Norfolk County, Massachusetts - Chapter with an unread heading (no. 26 of those read), 1884

Chapter with an unread heading (no. 26 of those read)

sary there must be in such compilations, judging from the universal experience of the past. Names are extremely liable to error, since there are so many ways of spelling the same. Dates also are sources of difficulty, as all know who have ever attempted to verify them. Defective memories are exceedingly fruitful in mistakes,in matters that are not made the subject of record at the time of their occurrence. Much care and labor have been bestowed upon this

Beard, Austin P., private, 35th Regt., Co. H; wounded. | Beaulieu, Moses, private, llth Regt. Belcher, Alfred C., private, Ist Cay. Bicknell, Anson F., corp., 4th Heavy Art., Co. G. Bicknell, Charles E., corp., 35th Regt., Co. H; wounded. Bicknell, Francis A., major, 35th Regt., Co. H; wounded. | Bicknell, Frederick T., private, 35th Regt., Co. H; prisoner ;

Carroll, Michael, private, 42d Regt., Co. A. Coughlan, Thomas, private, 42d Regt., Co. A. Chandler, Bradford, private, 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.

Cully, Andrew, private, 4th Heavy Art., Co. G. Cummings, William L., private, 4th Cav., Co. D; prisoner. Cunningham, John, private, 12th Regt., Co. H; wounded. Curtis, Charles H., private, 12th Regt., Co. H.

Cushing, Alfred T., private, 35th Regt., Co. H; wounded. Cushing, Charles E., corp., 12th Regt., Co. I; prisoner and died. Cushing, David W., private, 35th Regt., Co. H; killed. Cushing, Edward, private, 12th Regt., Co. H; wounded. Cushing, Elbridge G., private, 4th Heavy Art., Co. G. Cushing, Francis H., private, 42d Regt., Co. A.

Prouty, Elijah, private, 4th Regt., Co. C; died. Prouty, Oliver B., private, 12th Regt., Co. H. Puffer, James E., private, 32d Regt., Co. F; killed. Putillow, Frank A., private, 4th Cav.; died. Quinn, Jeremiah, private, 42d Regt., Co. D.

Riley, Timothy, private, 11th Regt., Co. D; eae Ritchie, Henry, private, 35th Regt., Co. H; died. Roachman, John, private, 35th Regt., Co. H.

Shaw, Austin B., private, 14th Regt., Co. K; wounded, Shaw, E. Faxon, private, 4th Heavy Art., Co. @ Shaw, George, private, 4th Heavy Art., Co. G. Shaw, Gilbert M., corp., 42d Regt., Co. A. Shehan, Dennis, private, 16th Regt.; killed. Shepherd, Joseph E., private, 13th Regt., Co, F. Shergold, Nehemiah, private, 12th Regt.

Gen. Appleton Howe, M.D.

| From the most authentic records we have been able to obtain it appears that the Howe family of America - many of whose members have attained rendered their sovereign." James Howe, the first American ancestor, was made freeman in 1637, married Elizabeth Dane, of Ipswich, where he spent most of his life; he died 1702. Deacon Abraham Howe -

1791 to 1830, when he retired from the ministry after an active service of forty years. He died seven years later, aged seventy-three. He was of marked originality of character, Puritan in every fibre of his being, uncompromising in his convictions, with a quaint humorous vein in his composition, he had the faculty of saying original things in an original way that arrested and chained the attention of all. His celebrated " Century Sermon" made his name familiar to the reading public, both of this country and Europe, where it was republished. He married Olive, sixth daughter of Col. John Jones, Jr., of Hopkinton, and granddaughter of Col. John Jones, who came from the Old South Church, Boston, to Hopkinton in and Olive Howe, was born in Hopkinton, Mass., Nov. 26,1792. He fitted for college at Phillips' Andover Academy. He entered Harvard College, where he availed himself earnestly of every advantage that famous institution could offer, and graduated in class

Harvard College, John G. Palfrey, Dr. Jeffries, Rey. Dr. Hodges, John G. Lowell, Ebenezer Francis, and others who became distinguished in after-years. Upon leaving college he taught school winters, and studied medicine with Drs. John C. Warren John Ware, two of Boston's most noted physicians.

fifty years, or until the day of his death. became widely known and respected, his many sterling qualities of mind and heart, united with an earnest- town. He was for many years president of the Norfolk County Medical Society, was a member of the Massachusetts Medical Society, and also of the Massachusetts Historical Society. He was much interested in military matters, as in all other affairs of public interest, and many military honors were bestowed upon him. In 1839 he was chosen major-general of the First Division Massachusetts Militia, and again under He was chosen captain of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company in 1840. He always took a foremost stand in the cause of education, and was chairman of the high school committee many years.

