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

From what we can learn of the family it appears that Edward Richards came from a race of gentlemen, who were so by race, education, and association. His sires in their several generations had been men of wealth and social position, receiving homage not only for their own worth but for their lineage also. He must have been known by reputation by the citizens of Attleborough before his advent among them, for he seems to have taken a foremost position among them immediately upon his arrival. During the Revolution he was especially prominent, and served his adopted town most faithfully in the many important positions of trust he was called to. Sept. 12, 1774, Attleborough chose a committee to join with the committees of the other towns of Bristol County " to consult the safety and peace and prosperity thereof, as well as the whole government and continent upon any emergency." Of the five chosen for this committee, Edward Richards was the first. To the convention held at Concord in October, 1779, Edward Richards, with Col. Stephen Richardson and Mr. Levi Maxcy, were chosen by Attleborough. And upon the committees of correspondence, and among the judges of the Superior and Inferior Court, created by the town during the war, Mr. Richards was either the first or among the first.

His four sons, Edward, Calvin, etc., settled in Attleborough, and from thence came the bee-hive race of Richards in North Bristol County. Calvin Richards (sixth generation), son of Edward, seems to have been a quiet, peaceful citizen in the place where his race, before and after, made so much stir. But his progeny in the next and succeeding generations fully made up for their sire's lack. His son Manning, who was father of the Hon. H. M. Richards, of Attleborough, was one of the earliest of the jewelry manufacturers, and in about 1815 employed what was then the great number of twenty operatives.

Another son, Calvin, as well as Spencer, was associated with his brother Ira in various business enterprises, notably of the Richards Manufacturing Company, which carried on to a large extent the manufacture of brass door-knobs and catches. Ira Richards7, the father of E. Ira and Josiah D. Richards, was the son of Calvin, grandson of Edward, the first in Attleborough and the seventh generation in lineal descent from Edward Richards, who settled in Dedham in 1636 or 1637.

Ira Richards was born in North Attleborough, and was fifty-three years old at his death. He was very reserved and stem, but so notably a just and honored man that matters of dispute among his neighbors, if unable to be settled peacefully, were invariably left to his decision.

During an active life of many years of business as one of the old firm of Draper, Tifft & Co., Ira Richards & Co., and in other business enterprises, his reputation for honor was so bright and shining that the saying " his word is as good as his bond" was universally applied to him, and to this day this saying is brought up in association with his name. He was one of the original directors in the old Attleborough State Bank, and in all of his positions of trust and honor was never found wanting.

Josiah D. Richards, whose steel portrait accompanies this sketch, is the son of Ira and Fanny (Draper) Richards, and was born in Attleborough, Mass., July 7, 1827.

Just previous to his attaining his majority he assumed his father's interest in the firm of Ira Richards & Co., in the manufacture of jewelry, and continued until 1876, when he retired, since which time he has not been engaged in any active business. Politically, he is a Democrat.

Mr. Richards takes an active interest in everything that pertains to the welfare of his native town. He is still in the prime of life, and is surrounded with all the comforts of a happy home. He married, Jan. 19, 1848, Harriet E., daughter of John Draper, a jeweler, of Attleborough. She was born in New York, Aug. 26, 1826. Their children were Ira and Clara D., who died Oct. 16, 1857.

Ira Richards, son of J. D., was born in Attleborough, March 5, 1852, and was educated in the public schools of that town and in Phillips Academy, Andover, Mass. Immediately on leaving school he made a pleasure trip through California and the West. Jan. 1, 1877, went into partnership with Messrs. Sandland & Capron, for the manufacture of jewelry in North Attleborough, under the firm-name of Sandland, Capron & Co., which relation still continues. He is a Democrat, and member of Bristol Lodge, F. and A. M. He married, Jan. 2, 1879, Lydia R., daughter of William H. Reynard, of New Bedford.

Burrill Porter, Jr., was born in Charlestown, N. H., Feb. 22, 1832. His paternal grandfather was Asahel Carpenter Porter, a farmer from Coventry, Conn., and his maternal grandfather was John Garfield, a lineal descendant of the Garfields who early settled in Spencer, Mass. He is a son of Burrill Porter and Susan Garfield Porter, and is the oldest of a family of nine children, all of whom reached the age of manhood, and eight of whom are now living industrious and useful lives.

The subject of this sketch received his early education on his father's farm and in the public schools of Lano-don, N. H., and after pursuing preparatory studies in academies at Westminster and Saxton's River, Yt., entered Dartmouth College in March, 1853. From that institution he graduated in the class of 1856. After graduation he entered upon, and for twenty-three years pursued the profession of teaching. During this time he was principal of academies at Canaan, Alstead, and Swansea, N. H., teacher of public schools in Cleveland and Fostoria, Ohio, and principal of high schools in Braintree and Attleborough, Mass. He was the first principal of the North High School in Attleborough, and held that position twelve years and a half, during which time there were graduated from the school one hun- . dred and thirty students.

Resigning in February, 1879, he was elected selectman and assessor, and appointed collector of taxes the same year, and was chosen overseer of the poor in 1880, which offices he now holds. He was elected representative for the First Bristol District, which includes the towns of Attleborough, Norton, and Mansfield, in the Legislature of Massachusetts, for the year 1881, when the public statutes were adopted. He served as a member of the first committee of the North Attleborough Library Association, and is now a member of the Prudential Committee of the Union Improvement District, which supports the library thus established as a free public library. He has been a member of the parish committee, and treasurer of the First Universalist Society of Attleborough, and is now one of the building committee of the parish, which is erecting a new church and parsonage at a cost of nearly thirty-five thousand dollars.

