Leominster City (part 4 of 4)

C. F. Nlxon was born in Sterling, Aug. 16, 1857. He removed to I'empleton and afterward, in 1868, to Leominster, where he attended school, and later entered the employ of C. E. Dresser, diuggist, in P'osters' block. He graduated at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy in May, 18S4, having started in business in Allen's block in 1879. He is now President of the Worcester North Druggists' Association. At the time Mr. Ni.Kon commenced business he was the youngest druggist in town, and had also been the shortest time in business. Owing to changes in the proprietorship of the other drug stores he is now senior in his line and longest in business.

M. A. Greenwood A. O. Wilder

E. E. BuRDETT. This business was established when Fosters' block was built, in 1874, by A. A. Burditt of Clinton, who afterwards disposed of the business to C. E. Dresser. In i88r, it was purchased by the present proprietor, who had, for four years previous to that time, been in the employ of Mr. Dresser.

Fred P. Porter was born in Lunenburg, Mass. He came to Leominster in 1877, and in 1887 purchased the drug business of Dr. A. H. French, in Wood's block, after having been in the employ of E. E. Burdett for six years.

Watchmakers And Jewellers

Edward Prevear was born in Northampton, Mass., Sept. 10, 18 1 7, and educated at Amherst in the public schools and Academy. He went as an apprentice to the watch, jewelry, and optical business in Amherst in 1834, and succeeded his employers Jan. i, 1840, removing his business to Lynn in 1849, thence to Leominster in 1858.

The necessity of some simple method for ascertaining exact time, which is found only by the movements of the sun and stars, led him to construct a transit instrument for that purpose, for which he received letters patent in 1868. It was the study of astronomy for the purpose of computing time, under the guidance of professors at Amherst and Harvard Colleges, that led to his appointment by Gov. Claflin, in 1870, as Comm.issioner for establishing meridian lines in each county of the state of Massachusetts: With the efficient help of his son, Geo. F. Prevear, he still continues the watch, jewelry, and optical business at the corner of Main and Mechanic streets.

F. W. Osgood removed to Leominster from his native place, Salisbury, Mass., in March 1886, locating in the C. H. Colburn building on Main street.

Printing

The first newspaper printed in town was the "Rural Repository," which was started Oct. 22, 1795, and published weekly by Charles Prentiss, in a building near where Josiah Pierce now lives. The date of its death is not known, certainly, but in June, 1798, Charles and John Prentiss started the "Political Focus," which was devoted to the interests of the Federalists. This paper was printed at the same place as the " Rural Repository", and must have been as short lived, for in 1800, we have record of the advent of the "Telescope", published at the same office as the others, by Dr. Daniel Adams, (author of Adams' Arithmetic,) and Salmon Wilder. This ceased for want of patronage, Oct. 14, 1802. The "Political Recorder" started in the summer of 1809, and was published by Salmon Wilder about half a mile west of the meeting house. The last number was issued July 19th, 1810.

For several years after the failure of his newspaper business. Charles Prestiss continued the publication of books, one volume of his own, "Essays," in prose and poetry, "The Philosophy of Love," by the late Rev. Charles Stearns, of Lincoln Mass., also a 12 mo. volume of "Dramatic Dialogues." by the same author. He also published several miscellaneous volumes for himseli and others, and kept a bookstore and bindery.

Doctor Adams, who was settled here, published several editions of his "Scholars Arithmetic" and his "Understanding Reader," two valuable school books,, which were afterwards enlarged and much improved. The Arithmetic became very celebrated, and in 1806-7 Mr. Prentiss purchased the copyright and large editions of it were published. In 1828 the author revised it in order to supply the demands of the times, and from that time until 1848, large sterotype editions were published of the new 12 mo. work, Adams' New Arithmetic. Another revision was then made and the "Revised Edition" was, for several years published by J. W. Prentiss & Co.

For several years, prior to 1872, there was no newspaper in town. June 3d of that year Mr. F. N. Boutwell commenced the publication of the "Leominster Enterprise" having three years previous to that, established a printing office in town. The paper was conducted by Mr. Boutwell, (as stated further on), until 1884. He worked during the year 1884 on the paper in connection with A. G. Morse, to whom the plant was leased that year. Jan. i, 1885, the office was purchased by J. D. Miller, and since that time the paper has been conducted by Mr. Miller as Editor and Proprietor.

Charles H. Rice, local reporter and business agent of the "Enterprise," has been connected with the paper in that capacity for the past four years. He is a native of Marlboro', Mass. He graduated at Monson Academy, having taken a three-years course, and for a few years taught in the public schools. He was afterwards, for nine years, in a dry goods and grocery store. He came to Leominster in 1881, and engaged in newspaper work, having been an agent for the Associated Press for several years. For fifteen years he has held an auctioneer's license, and dealt in real estate and personal property. For five years he has been one of the police officers of the town.

