Norfolk Town (part 13 of 23)

KRANK H. RADFORD, a foreman in the machine shop of the American Tool and Machine Company of Hyde Park, was born June 29, 1859, in Roxbury, Mass. His parents, Benjamin F. and Anna M. (Hale) Radford, had ten children, of whom J. Edward, William F., Frank H., and Paul R., are living. J. Edward is the superintendent of the foundry in Hyde Park. The father, a machinist by trade, possessed considerable ability. He worked for some years in Roxbury and Dorchester. Subsequently he organized the American Tool and Machine Company, with its shops located in Boston. The plant was afterward removed to Hyde Park; and in 1894, a few years prior to his death, he sold his interests in it to the present owners.

Frank H. Radford was but seven years of age when his parents removed to Dorchester, and but nine years old when, in 1868, they settled in Hyde Park. He attended the public schools, completing his education in the high school of this town, and then began working at the machinist's trade under the instruction of his father, becoming a most skilful and thorough workman. After the plant was transferred to Hyde Park, his father placed him in charge of a small part of the works. When his father sold out, his services were retained by the new company in his former capacity until 1894, when he was made foreman of the entire lower floor of the shop, having the charge of thirty-five men. In this responsible position he has performed his duties in a most satisfactory manner, both to his employers and to the employees under him. He is perfectly familiar with the details of the business, having been connected with the factory for twenty consecutive years, and is held in high esteem by the company, who recognize his fidelity and ability.

On October 12, 1892, Mr. Radford married Miss Katherine Victoria Lockhart, who was born in the Province of New Brunswick, where her father, William Lockhart, was engaged in agricultural pursuits. In politics Mr. Radford votes for the candidates who in his opinion are best qualified for the office. He takes great interest in the town's welfare, encouraging and aiding all movements for its benefit. In 1896 he was elected to the Board of Selectmen, polling one thousand and seven votes, the largest number, with one exception, cast for any candidate. In 1897 he was reelected to the same office by an increased vote. An esteemed Odd Fellow, he belongs to Forest Lodge, No. 148, I. O. O. F., of this town, and to Monterey Encampment. He attends the Methodist church, of which .Mrs. Radford is a member.

§AMES KEITH, who was for a number of years Postmaster of East Stoughton (now Avon), was born in this town, October 23, 1827. He is a son of Clifford and Arethusa (Harris) Keith, and a direct descendant of the Rev. James Keith, a Scotch Presbyterian clergyman, said to have been the first preacher to locate in old Bridgewater, Mass. Clifford Keith was a general merchant of the former town of Stoughton, and was also for some time engaged in boot manufacturing there. A prominent citizen, he was for many years a Selectman of the town; and he served for a number of years as Justice of the Peace. He died in 1878, in his seventy-seventh year.

James Keith received his early education in his native town, and later attended the academy in East Bridgewater. He then obtained a position as clerk in a wholesale shoe store in Philadelphia. After remaining there for a time, he was employed as clerk in general merchandise stores in Stoughton and Randolph successively. He subsequently found employment in shoe factories in East Stoughton, performing manual labor, and also acting as book-keeper. He was afterward engaged in the sale of stationery, periodicals, and gentlemen's furnishing goods in East Stoughton. Mr. Keith, who is a Republican politically, was appointed Postmaster of East Stoughton in 1867, and capably performed the duties of the office for seventeen consecutive years. For two years he was Town Treasurer of

He has been twice married. His first wife, Eliza A. Packard, of Randolph, Mass., left one daughter, Emma F., who is the wife of E. Lawrence Paine, of Randolph. His second wife, who was in maidenhood Miss Lucy S. Baker, of Bingham, Me., bore him one son, J. Frank, who is now deceased. Mr. Keith is a member of Rising Star Lodge, I.'O. O. F., of Randolph. He is well known in Avon and the vicinity, and is a very popular citizen.

Aptain Joel F. Sheppard

APTAIN JOEL F. SHEPPARD, senior partner of the firm of J. F. Sheppard & Sons, coal, wood, hay, and ice dealers, of East Braintree, Mass., was born in Cumberland County, New Jersey, November 20, 1835, son of William K. and Sarah (Fithian) Sheppard. His paternal grandfather, who was of Scotch ancestry, was a soldier in the War of 1812. The Fithians are said to be of Irish descent.