It has been remarked of him that " he was a man whom office and honor sought, he never sought them." He filled many positions of trust. He was an officer in the Weymouth and Braintree Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and was for many years president of the Weymouth Savings-Bank. He was State senator from Norfolk County in 1841-42. He was always one of the foremost to press all needed improvements and reforms. in matters of local interest, but in the great questions and measures in which a nation was interested. He always earnestly and zealously espoused and advocated the measures he believed right. He was among the earliest disciples of the anti-slavery movement, and throughout his life was a bitter foe to intemperance and all other vices which tend to degrade and destroy a noble manhood. Dr. Howe was a remarkably strong man physically, mentally, and morally. There was in his make-up a wonderful, persevering energy that would not succumb to This characteristic marked his boyhood and developed with his manhood. The advantage he ever enjoyed. college. This done, he taught school and earned the money necessary for the prosecution of his medical studies. profession with the same earnestness and assiduity that characterized all his undertakings through life. He labored not only to build up a competence for himself and family, but he labored with equal zeal for whatever would benefit his community or mankind at large. Starting in life with an object and purpose, he had the courage to pursue that object, and attain that purpose against all opposing circum- Like most earnest, broadminded men, he possessed a wonderful personal mag- Genial, spontaneous, candid, he had the faculty of winning to him and to his views those with whom he came in contact. He was one who stood in the front rank in that noble army of New England's gallant sons, who, starting in life with only brave hearts, clear heads, and willing hands, carve for themselves a career of honor, and write

James Tirrell

Tirrell, was born in Weymouth, May, 1797, where he resided until his death, Nov. 5, 1865. He was the second son in a family of seven, - Kingman, James, Betsey (Mrs. Richards), Minot, Wilson, Albert, and Mary (Mrs. Vining). The family is traced back to Gideon Tirrell, who settled in Weymouth about 1658, and died Oct. 13, 1730. He was an extensive land-holder, prominent in the affairs of the town and in the church, whose descendants, thirty years ago, - two names excepted, - were believed to constitute the largest number of voters in the town. At the age of eighteen James was left fatherless, and he assumed his father's place in the care of the family. His mother lived to the age of eighty-seven, and died in the Christian faith in 1858. He pursued his business with various success till about 1831, when the firm of James Tirrell & Co., consisting of the three brothers, - James, Minot, and Albert, - was formed for carrying on the boot and shoe business.

succeeded in establishing a successful business. James was the leading spirit. He was cautious and enterprising. confidence of business men. manding presence, great firmness, and persistent energy. He felt a large interest in the public welfare, and was ready for any movement that commended of a company of artillery, which gave him the title | of captain, which he wore by an apparent right the | For many years he was one of the | He was one of the founders | and directors of the bank in South Weymouth. He was a Whig in politics in the days of Daniel Webster, as were most of his brothers, and great national questions stirred him deeply. He was an active member of the Union Congregational Church, whose welfare was dear to him. He built its first house of worship from his own funds, the society repaying him after the pews were sold; and often when there was a deficit at: the end of the year in the parish expenses, he would ask them to raise what money they could, and he would pay the balance. Thus, though his business was in Boston and his days spent there, he was ever

He married Betsey Whitmarsh, a most fitting companion, who still survives, surrounded by her children and grandchildren in a pious and serene old age. Their children are Hannah (the constant companion and tender guardian of her mother in her declining years), Tirzah (the wife of Moses T. Durell, and resides in Boston), Alfred (who married Frances Hastings, and early entered upon a successful business career in Boston and New Orleans), Mary Jane (the widow of the late Gen. James L. Bates, of the Massa-

Nathaniel Shaw

Nathaniel Shaw was born in Weymouth, Mass., He was the son of Capt. Nathaniel and Jane (Tirrell) Shaw. Capt. Nathaniel was born in East Abington, Mass., Aug. 5, 1769. life he moved to Weymouth, and became one of the pioneers in what has since grown to be New England's greatest industry, the manufacture of boots and shoes. He was a man of character and integrity, and much respected in the community. His children were Nathaniel (1), Jane (1), Lydia (1), and Oran (1) (all of whom died young), Nathaniel (2) and Jane (2), twins (she married Josiah Torrey and died 1839), Cynthia (married Thomas Reed and died 1878), Theron V. (died 1878), Sophronia (married Thomas White, died 1871), Oran P. and Lydia T., twins (she married Adoniram Vining and is still living in Weymouth). Oran is also still living. Capt. Shaw died Nov. 17, 1835. Mrs. Shaw died Sept. 7, 1835.