For several years previous to 1881, a Job Office was run by Charles Smith, later on, by Charles Tenney, who sold out to Moses Leger. Mr. Leger continued from 1881 until the fall of 1883, when he discontinued business and went to Lynn, where he is now foreman of a large Job Printing Office.

F. N. BouTWELL is a native of Craftsbiiry, Orleans County, Vermont, where he was born July 30, 1835. His early education was acquired at the district school. At the age of sixteen he commenced the apprenticeship of a printer in Amherst, N. H., and served three years. He then worked as journeyman in Montpelier, Vt., Boston, and Fitchburg, Mass., and Nashua, and Milford, N. H., until 1858, when he purchased the "Milford Republican," and was the editor and publisher of that papar until 1 852, when its publication was suspended on account of the war. After this he worked as a journeyman most of the time until 1867, when he established a job printing office in Milford, N. H., which was purchased the following year by Mr. J. M. Blanchard. In May, 1869, he established a printing office in Leominster, occupying a room in a building on the site which is now occupied by the Leominster Hotel. In 1871, the office was moved to a room in Wood's Block. June 3, 1872, he commenced the pubhcation of the "Leominster Enterprise". In 1874 the office was moved to Fosters' Block, and in 1879 ^o Morse's Block on Water street, where he continued as editor and proprietor until Jan. 1884, when the business was leased, for one year, to A. G. Morse, and on Jan. i, 1885, it was sold to J. D. Miller. In 1886 he established a second book and job printing office on Water street, where the business is still carried on.

In 1857 he married Miss Abby L. Melendy, of Amherst, N. H., who died in 1805. They had one child, a daughter, who is now connected with him in business.

In 1854 he became a member of the M. E. Church, in which he has held important official relations for many years. After the close of the war he received a local preacher's license, and went to Charlestown, S. C, and spent several months in teaching the Freedmcn. In 1869 he returned to Fitchburg, where he married Miss S. Elizabeth Willard, of Ashburnham, and shortly afterward removed to this town.

George H. Wheelock

The Leominster Book Bindery, was established about 1876, by Z. S. Phelps, proprietor He is a native of Fitchburg, and for thirteen years he was employed in the bindery connected with the old and well known Book-store of Stephen Shepley. He started in business for himself on the corner of Laurel and Main street, and soon after remov^ed to Leominster.

The News Stand, Allen C. Hosmer, proprietor. This business was first established by A. J. Parker, in an old building where Wood's block now stands. The business was afterwards carried on by a Mr. Simonds, and Edward Sawyer. In 1875, Eugene Damon established the P. O. News Room which was afterwards carried on by Edward Sawyer, Charles E. Smith, E. M. Harrington and Henry G. Edgerly who sold out to Mr. Hosmer and the stand was removed to its present location when the Post Office was enlarged.

L. A. Richardson is the oldest established photographer in town. His father and two brothers also followed the same business. Mr. Richardson is a native of Leominster, born Oct. 17, 1840. At the age of 17 choosing Photography as a business, he started out and for nine years travelled, as was the custom in those days, from place to place, locating afterwards in a permanent studio in Boston. Three years later he removed to Ashland, Mass., and after the expiration of another three years came to Leominster, where, after the first few months, he located in the rooms he now occupies. This is his thirtieth year in the business, fifteen of which have been spent in this town.

Edmond G. Davis, although not now classing himself with the Photographers, has been the greater part of his life in the business. Although born in Lowell in 1847, he has been a resident of this town for the past 35 years, and is a lineal descend- ent of Gershom and Tamah Houghton, the first settlers of the town. He first established himself in the photograph business in a travelling car on the old training field ; changing in 1874, to rooms in Allen's Block, corner of Pleasant and Pearl streets, where he was located for several years. Later he engaged with his father in the upholstering and furniture repairing business in Morse's Block, where he is at present located, continuing however in landscape photography as a pastime.

Mr. Davis has always taken an active personal interest in public matters, particularly in improving and beautifying the town, and has done efficient service as Curator of the Museum.

The Worcester Studio located here Sept. r, 1888. The proprietors are John Kivlan, a native of Princeton, Mass., and H. Donovan, who is a native of Brighton, England. He has worked in Toronto. Canada, Buffalo, N. Y., Boston and Worcester, previous to coming to Leominster.

Surveyor

loN.\s W. Gates is a native of Worcester, Mass., received his education in the Leomins.er Public Schools, and engaged in Civil Engineering in 1865, in which business he has continued to the present time.