Captain Sheppard was educated in the academy at Salem, N.J., and resided upon his father's farm until sixteen years old. He learned the trade of ship-building at Bridgeton, N.J., serving a three years' apprenticeship; and he subsequently followed a sailor's life in trading-vessels which plied up and down the coast. At the age of twenty-two he became master of a vessel, and was engaged in the coasting trade until 1869. He then came to East Braintree, and established himself in business as a dealer in coal, wood, and hay, in 1875 adding ice to his stock in trade. In 1882 he established at Quincy Point a depot for receiving coal by the cargo, and also opened an office at Quincy. His subsequent success proves him to be a man of energy and ability. He married Hannah Wallen, of Cumberland County, New Jersey, and has four children: Charles G. ; Eben W. ; Ida E., wife of B. H. Davidson; and Ella W.

Captain Sheppard is a Republican in politics, and takes an active part in town affairs. In i88o*he represented the towns of Braintree and Holbrook in the State legislature. He is at the present time the vice-president of the

South Shore Co-operative Bank at Weymouth, of which his son Charles is secretary and treasurer. He is a master Mason, and belongs to the chapter and commandery. He attends the Union Congregational Church.

§AMES ALBERT HARTSHORN, president of the Norwood Business Men's Association and an ex-member of the Massachusetts legislature, was born in Walpole, Mass., February 24, 1856. His parents were George and Elizabeth (Payson) Hartshorn, the father being a successful provision dealer in Walpole. The subject of this sketch attended the common and high schools of his native town for the usual period, and subsequently took a business course at Bryant & Stratton's Commercial College, Boston. He then engaged in the provision business with his uncle, Warren Hartshorn, in Walpole, and in 1880 bought the routes in East Walpole and Canton. In 1 88 1 he located in Norwood, where he established himself in the provision business, and has since conducted a thriving trade. In 1 89 1 and 1892 he represented the First Norfolk District in the legislature, serving as chairman of the Committee on Roads and Bridges during his last term. He was elected Town Auditor in 1895, and is still serving in that capacity. In politics he is a Republican. As president of the Business Men's Association and Board of Trade, which is an auxiliary body to the Massachusetts Board of Trade, he is developing to the utmost the possible resources of Norwood; and his labors in behalf of the town's interest are widely recognized and appreciated. Mr. Hartshorn is a member of Orient Lodge, F. & A. M., in which he served three years as Worshipful Master; a member of Hebron Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, and of Cyprus Commandery, Knights Templar; a charter member of Tiot Lodge, No. 50, I. O. O. F. ; and he also belongs to Neponset Tribe, Improved Order of Red Men, and to the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He married Alia E. Thayer, daughter of Tyler Thayer, of Norwood, and has three children- - - Helen E. , Maud P., and George Tyler. The family attend the Universalist church.

David S. Coolidge

He comes of early Colonial ancestry, being a lineal descendant in the eighth generation of John Coolidge, an early English immigrant, who was made a freeman at VVatertown, Middlesex County, this State, in 1636. Simon Coolidge, son of John, was the father of Obadiah and the grandfather of Joseph Coolidge, who was killed at the battle of Lexington, April 19, 1775. The next in line was Joseph's son, Joshua Coolidge, born in 1759, who likewise spent his life in Watertown, where his son David, the grandfather of Henry S., was born and brought up, the date of his birth being March 23, 17S9.

David Coolidge was engaged in agricultural pursuits throughout his long life of eightyseven years, having settled first in Roxbury and then in Brookline, coming here at a time when the larger portion of the people were tillers of the soil. He bought a large tract of land, which he devoted principally to gardening purposes, raising early vegetables and fruits. His wife, whose maiden name was Susan Griggs, was born in Brookline, September 2, 1793, and died here at an advanced age. She reared a family of eight children.