common schools of his day and locality. schools only the rudiments of learning were taught, but many, if not the majority of our practical successful business men were brought up under the same | régime, and while they were denied the privileges and pleasures of classic attainments, yet they were sufhciently instructed in the fundamental principles of | mathematics and other useful branches to enable them to successfully conduct the various transactions incident to a business life. As soon as Mr. Shaw was old enough to be of practical service in his father's shop he was initiated into the mysteries of the craft, and by the time he had arrived at manhood he had acquired a thorough practical knowledge of the business in all its details. jority he came to Boston and engaged as clerk in the store of Joseph Smith, on Hanover Street. On Jan. 20,1831, he married Emily L., daughter of Eliphalet and Anna (Blanchard) Loud, of Weymouth, and soon after, on account of the ill health of his wife, he re- manufacturing establishment of his father. Upon the | death of his father (1835) he took entire control of | the business, and for some years conducted it alone. He soon developed remarkable tact and energy in the conduct of his business, and rapidly extended his trade until it became, for those days, a large concern. Some time prior to 1849, Theron V. Shaw was admitted to partnership; but this copartnership only continued a few years, when Theron V. withdrew, and Nathaniel conducted the business alone until 1855, when William Appleton Shaw (Nathaniel's eldest son), becom- | ing of age, he and Hon. B. F. White were admitted as partners, under the firm-name of Nathaniel Shaw & Co., and this copartnership continued until Mr. Shaw's death, Feb. 21, 1860. A few years later, Hon. B. F. White, owing to ill health, retired from business and removed to California. ment, Theron V. again took an interest in the business, which he retained to the time of his death (1870). Sinee then William A. Shaw has conducted the business alone.

he carried a smiling face, an undaunted heart, and an active, persistent energy that eventually tided him successfully over all difficulties. It was often remarked among his acquaintances that he seemed to " carry sun- shine with him wherever he went." by his employés. He was the soul of honor and one of the most charitable of men, always looking after the interests and seeking the comforts of the families of those in his employ. He shrank from public notice or public office, and the only office he ever accepted from the people was that of representative to the State Legislature in 1857. He was one of the directors of the Weymouth National Bank. In politics he was a Whig and Republican, and was a strong anti-slavery advocate. He was a warm friend to the temperance movement, and gave a great deal to its support. He was very public-spirited, and many marks of his handiwork are observable in the improvements of his town. He was a regular attendant at the Second Congregational Church at South Weymouth, and was never absent unless on account of illness. there was one child, William Appleton (born Jan. 28, 1832; educated at Braintree Academy and Phillips' Andover Academy; married Harriette P. Reed, April 8, 1858). Mrs. Shaw died Jan. 17,1833. Mr. Shaw married, as his second wife, Diantha, daughter of Stephen and Susan (Loud) Tirrell, Feb. 18, 1840. She was born Oct.10,1817. They had three children, - Emily L., born April 8, 1842, died in infancy; Mary R., born March 23, 1844; and Wendell, born Feb. 1, 1848, educated at Weymouth High School and at select school at Auburndale, Mass., and married Lydia G., daughter of John Urquhart, of Gloucester, Mass. They have two children living, Theron B. and Stacy W. Wendell is a farmer, and resides at the old homestead in Weymouth. Mary R. Shaw is now the wife of Stephen W. Harmon. York Co., Me.

taught the high school at Saco, Me., the academy at Hampton, N. H., and the Parsonfield Seminary at North Parsonfield, Me. He read law at the office of Wells & Marshall, at Buxton, Me., and was admitted The following called the 'loafers' stand,"? near the place where he boarded, ruminating as to what should be his next move, he was approached by Martin S. Stetson, of Stetson & Blake, East Abington, boot and shoe manufacturers, and offered a job '"treeing" boots. It is needless to say the proposition was accepted. He continued with them a few months, until the business

John S. Fogg, well known as a boot and shoe manufacturer, and also as a prominent banker in Boston, was born in Meredith, N. H., April 16,1817. He is the son of Josiah and Mary (Roberts) Fogg. His ancestors came originally from the South of England, © where large estates are now held by Sir Charles Fogg. Younger brothers of this family came to America about the middle of the seventeenth century, and - were among the early settlers of Exeter, N. H. Their progeny went westward, and were pioneers in the settlement of the territory about Meredith. Mr. | Fogg's parents removed to Stanstead, Canada, when | he was a year anda half old. They were poor, and the only opportunities afforded him for an education - were the very limited advantages of the public schools. © The winters in that climate being long and severe, prevented a regular attendance at these during the winter months, and in summers the necessities of the © family compelled him to be placed at labor as soon as he was old enough for his services to be of any value. | The death of his mother when he was only nine years old added to the disadvantages under which he was placed, and this was followed, when in his fourteenth year, by the death of his father, leaving a family of | five children, of whom John S. was the elder. The children were now compelled to separate and find | homes in different families.