Undertaker

Charles PL Riciiard.sqx has been for several years a furnishing undertaker in this town. He was born in Leominster, on the old homestead, Sept. 3, 1840. During the early years of his life, he was most of the time with his father, Silas Richardson, who was for so many years the village sexton, being associated with him during the last of his life, and succeeding to the position previous to his father's death. Mr. Rich-

Dry Goods, Etc

The Dry Goods business of D. C. Nickersou was established in 1874, by Loring Sears, who sold out to Mr. Nickerson in ^lay, 1874. In iSSo, the store was enlarged and remodelled. Mr. Nickerson is a native of Harwich where he was born Jan. 21, 1848. He received his education in Boston, and learned the Dry Goods business of N. H. Skinner & Co., in Taunton, Mass. He is a prominent business man and a Trustee in the Leominster Savings Bank.

O. A. Taft was born in U.xbridge, Mass., Jan. 17, 1850, but moved to Douglas when quite young. He attended Schofield's Commercial College, in Providence. He was a clerk in country stores and in 1869, went into the employ of Bryant & Wiley, afterwards Solon Bryant & Co., wholesale dealers in Notions and Fancy Goods, in Worcester, Mass., having an interest in the firm. After some time he went into partnership with E. A. Merrill in the wholesale and retail toy business. In 1880, owing to poor health, he sold out his interest, came to Leominster, and purchased the Dry Goods business of D. I. Harthan, in Wood's Block, removing, in 1884, to his present location in Hotel Block.

L. F. BuRRAGE is a native of Leominster, where he was born Nov. 2, 1853. He was the successor of T. B. Grimes, who established the business several years before in Union block. Before engaging in the Dry Goods trade he was interested in the Horn Business in the firm of Wheelock & Burrage.

Mrs. Ella M. Wilder has been engaged in the Ladies Furnishing goods business, in Woods' Block since the Summer of 1886. (Sketch in Educational Chapter.)

1855. He worked in a country variety store and was afterwards engaged in the Paper Hanging and Grocery business in Fitchburg, removing to Leominster in J 877, buying out G. E. Litchfield & Co., in the Hotel Block, removing to his present location in 1883.

D. H. Wheeloci-l's Variety Store. Mr. ^Vheelock has been engaged in trade most of the time for fifteen years or more, and was a manufacturer of horn goods prior to that time.

W. C. Knowlton bought out the Variety Store of F. B. Frye, in the Hotel Block in the spring of the present year, and in October removed to his present location in Bassett's new block.

Miss. M. E. Chamberlain, in North Leominster, has also bee.i engaged in the fancy goods business in Chute's Block for the past two or three years.

Mh.Linery Goods

Mrs. M. E. Bowen has been engaged in the millinery business on the corner of Main and Merriam street for the past twenty years. The business was carried on for thirty years previous to that in the same building by Mrs. S, S. Woodbury, an aunt of Mrs. Bowen.

Mrs. L. W. Jov started in business twenty-five years ago in the rooms now occupied by Mrs. M. N. Straw, in Union Block, continuing for nine years, when she removed to Fitchburg, Li March 1885. she returned to Leominster, and opened millinery rooms in Hotel Block.

Mrs. L. J. MuNSiE started in the rooms she now occupies, in Wood's Block, in 1875. For five years she was out of business, but eight years ago opened rooms in Union Block, moving to Wood's Block in 1886.

Shaplev Brothers have been longest established in the clothing trade. The firm, consisting of G. H. and C. H. Shapley, located in Monoosnock block, October i, 1872, removing to Cook's Block, July rst, 1874. They removed to their present location at 11 Monument Square, Dec. i, 1880.

J. B. Sperl, Merchant Tailor, located here Aug. i, 1874. He is a native of Munich, Bavaria, and came to this country in Sept. 1866, residing in Baltimore and afterwards in Philadelphia, New York and Boston, removing to Worcester in the spring of 1870, where he remained until he came to Leominster.

L F. GoRHAM is a native of Welfleet, Mass. He came to Leominster in 1876, and engaged in the clothing business in Allen's Block, removing, two years later to his present location in Wood's Block.

W. H. Upham worked in Manchester, N. H., in the clothing trade, for four years previous to coming to Leominster in April, 1866. He is a native of Amherst, N. H.

Retail Boot And Shoe Business

A. M. PoLLEY & Son. This business was established in 1848, by A. M. Policy, who afterwards associated with him F. W. Policy, his son, who had grown up with him in the business, and who has since succeeded to the entire proprietorship, but retaining the firm name. Sketches of A. M. Policy in the Biographical Chapter, and F. W. Policy in the Military Chapter.