Henry D. Merritt

Henry D. Merritt was born in Hartland, Vt., Jan. 16, 1826, and died at his residence in North Attleborough, Mass., Jan. 20, 1878. His advantages for an education were confined to the common schools of his native town in Vermont, yet by that same energy which was one of his distinguishing characteristics through life he acquired by reading and reflection a good practical education. At about eighteen years of age he left home to seek his fortune in Boston, where he learned the tailor's trade. After remaining in Boston some time he came to North Attleborough, Mass., and entered the employ of H. M. Richards as clerk. In this capacity he was industrious and faithful, proving to be one of the most successful salesmen in Mr. Richards' employ. About 1858 he commenced the manufacture of jewelry witli Mr. Joseph B. Draper, under the firm-name of Merritt & Draper, and continued in business at North Attleborough a few years, when they transferred their business to Mansfield, Mass. Soon after Mr. Merritt retired, being succeeded by John Shepardson, who became a partner of Mr. Merritt's, March, 1870, under the firm-name of H. D. Merritt & Co. In 1872 the business was transferred to North Attleborough. The firm did a successful business manufacturing plated and silver chains. They employed some fifty hands, and their sales amounted to many thousands every year. (See " Manufactures of North Attleborough.") Since Mr. Merritt's death the firm-name continues the same, and it employs from sixty to seventy-five hands. About 1876, Mr. Merritt bought a residence in North Attleborough, and removed his family here. His extensive business often called him to New York, where he spent the larger portion of his time. In politics he was a Republican. Nov. 26, 1860, he married Marietta, daughter of Warren and Harriet Aldrich. Of this union two children have been born, viz., Clara R. and Henry D.

untiring industry, and sterling honesty. In private life he was a man of quiet, unassuming maimers, unexceptionable habits, and upright in his intercourse with others.

Ii. C. Read

The first ancestor of this line was Brianus, a noted man of Lincolnshire, England, who, in 1139, was registered as " Brianus de Reed." He left two sons, who were respectively named Robert of Reed and Thomas of Reed-dale. This new Reed family occupied nearly the same locality for several centuries. From it descended William Rede, an eminent mathematician, who in 1369 was made Bishop of Chichester. William Read, born 1450, was a great-grandson of the bishop, and had this lineal descent : William, born 1490 ; William, born 1510 ; William, born 1545 ; William, born 1572. This last-named William had two sons, - William, born 1596, and John, born 1598. These brothers, with many others of standing and substance, became participants in the great Massachusetts Land Patent, of which Governor Winthrop (connected with the Reads by intermarriage) was the leader, and in 1630 came with Winthrop's expedition from near Boston, England, to the place which they named Boston also, and which is now the metropolis of New England. John resided a short time in Dorchester, Braintree, and Weymouth, and in 1643, with others, emigrated to Rehoboth,in the Plymouth Colony, to found a new settlement. He was third on the list of original proprietors, and was taxed on three hundred pounds, a very large estate for those days. He had been a freeman, and held important positions in the Massachusetts Colony, and was regarded as a man of substance and responsibility. In Rehoboth he became at once a leading citizen. In 1654 he was appointed sheriff of Rehoboth, a very important position, which he held for several years. He was an active and influential member of the civil and religious society of the times, was much respected through life, enjoyed a green old age, and at eighty-seven years was called from earth, Sept. 7, 1685. His estate lay on the east side of what is now Seekonk Common. He has numerous descendants, who, as a body, are thrifty, law-abiding, and industrious, doing honor to their noble pioneer ancestor. The line of descent from John to H. C. Read is this : Daniel, born 1655; Daniel, born 1680; Daniel, born 1716 ; Levi, born 1762; Henry C.

Henry Clifford Read, son of Levi and Nancy (Hunt) Read, was born May 8, 1810, in Attleborough, Mass., on the place where he now (1882) resides. His father was a farmer, honest, industrious, and a supporter of all good causes. Unpretentious, he was content with the quiet and useful life of agriculture, and from nature and its communion, with a heart in deep accord with nature's God, he drew inspirations of health and happiness, and never cared to exchange his simple home; the centre of all his earthly affections, for the most gorgeous mansion in the rushing activities of the city. He was for sixty years deacon of the First Congregational Church of Attleborough, very prominent in church matters, and a liberal giver to all religious and other benefactions. He married Nancy, daughter of Joseph Hunt, of Attleborough, and had eight children, - Rufus C, Clement O., Esther, Charlotte A., Henry C, Cynthia M., Levi A., Nancy W. Henry is the sole survivor. Mr. Read died in 1853, having attained the remarkable age of ninety-one years, and left the record of an untarnished life of Christian activity and good works.

Henry lived at home till he was twenty-three, received common school advantages, taught two terms of school when about twenty-one, became a farmer, and also a machinist, which trade he pursued for three years in Worcester and Providence. He married, during these years, Eunice D., daughter of Samuel Tylor, a prominent citizen of Attleborough. Their two children - Samuel T.,born 1836 ; and Eunice T., born 1840 - are both dead. Samuel was a young man of ability. He held commission as captain on Gen. Butler's staff at the commencement of the great Rebellion. At Gen. Butler's request he returned to Boston, raised a company, and going into the service, attained the rank of colonel. After the war he married Kate Schofield, of Natchez, Miss., settled in New Orleans, became an insurance collector, afterwards a lawyer, and died in 1880, leaving two children, - Katie and Mattie. Eunice married George Crawford. Her only surviving child, Lincoln, was adopted by an aunt, whose name (Hayward) he assumes. Two years after this marriage Mr. Read removed to Bond County, 111., and was a farmer there for ten years, wrhen he returned to the old home, where he has since resided. He married, Jan. 3, 1856, Mrs. Abbie H. Sherman, daughter of Shadrach and Nancy (Simmons) Davis, of New Bedford. Her children are one by her first husband, William H., and two by Mr. Read, - Henry C, born April 10, 1864, and Rufus C, born March 23, 1874.

