in the winter of 1637-38 made a settlement with Stephen Bachiler and others in Yarmouth, Barnstable Co., Mass., dwelling there until his death in May, 1659. The place of his residence in Yarmouth was near Stony Cove, and his " farm fence" is designated as a boundary in several deeds and other documents.

William2 Chase was born in England about 1622, came with his father to America, married and settled near Herring River, on the east side of the Bass River in Yarmouth, now Dennis or Harwich. His children, born from 1646 to 1672, were connected with the Society of Friends. He died in 1685.

Joseph3 Chase, son of William2, married Sarah Sherman, and reared a large family. He was a member of the Friends' Meeting at Sandwich, Mass., in 1681. In 1688 he was at Portsmouth, R. I., and was a prominent member of the Rhode Island Friends' Meeting until his death, in 1724, at Swansea, Mass.

Job4 Chase, son of Joseph3, was born Aug. 21, 1698, married Patience Bourne Sept. 6, 1718, and resided in Swansea. His will was proved Dec. 25, 1766. The family name of his wife is variously spelled " Born," " Burne," " Bowen," and " Bourne," tradition and ancient records favoring the latter orthography.

Jonathan5 Chase, son of Job, was born May 11, 1728. He married Mary Earle May 13, 1754, and had eleven children, of whom Oliver was the seventh. Oliver was born Aug. 24, 1769. He married Susanna Buffinton Sept. 15, 1796, by whom he had seven children. He married (second) Mrs. Patience Robinson ; no issue. He enjoyed in early life few of the advantages of birth or circumstances. His father's patrimony was an extremely limited one, and the son's education correspondingly restricted, especially was this a result of the stormy period of the Revolution. Inured to toil and compelled to be industrious in early boyhood, he naturally became noted in after-life for his application and perseverance. In 1806 he took the agency of a small mill in Swansea, in which he became part owner, and commenced the manufacture of cotton yarns. In 1813 he removed to Fall River, and in company with Eber Slade, Sheffel Weaver, Hezekiah Wilson, Benjamin Slade, Amey Borden, and others, erected the Troy Mill and became its agent. At that time Fall River was a village of but a few hundred inhabitants. It was mainly through his efforts that the Pocasset Company was projected and established in 1821, and for many years he controlled and managed its interests. He was remarkable for the possession of many prominent traits of character, among which may be mentioned clear and sound judgment, punctuality, industry, and integrity. He was the first to spell the family name "Chace." He died at Fall River in 1852.

Hon. Oliver Chace came with his parents from Swansea to Fall River in 1813, when only one year of age. His education was obtained at the district schools in Fall River, and at the Friends' school in Providence, R. I. Upon leaving school he entered the variety store of Caleb Viekery, where he remained but a short time. He then accepted a clerkship in the office of the cotton manufactory of Chace & Luther, his brother being the senior partner. A few years later he formed a copartnership with Israel Buffington, under the firm-name of Buffington & Chace, and engaged in the manufacture of cotton laps, which business he continued until 1838, when in company with Joseph C. Anthony, firm-name Chace & Anthony, he engaged in the manufacture of cotton yarns. In 1840 he erected the Mount Hope Mills, of which he was sole proprietor and business manager for more than twenty-five years. He also conducted a large farm located in that part of Tiverton, R. 1., now Fall River, Mass., including part of the Park and lands adjacent on the south. He was a director of the National Union Bank from 1842 to 1854. In 1851 he was prominent in establishing, and was one of the corporators of the Citizens' Savings-Bank, and was trustee and member of its board of investment until June 9, 1856. He was one of the corporators of the Pocasset National Bank in 1854, and was its president from the time of its incorporation until June 7, 1862. He was interested in various enterprises, and assisted in establishing and building up many of the great manufacturing concerns of Fall River, which stand to-day as monuments to the energy and enterprise of their founders. While his was eminently an active business life, he was repeatedly called by his fellowcitizens to fill important trusts. He was an assessor of taxes, an overseer of the poor, a member of the Town Council, and was several times elected to the General Assembly of Rhode Island, both as representative and senator. In politics he was a Whig and a Republican.

He was the originator of the Fall River Manufacturers' Mutual Insurance Company, which was established solely by his untiring zeal and persistent energy. He was its president from its organization until his death May 6, 1874, and devoted his time and strength to its management even to the detriment of his health. He was a birthright member of the Society of Friends. He married, Nov. 22, 1835, Mary E., (laughter of William S. N. and Mahitable (Church) Allan, of Newport, R. I. She was born Oct. 4, 1813. Their children are Oliver, born Jan. 24, 1837 (died 1837); Benjamin A., born March 19, 1840, married Sarah R. Durfee Jan. 27, 1864; Susan A., born Nov. 20, 1842 (died 1860) ; Mary E., born Nov. 17, 1844, married Crawford E. Lindsey May 27, 1863, and William ()., born 1847 (died 1848).