M. A. Greexwood started in business at his present location, 5 Union Block, Nov. i, 1871. Mr. Greenwood is a native of Hubbardston, Mass., where he was born Dec. 22, 1839. ^^ remained on a farm until he was 22 years of age, when he went to Worcester and was successively employed by W. D. Holbrook, flour and grain dealer, Dvvinnell & Taft, retail grocers, and in the wholesale house of L. M. Leonard.

He enlisted in Co. G, 42d Mass. Regt., and at the expiration of his term of service, went to Hubbardston and was in a grain store until the spring of 1871, vv^hen he came to Leominster, and worked for A. O. Wilder, until he began business for himself. Mr. Greenwood was elected Representative from the 14th Worcester district in 1887, serving on the committee on claims, and in 1888 on the committee on towns.

Geo. M. Powers is a native of Leominster, born Sept. 9, 1846, educated in the schools of Leominster and at the Bridgwater State Normal School. He spent six years in teaching, two years in Shirley Village, one year in Saybrook, Conn., one year in Groton and two years in West Brookfield. He returned to Leominster and purchased of Solon Perry, the corner store where he is at present located. Mr. Perry was the successor of Robert Glover who bought out Foster Brothers, the original proprietors.

Amos B. Merrill was born in Derry, Mass., Jan. 5, 1847, on the old family estate which has been kept in the Merrill name since 17J;), and which is now in his possession. Mr. Merrill lived in Atkinson, Mass., and Haverhill until 1879, when he cam2 to Leominster and started in his present business.

Sawtelle & EsTABR3o:c started in iSSS. Mr. Sawtelle had previously been in the employ of Mr. Merrill, residing in Leominster the past five years. He is a native of Bolton, Mass. and received his commercial education in Poughkeepsie, N. Y. Mr. Estabrook was born in Princeton, lived in Sterling and Marlboro', and was employed at the F. A. Whitney Carriage Co.'s works about ten years, and was vv'ith Mr. Merrill about a year previous to starting in his present business.

Railey & BuRRAGE, Stovc Dealers, etc. This business was established as far back as 1870, by Mr. Knapp. He is a native of Mason, N. H., where he was born June 25, 18 19. He came to Leominster in 1S40, and served his apprenticeship with Benjamin Merriman, in the tin and stove business, and continued with Mr. B. S. Nichols, Mr. Merriman's successor, afterwards Nichols & Elliott, and some years with Mr. Elliott alone, and for some time with George S. Jon^s and a Mr. Atherton. In 1870 Mr. Knapp bought out Wm. Fish and started in the rear of A. O. Wilder's store, removing afterwards to the corner of Water and Mechanic street, and then to Monument Square. Mr. Knapp worked for every man but one who carried on the business from 1840 to 1870. Jan. ist, 1885 Mr. Knapp retired from active business, disposing of his business to J. J. Railey and H, E. Burrage, who formed the present co-partnership. Mr. Railey is a native of Boston, a carpenter by trade. He served during the war as a private in Berdan's 2d Regt. U. S. Sharpshooters. In 1873 he came to Leominster, and worked at his trade until 1878, when he entered into partnership with A Drafifin, in the firm of Railey & Draffia, Slate Roofers, in which he continued until 1885, when he sold his interest and bought in with Mr. Burrage. Mr. Burrage is a native of Worcester, removed to Leominster in i860, and worked on a farm and at cabinet making until 1869, when he served an apprenticeship as a tin smith with W. T. Fish, in which business he has continued to the present time. He is a skilled workman. T. E. Kendall, Stoves, Tinware and Plumbing. Mr. Kendall started the business in his present location in 1879. He was born in Leominster, Oct. 31, 1829. He learned his trade in Waltham. He was engaged in rail-roading for three years previous to the war. He served in the 59th Indiana Regt., and after the close of the war worked in Boston and Providence, until he returned to Leominster.

Steam And Gas Fitter

The business of Steam and Gas P^itting and Plumbing was established here Nov. i, 1878, by Mr. John B. P\irnsworth, who occupied the upper story of the building now occupied by Railey & Burrage. Mr. P'arnsworth was born Aug. 6, 1833 in Ware, Mass, and at the age of two years his parents moved to Athol. At the age of 18 he left the farm and entered the employ of Seth Twitchell, building mover, in Fitchburg. He worked at his present business for Levi Stevens, J. W. Allen & Co., H. R. Barker, and A. W. Hubbard. After leaving J. W. Allen & Co.'s, he was, for several mDnths, employed by the Springfield Gas Machine Co., setting up their machines in Connecticut and Long Island. Later on he worked for H. J. Kimball and Parks & Carpenter, both in Fitchburg and Leominster, until he commenced business fur himself. Having become established here he began to do work for Clinton parties, and in 1883 started a branch there, which is conducted there by Wm. H. Walker, of Leominster. Mr. P^arnsworth employs, on an average, about ten men in both places. He was the first man in this section to introduce hot water heating eight years ago, and is doing a good business in that line. In the management of his Leominster business he has the assistance of his son, Frank S. I^\arnsworth. His place of busines.s is located opposite the Old Colony passenger Depot.