Mr. Read has been Whig and Republican in political belief; has as such been elected selectman and member of the Legislature (1875-76). He has been an honored and worthy citizen, stands high in the esteem of his townsmen, has discharged all trusts placed in his hands conscientiously and well, and is accounted a very liberal man, who never turns a deaf ear to suffering or to any enterprise for the betterment of humanity, or withholds pecuniary aid from any worthy object. Formerly an orthodox Congregationalist, of later years he has found great solace in its spiritual philosophy, and, supported by this faith and the ministrations of a loving wife and children, he is passing down, with much of the vigor of early manhood, contentedly towards the evening twilight of earth, in the rectitude of a life well spent, and " with malice towards none," leaving the rich legacy of "a good name, which is rather to be chosen than great riches," to his descendants. He has a pleasant home, which has been in the family from his grandfather's days, comprising in all about two hundred acres of fertile land, and which bears the evidence of refined taste. It is worthy of special mention that neither Henry C. Read nor any of his father's family ever used tobacco in any form or liquor of any kind.

Clement O. Read, formerly of Attleborough, died at Perth Amboy, N. J. Mr. Read was the son of Levi Read, who owned and lived upon the farm now owned by H. C. Read. Mr. C. O. Read was the pioneer in the screw business. He started in the business of manufacturing wood screws in this town, at the mill known as the Attleborough City Mill, with the machinery that he invented. His pecuniary means being limited, he associated Rhode Island capitalists with him, and removed* his works to Providence, at the corner of -Hewes and Charles Streets, where the American Screw Company's mills are now. The difficulty of putting a new article upon the market at a price within the reach of the consumer was an obstacle that the company could not overcome, and Mr. Read suffered the loss of what money he put into the business. But this enterprise has since grown, and the screws manufactured by the company that grew out of this effort of our worthy and ingenious townsman have acquired a world-wide reputation. After disposing of his interest in his Providence business, Mr. Read removed to New Jersey, where he died at the age of seventy-nine years. He was a thorough mechanic, and during his long, exemplary, and useful life was the author of a large number of useful pieces of mechanism. He was a firm friend of temperance, a kind father, a true citizen and friend, and a man whose memory will be revered and loved by all who knew him. He had two brothers and two sisters, all of whom are now dead, except Mr. Henry C. Read, who resides at the old homestead estate.

E. G. May

Hon. Elisha May, the first of the name in Attleborough, was born in 1729, probably in Barrington, and settled in the west part of Attleborough. He was a distinguished citizen of the town, often employed in public office. He was an active and useful member of both military and civil departments throughout the Revolution, and after that was chosen legislator or counselor without opposition till he would serve no longer. With the exception of one year, he held a seat in the Legislature for twentyseven consecutive years, and chiefly in the Senate. For almost forty years he was chosen " moderator," and at one time was chosen Presidential elector. Of quick discernment of men and things, a sound mind, a retentive memory, an affability to win friends, an education considerably above ordinary, he was well qualified for public employment, and discharged all his duties with signal ability. Courteous in his manners, honorable and upright in his principles, in every relation of life, family, social, or public, he was always the same true friend, loving companion, and faithful official. He died Nov. 15, 1811, aged nearly seventy-three. Of his eleven children, Tulhj, born May 24, 1787, was youngest. He was a quiet farmer, and, unlike his father, had no desire for official turmoil and preferment. He had strong political preferences, being an old-fashioned Whig. He married Hannah Gay (born Oct. 6, 1791, died March 28, 1875), and had four children, - Cynthia (Mrs. Carlos Barrows), Elisha G., Henry F., and Catherine (deceased). He died June 19, 1872.

William, born Jan. 26, 1764, graduated at Brown University, 1788 ; a student-at-law ; died July 12, 1790, in the twenty-seventh year of his age.

Jesse, another son, was bred a lawyer, and practiced at Pawtucket, R. I. (then in Massachusetts), but died Feb. 24, 1815, aged thirty-six years.

John, another son, removed to Maine, and settled in Winthrop. His son Seth became a lawyer, and was for many years a distinguished judge of the Superior Court of that State.

Lemuel, another son, was a prominent man in town, held various town offices, was repeatedly a member of the Legislature and also of the Governor's Council.

The second son of Lemuel is John Wilder May, graduated at the college in Burlington, Vt., settled as a lawyer in Boston, was for some time city attorney, and is now one of the judges of the Municipal Court of that city. He is the author of several popular law works.

Elisha Gay May, born in Attleborough, Oct. 6, 1812, was reared a farmer, with only a country boy's school advantages for schooling. After becoming of age, he worked as a journeyman maker of buttons for three years, then returned to his father's farm, where he remained for a number of years. In the spring of 1854 he began the manufacturing of plated and gilt jewelry, as one of the firm of William H. Robinson & Co. In 1858 this firm was dissolved, and Mr. May retired to the pleasant home where he now resides, and which he purchased in 1851. Here he has been a farmer, and has demonstrated that to be a good farmer a tract of large acreage is not necessarily required. He married, in October, 1839, Ann Janette, daughter of James and Sarah (Perry) Draper, born in Attleborough, Oct. 17, 1814. She comes of an old and reputable family of this section, which reaches back into the early days of " Merry England" for its European origin.

Mr. May has been a trustworthy citizen, honored both by the trust and esteem of his townsmen, and maintains well the character for honesty and integrity held by his honored grandfather. For about forty years he has been justice of the peace. He has been selectman, assessor, overseer of the poor, etc. In politics he is a Republican. He has been treasurer of Attleborough Fanners' and Mechanics' Association, and in all stations has won the commendations of his constituents. Kind-hearted and generous, Mr. and Mrs. May have been liberal supporters of church organizations and benevolence, and the suffering and distressed have often been relieved by their unostentatious ministrations. They have a large place in the regards of a circle of numerous friends.