On the Ist day of April, 1836, he started by stagecoach alone for the city of Boston to seek his fortune. At Lowell he saw his first railroad train, boarded it, and that (Monday) afternoon he stepped from the cars in the city of Boston, with scant means in his | pocket, with not an acquaintance in the entire city, with no definite plan or object in view save that he was determined to do something to earn a living and if possible to win his way to fortune. He procured | cheap lodgings and board, and proceeded during the following week to cast about for something todo. In this he was unsuccessful, and the following Saturday found him penniless and sadly discouraged. On the afternoon of that day, while standing at a place .

lost more than half his wages. In the mean time Stetson had managed to get under way again, and Mr. Fogg returned to his employ, where he continued till 1840, treeing and crimping boots. In April of this year he began business for himself as a boot and shoe crimper, at South Weymouth, Mass. About the first and sold them to retailers. With the funds thus acquired he replenished his stock, paid his hands, and thus embarked in the boot and shoe manufacturing business. He soon built up quite a trade, and in 1842 he built his first factory - a large one for those days - at Columbian Square, South Weymouth. This was the first large factory in that part of the town; was heated by steam, and was looked upon by tomers, he confined himself exclusively to the supplying of the wholesale houses. His first deal with a wholésale house was with Alexander Strong, one of Mr. Foge's goods were the best that could be made, and he experienced no difficulty in finding customers among the best dealers, such as Atherton, Stetson & Co., Joseph Whitten & Co., and other prominent houses.

They removed their store to Pearl Street, and under Houghton, they did a large and rapidly-increasing business. About 1861, Albert L. Coolidge was admitted as a partner, and the firm became Fogg, Houghton & Coolidge. In the mean time, about 1859, they began to secure quite a

1 This was a place where men out of employment and who desired to obtain work were in the habit of congregating, and where employers used to come to seek help when they desired to increase their forces.

market continued to increase so rapidly that in 1866 they did a business of more than a million dollars, and were at that time quoted as the largest boot and shoe manufacturers in the United States. Mr. Fogg withdrew from this firm, but still continued manufacturing at Weymouth. In the meantime, in 1867, his brother, Parker 8S. Fogg, returned from California with a cash capital of nearly a hundred thousand dollars, which he had amassed in the boot and shoe trade, and for which he sought investment. John 8. placed an equal amount with him, and together they established themselves as bankers, at No. 20 Congress Street, Boston, with Parker 8. Fogg as active business manager. personal attention to his manufacturing interests at Weymouth until June 1, 1871, when his brother died, and he then assumed the management of the bank, and to this interest he has devoted his chief attention to the present time. Upon the dissolution of the firm of Fogg, Fogg formed a copartnership with N. B. Thayer, who had been foreman of the Weymouth factory and the firm-name of N. B. Thayer & Co. the manufacturing at Weymouth was continued until March, 1882, when the firm of Fogg, Shaw, Thayer & Co. was formed, with factories at South Weymouth, Westboro', and Marblehead, Mass., and Farmington, N. H. In their banking operations Messrs. Fogg Brothers & Co. made a specialty of dealing in western commercial paper, and in this connection one remarkable fact may be mentioned, - during the last five years they ern paper and have never lost a dollar. First National Bank of South Weymouth was incor: porated, and Mr. Fogg was chosen president, which position he has held to the present time. In this same year Mr. Fogg was elected president of the Agricultural Industrial Society. this capacity eleven years he resigned.

one, and through all his various and multitudinous dealings and interests he has always paid dollar for dollar, and never asked an extension. Of his personal traits and characteristics, one of his neighbors speaks appearance, splendid physique, in perfect health, and weighs something over two hundred pounds. His personal manners are easy, address and manner of He is noted among a very wide circle of business and other acquaintances for his perfect self-control under even the most exasperating circumstances." Neighbors of forty years testify that while they have on very rare occasions seen him angry, they have never known him to exhibit other than the most composed external This habitual 'ruling of his own spirit' has always given him great influence over his many embearing.

ployés, and has preserved between him and them an unusual degree of harmony. He is candid and frank in his natural disposition, and hasan especial sympathy for struggling young men of merit who are evi- More than one such has received from him substantial tokens of his sympathy. His early advantages in the way of education were scanty, but he has by diligence and per- Mr. Fogg is highly esteemed in the community where he has so long resided and is best known. He isa man of decided religious convictions and character, though never obtrusive, always quietly firm whenever occasion arises for a declaration of his principles in this regard. He is, besides a giver to many good causes, a generous supporter of the Union Congregational Church, of which he has been for so many years a valued and influential member."