Mr. ( lhace was an outspoken and persistent opponent of American slavery, an advocate of temperance and other reforms, and was to the full measure of his ability a helper of those around him who needed and deserved encouragement and assistance, and was a considerate and generous friend to the poor. He was a man of positive character, but kind and generous in his impulses, of quick perception and sound judgment. Public spirited to a fault, active and earnest in all he did, he brought to bear upon whatever he undertook great enthusiasm and the whole strength of his nature.

Cook Borden

The Bordens from whom he is descended were originally from Bourdonnay, an ancient village in Normandy, France. The first of the name in England was a soldier under William the Conqueror, who, after the battle of Hastings (a.d. 1066), was assigned lands in the County of Kent. Here the family subsequently acquired wealth and influence, and the village where they resided was named Borden.

The father of Richard and John Borden, the first emigrants to America, removed to Wales in order to secure to his family larger religious liberty than they could enjoy in England. Richard and John married in Wales, and afterwards returned to Borden, England, with a view of emigrating to America, which they did in 1635, in the ship " Elizabeth," Roger Cooper, master. For a short time they resided near Boston, but preferring the greater freedom of Rhode Island, they chose that colony as their future home.

Richard, the elder brother, and progenitor of the family to which this writing refers, chose, with other pioneers, the north end of the island, and was one of three men to lay out the original town of Portsmouth, R. I. His son Matthew, born there in May, 1638, was the first white child born on the island of Rhode Island.

John, the fifth son of Richard and Joan Borden, was born in September, 1640 ; married Mary, daughter of William Earle, and died June 4, 1716. His wife, Mary, died in June, 1734, aged seventy-nine years. He was a prominent Friend, and was extensively known among the Friends at a distance as -'John Borden, of Quaker Hill, Portsmouth, R. I."

Richard, of the third generation, was the eldest son of John Borden, and was born Oct. 24, 1671. He was a large land-owner in Tiverton. He and his brother Joseph bought of Capt. Benjamin Church twenty-six and a half thirtieths of the mill-stream and mill-lot at Fall River, which he bequeathed, with other lands, to his four sons, John, Thomas, Joseph, and Samuel. He died July 12, 1732.

Thomas Borden, through whom the family line is continued, was born Dec. 8, 1697, and married Mary Gifford, 1721. He was a farmer and considerable land-owner in Tiverton, and owned a large interest in the Fall River stream. He died in 1739, in the forty-third year of his age.

Richard Borden, of the fifth generation, was a farmer and mill-owner in Fall River. During the Revolution he was taken a prisoner by the British, and carried to Newport, R. I. While on his way a chain-shot from the American fort at Bristol killed two British soldiers who had him in charge, while he, lying close upon the deck, escaped unharmed. He died July 4, 1795, aged seventy-four years. This Richard was the grandfather of Cook Borden. His wife was Hope Cook, whom he married March 12, 1747. His sons were Thomas and Eichard, the last named being the father of the subject of this memoir.

Richard Borden, of the sixth generation, married Patty Bowen, and had ten children, of whom Cook was the seventh in the order of birth. He was also the seventh in descent from the original Richard Borden, who came from England in 1635. Of the eleven children of the first Richard and his wife Joan, Mary, the youngest, married John Cook in 1684. Thus early the Bordens and Cooks became intermarried, and from this came the given name of our subject. The Cooks were among the early settlers of Rhode Island, and also of Eastern Massachusetts.

Cook Borden was born in Fall River, Mass. (in that portion then Tiverton, R. I.), Jan. 18, 1810. He married Mary A. Bessey, Jan. 1, 1832, and about that time built a residence on his estate in Tiverton, where he spent the remainder of his life, and where his widow and sons now reside. By the change of boundary line it has since come into Fall River. Before the change Mr. Borden held the office of assessor in his town, and represented it one term in the Legislature. He was, however, a business man rather than a politician, and never sought the honors or emoluments of office. He was a self-made man, and rose to the prominence which he attained chiefly by his own exertions. The weight of his character gave him position and respectability, although few men have been able to look back to a nobler line of ancestors. Few men have better illustrated the dignity of labor or the value of economy in early manhood.

His father died when he was about eighteen, and his first money was procured by his own labor. When starting out in business he sold the portion of the farm left him by his father, situated west of Main Street, for a sum not exceeding twelve, hundred dollars, and this was all the capital he had, except what he made for himself. Before he embarked in business on his own account he worked several years for Frost & Gurney, the original lumber dealers of Fall River. He then commenced the lumber business for himself near Lindsey's Wharf, on lands now occupied by the new freight depot of the Old Colony Railroad Company. His business grew to be large and profitable, and in 1846 he bought Bowenville, and removed his yard to the site which it now occupies.

Mr. William Cogswell, cashier of the old Tiverton Bank, was his partner for many years from the first inception of the business, and he had other partners, until at last his sons, who had grown up in the business, took their places by his side, and have carried on the business since his death, the style of the firm, " Cook Borden & Co.," remaining unchanged.