C. E. W. Sherman

Charles Edwin Wallace Sherman was born in Plympton, Mass., Aug. 1, 1827. From the records of that town we take the following concerning his ancestors : " William Sherman was son of Mr. Thomas Sherman, of Plymouth, Mass., and was born there June 10, 1798. Irene Shaw Staridish, his wife, was daughter of Mr. Jonathan Standish, by Irene Shaw, his wife, and was born in Middleborough, Mass., Oct. 6, 1800. This Jonathan Standish was son of Moses Standish, Jr., sixth in descent from Capt. Miles Standish, of 'Mayflower' fame, and whose parents were Lieut. Moses and Rachel Standish. Lieut. Moses was son of Ebenezer and Hannah Standish, who were among the first settlers of Plympton. Ebenezer was son of Alexander and Sarah Standish. This Alexander was the son of the old Puritan warrior, one of the ' Mayflower' emigrants in 1620, and who settled in Duxbury." " Irene Standish, first wife of Jonathan Standish, was the daughter of Joshua Shaw, who was son of Samuel and Desire Shaw. Samuel was son of Lieut. Jonathan Shaw and his first wife, Mehetabel. He was son of Deacon Jonathan Shaw and his wife, Phebe. Deacon Jonathan was one of the first settlers of Plympton, and one of the first deacons of the church there. He and his descendants lived in that part of Plympton now called Carver." Thomas Sherman was born in Plymouth, was a hatter, married Priscilla Cottonwood, and died previous to 1850 in Brooklyn, N. Y. His son William, above spoken of, was a dyer by trade, and was also connected with the manufacture of woolen goods. He was married Jan. 5, 1823. His children were Irene Inez Standish, William Francis, Charles E. W. (born in Plympton), and Helen Maria (who was born in Dighton). He came to Dighton prior to 1830, lived later in Halifax, Mass., and died May 18, 1873, aged seventy-three. His wife died Dec. 5, 1863, aged sixty-three.

Charles became a factory-boy at an early age in his father's employ, and worked at nearly all parts of woolen manufacturing from the wool in the fleece to the " finish." His health becoming poor, however, he was obliged to quit this business and seek some lighter employment. He secured a place, by the aid of friends, in a jewelry manufactory in Attleborough, where he passed two years learning engraving. He came to Attleborough, where he has since resided, April 1, 1848, being then nearly twenty-one. He followed engraving six years, and in July, 1854, in connection with George K. Davis, formed the firm of George K. Davis & Co., gold and silver refiners, assayers, and smelters. This copartnership continued two years, when Mr. Sherman erected a shop and carried on business for himself until the fall of 1875, when his son William W. became a partner, and the firm became, as it now is, C. E. W. Sherman & Son. Mr. Sherman has been all his life a hard-working man, and by the results of his own industry enjoys a comfortable property. He is a social companion, a warm friend, and a useful member of society.

Maj. E. S. Horton And Edwin J. Horton

From the best information attainable we learn that about or prior to 1640, three Horton brothers came from England. One was John Horton (first generation), who settled in Rehoboth, married Mehetabel Gamzey, and had five sons - John, Jothan, Nathaniel, Jonathan, and David - and three daughters. Jotham (second generation) married a Rounds, and had seven children, - Sara, Rhobe, James, Nathan, Barnett, Jothan, and Joseph. James and Barnett lived in Rehoboth, and served in the Revolution, James being a lieutenant. James (third generation) was born July 18, 1741, and died Aug. 10, 1833, in his ninety-third year. He was a very active man. He married Freelove Pierce, or Price, born Nov. 8, 1742, died Feb. 13, 1809. They had eleven children, - Jane, Nathan, Mercy, Lydia, Polly, Freelove, James, Cromwell, Rhobe, Jarvis, and Chloe, - all of whom lived to be old except Jane and Polly, who died young. Cromwell (fourth generation) was born Feb. 23, 1777, married, Sept. 20, 1801, Percy Martin, born Oct. 28, 1780, and died in February, 1861. They had seven children, - Ellis, Gideon M., Mary, Freelove, Belinda, James, and Sylvia. Gideon Martin Horton (fifth generation) was born in Rehoboth, May 4, 1804, and died in Attleborough, March 7, 1861. He married Mary Smith, Nov. 4, 1832. She was born April 3, 1811, and died Sept. 2, 1844. They had four children^ - Everett S., Edwin J., Gideon M., and Jane J. He married for his second wife Mrs. Julia Jackson, of Middleborough, Mass. He was an upright man and honest citizen, ever ready to aid and forward any good work. He kept a country store in Attleborough for years. He was never possessed of much of this world's goods, but gave his children the wealth of good advice and the example of honest industry, coupled with true charity and Christian devotion, a legacy more precious than gold.