David S. Coolidge was born during the residence of his parents in Roxbury, but, having been a small child when they removed to this town, was here reared and educated. He chose farming as his life occupation, and, coming into possession of the ancestral homestead after the death of his parents, carried on general husbandry until his death, at the age of seventy-one years. He was identified with the Whigs in his early manhood, but later was an earnest supporter of the principles of the Republican party. He was quite influential in local affairs, and served a number of years as Selectman. He married Caroline Griggs, who was born in this town, being one of the seven children of Deacon Thomas and Hannah (Fuller) Griggs. Her mother was a native of Needham, Mass., and a daughter of Captain Jonathan Fuller. Deacon Griggs was for many years one of the most extensive land-owners of Brookline, and besides serving as Selectman of the town was its Representative in the State legislature several terms. He was an Ensign in the War of 1812, and for his services therein received a pension and a large tract of land. Both he and his wife were members of the Baptist church, in which he was Deacon. Further ancestral history may be found elsewhere in this volume in connection with the sketch of William J. Griggs. To David S. Coolidge and his wife four children were born, as follows: Henry S., the special subject of this sketch; Walter G. ; Harriet M. ; and Ellen G. The mother is still living, her home adjoining that of her son, Henry S. She is a member of the Baptist church, to which her husband also belonged.

Henry S. Coolidge was educated in Brookline, receiving his diploma at the high school. Embarking in the produce business in Boston, he carried it on successfully until after the death of his father. His entire time has since been needed to look after his interests in Brookline, and he has confined his attention mostly to matters connected with his real estate of this place. He has built and sold a large number of houses, his transactions in this line being quite extensive, and is numbered among the enterprising and progressive citizens of the town. He is a sound Republican in his political affiliations, and he and his family are regular attendants of the Baptist church.

In 1872 Mr. Coolidge married Miss Hattie Russell, one of the seven children of Mr. and Mrs. Jeremiah Russell, of VVatertown, where her father is a well-known ice dealer. They have two children - Linda G. and Russell.

§EDEDIAH W. HIGGINS, the chairman of the Board of Selectmen of Dover, was born in Truro, Mass., April 4, 1857, son of Joseph and Hannah (Paine) Higgins. His grandfather, Jedediah Higgins, who was born June 3, 1784, settled in Truro, where he afterward resided until his death, which occurred June 23, 1865. Jedediah married Huldah Paine, who,

Joseph Higgins from an early age followed the sea steadily for some time. Then for several years he was engaged in the grocery business, after which he returned to his seafaring life. He retired some years since, and is now residing in Truro. His wife, Hannah, who is a native of that town, has had six children, namely: Joseph, who died in infancy; Joseph A., who is now farming in Truro; Martha P., who died at the age of five years; Delia E., of whom there is no special record; Jedediah W., the subject of this sketch; and Richard P. Delia E. married for her first husband S. T. Davis. Her second husband was James W. Luther. She died in 1893; and her husband is now residing in Attleboro, Mass. Richard P., who is a carriage painter in Truro, wedded Maud McClellan.

Jedediah W. Higgins acquired a commonschool education, and remained at home until twenty-one years old. He then came to Dover; and, after working as a farm assistant for three years, he entered the employ of a Mr. Paine, who carried on a country store in the village. A year later he was hired as a clerk by T. C. Norton, and about eighteen months later he bought his employer out. Since engaging, in mercantile pursuits he has displayed a natural talent for business; and, as he is now the only merchant in the village, he necessarily has a large patronage. In politics he supports the candidates whom he considers best qualified for the office. He served as an Assessor for three years. In 1890 he was elected chairman of the Board of Selectmen, over whose deliberations he has since presided with marked ability. On March 2, 1897, he was elected trustee of the Dover Public Library.

On June 23, 1887, Mr. Higgins was united in marriage with Amy H. Sullivan. She was born in Dover, March 16, 1854, daughter of Cornelius and Charlotte Sullivan. The former was a prosperous farmer of this town. Both her parents are still residing here. Mr. and Mrs. Higgins are the parents of four children, namely: Eveline Dolly, born May 26, 1889; Helen Bernice, born January 1, 1891, who died November 5, 1897; Jedediah Russell, born July 4, 1893; and Elliot Wight, born December 11, 1895. Mr. Higgins is connected with John Elliot Lodge, No. 149, Ancient Order of United Workmen, of West Newton, Mass. The family attend the Congregational church, of which Mr. and Mrs. Higgins are members. On November 7, 1886, Mr. Higgins was one of those who organized the Haven Society of Christian Endeavor, of which he was the first president, and in which he is still an active worker.

