Worcester County, Massachusetts - Biographical sketches (8 of 9 so headed), 1889

Biographical sketches

age and went to live with his uncle, Jacob Southwick, where he remained until his uncle's death. Daniel having reached the age when it became necessary for him to think of learning a useful trade, found employment with Ale.xander Wilson, one of the old time scythe-makers. This was the time when numerous small scythe-shops were scattered over the county. So well satisfied was Mr. Southwick with his employer that he remained with him twenty years. At the age of twenty-eight he built the home where he resided until his death, February 17, 1886. During his lifetime he held many important offices in his town and was ever faithful to all trusts reposed in him. The friendless poor, the unfortunate and those in any trouble, ever found in him a .sympathizing friend. In all matters of business he was prompt and punctual, his word was as good as his bond, and throughout a long life he maintained this character. He married Sally Wilson January 28, 1832. In his family relations he was the loving husband and the kind father. In the community in which he lived he was a re-, spected citizen, and there having rounded out the three-score years and ten allotted him, he passed to his reward, leaving a widow, two sons, two grandchildren and one sister.

James C. Southwick

James C. Southwick, the son of Daniel, grandson of John, and great-grandson of Jonathan, is a direct descendant from Lawrence, the Pilgrim, who came from England to America in l(i27, and probably settled in Salem, although his name does not appear on the records until 1639, when he and his family were admitted to membership in the First Church of Salem, and land was given him by the town on which to carry on the business of manufacturing glass and earthen-ware. The subject of this sketch was the only son in a family of seven children, five of whom are now living. He was born in Mendon (now Blackstone), December 12, 1824, on the homestead which has been occupied by the three preceding generations. In early life he attended the district school in his native town, and supplemented his education at Scituate, R. I., and at the Worcester Academy.

When a young man he purchased a farm adjacent to the old homestead, which he carried on until the decease of his father, when he bought the latter place, which he still occupies. Mr. Southwick is a progressive agriculturist, and has all the modern appliances for farm work. In his religious views he is liberal, believing in deeds rather tha,n creeds. September 18, 1845, he married Elizabeth F., daughter of Wilder Holbrook. They have had fimr children, viz. : Medora E., born June 17, 1847, who married Josiah B. Davis, of Black'-tone; Eva A., born August 14, 1852, who marri. i Charles H. Buflum, of Oxford, and died May 31 1 883, three years after her marriage ; De Etta, bo.iJ February 28, 1859, who died August 7, 1860 ; Wilder D., born April 19, 1866. The latter having completed a course of study in the American Veterinary College, at New York, received his degree in 1887, and is now practicing as a veterinarian in Woonsocket, R. I.