Marshall Curtis Dizer

Marshall C. Dizer was born in Weymouth, Mass., Sept. 23, 1822. He is the son of John and Sophia (French) Dizer, and grandson of John Dizer, a German immigrant to this country about 1790. This John Dizer was a seafaring man, and made his home John Dizer, Jr., learned shoemaking when a young man, and followed that occupation until between fifty and sixty

©. is the oldest son of seven children. In his youth he had no educational advantages further than the schools of Weymouth afforded, and as soon as he had arrived at such age that his services were useful he was placed in the shop to help his father at the shoemaker's bench. He was brought up to this vocation, and worked at his trade until he attained his majority. He then took a case of shoes to make for a manufacturer, for which, when finished, he received thirty-five dollars. With this capital he embarked in business - for himself, and from that day to the present he has _ never worked a day as an employé. He purchased stock, made shoes, and sold them to merchants, and - with the money thus acquired would replenish and increase his stock and employ assistants, - gradually | but continually building up and advancing.. He practiced the most rigid economy, and labored with the | most persevering energy. As an instance of the selfdenial and restraint he practiced, he has frequently, when business called him to Boston, made his noon meal off an apple and doughnut costing a cent each.

if not most of those who are to-day the leadin stantial business men of New England laid the foundation of their fortune and success by the exercise of purchased and conducted a grocery-store as an adjunct to his manufacturing business, his shoemaking being | conducted in one-half the store. It is worth record- | ing that the only material aid Mr. Dizer ever asked | business was a loan of one hundred dollars from Mr. Jonathan Denton, of Boston (afterwards his father- | in-law), and this debt caused him so much mental uneasiness that he determined never to repeat the process. In a few years his business had so far increased as to render new and larger quarters necessary. | He had also married in the mean time, and so he | fitted up the grocery-store as a dwelling and leased a | larger factory in which to conduct his business. Here he remained only a few years, when, in obedience to the demands of his rapidly-growing trade, he leased a | much larger factory, gave up the grocery-store attachment, devoted himself exclusively to manufacturing, and continued in this factory until 1861, when he. built a shop where his present immense establishment now stands. Up to this time, however, Mr. Dizer's career had not been one of uninterrupted prosperity. Like other business men, he had encountered many unlooked for obstacles and met with many reverses, but, unlike many others, he never lost heart or cour- | age, but overcame obstacles as best he could and kept energetically at work. In the great financial crash of 1857 he lost almost the entire accumulations of pre- | vious years, and it was only by the most unyielding efforts that he managed to avoid suspension. Again, in 1861, the loss of his Southern trade through the | outbreak of the civil war, and the consequent failure to collect outstanding dues in that quarter left him | once more almost penniless. Again, however, he began | almost at the beginning, built up new trade, and once more conquered adverse fortune. When he began the erection of his new factory he had no surplus money, but paid all bills of its construction (as they fell due) from the proceeds of his business. Up to this time he made only shoes. He now began making calf boots, and for about three years made a specialty of army shoes.

Since 1861, as Mr. Dizer's business has increased, he has increased his facilities and made additions to his factory more than half a dozen different times, until he has now the largest factory in the world for the class of goods he makes. He has never had any partners in business except his two brothers, John T. and Jacob F., who at different times have had an interest, until Mr. Dizer's two sons became of age, when the brothers retired and the sons were admitted as partners, the firm-name being M. C. Dizer & Co. Mr. Dizer's factory now furnishes employment to nearly six hundred persons, and they do a business of about eight hundred thousand dollars per annum. The writer of this sketch was conducted by Mr. Dizer through the various departments of his immense establishment, where hundreds of curiouslyfashioned machines, many of which are original with this house, each perform with the most astonishing rapidity some part of the process of making a boot or shoe, where each of these various machines has in attendance a skillful manipulator who operates the machine with such wonderful skill and does his work so deftly and with such mathematical regularity that one involuntarily wonders whether by long months and years of routine work he too has not become a machine, a veritable automaton that could not go

Mr. Dizer has always devoted himself strictly te his business, and almost invariably refused any official position tendered him. He has been director of different banks and corporations for short periods, but always gave up such positions as soon as he could consistently do so, believing one interest at a time sufficient for one man, if that interest be properly attended to. The only position of trust he now holds of Weymouth and Braintree. In politics he is a He is a member of the Baptist Church, which is largely sustained by his liberality, and of which his father is deacon. He has always been strictly temperate, never using either tobacco or liquor. As an evidence of the character Mr. Dizer | in signing the church covenant, and was an early deahas always sustained among his business acquaintances, a single incident will suffice to illustrate. During the great panic and upheaval in business

1861, one of Boston's leading business men was approached by another, who had a very slight acquaintance with Mr. Dizer, and asked what he thought of Mr. Dizer's responsibility. The gentleman referred to replied, "If I knew to-day that M. C. Dizer was not worth one dollar in the world, I should not hesitate to trust him for ten thousand dollars."