Everett Southard Horton (sixth generation) was born in Attleborough, Mass., June 15, 1836. He had the advantages of the public schools until he was sixteen, when he entered the store of his father as his assistant, and continued with him until his health failed him, and the business was relinquished to Everett, who continued it until the breaking out -of the great civil war. He married, June 12, 1861, Mary Ann, only daughter of Jesse R. and Mary Carpenter, of Attleborough. They had one child, Mary Edith, born June 22, 1862. In the spring of 1862 he disposed of his business, and with others recruited a company of nine months' men, which elected its officers Sept. 18, 1862. They were L. T. Starkey, captain ; F. S. Draper, first lieutenant ; E. S. Horton, second lieutenant. They were soon commissioned by Governor Andrew. Lieut. Horton took hold of military matters with the earnestness so characteristic of him, and soon became familiar with the drill and his official duties. The company went into camp at Buxford, Mass., and were mustered into United States service Sept. 23, 1862, and organized as Company C, Forty-seventh Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. They were soon ordered to New York, and went into camp on Long Island. The regiment embarked Dec. 21, 1862, for New Orleans, which they reached Jan. 1, 1863. About this time the captain resigned, and Lieut. Horton, by a large majority of the votes of the company, was chosen to succeed him. They were assigned provost duty in and around New Orleans, and remained in service even after their term of enlistment had expired. They left New Orleans for home via Mississippi River Aug. 5, 1863. At Cairo took cars for the East, and were enthusiastically met and feted at every stopping-place along the route. On arriving home the whole town gave the returning soldiers a grand ovation. But the war was not over ; more men were needed, and the Governor called for more troops. Mr. Horton's patriotic nature again responded, and in October he was commissioned second lieutenant, and made recruiting officer for the Fifty-eighth Massachusetts Volunteers. He opened an office in Attleborough, but was soon ordered into camp to take charge of recruits for the regiment. He was commissioned captain, and mustered into service as commander of Company C, Fifty-eighth Massachusetts Veteran Volunteers. They remained in camp at Redville until April 23, 1864, when they went at once to participate in the ever to be remembered battle of the Wilderness, reaching the field May 6th. They were in the long and bloody march from the Wilderness to Petersburg, where almost every hour was a battle, and well did Company C perform its duty.

After the battle of Cold Harbor, Lieut.-Col. J. C. White, commanding regiment, recommended Capt. Horton for promotion, and he was mustered into service as major. The commander of the regiment was wounded in a charge June 3d, and until Sept. 30, 1864, the command devolved on Maj. Horton. On the last-mentioned day, while leading the regiment in action a few miles south of Petersburg, he was made a prisoner, and October 3d reached Richmond and Libbij. After being confined in succession at Libby, Salisbury, and Danville, he was selected as a " hostage" and sent to Libby, reaching there July 28, 1864. He remained in that terrible confinement until Feb. 22, 1865, when, with many others, he was paroled. We give the major's own language in speaking of the horrors of Libby : " Pen never can write the whole truth, and if it could be told, no one could believe that it was possible for men to survive it, or possible that any one in the nineteenth century could be guilty of such barbarities." We again quote the major's words as to his feelings when once more under American colors : " I can never forget that day, never, never, NEVER. No one that has not experienced the same sensations can know aught of the peculiar emotions -and thoughts that came in throngs in seeing and knowing that once more I was under the 'Star-Spangled Banner.' Under their influence I wrote this letter to my family from the deck of the flag-of-truce boat, where each of us was handed a sheet of paper and envelope. My family had not heard from me for five months, and the newspapers had reported me dead : ' On board God's flag-of-truce boat, James River, Feb. 22, 1865. Dear wife, - Out of the jaws of death, out of the gates of hell. Once more in the land of the living. Well. Love to all. Everett.' " He was granted a furlough of thirty days, was soon exchanged, and left Attleborough to rejoin his regiment in Virginia on the day that Petersburg was captured; was soon ordered to Washington, where they were on duty until mustered out of service. During his service Maj. Horton received seven commissions, and was mustered into service on six of them. He was a gallant soldier, doing all his duty, and as an officer, while strict in discipline, he looked well after the comfort of his men, and was universally popular both with officers and soldiers. There is in his nature that which indicates the impetuosity, dash, and rapidity of execution of a successful cavalry officer, with a coolness of judgment which prevents boldness from degenerating into rashness. Since the war Maj. Horton has been much interested in and active in maintaining the organization of the Grand Army of the Republic, of which there is a flourishing post at Attleborough.

The major has been commander of the post several times, and now (1883) is commander of Bristol County Association of the Grand Army of the Republic. The people of Attleborough have always dealt bountifully with the Grand Army "boys," and especially so on Decoration-day.

In politics Maj. Horton is a Republican. He is a commissioner of the Attleborough Water Supply District Sinking Fund. He is a trustee of the Richardson School Fund, and secretary of the same ; also director of Attleborough Savings and Loan Association.

Attle Borough

His first wife died June 21, 1871, and Sept. 24, 1873, he married Eliza Dutton Freemont, of Amesbury, Mass. They have had two children, - Gertie E., born May 29, 1876, and Addie D., who died an infant. Not long after returning home Maj. Horton entered the employ of Davids & Cornell, of Providence, R. I., as manager of their establishment (the largest wholesale grocery-house in the State), and remained there until after the death of his brother Edwin, when he succeeded to his interest in the manufacturing house of Horton, Angell & Co., where he is now senior partner. The active nature of Maj. Horton is shown in his devotion to anything tending to build up the interests of his native town, and he is always one of the leaders in such matters. Socially he is one of the most pleasing of companions, a strong and a stanch friend, and a valuable citizen and successful business man. He has a host of friends.

Edwin J. Horton was born in Attleborough, Nov. 10, 1837, and was drowned June 11, 1880, a victim of the fatal collision between the steamers "Stonington" and '" Narragansett," on which last vessel he was a passenger. Mr. Horton was the senior member, and can be termed the originator, of the firm of Horton, Angell & Co., which rose rapidly from a small manufacturing business to be one of the largest in this town of large manufactories. He was an uncommon man in many ways, as a business man with wonderful fertility of resource and skill of execution, as a deeply conscientious and highly religious nature, and a man of unbounded charity. It seems almost unaccountable that just in the prime of life, when the activities of his being were accomplishing so much good, the chapter of his life should close so sadly and abruptly, leaving many to mourn his untimely death, but to the question "Why?" comes no answer. As a better sketch of the man than we can write we give the following, written by one who knew him well:

With the exception of three years given to the service of his country, his life was spent in the town of his nativity. He received his education through the public schools, but possessing an active and inquiring intellect, and improving his exceptional opportunities for study and observation, he became in reality a thoroughly informed man. Mr. Horton was blessed with an exuberant flow of animal spirits. His breezy and genial disposition, his love of and skill in quick-witted repartee, made him welcome in every business and social circle. He was quite marked for the generosity of his heart and life. While with all the strength of his strong nature he could and did rebuke wrong and wrong-doers, employing for that purpose the keenest of irony and the severest terms of denunciation, yet to the poor, the unfortunate, and the sorrowing he was the kindliest of advisers and the most generous of benefactors. No one ever sought him for counsel or aid and was turned away with stern rebuff. If within his power he would grant the desired boon. It may safely be recorded that no business man of Attleborough bestowed more of his material substance for the support of public institutions and for the friendly succor of individuals than Mr. Horton. The Young Men's Christian Association, of which he was president during the last year of his life, looked to him for the larger portion of the money needed for its support. The same liberality was manifested in his gifts to the church, the Grand Army of the Republic, and other organizations of which he was a member. He was emphatically a " self-made" man. He arrived to a position of wealth and influence by dint of indomitable energy and perseverance in the short space of ten years. Few men have prospered so rapidly, and few men have shared their prosperity so freely and unstintedly with the community in which they lived. He was a prominent actor in municipal affairs. He was bold and outspoken upon every question which involved principle. No amount of criticism or opposition could deter him from a purpose to espouse what he considered to be the right. He served his townsmen as representative to the General Court in 1879-80. He was much beloved in the Grand Army of the Republic, to the interests of which he was devotedly attached. On the Decoration-day immediately preceding his death he expressed the desire that his commander might perforin burial rites over his remains. Little did he think that so soon his earthly career would be closed. He enlisted Aug. 17, 1862, as a member of Company H, Fortieth Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers, and was discharged June 17, 1865. He was a member of Ezekiel Bates Lodge of F. and A. M., and was at his death the Noble Grand of Orient Lodge of Odd-Fellows. He joined the Second Congregational Church in 1867, and honored it with a true heart and pure life until called to the church triumphant.

On May 8, 1862, Mr. Horton was married to Miss Addie Lee. In his home he was an affectionate husband and indulgent father. To make his residence attractive for wife and children he made generous expenditures of money and time. One of his children, a bright and promising boy, preceded him to the better world. Another, Raymond M., remains to comfort her for whom he cherished such fond devotion. The funeral obsequies of Mr. Horton were observed in the Second Congregational Church, June 15, 1880. Rev. W. A. Spaulding, the pastor, and Rev. Francis N. Peloubet, a former pastor, paid fitting tribute to the character of the deceased, and Rev. Samuel Bell, a former pastor, offered a most tender petition for the bereaved family and community. More than eleven hundred people viewed the remains, which were then entombed in Woodlawn Cemetery with the usual rites of honor by the Grand Army.

Alfred Pierce

Alfred Pierce is descended from the Pierce family, who were among the early settlers of Rehoboth, Mass. His grandfather, Barnard Pierce, was a resident of that town and a much-respected citizen. (In the historical part of this volume will be found references to the ancient Pierce family in Rehoboth.) Jeremiah, the father of Alfred, was born in Rehoboth, Aug. 29, 1786. By occupation he was a carpenter and farmer. He was a successful business man. honorable and upright, and a useful, much-loved citizen of the town. He married, Nov. 9, 1806, Candace Wheeler. She was born Sept. 30, 1789. They had eleven children, - five boys and six girls, - of whom ten are yet living.

Mr. Pierce died* March 23, 1837. Mrs. Pierce died Oct. 18, 1882, having attained the remarkable age of ninety-three years and eighteen days.

Alfred Pierce was born in Rehoboth, Mass., Dec. 31, 1821. He had only such opportunities for education as were afforded by the district schools of his town at that time, and at an early age he applied himself to learning the practical duties and requirements of business, being apprenticed to learn the carpenter's trade when only fifteen years of age. At the age of nineteen he engaged in business for himself as a carpenter at Pawtucket, B. I., where he continued about four years. He then returned to Rehoboth, where he divided his time between farming and his trade for about two years more, when he removed to Attleborough and devoted himself to carpentering till 1851, when he yielded to the flattering inducements then held out for hardy, adventurous spirits by the newly-discovered gold fields of California. To that country he went, and after gratifying his curiosity and trying his luck in the mines a year and a half on the Pacific slope, he embarked for Melbourne, Australia. Upon his arrival in that country lie engaged in mining, and met, as he had in California, with very fair success. After remaining there some ten months he embarked on his return trip to his native land. At Aspinwall he stopped some weeks and worked at his trade of carpentering, when he then returned to Attleborough, Mass., where he has since resided, with the exception of about eighteen months which he spent in Illinois.

When Mr. Pierce first commenced business in Attleborough it was as a carpenter, but about 1869 he engaged in lumbering and coal-dealing, associating with himself Mr. A. B. Carpenter, under the firmname of Pierce & Carpenter, which copartnership exists at the present time. They have been eminently successful, and the business has now assumed large proportions and is one of the solid concerns of that enterprising and thriving town. On Dec. 6, 1865, he married Martha B. Williams, daughter of Thomas and Polly (Bichardson) Williams, of Attleborough. She was born July 23, 1837. They have, but one child, Marian W., born May 24, 1867. Mrs.

Pierce is descended on the maternal side from an honorable and celebrated family (Bichardson). For extended account of ancestry, see " Genealogy of Bichardson Family."