Grocers And Provision Dealers

The A. L. Williams & Co., corner store, was built by J. O. A. Pierce, who sold it to Goss & Harthan, grocers. It has been occupied for the grocery business by George Lawrence & Co., Kendall & Lawrence l^rothers, Jones & Lehy, Lehy & Goss, G. B. & M. F. Lehy, Foster Bros. & Kenney, Oscar C. Marsh, and the present firm, A. L. Williams & Co. Mr. Williams was previously engaged in business here in the firm of Parmenter & Williams, but sold out and returned to P'itchburg, In Nov. 1886 he bought out Oscar C. Marsh, and continues the business at the corner store under the firm name of A. L. Williams & Co.

W. K. Richardson. This business was started, when Allen's Block was built, by Edmund T. Packard, who afterward associated with him, Mr. L. ¥. Burrage, the firm being Packard & Co. In June, 1879, W. C. Richardson & Co. bought the business. In Sept. 1882, the firm dissolved and the junior partner, W. K. Richardson, took the business. Mr. Richardson is a native of Leominster and has always been in the gro. eery business.

L. W. CoNAXT has been located in Baldwin Block, North Leominster, since 1861. It is not known when the original part of this block was built, but it was a little, old, country store within the memory of the oldest inhabitant, in the days when the sale of wet groceries formed a not inconsiderable item in the business. The original building was moved a little to the north, a story added, and the long part built in 1844. Those who kept the store previous to Mr. Conant, were Farnsworth & Wilder, who bought out J. O. A. Pierce, Mr. Pierce bought out Joseph B. Brigham. David Ware, Bezaleel Lawrence and others carried on the business previous to that.

Waite carried on the business, has been engaged in the general merchandise business. Mr. Wilder is a native of Wendell, Franklin County, where he was born August 4, 1833. At the age of five he went to Sterling to live, where he was employed in 1856-7 by J. S. Butterick. He afterwards lived for a time in Lancaster. His first business connection in Leominster was under the firm of Wilder, Kidder & Co., Mr. Kidder being a tailor by trade. He was associated for four years with T. A. Hills in the firm of Wilder & Hills. Mr. Wilder has served the town in various offices ; as Selectman in i^yG-y-^, and as Assessor in 1883-4-5-6.

Bosworth & Brush. The retail grain and grocery business of this firm was established by Geo. E. Carter, who conceived the idea of a grain store. Previous to that time grain had been sold only at the mill. He started the business, together with G. W. Sheldon, the firm being Carter & Sheldon, selling out in about two years and a half to Thomas Harris and Frank Cozzens ; Cozzens & Harris selling out to Joseph Cozzens in about two years, the latter in turn disposing of the business to Bosworth & Brush, the firm consisting of M. H. Bosworth and I. B. Inrush. Mr. Bosworth is a native of West Springfield, and Mr. Brush of North Stockholm, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y. The firm rented the store in 1881, and in 1886 acquired it by purchase. They have, also, operated a grist mill in connection with their other business.

O. A. Balch's grain mill has not been run for the past eight months. The mill was built in 1872, by W. F. Howe, and run by him until about three years ago.

E. C. Williams, Water street, started in the wholesale and retail butter business in May, 1884, and in his present grocery business at the commencement of the present year. He was one year with Mr. C. E. Hudson in the Apple I'arer business. He is a native of Rochester, Vermont.

CoxAxt & Morse. The business of this firm was established by Stratton & Carter ; Hallett & Wood carrying it on previous to its purchase by Mr. Conant in April, 1879. The present firm consists of J. O. A. Conant and Clement E. Morse. Mr. Conant is a native of New Ipswichj N. H., where he was born April 13, 1835. He lived for a time in Lunenburg; locate ing here in 1857. Mr. Morse is a native of Boston. The partnership was formed March i, 1888.

D. A. Wilder started in the business in Allen's Block, in 1884, buying out Wilder & Osborn, who were, for many years engaged in the business. Prior to that time, the business was conducted by Albert Clark, Frank Sheldon, Charles Fletcher, Joseph S. Darling, Curtis & Hastings, and Capt. Abel Bowers. Before Capt. Bowers' time it was not uncommon for farmers and others to go around disposing of meat usually selling by the quantity, either "fores or hinds", as the quarters were designated.