He married, first, Sarah A. Denton, of Boston. She lived but little more than a year, and Mr. Dizer married as his second wife a sister of the first, Miss Delia A. Denton. are dead, two sons and one daughter are living, - Silas C., who married a daughter of Gen. Luke Lyman, of Northampton, and now resides in Long- Walter M. married a Miss Eggleston, of Westfield, and resides in Weymouth,

Elias Smith Beals

Elias 8. Beals was born in Weymouth, Mass., Oct. 20, 1814. He is the son of Lewis and Sarah S. (Harding) Beals, and is descended in a direct line from John Beal, who came from the parish of Hingham, in Forehoe Hundred, County of Norfolk, England. He came to America in the vessel '" Diligent," arriving at Boston on the 10th of August, 1638, with his family, consisting of wife, five sons, three daughters, and two servants. He settled in Hingham, probably on account of his wife being the sister of tey. Peter Hobart, who had chosen that town as his has been distinguished for intelligence, integrity, and good citizenship. The line of descent from John Beal to Elias S. is: John (1), Jeremiah (2), Lazarus (3), Lazarus (4), Lazarus (5), Lazarus A. (6), Lewis (7), Elias S. (8).

Lazarus, of the fifth generation, was a physician in what was then the Second Precinct of Hingham (now Cohasset), it being set apart as a new town in 1770.

con in the church. A copy of this document, now in the possession of Mr. Quincy Bicknell, of Hingham, shows it to be remarkable for its liberality, "being sufficiently broad to embrace all denominations of Christians." Dr. Beal's wife was named Lydia. They had a large family, of twelve children. He lived to be seventy-two years of age, dying Oct. 31, Lots

Lazarus A., son of Dr. Lazarus, was born Sept. 30, 1753; died Nov. 23, 1822. Karly in life he moved to Weymouth, where he married, Oct. 29, 1776, Bethiah Lewis. She was born April 8, 1756; died Aug. 5, 1805. They had a family of six children, of He was born Oct. 13, 1793. His education was such as could be obtained at common schools of his town at that period, and when about seventeen years of age he chose brick-masonry as a trade, and this he followed assiduously as an occupation till between fifty and sixty years of age. By habits of economy and thrift he had during these and to the avocation of agriculture he devoted his de- He, like his father, was an orthodox Congregationalist, and was a member of that church for more than fifty years of his life. He married Sarah S., daughter of Capt. James and Mary (Ford) Harding, of Weymouth. 'Their children were Hlias S., Mary H. (afterwards the wife of Francis B. Bates,

_ now deceased), Sarah L. and Lewis A. (who is a mason by trade, and resides with Sarah L. at the old Mr. Beals lived to the remarkable age of more than eighty-eight years,

Elias S. had in his youth no educational advantages other than the common schools afforded. He worked when a boy, about three years with his father at masonry. When about eighteen he learned shoemaking, and for a few years worked at cutting and making shoes for neighboring manufacturers. In 1838 he took a large lot of boots and shoes, the property of various manufacturers in Weymouth, on board a vessel and sailed for Savannah, Ga., where he disposed of part of the same to advantage, the remainder he shipped to Charleston, 8. C., and then sold the larger part of what he had left from the Savannah market. This was Mr. Beals' first business venture out in the world, and the fact that his neighbors trusted him, a young inexperienced man, showed the esteem in which he was held by his fellow-townsmen. On his return from Savannah to Charleston he sailed

Ocean. starboard shaft in a gale of wind and came to anchor. The gale was so furious that she parted all her cables but one, and the vessel was in imminent danger of being lost with all on board. During the prevalence of the storm, however, the passengers were transferred at great risk of their lives to a passing steamer, and carried on to Charleston. in Charleston Mr. Beals took passage on the ship " Leland,' and after a very rough voyage arrived again in his native town, Weymouth. He then began in a small way manufacturing boots and shoes, and soon connected with this pursuit a small store of general merchandise. Later on he built a factory at Torrey's Corners, and continued as manufacturer and merchant until 1849, when he connected himself with others in a jobbing boot and shoe trade in New Orleans, from which he retired some two years later. Returning to Weymouth, he built a larger factory, manufacturer. familiarized himself with the peculiar requirements of the Southern market, he made a specialty of catering to that trade. He studied the tastes and requirements of his patrons, and took pains to keep abreast of the times, and, if anything, a little in the leader- these means established a paying trade in first-class goods in his line. As an instance of the enterprise which has always characterized Mr. Beals' business career, it may be mentioned that he purchased and ran the first sewing machine ever used in North Weymouth ; he soon after bought another, and they proved worthy fact that in the first year of their use these two machines saved him a matter of one thousand dollars, in increased prcduction and diminished expense. The burg where he was severely wounded. erable delay and trouble Mr. Beals succeeded in getting his son home, where he was tenderly nursed by his parents through a long confinement from his wound, but he eventually recovered and was afterwards honorably discharged, being unfit for further duty.