We have mentioned the marriage of Mr. Borden to Mary Bessey on the first day of the year 1832. Mrs. Borden still survives. Their children have been : (1) Mary J., died young ; (2) Mary J., married Dr. James W. Hartley, May 1, 1853; (3) Theodore W., married Mary L. Davol, June 10, 1859; (4) Avis, died young;

Mr. Borden died Sept. 20, 1880, in the seventy-first year of his age. From notices published at the time of his death we select the following, which is no overdrawn estimate of his character and worth as a man and a citizen :

" Mr. Borden from his birth, which occurred in this city in 1810, by his long business life and close association with the varied industries of the city, was as intimately connected with Fall River, its peculiarities and aspirations, as a man well could be. Related by ties of blood to most of our old families, and acquainted by business associations with almost everybody in the city who had connections with our manufacturing and mercantile interests, he was one of the best known of our prominent men. His acquaintance was confined to no one class ; the operative, the laborer, the mechanic, the fisherman, the tradesman, the manufacturer, the professional man, the clergyman, all knew him; and in his long, large list of acquaintances there was not one that did not know him to respect him. Naturally reserved and reticent, he was better known upon closer acquaintance. There was nothing about him flashy or eager; he was solid, conservative, steady.

" Mr. Borden was not selfish or avaricious. Many a man now lives in Fall River who has tested his kindness of heart and willingness to help one who was trying honorably to help himself. He was also a man of deep religious convictions, and for many years had been a consistent and earnest member of the First Baptist Church of Fall River. He was always to be found in his seat on Sundays in the days of his health, and never tired in service or in giving. He was one of the largest contributors to his church and other religious agencies.

" Mr. Borden was fond of out-of-door sports, especially of fishing. He knew all about our coast and the best fishing-grounds. He was almost an authority on these matters. In pleasant weather he delighted to be on the water, and was an expert in the use of the fishing-line.

" He always applied himself to business, and his life was one of labor and constant application. In his large lumber business, one of the best-known establishments of the kind in this part of New England, he has lately been associated with his three sons. The business grew from a modest beginning into large dimensions. He has held a long list of offices of trust, and his death will leave many vacancies to be filled. He was president of the Union National

W. B. TRAFFORD. William B. Trafford, son of William Bradford and Sarah (Castinow) Trafford, was born in Dartmouth, Mass., Dec. 5, 1819. He was descended, in the sixth generation, from a prominent Protestant family of England, which, under the popish persecutions, suffered much in person and estate. The first Trafford who started for America was a wealthy gentleman living near London. He Avas selected as a victim for death during the last Catholic persecution in England, and was warned when the officers coming to arrest him were approaching his house, and not having time to escape he hastily put on his groom's clothes and engaged in labor in the stables. The officers came, found no one but the grooms, and departed. Trafford then left the place, and chartered a vessel to remove himself and family to America. Here he passes from our knowledge. Whether he was captured and was executed, or died while at sea, are equally unknown to us. The vessel, however, came to America, and landed at Dartmouth, Mass., about 1690, bringing his two sons, one of whom was Thomas. The English estates were confiscated, and reverted to the crown. Thomas settled in Dartmouth, married, and had children. The other son settled in New Jersey, and his descendants are numerous in the Middle and Western States. From the landing at Dartmouth the Trafford family has been connected with the history of Bristol County. The oldest son of Thomas and the only child attaining maturity was Philip. He had a son Joseph, who was a Revolutionary soldier under Washington. Tradition says that once, while he was standing guard, Washington endeavored to make the rounds without giving the countersign. He succeeded in passing two of the guards, but Trafford refused to let him pass until he had given the proper countersign. From that time Joseph Trafford was the one chosen for duties of great trust and especial responsibilities, and he was rapidly promoted, becoming one of the best officers in his division. He lived and died in Dartmouth, leaving seven children, Samuel, Joseph, William Bradford1, Philip, Phebe, Ruth, and Naomi. (We find in family records that Joseph had a brother Elihti, who with two others ran a vessel from New Bedford to New York and up the Connecticut River. While the vessel was moored at New Bedford, Elihu and two others started on foot to visit their friends in Dartmouth. When but a short distance out they observed British soldiers following them, when they shot at them, and the soldiers returning their fire instantly killed all three.) Joseph lived to a hale old age, and was esteemed for his strength of character and general worthiness.

William Bradford Trafford, the first of this family to bear the name of the old colonial Governor, was born in Dartmouth, and was a mariner. He had two daughters, Ruth and Nancy A., and one son, William Bradford-. (Nancy, born Feb. 11, 1811, is now living at Westport, Mass.) He left not much to record, as shortly before the birth of his son he went to sea, where he probably was lost, as he never returned, and no tidings ever came of him.