IRA B. PRATT, of Beechwood, a wellknown local historian, familiar with the annals of Cohasset and vicinity, was born in Cohasset, August 18, 1839. He is a son of Benjamin and Sarah (Stoddard) Pratt. Benjamin Pratt, who was a native and a lifelong resident of Cohasset, died in 1881. His wife, who was born in Hingham, Mass., died May 2, 1892. Three children survive them, namely: Catherine L., the wife of Abner Robbins, residing in Oregon; Sarah E., the wife of John D. Nutting, of Ouincy, Mass.; and Ira B. , the subject of this sketch. (Further particulars regarding the Pratt family may be found in the biography of Aaron Pratt, of Beechwood.)

Ira B. Pratt was reared to man's estate in Cohasset, and acquired his early education in the town's public schools. Familiar with farm work since his boyhood, he was the first man in Cohasset to engage in market gardening for the Boston markets, a business which he followed for fifteen years. His produce is now sold to the local market. He owns about eighty acres of land. Gifted naturally with mechanical skill, he also works in wood, iron, and leather, repairing his own vehicles and harness, and doing work of the same nature for his neighbors. He has been a zealous student of local history, and is a recognized authority on matters relating to the annals of this part of Norfolk County.

Riographical Review

On March 2, 1 861 , Mr. Pratt was married to Mary N. Curtis, a member of one of the oldest families of Scituate, Mass. His children are: Mary C, the wife of Spencer H. Stoughton, of Cohasset ; Sarah L. , the wife of William O. Clapp, Jr., of Scituate; and Ira N., a resident of Cohasset. A Republican in politics, Mr. Pratt was at one time a member of the Republican Town Committee, and he has served as Constable of Cohasset. He takes much interest in the welfare of his native town. While liberal in his views on religious subjects, he attends service at the Beechwood Congregational Church.

§OHN H. BURDAKIN, of Dedham, son of John C. and Catharine E. Burdakin, was born in Cambridge, Mass., November 3, 1S40. He was educated in the schools of Cambridge and Boston. At the age of seventeen he entered the office of William V. Thompson, a conveyancer in Boston, with whom he remained about three years. He then went into the Middlesex Registry of Deeds at East Cambridge. In the early part of the war of the Rebellion, while on a visit in New York City, he enlisted in the Twentysecond Regiment, New York National Guard, and served subsequently at Harper's Ferry, Winchester, and elsewhere in the Shenandoah Valley. After his discharge from the army he returned to Massachusetts, and in 1863 was employed as a clerk in the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, under James Foord, Esq., Registrar. Early in 1873, upon the passage of a legislative act authorizing the registrar to appoint an assistant, Mr. Burdakin received the appointment. At the election in 1873, Mr. Foord having declined a re-election, Mr. Burdakin was elected his successor, and has since held the office by successive elections, being nominated by the Republican and Democratic parties at each election. This continued support is satisfactory evidence of his fitness for the position.

Mr. Burdakin is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, of the New England Historic Genealogical Society, a curator and librarian of the Dedham Historical Society, and a trustee of the Dedham Public Library.

He was married November 18, 1S74, to Ella L., daughter of Nathaniel Smith. Of this union are two children: Leslie R., born September 16, 1884; and Lillian Burdakin, born August 5, 1887.

T^HARLES L. POTTLE, a successful I V' strawberry grower and market gar- ^jHs , dener of Medway, was born in Pittsfield, Me., March 24, 1854, son of Isaac and Mary (Campbell) Pottle. His parents were natives of Richmond, Me.; and his father was in early life a sailor. Isaac Pottle abandoned the sea in order to engage in agriculture, and settled upon a farm in Pittsfield, where he and his wife still reside. They have had nine children, three of whom are living, namely: Charles L., the subject of this sketch ; James, who resides in Oxford, Mass. ; and Cora, who married Charles Horn, a hotel-keeper at Forks, Somerset County, Me. Those deceased are: Aurilla, Adelia, Amanda, Ella, Frank, and Ida.