1855 and in 1856. When a young man he was the principal auctioneer in the northerly part of Weymouth, and has always been greatly interested in all kinds of public improvements. The Hook and Ladder Company in his ward have assumed his name, had it painted on their truck, and hung his portrait in the front end of their hall.

He has done a large business as insurance agent for many years, and has been so fortunate as to never have had a single loss for any one of the more than one hundred different stock insurance companies that he had placed risks in, and less than one thousand dollars for all the several mutual insurance companies that he is agent for.

He has been a director at differnt times in two national banks; and is, and has been for several years, president of the North Weymouth Cemetery Association, and also treasurer of his religious society.

In 1859 he was a member of the State Legislature, and assisted in the revision of the laws of the commonwealth, which were published as " The General Statutes of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts." He often served on school and special committees, such as for the erection of public buildings and other important purposes. It was almost wholly through the unwearied and unremitting endeavors of Mr. Beals, continued through a period of three years and against the most inveterate and unyielding opposition from various quarters, that toll privileges of the Quincy and Hingham bridges were abolished by act of the Legislature, and the bridge was made free to all. The account of Mr. Beals' efforts, the strenuous and bitter opposition he met with, and his final victory in the achievement of his object would be too long to be accorded space here, but the entire story is ably, concisely, and wittily told in a pamphlet published at the time, entitled "The Hingham and Quincy Bridges: their Freedom, and the Manner in which it was Obtained."

Through his earnest endeavors in this matter he was brought in contact with, and formed the personal acquaintance of, almost the entire senatorial body, and as an evidence of the impression he made, it may be mentioned that in the winter of 1862 a petition was circulated in the Senate, directed to the authorities at Washington, requesting the appointment of Mr. Beals as Internal Revenue Assessor for the Second District of Massachusetts. This petition was signed by every member of the Senate (forty in all), by about one hundred members of the House, and by many other prominent men. It was forwarded to Washington, and in due time he received an appointment signed by Hugh McCulloch, then Secretary of the Treasury, On Feb. 28, of Andrew Johnson to the Presidential chair, when for political reasons a successor was appointed. Three months later Mr. Beals received a telegram from the Commissioner of Internal Revenue at Washington, asking him if he would " travel as special agent for the Treasury Department, to instruct Internal Revenue This he over the country this side the Mississippi River in the performance of this duty, which he discharged to the He served until there was a general act passed, which went into effect July 4, 1868, discharging a// special agents of the Treasury Department under the United States government. One act of Mr. Beals in this connection is especially worthy of mention: he alone and unaided recovered for the government from the First National Bank of the District of Columbia, at Washington, on incorrect returns, many thousands of dollars more money than all he ever received from the government as compensation for services and expenses; this he did while temporarily located in Washington between his tours in the prosecution of his regular duties, and the work was not in the strict line of his legitimate duty.

In 1868, Mr. Beals' son (Frank) commenced business as a boot and shoe dealer in Milwaukee, Wis. Two years later Mr. Beals and also Alexis Torrey took a partnership interest in the business, and about the same time Mr. Beals' youngest sou, James L., engaged as book-keeper for the firm. For a number of years Mr. Isaac G. Mann was also a partner, but in 1877 they purchased Mr. Mann's interest and he retired. James L. then became a member of the firm.

mocks. He married Abbie F. Lovell, of Weymouth, and has three daughters, - Clara E., Gertrude F., and Alice 8. Elizabeth married Josiah H., son of Capt. Cornelius Pratt, of Weymouth. They have one son, - James H. Hlias Frank married Emily C. Torrey, sister of Alexis Torry. James married a lady in Milwaukee, and has one son, - F rederick Elias.

Mr. Beals was one of the town auditors for many years prior to 1883, at which time, on being again elected, he declined serving longer. He was appointed a justice of the peace in 1851, and now holds his fifth commission as such officer, doing no small amount of gratuitous service in that line for pen- In politics he is a pronounced In religion he is a Universalist, and has contributed liberally in various ways, not only to the erection of a suitable house of worship, but also to the support of the society of which he is a member. Mr. Beals is frank and outspoken in his opinions and sentiments, and honorable and earnest in all matters.