William B. Trafford2 had very limited advantages of schools, and from the age of ten, when he began to work in the mills at Fall River, until his death he was constantly at work with hands and brain, and during his long and busy career no one ever won more or warmer friends. The support of his mother's family in time largely devolved on him, and well did he discharge the trust. (His mother is yet living at Westport, Mass., aged ninety-one. She married a second time a Mr. Lewis, and George and Elijah Lewis, so long connected with Mr. Trafford in the Westport Manufacturing Company, were her sons by this marriage. She was daughter of Raymond Castinow, who emigrated to America from France, married Phebe Salisbury, resided in Westport, Mass., and had seven children, - Raymond, John, Phebe, Martha, Hannah, Barbara, and Sarah C, - and died aged seventy-six. Mrs. Castinow died aged forty-seven.) From his fifteenth year Mr. Trafford carried on business for himself, hiring machinery and working diligently, and developed those traits of economy and thrift so marked in later life. In the spring of 1846 he entered into copartnership with a fellow-workman, Augustus Chace, as Chace & Trafford. They had only a small beginning, the savings from their wages as mill operatives. Mr. Chace contributed two thousand three hundred dollars, Mr. Trafford seven hundred dollars. With this capital they purchased a small lot and water privilege at Globe village, and put up a very small mill for spinning coarse yarn, for which their means would only allow the purchase of second-hand machinery. The machinery being in poor order it was not easy to hire operatives, but the partners were men whose capacity for work enabled them alone to achieve as much labor as six hired operatives. The stream was small, and as it furnished their only jiower, to avoid the waste of any water they very frequently ran their machinery night and day, and for a long period habitually they would work until two or three o'clock in the morning. To such labor there could only come one result, - wealth. After enlarging the capacity of this mill they purchased the Westport mill, Mr. Trafford taking the management of that, and settled in Westport in June, 1854. About 1861 the interests were divided, Mr. Trafford and his half-brothers, George and Elijah Lewis, who had been previously connected with the business, taking the Westport Mills, which were organized and operated by the Westport Manufacturing Company. Mr. Trafford continued as business manager until his death, Feb. 4, 1880, having, however, returned to Fall River Sept. 16, 1876, where he continued to reside till his death. His brothers attended as well to the mechanical departments as he to the financial, and all worked in harmony. Additions and extensive improvements were from time to time made, and the company has been very prosperous.

Mr. Trafford married, first, Abby W. Borden, May 15, 1842. She died Nov. 2, 1856. Their children were William C, Andrew R., Charles A., and Orrin F. April 19, 1858, he married Rachel M., daughter of Perry and Ruth (Macomber) Davis. Their children are Allison W., H. Lester, Perry D., and Bernard W. (A most wonderful and strong attachment exists between the four older children and the second wife of Mr. Trafford. She has nobly filled a mother's place in their young lives, and her care and attention has been fully appreciated by them. Her comfort is their first care.) All the children are living but Orrin F., who was thrown from a buggy Nov. 18, 1880, and instantly killed. William C. succeeds his father as manager of the Westport Manufacturing Company. Andrew R. resides in Westport, and has three children, - Abby W., Orrin I., and Edith C. Orrin left two daughters, - Rachie B. and Orena F. Charles A. and Allison W. reside in Providence, R. I. Charles has two children, - Minnie .E. and William Bradford. Henry L., Perry D., and Bernard W. are residing with their mother in Fall River.

Mr. Trafford was a consistent member of the Franklin Street Christian Church, of Fall River. He was Republican in politics, and as such represented the town of Tiverton, R. I., in the State Legislature as senator in 1857. For many years he was a director in the Fall River National Bank. A beautiful and costly monument marks his resting-place in the Oak Grove Cemetery at Fall River, but his memory will be kept green in the hearts of the many who learned to prize him for his unassuming worth, his pleasant ways, his sterling integrity, and his liberality to all worthy social, public, and religious causes. He was more than an ordinary man. Without early education, he rose, by the force of his own ability, to stand in the front rank of the business men of his day, and left a large estate as the result of his ability. In religious, business, social, and family relations his death left a vacuum in many hearts that can never be filled by another.

Thomas Almy

THOMAS ALMY. No sketch of the lives of men who have contributed to the upbuilding of the social and material growth of Fall River would be complete without mention of the late Thomas Almy. With his name more than that of any other citizen must always be associated the history of journalism in Fall River. His life spanned almost the entire period in which Fall River journalism grew from fitful and spasmodic ventures into a permanent and powerful influence in directing the thought and energies of the community.