Charles L. Pottle acquired a common-school education in his native town. When seventeen years old he went to Tyngsboro, Mass., where he was engaged one year as a farm assistant. Previous to locating in Medway, lie followed agricultural pursuits in Newton for about four years, and was similarly engaged in Burlington, Mass., for about two years. In April, 1880, he bought the Adams farm of fifty-five acres in Medway, which he has greatly improved; and he has since been identified with the prosperous farmers of this town. He pays special attention to the raising of strawberries and other garden products, and finds this branch of agriculture to be quite profitable.

On March 27, 1878, Mr. Pottle married P'mma A. Sanderson, who was born in Springfield, Vt., December 21, 1854, daughter of Stillman and Sarah (Keys) Sanderson. Mrs. Pottle's father, who was for many years engaged in tilling the soil in Springfield, is now residing with his daughter. Mrs. Sanderson is no longer living. Mr. and Mrs. Pottle have one daughter, Alice G. , born November 17, 1886.

fOSEPHUS SAMPSON, of Braintree, wholesale and retail dealer in choice meats and provisions, was born in Middleboro, Mass., April 29, 1837, son of Ichabod and Hannah (Morse) Sampson. He is of old Plymouth Colony stock, being of the eighth generation in descent from Abraham Sampson, who came over from England about 1629 or 1630, and settled in Duxbury, and numbering also among his ancestors, through his paternal grandmother, Mrs. Leonice Magoun Sampson, George Soule, of the "Mayflower" company, signer of the compact, and John Magoun, who came from Scotland in 1655, and, settling first in Hingham, removed thence to Pembroke, Mass. Abraham Sampson, it may be mentioned, is supposed to have been a brother of Henry, a minor who came in 1620 with the Pilgrim Fathers. Abraham Sampson married a daughter of Samuel Nash, and had three sons: Samuel, born 1646, who married Esther - ; Abraham, Jr., born 1658; and Isaac, born 1660, the last two of whom married daughters of Alexander and Sarah (Alden) Standish.

The following ancestral line prepared partlyfrom fragmentary records in the possession of Mr. Sampson, and partly from incomplete and sometimes faulty genealogical notes elsewhere printed, is thought to be correct: Abraham'; Samuel-; Samuel,3 born in 1670, who married Mercy Eddy; Ichabod,4 who married Mercy (or Mary) Savery; Ichabod,5 born in 1742; Joseph,6 who married Leonice Magoun, daughter of Aaron and Mary (Church) Magoun and grand -daughter of David and Rachel (Soule) Magoun; Ichabod,7 who married Hannah Morse, daughter of Levi Morse and Ruth (Savery) Morse, and had a daughter Ruth and two sons - Josephus8 and Thomas.

Josephus Sampson was brought up on his father's farm at Middleboro, obtaining his early education in the district school, and at the age of sixteen attending Pierce Academy eleven weeks only. Between the school terms and after his school days were over, he worked on the farm, his father's death in 1856 throwing him upon his own resources. He remained at the old homestead until 1858, when he came to Braintree to engage in the butcher's business, at which he worked by the month for nearly four years. In 1862 he went into business for himself near his present stand. Since that time he has purchased land, and engaged in farming to some extent in connection with his other business.

He married first January 25, 1868, Ruth A. French, daughter of the late Waldo French, of Braintree; and of this union was born one son, Everett F., who died September 14, 1869, at the age of four months and twentysix days. His wife, Ruth A., died May 7, 1869; and he remained single until February 23, 1875, when he married Mary E. French, by whom he has one daughter, Ruth G.