Wm. R. Divoll, North Leominster market. The building occupied by Mr. Divoll, was built by W. F. Howe, who let it to Capt. Leonard Wood, for seven or eight years. The business was afterwards carried on by Smith & Wilder and Frank B. Holden, for a number of years, and then sold to Fred Divoll and after his death it was taken by his brother, the present proprietor.

Henry D. Lusk opened a meat market in Paton's Bl.^ck, Oct. 1st of the present year. He is a native of Goshen, Orange Co., N. Y. He was a resident for thirty years, and lived in Gardner seventeen years, returning to Leominster as stated.

Market Gardening

Geo. M. Kendall began the business of raising vegetables for market, in 1878, commencing the first years by raising an out door crop and doing a small business. Since that time he has built extensive greenhouses and given his attention to special crops, raised under glass, until at the present time his business is largely that of raising cucumbers. Last season his crop reached upwards of 600 bushels. He has just completed a new greenhouse, i 50 feet long which he hopes will increase the capacity for production one third. Mr. Kendall has now one of the best set of greenhouses in the State for the raising of that particular crop.

Alden Derbv has also given his attention to market gardening, doing an extensive business in that direction. His farm is on the line of the Fitchburg railroad.

In i860 D. P. Lord established the first bakery in town, but was soon after succeeded by Luther Longley, who continued for nearly four years. The business was then conducted by H. B. Whitney for about six years. Several others have been engaged in the bakery business at different times.

H. P. Bassett started in business on his own responsibility in 1867, in a building which stood in the rear of the present new bakery, recently erected on Central street. Mr. Bassett moved into his new building in October of the present year.

B. F. Owens' bakery was established in May, 1886, on Water street, in the building formerly occupied by Hamilton Brown, which Vv'as remodelled and enlarged for that ]nu'pose.

Furniture

E. F. PiEkCE is a native of Arlington, Mass. He first came to Leominster in 1859, entering the employ of H. Willard & Co., in the manufacture of chamber furniture. He was afterwards in the employ of H. M. Lane, Tenney & Lockey and Allen & Jewett, in the manufacture of Piano Forte Cases, removing to Greenville, N. H., he entered the employ of James L. Chamberlin, Manufacturer of Chamber Furniture, as clerk. In 1877 he associated with C. H. Goulding in the retail furniture business in Peabody, under the firm name of E. F. Pierce & Co. In 1880 he sold his interest to his partner, and started the same business hi Marblehead, coming to Leominster in 1885, and purchasing his present business of George A. Bishop

Hair Dressers

The first regular Barber shop was opened at the old Hotel some thirty years ago, by a colored barber, named Williams, After a time he sold out to J. Wallace Lines, who removed to Allen's block when it was first built, remaining there as long as he lived. After h's death, it was carried on by the Executors, until it was sold out to Charles Wild, who in turn sold out in August of the present year to George E. Bearce. The other barbers, at the center are : A. Charron, H. O. Winn, M. L. ^liller, Henry Bodo and W. H. Hitchcock at North Leominster.

In may not be out of place in this connection, to allude briefly to some facts in the life of J. Wallace Lines. Born during the last half century of American Slavery, his early life alone furnished abundant material for a romance, and his later years were not less eventful. Some of the facts as related to the writer, recently, by the late Joel Smith, the intimate friend of Mr. Lines, are here given. In the light of subsequent events the subject of this sketch was, without a shadow of reasonable doubtj a victirn of circumstantial evi<;i?nc?. li? ^arac to L^om' inster under a cloud. After being here some time he was arrested and taken to the town in New York State, where he had previously lived, was tried, convicted and sentenced on the charge of an attempt to set fire to the building in which his shop had been located. The people of Leominster believed in his innocence and showed their confidence in a substantial manner. Mr. Smith was delegated to look up his antecedents, to visit him, to be present at court and to render all the assistance in his power. The main facts brought out at the trial were that on a carpenter's bench in Mr. Line's back shop were found pieces of wood identical with those used in the construction of the fire box which was intended for the destruction of the building. The fact that Mr. Lines' neighbors in the block had free access to this room, and often used his carpenter's tools, had little weight with the jury, who rendered a verdict of guilty. He chose not to appeal his case, and served his sentence, although asserting his entire innocence. Afterwards he returned to Leominster, where he had the respect and confidence of the community during the rest of his life. He died suddenly of heart disease in 1876. His companion, a capable and accomplished lady, survived him but a short time, dying in the same manner. Among other bequests Mr. Lines left $100 towards erecting a fence around the Soldiers Monument.

Charles Wild, the successor of Mr. Lines, was born in New York City, Jan. 14, 1H55, and has followed the business of Hair Dresser since leaving school.

Geo. E. Bearce, the successor of Mr. Wild, is a native of Maine, and has worked in Leominster some time, and was in the employ of Mr. Wild, {previous to buying the business.