Thomas Almy's life was spent in this city, or within a few miles from it. He was born in the neighboring town of Tiverton, R. I., on Feb. 28, 1819. His parents were Deacon Thomas and Lydia (Bailey) Almy, and his early life was spent on a farm in his native State, where he developed that strong character and sturdy manliness which distinguished him in his more mature years. He enjoyed such advantages and education in his youth as substantial New England farmers there gave to their children. His affectionate disposition and amiability of temper made him popular with his youthful associates, and many of the friendships made when he was a lad were maintained all his life. His willingness to work and unwillingness toshirk his just share of the labor such as was then incidental to the life of a boy on a farm were exhibited throughout all his boyhood and youth, and afterwards, even under trying conditions and in ill-health, won distinguishing characteristics in all his relations of life. When he left the farm he went to Bristol, R. I., where he became apprenticed in the printing business to Hon. W. H. S. Bailey, at the office of the Bristol Pfycsnix. In this establishment he learned thoroughly the printer's trade. His next change, was made by a removal to Providence, R. I., where he was engaged as a compositor at the office of the Providence Journal. The country lad soon was recognized as having much promise. His fidelity, integrity, and energy were manifested in both cities, and in later years he would speak with affectionate admiration of his early employers and those who befriended him in his youth. After Mr. Almy had attained his majority he decided to start in business for himself, and his attention was called to Fall River, which had then acquired some prominence as a manufacturing town. He came to this city before 1840, and after working for a short time in the office of the Patriot, a small weekly paper, he associated himself in business with the late Louis Lapham, and commenced the publication, in 1841, of the weekly Archetype. This journal was subsequently followed by the Weekly Argus, of which Mr. Almy and the late Jonathan Slade were the publishers, but, like its predecessor, this sheet had a fitful existence, and the young publisher had the misfortune of losing his office and material in the great fire of 1843. He was not disheartened by his loss, and soon after commenced the publication of the Mechanic, and still later the Wampanoag. In all these ventures there was much hard work and anxiety, but the earnest, ambitious young printer was not so easily discouraged. He played a manly part and was constantly making friends. These weeklies invariably inculcated the importance of the temperance reform and the elevation of the working-classes. In 1845, when the old Whig and Democratic parties were wrestling for the control of the country, a number of leading Democrats in Fall River decided to start a weekly newspaper which was to represent the principles of that party in this city. These gentlemen employed Mr. Almy and Mr. John C. Milne, also a young printer at that time, to manage the printing and publication of their paper.

In this way was born the Weekly News, with which paper all of Mr. Almy's subsequent years were most intimately associated. The enterprise was arduous, laborious, and difficult. The responsibilities thrown upon the two young publishers seemed very great, but industry and perseverance* surmounted all obstacles. One by one the original proprietors sold their interest to the firm of Almy & Milne, until they became the sole owners of the journal. Among their early contributors were Dr. Foster Hooper, Dr. Phineas W. Lelaud, Jonathan Slade, Esq., and the Rev. John Westall, who was ever afterwards Mr. Almy's loved and trusted friend. The Weekly News remained an adherent of the Democratic party until that organization became fatally entangled in the meshes of the slave power, and the publishers, after adopting the principles of the anti-slavery movement, became identified with the rising and growing Republican party. The increase of population in Fall River demanded a daily paper, and in 1859, the year before the outbreak of the great civil war, the Daily News was started, and its publication has been witnessed simultaneously ever since with that of the Weekly News. The co-partnership of Almy & Milne was never dissolved until the death of Mr. Almy. In 1864 it became Almy, Milne & Co., by the addition of Mr. Franklin L. Almy, wdio had been an employe in the office from the very beginning. The prosperity of the paper was largely due to the sound judgment, excellent sense, and unwearied eflbrts of Mr. Almy, who never spared any honorable means to make it worthy of sound popular approval.

October 1, 1846, Mr. Almy was married to Hannah T. Almy, a daughter of Langworthy and Edith G. Almy. The ceremony was performed by the late Rev. Benjamin Phelan. With gathering years Mr. Almy's character became rounded and ripened into a splendid manhood. He constantly grew into the universal respect and esteem of the community, and became known as a stanch, earnest, and true laborer in every good cause. He identified himself with the manufacturing interests of Fall River, and served as a director in the Osborne and Wampanoag Mills. He was also a director in the Second National Bank, and was a trustee and member of the board of investment of the Five Cents Savings-Bank. He was for some years secretary of the Children's Home, and was always a liberal friend of that excellent charity.

The moral side of Mr. Almy's character will longest i be remembered. In him the temperance cause had a devoted friend. His church relations were sweet and beautiful. He was a disciple of Emanuel Swedenborg, and for many years was a member of the Church of the New Jerusalem. In this society his position was almost patriarchal. He loved its ministrations, its Sunday-school, and gatherings. His place was never vacant when his health allowed. His spiritual and religious life, although modest and unostentatious, was deeply devout. Religion was in him a daily walk, his evening incense and morning devotion.

His noble life made his faith respected. His charity and philanthropy were bounded only by his means. He was the friend of the poor and needy, of those in sorrow, of the struggling young man or woman who came for assistance or advice. Like gathering sunshine his good deeds gilded his life and sweetened his declining years.

In search of health and needed rest, and in fulfillment of the dream of years, he, with his wife and his partner, Mr. Milne and wife, had joined an excursion party for California, the month previous. Mr. Almy's health had been feeble for some time, and the long journey was too much for his weakened physical powers. He died shortly after reaching his brother's house. His remains were brought to Fall River and interred in Oak Grove Cemetery, his beloved pastor, Rev. John Westall, conducting the funeral services.