On June 4, 1882, Mr. Sampson joined the Methodist Episcopal church at South Braintree, and became a regular attendant at all its services. Connected with this church at that time was a small society at East Braintree, formed by a few Christian people who had come from the town of Carver, Mass. In this branch society he also took a deep interest. Connected with it was a Sunday-school, of which he was elected superintendent, June 18, 1882; and he has held this office until the present time (January, 1898). On November 17, 1883, the Methodist Episcopal church at South Braintree (formerly the Baptist church of South Braintree) was destroyed by fire; and in the following year a new church edifice was erected upon the same site, being dedicated October 12, 1884. In this work Mr. Sampson took an active part, and was the largest contributor to the building fund. In the meanwhile the society at East Braintree, already alluded to, had continued to flourish; and in 1891, under the direction of the Presiding Elder, S. O. Benton, a new church was formed at East Braintree. Mr. Sampson then withdrew from the church at South Braintree, and, joining the new church, assisted in erecting a church building, toward which he was again the largest contributor; and he has since remained connected with this church.

Mr. Sampson is a member of Delta Lodge, A. F. & A. M., at Weymouth, having belonged to this order nearly twenty-five years and taken a deep interest and an active part in its offices. He is also connected with Puritan Lodge, No. 179, I. O. O. F., of Braintree. In his political views and affiliations he has been a Republican from the beginning. In the affairs of the town in which he lives he has always been interested, but has never taken a prominent part. He served as one of the committee of five for the erection of the Braintree high and grammar school building, on the same committee for the building of the Perkins School at East Braintree, and on the committee for the remodelling of the Union School building and the Pond School building, all of Braintree. In connection with his provision business, he deals in pure milk from cows kept on his farm. He is also a grower of Cape cranberries of a fine quality, which he supplies both wholesale and retail, and in which he does a good business. Industrious from his boyhood up, Mr. Sampson is a man who has been willing to work early and late to obtain an honest livelihood and to honorably discharge his duties as a citizen and neighbor.

§AMES A. GALE, M.D., a physician of West Medway and a Civil War veteran, was born in Amherst, N.H., October 3, 1837, son of Amory and Martha (Leland) Gale. His father was a native of Winchester, N.H., a graduate of Brown University, Providence, R.I., and became a Unitarian minister. Like many of his profession of the past generation, he was both a pastor and a physician, and exercised his double calling in various places in New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts, finally settling at East Medway, where he practised medicine in connection with farming. He died in 1873; and his wife, a native of Holliston, Mass., whose maiden name was Martha Leland, died in 1882. They had five children, namely: Caroline R. ; Martha Leland; Mary Kendall; James A., the subject of this sketch; and Anna Harding. Caroline R. is the widow of Alfred James, and she and her sister Martha are living in Millis. Mary Kendall Gale Warren, M.D., the widow of Dr. Warren, of Boston, Mass., resides in that city. Anna Harding, who was the wife of the late Lyman Adams, died in 1894, leaving two children : Jane, wife of Frank Cook, of Millis; and Carrie, wife of Hobart Downing, a student in Delaware, Ohio.

James A. Gale began his education in the common and high schools of Woonsocket, R.I., and advanced by attending academies in Rhode Island and Vermont. His professional studies were pursued at the Harvard Medical School and the Western Homoeopathic College, Cleveland, Ohio, where he was graduated in 1861. In the same year he settled for practice in West Medway. In February, 1864, he joined the Sixteenth Massachusetts Battery, under Captain Scott, and was in charge of Fort Lyon Hospital part of the time until his discharge in June, 1865. LTpon his return to West Medway he resumed his medical practice, and continued it successfully until 1889, when his health failed. In politics he is a Republican, and has served with ability as a member of the Board of Health.

On October 16, 1861, Dr Gale was united in marriage with Jemima A. Wheeler. She was born August 24, 1S39, in what is now Millis, where her parents, Abijah and Jemima (Adams) Wheeler, who are no longer living, were prosperous farming people. Mrs. Gale is the mother of three children, as follows: Leland Amory Lewis, born October 20, 1862; Anna Adams, born July 16, 1866; and Hattie Wheeler, born November 17, 1870. Leland A. L. Gale is a travelling salesman for Manning Brothers, boot and shoe dealers of Boston; and he resides in Orange, Mass. On August 3, 1887, he married Anna M. Reed. On January 11, 1890, Anna Adams Gale married Alton W. Ide, who is in the provision business in Cranston, R.I., and has one son, Leland Alton, born July 2, [893. Hattie Wheeler Gale resides at the parental

Dr. Gale has been a skilful physician, and is sincerely esteemed both for his professional ability and high standing as a citizen. He was one of the first to join the Grand Army of the Republic when that organization was established. Mrs. Gale and her daughters are members of the Congregational church.