Whatever he has taken in his hand to do he has always done with a will, and his efforts throughout life have been crowned with that success which must accrue to intelligently directed and persistent energy. In 1878 he made a tour through England, France, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, Prussia, Belcium, etc., and while on this trip contributed a series of letters to the Weymouth Gazette.

He says he neither hopes for nor desires any new official position whatever, as his business interests and connections require all the labor, time, and attention he is able to bestow.

He now, in his seventieth year, fully realizes that the evening shades of this earthly life are drawing closely about him; and his full faith in God and His providence makes to him the future more and more bright and glorious as time rolls on, and his scenes of earthly things are vanishing into the past.

James Torrey

JAMES TORREY. Deacon James Torrey was born in North Wey- He is a son of James and Hannah (Holbrook) Torrey, and grandson of Lemuel and Sarah (Lovell) Torrey. The

| 'Torreys were among the pioneer families in this ancient and historic town, and they have always been noted for their integrity of character and good citizenship. James Torrey was a farmer in North Weymouth, and had three children, - Sarah, married rheumatism, died Jan. 5, 1864, and Lemuel married, as his second wife, Mrs. Ann Maria Batchelder, née Stoddard, of Upton. She is still living). Mr. Torrey died June 5, 1880; the third and last child is_

James, whose portrait accompanies this sketch. James Torrey, Sr., died in 1815, in his thirty-eighth year, from lung fever brought on by cold contracted while mustering in militia. Mrs. Torrey married as her second husband Stephen French, of Hast Weymouth. By this marriage there was no issue.

James, Jr., was only about four years of age at his father's death. The family were left with small means, and of course the children were compelled to work at an early age to help support the family. At thirteen years of age James was hired out to work on the farm at three dollars per month, and worked lowing year he worked a number of months at the same price. About this time his mother married the second time, and he returned home to live with her and his stepfather. Here he remained until the death of his mother, which occurred when he was in his twenty-first year. During his minority he had learned boot and shoemaking, and he now went to work for various manufacturers. Nov. 12, 1834, he married Catharine Whitmarsh, daughter of Peter and Ruth (Webb) Whitmarsh, and granddaughter of Thomas and Jane (Reed) Webb. About the time and established business for himself. He built up quite a large business for those days, and was uniformly successful. About 1865 he took into partnership his nephew, Lemuel Torrey, Jr., furnishing | the funds and superintending the general affairs of | the firm, while Lemuel assumed the actual charge of affairs, and gave his personal attention to the manufacturing. This copartnership continued until 1872, when Mr. Torrey withdrew his capital from the concern, and permanently retired from active business, after having spent nearly forty years of his life as a manufacturer.

Since his retirement he has not been idle ; he has settled many estates, some of which were in a very 'complicated condition. This he has done to the general satisfaction of those concerned.

Deacon Torrey so deported himself as to win the confidence and esteem of those who know him, and he, though never an aspirant for office, has been honored with many trusts. He was elected director of Quincy Stone Bank, afterwards called National Granite Bank, in 1853, and has held that position to the present time. He has been for many years, and is at present, trustee of the Weymouth Savings- Bank. He has been, since its incorporation, a director in Dorchester Mutual Fire Insurance Company, covering a period of about thirty years. He was postmaster at North Weymouth under the administration of four Presidents, has been selectman there was a dispute as to the boundary line between Weymouth and Abington. They petitioned the Legislature, and Mr. Torrey was one of the commis-

This proved to be a very arduous and laborious work, as it was done during the most inclement weather of a severe winter, and through a_badly-constructed route. The line was established, however, according to their survey, the Legislature accepting their report. Deacon Torrey is an earnest and faithful worker in Masonry. He joined first the Old Colony Lodge, F. A. M., at Hingham, Mass., was made a Master Mason at this lodge, and continued his membership there until the renewal of charter and reorganization of Orphans' Hope Lodge at Hast Wey- He changed his membership to this lodge, and has been its treasurer since its organization, a period of more than a quarter of a century. He is a member of the North Weymouth Pilgrim Church (Congregationalist), and has been a deacon of this church from its organization, in 1852, to the present time, and for ten years or more superintendent of the Sunday-school.

Though never an active politician, he has always acted with the Republican party in most measures, and in this, as in all other matters, he is liberal in his views and opinions. Deacon Torrey is one of the most highly-respected citizens of his town, and together with his estimable wife is passing a serene and quiet life's autumn near the spot where he was born, surrounded by warm friends, and in the enjoyment of a competence secured by years of active industrious toil and traffic.