Words of praise seem almost out of place in writing of one whose modesty and self-forgetfulness would lead him, if alive, to shrink from panegyric. But memory loves to linger on the history of a man so thoroughly true and manly as Thomas Almy.

His death was universally mourned. His beautiful and serene life was a legacy to the community where he lived, and will blossom in unknown paths and quiet places wherever his influence may have reached.

Well did he act his part in life ; well did he win the crown of immortality. Though his name has not figured in the great fields of action which led to worldly renown, he none the less lived the life of a moral hero, and shrauk not from the duty of the hour.

To his friends and in the family circle loving and gentle; to the world retiring and unobtrusive, those who were admitted to his friendship will never forget in him "that best portion of a good man's life, his little nameless, unnumbered acts of kindness and of love."

The various corporations and societies of which Mr. Almy was a member put upon record appropriate expressions of their esteem and respect for his memory. From the records of the directors of the Second National Bank, of Fall River, we copy the following :

" Our late associate, director, and friend, Mr. Thomas Almy, having been suddenly called from this life while away from home seeking restoration

" Mr. Almy was one of the original directors of , this bank, having been elected to that position Sept. 23, 1856, while it was a State institution with the name of Wamsutta Bank, was re-elected under its present organization as the Second National Bank, March 19, 1864. He has therefore been connected with this institution nearly twenty-six years, - years | of more than usual interest and responsibility, covering times of great prosperity and corresponding adversity of peculiar trial and discipline. Throughout these years he has been a faithful, diligent officer, attending to his duties in a careful, conscientious, and gentlemanly manner, winning our affectionate regard by his kindly, honest, and efficient service. Firm when occasion demanded it, he was ever gentle in his deportment, and especially endeared himself by his thoughtful consideration of the feelings of others. He had decided opinions of his own, but was always careful and modest in the expression of them so as not to reflect or seem to reflect upon the opinions of others, or wound their sensibilities.

" We shall miss him from his seat at this board, where for so many years he has been a valued member, but we rejoice in the feeling that it is well with him in the larger life into which he has now entered. As friends we tender our heartfelt sympathy to the afflicted family in this their bereavement, and will join them in paying the last tribute of respect to his remains by attending his funeral services." -

The directors of the Wampanoag Company put upon their records a similar tribute, saying among other things, "The passing away of such a man, whose long residence in this community, and intimate connection with its interests, moral as well as material, is an event that will be deplored wherever he was known."

The Massachusetts Association, of which he was a member and often a delegate, adopted the following brief expression of their sense of his character and services to the church :

" Resolved, That this association hereby records its high appreciation of his character, and its grateful acknowledgments of his quiet but useful service to the church."

Jonathan T. Lincoln

Prominent among the industries of Fall River, and one deserving more than a passing notice, is the machine-works of Kilburn, Lincoln & Co. The success of this industry, the business history of which covers a period of nearly forty years, is largely due to the mechanical ingenuity and business sagacity of Jonathan Thayer Lincoln.

earliest settlers in Bristol County. He was a son of Caleb and Mercy (Thayer) Lincoln, and was born in Taunton, Oct. 17, 1805. Their other children were Nellie (born 1788, died 1865), Nancy (born 1789, died 1874), William (born 1790, died 1822), Betsey (born 1792, died 1882), Hannah (born 1793, died 1874), Leontine (born 1796, died 1820), Maria (born 1798, died 1822), Narcissa (born 1800, died 1827), Caleb Martin (born 1802, died 1855). Lorenzo (born 1803), and Mercy Emmeline (born 1810). Caleb Lincoln was a farmer and miller, living on a farm in the now village of Westville, Taunton, which had been in possession of his family since their settlement in the town about the year 1660, and which is still owned and occupied by one of his sons. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. Caleb's father was William Lincoln, who married Hannah Wade. Children, - Zilphy, Sally, Lurana, Rebecca, Deborah, and Caleb. William's father was Thomas Lincoln, who married Rebecca Walker. Children, - William, Silas, Nathan, and Tabatha.

The family came to Taunton from Hingham. It is an interesting fact that nearly all the Lincoln families in the United States trace, with more or less distinctness, their first settlement therein to Hingham. Hon. Solomon Lincoln, in a monograph on the Lincoln families of Massachusetts, claims that all the Lincolns in Massachusetts are descendants of the Lincolns who settled in Hingham in 1636 and 1638. He says, " We have evidence of authentic records that the early settlers of Hingham of the name of Lincoln were four bearing the name of Thomas, distinguished from each other by their occupations as miller, weaver, cooper, and husbandman ; Stephen (brother of the husbandman), Daniel, and Samuel (brother of the weaver.)" He adds, "Our claim is that the early settlers of Hingham above enumerated were the progenitors of all the Lincolns of this country." From Hingham the Lincolns trace their early home to Norfolk County, England.