Aptain Milton Herbert

\~ls Light-house, was born in Rochester, Plymouth County, Mass., June 30, 1S51, son of Milton Harvey and Fanny (Sampson) Reamy. His paternal grandparents were William and Elizabeth Reamy, the former a planter, and both, so far as known, lifelong residents of Westmoreland County, Virginia. The emigrant ancestor of the family is said to have been a French Huguenot, who settled in Virginia at an early date.

Milton Harvey Reamy was reared and educated in Westmoreland County, Virginia, and in young manhood learned the carpenter's trade. After his marriage he came to Massachusetts, and followed his trade for a number of years, settling first in Plymouth, removing thence to Rochester, and finally returning to Plymouth, where for a time he followed farming, and later engaged in the shoe business. He continued his residence in Plymouth till his death, January 9, 1887. The maiden name of his wife was Fanny Sampson. She was born in Plymouth, Mass., daughter of Sylvanus and Nancy (De Atley) Sampson, her father a native of Plymouth, and her mother of Virginia. Mrs. Reamy died January 8, 1896.

Milton Herbert Reamy was the fifth-born of a family of ten children; namely, Joseph, Annie, Octavius, Robert, Milton H., Sylvanus, Annie, Christopher, Frances, and Addie. He received his early mental training in the public schools of Rochester and in Plymouth, and began to acquire habits of industry by acting as assistant to his father. When seventeen years of age he made the first of four successive annual fishing trips to the Banks; and later he sailed in the merchant service, mostly in the coasting trade, continuing till 1878, when he was appointed assistant keeper of Plymouth Light. In 1878 he was appointed principal keeper of Plymouth Inner Light, called the Duxbury Pier Light, and remained there two years. He was then transferred to Plymouth (Garnet) Light, where he remained six years, at the end of which time he was transferred to Minot's Ledge Light, taking up his residence on the Gulf Island, a beautiful spot owned by the government. In 1897 he went to the Centennial Exhibition at Nashville, Term., to explain the government light exhibit.

Captain Reamy was married in March, 1875, to Harriet Leland Manter, a native of Plymouth, daughter of George and Ruth Manter. Four children born to Captain and Mrs. Reamy are living; namely, Octavius, George M., Harriet Ethel, and Evelyn Mildred. Evelyn May, the third child, died aged ten years. Captain Reamy is a -member of Cohasset Lodge, F. & A. M., and Mayflower Lodge, I. O. O. F., of Plymouth, and is also affiliated with the L. A. W.

MERY B. GIBBS, a Boston lawyer and one of the representative young men of Brook] ine, was born in Oxford County, Maine, October 23, 1862, son of Phineas S. and Mary C. (Meserve) Gibbs. John Gibbs, his paternal grandfather, was born in Massachusetts; but at an early age, soon after the Revolution, he went to Livermore, Me. Later he married Polly Stearns, who was a native of Massachusetts, and daughter of Phineas Stearns, one of the famous Boston Tea Party. John and Polly (Stearns) Gibbs were the parents of fourteen children. Phineas S. Gibbs, above named, one of this large household group, still follows the vocation of farming in his native town of Livermore. His wife, Mary C. , died at the age of sixty-four years, leaving the following children : Ellen M., who married William Hyde; Joseph M. ; Annie C, who married Isaac J. Lothrop; and Emery B. , whose name heads the present sketch, and whose personal history is outlined below. Mrs. Mary C. Meserve Gibbs was a member of the Calvinistic Baptist church, to which Mr. Gibbs belongs.

Emery B. Gibbs spent his earliest years in the town of Livermore, where he obtained his elementary education in the common schools. Afterward he attended Hebron Academy and the Coburn Classical Institute of Waterville, graduating from the latter school in the class of 1884. He was graduated at Colby University in 1888, and received his degree from Boston University Law School in 1891, since which time he has been engaged in the practice of his profession in Boston, being a member of the Suffolk County bar. Mr. Gibbs worked his way through school and college, paying the entire cost with his own earnings.