Isaac Alger

Isaac Alger is a lineal descendant of the seventh generation from Thomas Alger, and was born in Attleborough, Mass., June 5, 1830. Thomas Alger, the first of the name in this country, was one of eight men bearing the name of Alger who settled in New England during the seventeenth century. The exact time of his arrival is not known, but it was some time previous to 1665, as at that date we find him at Taunton, Mass., near the Three-Mile Biver, a stream flowing through the eastern part of Taunton. On the 14th of November, 1665, he married Elizabeth Packard, a daughter of Samuel Packard, of Wymondham, England, who with his wife and child came to America in 1638, in the ship " Diligent," settled in Hingham, then in Bridgewater, Mass., where he died about 1684. Thomas Alger settled towards the close of his life within the limits of Bridgewater, where it is supposed he died.

Israel Alger was a farmer on the north side of the "Town Biver," in Bridgewater. He was a man of influence and wealth for those days. He married Patience, daughter of Nathaniel Hayward, and granddaughter of Thomas Hayward, one of the original proprietors and first settlers of Bridgewater. Her uncle, Hon. Thomas Hayward, Jr., was a judge of the Court of Common Pleas, and one of the Governor's Assistants. She died before 1730. He died about 1726. His children were Israel, Joseph, Thomas, Nathaniel, and John.

Joseph Alger, born Oct. 6, 1694 (Israel2, Thomas1), was a farmer in Bridgewater, Mass., near or at " Flaggy Meadow Brook." He married Mary, daughter of William Ames, in 1719. Their children were Mary, Joseph, Patience, Bethiah, John, Susanna, Nathan, and Edmund, born Sept. 16, 1739.

Edmund Alger (Joseph3, Israel2, Thomas1) was a farmer in West Bridgewater, was twice married, first to Ruth, daughter of Deacon Isaac Willis, in 1761. She died April 22, 1794, aged fifty-seven, and he married for his second wife Molly Thompson in 1796. She died Feb. 23, 1798, aged fifty-two, without issue. He died Nov. 21, 1817, aged seventy-eight. His children were Edmund, Isaac, Nathan, Ruth, and Willis.

Isaac Alger (Edmund1, Joseph3, Israel2, Thomas1) was born Aug. 10, 1764, in Bridgewater, Mass., and settled in Attleborough, Mass., about 1810 to 1815, on the farm now (1882) owned by his grandson, Isaac Alger. He married Susanna Johnson in 1788. She was born in 1772, and was the daughter of Joseph Johnson, who married Bethiah Alger (Joseph4, Joseph1,

Israel2, Thomas1). Isaac Alger died in 1842, leaving children, - Hannah, Susanna, Willard J., and Louisa, who died in the fifteenth year of her age

WiUnnl .J. Alger (Isaac'. Edmund'4, Joseph3, Israel2, Thomas'), a farmer in Attleborough, Mass., married Lois Brown, of Foxborough, April 12, 1828. He died Sept. 26, 1855, and his widow is now (1882) living on the old Alger homestead in Attleborough with her son Isaac. She is a Methodist. Their children are Isaac, Ella, Eliza, born Sept. 26, 1832, married Joseph Gleason ; Nathan S., born May 14, 1835, married Olive J.Tripp; and Mary V., born July 11, 1839, died Feb. 13, 1858.

Isaac Alger (Willard J.6, Isaac5, Edmund4, Joseph3, Israel2, Thomas1) received a common school education. At fourteen he was obliged to leave school, no more to return to it. At eighteen he commenced taking charge of the farm, and how well he has succeeded the following story will tell.

For the past three-quarters of a century the premises now considered have been known as the Alger farm. A portion of the premises we should have said, for the present owner has trebled the original farm, which was purchased of Isaac Tiffany by Isaac Alger, grandfather to the present owner. The farm then contained one hundred acres, mostly devoted to woodland. Mr. Alger was a moderate farmer, who did not endeavor to make much more than a living for himself and family by his labors. At his death the premises passed into the hands of his son, Willard J., and through him, by will from the grandfather, to the present Isaac Alger. Under the management of W. J. Alger the farm was allowed to run down, the wood being cut and sold to pay indebtedness, while the tillage lands and pastures were annually robbed of their crop without receiving compensation for the same.

Isaac had remained on the place after his grandfather's death, much against his inclination, at the earnest desire of his family. At the age of twentysix years he found himself possessed of this farm of one hundred acres of positively bare land, on which there was, for those times, a heavy mortgage. There was not at the time vitality enough in the whole amount of broken land to produce six tons of poor hay. With this legacy, which was several hundred dollars worse than nothing, Mr. Isaac Alger commenced his career as a New England farmer. To-day his farm is among the very best to be seen in the town, and he

Now the farm comprises three hundred acres, from a small portion of which he cuts an annual supply of fifty tons of hay. Of the three hundred acres the greater part is woodland. There are from thirty to forty acres in pasturage, forty acres in tillage, ten acres of cultivated cranberry land, and ten acres of natural cranberry meadow. The buildings on the place consist of the home house, - a roomy, comfortable cottage, - a large roomy barn, built with a view to having no waste space, the cranberry house, and five houses for rental. To run the farm Mr. Alger employs, beside his own boys, the oldest of whom is the salesman for the place, three men, hired by the month the year round, and extra help by the day as is required, two horses and two pair of oxen. Of the latter-named stock the pair we saw standing in the stalls would make most farmers envious. They are perfect mates, weighing about three thousand four hundred, and are better beef to-day than much that finds itself to our markets as first quality. To the stock named should be added from four to six cows. The milk from these is delivered to Mrs. Alger, who has the entire charge of it and all the money derived from this product of the place. Several families are supplied, the household is kept in butter, and what milk is left is eagerly taken up by the milkmen.