The subject of this sketch received the first rudiments of his school education at the old red schoolhouse at Westville, and completed it at the age of sixteeen years at the private school of Rev. Alvin Cobb, a school which early in the century enjoyed considerable local fame. He then went to work for his brother William, who with a cousin, Benjamin Lincoln, had begun the business of cotton-spinning in what was called the Shovel-Cake Factory at Westville. At the age of eighteen he was apprenticed to David Perry, who owned a machine-shop on the White Birch Stream in Dighton. Here he learned the machinist's trade, a trade which had been his choice from boyhood.

When out of his time, at the age of twenty-one, with a new suit of clothes and fifty dollars in money, then the usual "freedom" payment to an apprentice for his three years' service at his trade, he left Taunton for Pawtucket, where he found employment at the machine-shop of David Wilkinson. Here he worked about three years, and had for fellow-workmen David Fales and Alvin Jenks, afterwards founders of the firm of Fales & Jenks, and Clark Tompkins, afterwards the successful machine-maker of Troy, N. Y. He next removed to Taunton, where he lived about a year. It was about this time that he was engaged to change a single-color printing-machine to a multiplecolor machine, one of the first probably ever made in the country.

He came to Fall River in 1829, and in 1831 was employed as master-mechanic by the Massasoit Mill Company, which then leased the mill property on Pocasset Street owned by the Watuppa Manufacturing Company. In 1845-46 the Massasoit Company removed its machinery to its new mill on Davol Street. The Watuppa Company, of which Mr. Linden Cook was agent, decided to fill its mill with improved machinery for the manufacture of cotton goods, and engaged Mr. Lincoln to build a part of the looms, which he did in the machine-shop of the mill. The job of looms was divided into three parts. Mr. Lincoln had at first a third, and Mr. John Kilburn a third, with the understanding with the company that the one who completed his part first should have the remaining third to make. Mr. Lincoln was the successful competitor, and so made two-thirds of the looms. The style of loom then made was widely known as the " Fall River loom."

In 1844, John Kilburn, a native of New Hampshire, began in Fall River the manufacture of cotton-looms and the Fourneyron turbine, the latter a French invention which was being introduced into the New England mills as a water-motor. He had been in business but a short time when his health failed, and he died in 1846.

Shortly after his death a copartnership was formed, comprising his widow, his brother Elijah C, and Mr. Lincoln, which succeeded to the business he had been engaged in establishing. The firm, which was called E. C. Kilburn & Co., manufactured turbines, shafting, and various kinds of machinery for print-works and iron-mills.

Mr. Kilburn had charge of the office-work, and Mr. Lincoln of the mechanical. Both were industrious, hard-working men, and they soon built up a flourishing business. The firm continued until 1856, wdren a new firm, Kilburn, Lincoln & Son, was formed, consisting of Mr. Kilburn, Mr. Lincoln, and his oldest son, Henry C. Lincoln. The younger Mr. Lincoln brought to the business a practical knowledge of mechanics and a thorough business training, having been associated with his father in business in various capacities from early manhood.

Although making many other kinds of machinery, the firm made a specialty of the " Fourneyron Turbine." This turbine, as improved by them, had a large sale, displacing the lumbering breast-wheels, and utilizing a percentage of power the best of them never -25 rivaled. In 1859, Mr. Lincoln made an extensive business tour through the Southern States, his firm having built up a considerable business with the manufacturers of that section of our country.

In 1867 it was found necessary to build a larger machine-shop, and it was decided to add an iron foundry to their works. To insure the new feature being a success, Mr. Charles P. Dring, who had been superintendent of the Fall River Iron- Works Company's foundry for many years, became associated with them. The name was changed to Kilburn, Lincoln & Co., and they became an incorporated company in 1868, under the general incorporation act of Massachusetts. Mr. Lincoln's son-in-law, Andrew Luscomb, who had been engaged with them in the manufacture of musket-ports for the United States government, was also admitted. The new works were completed on a tract of three hundred rods of land in an eligible location near railroads and tide-water, and comprised a machine-shop, iron foundry, brass foundry, pattern-house, paint-shops, warehouse, and setting-up shop. Mr. Lincoln was elected president of the corporation, and remained so until his death. Mr. Kilburn was elected treasurer, which position he held until 1872.

In January, 1869, Mr. Kilburn disposed of the larger part of his interest, and subsequently of all of it, to the other members, and in 1872 he was elected treasurer of the King Philip Mills, which position he still holds. On his retirement Mr. Lincoln's youngest son, Leontine, was elected treasurer.

In 1872 additions were made to the works with a view to the manufacture of looms on a large scale. Since then the company has been among the largest manufacturers of looms for cotton- and silk-weaving. It has a capacity for making fifty looms a week, besides the other kinds of machinery, such as shafting, pulleys, dye-works, and bleachery machinery, of which it makes a specialty. When running full capacity two hundred and twenty-five hands are employed.