Coal Dealers

The Coal Business of Leominster has been carried on in years past by Luther Longlcy, Oliver Patch, Curtis & Patch and Henry Stearns, In 1872, Mr. Stearns sold out to James Had-

W. F. Lawrence & Co. In April 1886, W. F. Lawrence engaged in the coal business alone, and in August of the same year, Mr. C. H. Proctor, of Fitchburg, became* associated with him in the firm of W. F. Lawrence & Co. Mr. Lawrence is a native of this town, where he was born June 25, 1852. He worked two years for Emery Tilton in the grocery business, and for E. B. Macy in the Dry Goods business in Fitchburg, two years. For si.x years he was engaged in the grocery business in the firm of Kendall & Lawrence Brothers, and afterwards for si.x years in the coal office of James Hadley, until he started in the business for himself.

Mr. Proctor was born in Fitchburg. He was for several years in the clothing business with James \\\ Leverett, and his successor, E. P. Kittredge in the store now occupied by E. M. Read, in what is now Proctor's Block, Main street. He was afterwards, for some time, with his brother, George B. Proctor, in the shoe business in the store adjoining the Safety Fund National Bank, on Main street. He has been connected with the coal business since 1871, in the office of (larfield & Proctor, until he left to engage in the present business.

Martin Hadlev, agent for the Leominster Coal Co., commenced business May 20th of 1886. He is a native of Leominster, and was in the office of his father, James Hadley, previous to taking his present situation.

Cephas Derry engaged in the Wood and Lumber business in 1844, a business in which he has continued up to the present time. He is a son of Thomas and Mary Stone Derby, born in Leominster, March 14, 18 19, a twin brother of Sewall Derby, and one of eleven children, who all lived to grow up. He left home to earn his living at the age of nine years. He lived in Cambridge the season of 1836, in Bolton from 1839 to 1844, and the rest of his life in Leominster. He married Ann E.

Nourse, daughter of Stephen and Sarah Houghtoni Nourse of Bolton, April 7, 1842. Mr. Derby has served on the Board of Assessors of Leominster six or seven years, and on the Board of Selectmen nine years.

James M. Robbins has been a wood dealer in Leominster for the past eight years. He is a native of this town, and for twenty years was employed in the grain business, working for Oliver Patch, Stratton Brothers, Cozzens & Harris and Cozzens & Sons. In connection with his wood business Mr. Robbins has a boarding stable on Earl street, near Mechanic.

Howard Gilson, Ice Dealer, started jn business first on his own account, afterwards buying out the stock and buildings formerly owned and used by J. C. Hoyt. E. R. Wi.xon was also engaged in the ice business for several years previous.

Contractors, Etc

Leominster is well represented in this line of business, the aniount of building in the past few years furnishing employment for a large number of workmen under the direction of competent contractors. The oldest contractors now in business are S. A. Meads and Paul Webber.

S. A. Meads is a native of Limerick, Maine. He afterwards lived in Clinton and Lunenburg, coming to Leominster about the year 185 i. He was a carpenter by trade and worked for E. A. Litchfield and others. In August, 1862 he enlisted in the 36th Reg. Mass. Vols., serving three years lacking a few weeks. He was one of five brothers in the army. Two were from Maine, one from Massachusetts, one from New York, and one from Minnesota. Since returning from the war, Mr. Meads has followed the business of Contractor and Builder, and in his time has probably built a larger number of houses than any other contractor now in business.

He learned the Carpenter's trade and has followed the business for thirty-five years. He came to Leominster in 1871, where he has since been actively engaged in building. Many of our residences and manufactories were built under his direction, among which may be mentioned the residences of F. A. Whitney, A. L. Burditt and N. Harwood on Grove Avenue, the two factories of Wachusett Shirt Co., The Valpey & Anthony Shoe Factor}', the recent extensive addition to the F. A. Whitnev Carriage Co., and the Whitney & Rice Steam Mill Plant.

Albert E. Lvox is a native of Chelmsford, Mass. He came to this town from Marlboro', in 1870, and worked at his trade for Stillman A. IVIeads and E. A. Litchfield until 1S73, when he commenced business for himself, continuing until the present time in this and adjoining towns, within a radius of twenty miles.

H.\RRis & BuRB.WK, the firm consisting of L. M. Harris and C. W. Burbank, have done a considerable amount of building in this and adjoining places, during the past three years. Mr. Harris is from North Leoininster, and prexious to 1885 worked for A. E. L}'on of this place, and was foreman for Martin Sanderson of Fitchburg. Mr. Burbank is a native of Alfred, Maine, and came to Leominster and was in the employ of Paul Webber for eight years.

Charles Greex was born, and learned his trade in Westfield, Mass. He came to Leominster from Lunenburg, and has been engaged in the business here for the past 17 years.