But the leading crop and greatest source of revenue is the cranberry crop. When Mr. Alger took the farm he tried to persuade a younger brother to remain with him and go into raising cranberries, believing there was money in the proper cultivation of that berry. The brother declined, believing, on the contrary, that it never could be made to pay. Mr. Alger commenced alone. Having limited means he began in a small way, " making" but a small piece of land each year. The process of " making" consists of removing from the natural meadow all the turf, and filling in to the depth of from four to six inches with gravel, in which the plants are set. This is all, but this done, and you may wait four or five years for any profit. The land thus " made" is made for years, and requires little labor beyond an occasional coating of sand, and little attention to keep it clear from grass or weeds. The land first made by Mr. Alger is in as good condition to-day as when it first came to bearing twenty years ago. In this manner, by degrees, Mr. Alger has reclaimed ten acres of natural meadow. The crop takes care of itself pretty much, and only during picking time is there any rush. Picking begins usually about September 10th, and lasts into October. The average yield for the past three years has been two thousand bushels. To pick these requires the help of about one hundred pickers. Pickers get fifty cents a bushel, and earn from one dollar to three dollars per day according to their activity. Mr. Alger had one young man employed who picked five pecks of clear berries in fifty- seven minutes by the watch. The berries are taken from the field to the dry-house, where they are spread and allowed to remain until they are brought to a uniform color, when they are ready for market. In preparing the fruit for shipment the greatest care is used in grading, and nothing is put upon the market that is not marked in the grade for which it is sold. Mr. Alger finds his market principally in Chicago, but ships to New York and Philadelphia. He sells all his fruit for cash delivered on the cars at Attleborough, and has no trouble with freights.

As with other fruit there are varieties, - the " Bell," the "Bugle," the " Cherry." The latter is the best selling of the three. But Mr. Alger has originated a variety which he terms the " Black Pond Seedling," which for his use he has found to be superior to either of the others. It is of good size, solid, and its keeping properties are par excellence. His Western market is later than the New York market, and this quality of the Black Pond makes it desirable for shipment to Chicago.

Thus we have presented to our readers the workings of a farm run to make money, and that in twenty-five years has been brought from a barren tract of waste land to a farm of the most fertile acres. It is refreshing to hear a man talk with regard to New England farming in the manner Mr. Alger does. In answer to the question, " Does your farm, aside from the cranberry crop, pay?" Mr. Alger replied, " The one helps the other ; the farm supplies teams to work on the meadows, and the meadows furnish material to be put upon the farm. If you want to ask the question, ' Does farming pay?' I say, most assuredly, yes ; just as good a profit as any other business with the same amount of capital and labor expended. There is not a crop you can put into the ground but will pay a handsome profit, rightly managed," and he added with considerable earnestness, " especially in Attleborough. Attleborough is the best market in the United States."

Not every farmer in and about Attleborough will indorse his occupation as enthusiastically as does Mr. Alger, and some may citicise him for so doing, but Mr. Alger knows whereof he affirms, and has demonstrated his statements to be correct, so far as they concern himself at least.

Charles E. Hayward

CHARLES E. HAYWARD. On the main line of the Boston and Providence Railroad, at East Attleborough, is situated the jewelry manufactory of Hayward & Briggs. Charles E. Hayward, senior member of this firm, was born at North Attleborough, Mass., Aug. 28, 1824, and was the son of Capt. Abraham Hayward, who was son of Abraham Hayward, who lived in Boston and was clerk of King's Chapel in that city, under which he lies buried. Capt. Abraham Hayward was captain of a privateer in the war of 1812. He knew no fear, and hated the British as only a strong, positive nature could do. He was thirty years a sea-captain. He married Mariette Daggett, and had seven children. Charles had a common school education, and at the age of seventeen was apprenticed to the firm of Tifft & Whiting, which was the first to commence the manufacture of gold jewelry in North Attleborough ; with them he continued five years. He worked afterwards as a journeyman for two or three years, then on his own account for two or three years more in North Attleborough, and in 1851 moved to East Attleborough, when, with others, he established the firm of Thompson, Hayward & Co. This firm soon acquired a good reputation and a profitable trade. This copartnership was dissolved in 1855, and Mr. Hayward formed a partnership with Mr. Briggs. under the firm-name of Hayward & Briggs. This firm has continued to the present time (1883). The inventive talents of Mr. Hayward have been active and successful in arranging patterns and designs for new and artistic sets of jewelry, while the factory has been supplied with ample and excellent machinery for the making of these articles. Mr. Hayward has not confined his capital or energies to the manufacture of jewelry at East Attleborough. About 1867, with three others, he founded the New York Watch Company at Providence, R. I., which was afterwards removed to Springfield, Mass., where it is now established.

Mr. Hayward married, June 14, 1854, Charlotte E., daughter of George and Eliza (Wakefield) Wheelwright, of Boston. They have two children, - Florenei M., married Joseph L. Sweet, of Attleborough, and has one child, Harold E. ; and Walter E., a graduate of 1883 at Harvard University.

Eugene H. Richards

Eugene H. Richards was born Nov. 17, 1843. He graduated from Tuft's College in July, 1862, and immediately enlisted as a private in Company H, Fortieth Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers. He was commissioned second lieutenant Aug. 15, 1862, and promoted to first lieutenant July 2, 1863. He took part in all the battles that his regiment did, served with credit to himself, and was honorably discharged in 1864.

Upon his entirement from the army he immediately entered the employ of his father, who had removed his business to Boston in March, 1863. In 1870, Mr. Richards entered into partnership with his father under the firm-name of H. M. Richards & Co., manufacturers of jewelry and novelties in metal, No. 7 Green Street, Boston. In 1880 he succeeded his father in the business, but still retains the old firmname. He is doing a good business. He is a prominent and active member in Masonry, and has held and now holds important offices in both York and

Scottish Rites. He is a member of the Second (Unitarian) Church, Boston. Oct. 18, 1869, he married Frances A. Jordan, of Boston. They have no children.