Since Mr. Lincoln's death his interest has been held by his family. The company is now organized as follows: President, Henry C. Lincoln ; Treasurer, Leontine Lincoln ; Directors, Henry C. Lincoln, Leontine Lincoln, Andrew Luscomb, and Charles H. Dring.

In 1855, Mr. Lincoln became associated with his brother Lorenzo, his nephew James M., and his son Edward Lincoln, in the business of paper manufacture at North Dighton. The firm was called L. Lincoln & Co., and succeeded to the business which was established in 1850 by Mr. Lincoln's brothers, Caleb M. and Lorenzo. He retired from the firm before his death, his son Edward taking his interest therein. He had the greatest faith in the success of Fall River as a centre for the cotton manufacturing industry, was one of the original stockholders in the Union Mill Company, an owner in several other corporations, and a director in theTecumseh Mills from the time of the organization of that corporation.

Although he took a deep interest in public affairs, Mr. Lincoln was averse to holding public office, and never held but one, that of member of the Common Council of Fall River. He was one of the oldest members of the Mount Hope Lodge of Masons, of which organization he was treasurer for many years. In politics he was a Free-Soil Whig before the formation of the Republican party, when he became an earnest adherent to the principles of that party.

He was a man of sunny temperament, earnest of purpose, charitable in judgment, and distinguished by acts of practical benevolence. The Fall River Daily Neivs closed an editorial notice of his death as follows: " Mr. Lincoln was held in great esteem and respect by his fellow-citizens generally. He had the reputation of being an ingenious and skillful mechanic, and a business man whose integrity was unquestioned. He was a worthy and valuable citizen, whose loss must be felt."

Stephen Davol

Stephen Davol, one of the oldest and most successful cotton manufacturers in New England, was born in Fall River, Nov. 22, 1807, where he has resided to the present time, and has been thoroughly identified with the rapid growth and development of the cotton industry and of the city in general.

The beginning of Mr. Davol's career in connection with the cotton manufacture dates back to the year 1818, when he entered the Troy Mills, working in the mills during the summer, and attending school in the winter. A few years later bleaching and calico-printing was started in this place by Daniel Wright & Co., and the treasurer of the company expressing a wish that young Davol should come with them and learn the business, his father apprenticed him to this firm for three years. The work there being irregular, one week on and two off, he was not satisfied with it, and returned, after a few months' trial of the printing business, to the Troy manufactory, and soon became an overseer of their spinning, dressing, and weaving, where he remained until 1833, when he was called to the superintendency of the Pocasset Mills, and continued in that capacity until the death of the treasurer of the mills, Mr. M. H. Ruggles, in 1857, when Mr. Davol succeeded him as treasurer, and continued in that capacity until 1877. It may be stated also that from 1843 to 1800 he was treasurer of the Troy Cotton and Woolen Manufactory.

At the time Mr. Davol entered the Pocasset Company as superintendent, in 1833, the company was operating 1000 to 1200 spindles in what was known as their Bridge Mill. This mill was burned in the great fire of 1843, and since that time Mills Nos. 1, 2, and 3 have been erected, and this company now operates 56,112 spindles, 1385 looms, and has a capital of $1,161,000.

cotton manufacturer have been largely called upon in these later years, and his opinions are sought on all occasions with reference to manufacturing changes and methods, for even in his practical retiracy he loves to mark the progress of his favorite business, which he has seen rise almost from its birth, with its crude devices and surroundings, and has lived to see the rapid improvements and ingenious applications which have resulted in making a modern cotton-mill one of the wonders of the nineteenth century.

Although Mr. Davol has practically retired from active business life, still his experience and judgment in the cotton business are yet called into requisition, as indicated by his remaining on the board of directors of not less than seven or eight corporations. He is president of the Mechanics' Mills, and a director in this and the Pocasset, Troy, Wampanoag, and Barnard Manufacturing Companies, and in the Spool and Bobbin Company. He is also president of the Fall River Manufacturers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and a director in the Blackstone and Merchants' Fire Insurance Companies of Providence, R. I., and in the Metacomet Bank of this city, and Wautuppa Reservoir Company. In this latter corporation he has been a director over thirty years.

May 18, 1840, Mr. Davol was united in marriage with Sarah F. Chase, and their children were as follows: Bradford Durfee, married Cornelia Wheeden Lincoln, Dec. 1, 1875; Sarah Louisa, married Joseph L. Buffington, Sept. 21, 1864; Mary Anna, married Alexander Dorrance Easton, Sept. 27, 1865; James Clark Chase, married Mary Ellen Brownell ; George Stephen, married Mary Louisa Dean, Sept. 3, 1873 ; Harriette Remington, married Stephen Barnaby Ashley, Feb. 18, 1874 ; Abner Pardon, married Harriet J. Marvell ; Charles M. R. and Clara Freeborn. All living except Clara, who died in 1881. Mr. Davol is a public-spirited citizen, and all measures tending to the advancement of his native town find in him an earnest advocate.