F. S. Xettletox has been a resident of Leominster for several years, working on Pianos and as Contractor and Builder the greater part of the time, being engaged in the latter business in Lowell, prior to coming to this town.

WiLLLAM B. Frissell was born July 28, 1826, in Thetford, Vermont, When war was declared he enlisted, Nov. 28 1861, in Co. K, 6th N. H. Reg., for a three years service. He

Wm S:\nT}! was for several years the principal brick mason, and his brother, Edmund C, before him. The former met with an accident some five or six years ago, which incapacitated him for labor for some time.

H. N. Spring was born in Chester, Vt., March 14, 1842. He enlisted in the 17th Vermont Infantry, Feb. 15, 1864. for a term of three years, was discharged about March ist, on account of a mistake in the quota of Springfiekl, where he enlisted ; came to Leominster and enlisted July 15, 1864, in Co. K, 5th Mass. Vols., was ap[)ointed Cor[)ural July 28, and was discharged Nov. 17, 1S64 ; he enlisted in the Mass. State Militia in 1 87 I, was chosen 2d Lieut, (jf Co. K, 6th Reg., Feb 4, 1879, and elected Capt. July 27, 1888. Resigned and received his discharge from the militia July 2S, 1882. Capt. Spring has been several years in the business, and the leading contractor since his predecessor, W'm. Smith, gave up the business.

The Co-Operative Bank was organized April 26, 1888. The monthly meetings are held the third Friday evening of the month, in the Ladies Relief Corps Rooms, Bank Block, Main street. The officers are : Geo. W. Standley, Pres.; F. W. Tenney, Vice Pres.; W. E. White, Sec. and Treas.; Directors, E. F. Pierce, W. PI. Wood, Chas. H. Rice, H. L. Harris, T. J. Ham, H. E. Davis, J. G. Tyler, A. E. Newton, F. E. Huntress.

Express

Walter T. Robbixs has been in the Express business for for the past thirty years. The first Express Company doing business in town was Fiske & Co. Thomas Robbins was appointed agent for this company when the Fitchburg R. R. was built, at a salary of ten dollars a month, and when the Old Colony R. R. went into operation, Mr. Robbins employed Joseph Haskell at two dollars a month, to look after the express that came by that road. Upon the death of Mr. Robbins, his son, Walter T., succeeded to the business, remaining as agent of this company, and its successor, the U. S. & C. until the N. Y. & B. Despatch Express started in i8S2,when he accepted the agency for the new company. C. 1^. Young, an old friend and an associate for years in the Express business, being appointed his successor. Mr. Robbins is a native and a life-long resident of Leominster. In addition to the Express business he has been interested in the livery business for years, more recently with Josiah Pierce, under the firm name of Pierce & Robbins.

F. W. Texnev, expressman, has been in the employ of the company for the past year and a half. He is a native of Leominster, a son of Oilman Tenney.

The Leomixster Hotel, Monument Square, is kept by Geo. S. Jones. A hotel has been located in that immediate vicinity for many years, the corner of Pleasant street and Monument Square, being an old tavern stand prior to the building of a hotel there, and its destruction by fire. George H. Cole, now associated with his son, Wm. A., in conducting the American House in Fitchburg, was for several years landlord, previous to Mr. Jones becoming proprietor.

The Marshall House, North Leominster, Mrs. Scarlett, proprietor, is also an old Hotel stand and the only public house in that part of the town.

The Lixden House on Church street, although strictly speaking, a private boarding house, yet has some transient patronage, and may be classed under this head. Mrs. E. Freeman has been for several years the proprietor.

Livery Stables are run in connection with the two Hotels, by Pierce & Robbins, R. B. Parker, and C. S. Marshall & Co., at the center and J. G. Pierce in North Leominster.

Levi Tower is the longest established painter in town. He was employed by J. Augustus Kendall for about twentyfive years, until the death of Mr. Kendall, when he bought out the business. The other painters in town are Henry Joy, Divoll & Richardson, Jerome Phelps, T. S. Lord, F, F. P'iske and S. Derwin. The two latter are carriage and sign painters.

Commercial. 23 1 Tobacco And Cigars

Thompson Bros., wholesale and retail Cigar and Tobacco dealers, located in Wood's Block in Nov. 1881. For a year past the business has been conducted by Elijah Thompson, retaining the firm name. Mr. Thompson is a native of Douglas, Mass., where he resided until the timj of the Rebellion, when he enlisted, Aug. 19, 1862, in Company I, 51st Mass. Vols., his regiment remaining two months beyond the expiration of their time of service. He spent some fifteen years in Photography previous to engaging in his present business. Portrait in Military chapter.