He married January 13, 1892, Jennie Barbour, who is one of three children of Henry N. Barbour, an iron foundry owner and latterly a farmer of Yarmouth, Me. Mr. and Mrs. Gibbs have two children : Elisabeth, born August 12, 1893; and Mary Karolen, born September 21, 1897.

Mr. Gibbs is a Republican in politics, and was elected to represent the town of Brookline in the legislature in 1S97. He is the attorney and one of the auditors of the Brookline Co-operative Bank, and is a member of the Educational Society of Brookline. He has served for four years on the "Committee of Twenty " to consider the appropriations to be made at the annual town meeting. He is a member of different college fraternities, and is connected with the Beth-horon Lodge, F. & A. M. A member of the Baptist church, he has long been active in the Sunday-school of that society, of which he is now superintendent ; and he also holds the office of President of the New England Baptist Hospital.

,EV. HENRY FITCH JENKS, the pastor of the First Congregational Parish (Unitarian) of Canton, Mass., was born in Boston, October 17, 1842, son of John Henry Jenks. The Jenks family is of English origin. Its founder was Joseph Jenks, who came to this country from Hammersmith, near London, in 1643, settling first in Lynn, Mass. He was an iron worker of more than average skill and an inventor of some note. The first patent issued in America, according to the copy of the document published in the Cleveland Plain Dealer of November 12, 1895, was granted to said Joseph Jenks, under date of May 6, 1646. In 1652 he cut the dies for the pine tree coinage, and in 1654 he invented an improved scythe. He was the maker of the first fire-engine used in Boston.

Samuel Jenks, the great-grandfather of the Rev. Henry F. Jenks, was the youngest captain in the provincial army, and took part in the Canadian campaign in 1760. The grandfather, Rev. William Jenks, D.D., was the pastor of Green Street Church for many years. John Henry Jenks was a well-known publisher of Boston. He married Miss Mary R., daughter of Jeremiah Fitch, a leading dry-goods merchant of Boston. The oldest of their children is Henry Fitch Jenks.

When graduating from the Boston Latin School in 1859, Henry F. Jenks received a Franklin medal. In 1863 he graduated from Harvard College and in 1866 from the Harvard Divinity School. In April, 1S67, he was ordained as pastor of the First Parish of Fitchburg, Mass. From there he went to Charleston, S.C., where he had charge of the Archdale Street Church until 1875. He subsequently preached in Revere, Mass., going thence to Lawrence, Mass., to take charge of the First Unitarian Church. In 1885 he was installed over the First Congregational Parish of Canton.

On March 1, 1881, Mr. Jenks was married to Miss Lavinia H., daughter of Oakes Angier, of Belfast, Me. They have three sons - Henry A., Charles F., and Frederic A.

Mr. Jenks is connected with the Massachusetts Historical Society, the American Historical Society, the Bostonian Society, the New England Historical and Genealogical Society, the American Oriental Society, the Sons of the American Revolution, and the Society of Colonial Wars. He is a director of the Bunker Hill Monument Association; the treasurer of the Massachusetts Convention of Congregational Ministers; the secretary of the Massachusetts Congregational Charitable Society; the vice-president of the Massachusetts Infant Asylum ; a director of the Boston Latin School Association, of which school he wrote a history in 18S6; a trustee of the

Derby Academy at Hingham, Mass. ; the secretary of the Prince Society of Boston; has been a trustee of the Canton Public Library since 1889; and for one year was vice-president of the Canton Historical Society.

TT^HARLES H. STEARNS, a prosper- I Ks ous and progressive agriculturist of \%>^, the town of Brookline, Norfolk County, Mass., a son of Charles Stearns, Jr., was born April 28, 1S37, in the house in which he now resides. The family to which he belongs is of English origin, and in early times spelled the surname "Sterns," leaving out the "a." His grandfather, Charles Stearns, Sr. , was a native of Waltham, Mass., the home of his ancestors for several generations. He removed from there to Brookline in 1806, and in 1820 purchased about sixty acres of land, which included the site of the present homestead. Here he erected a substantial house, and in addition to general farming made a specialty of vegetable gardening, a profitable branch of husbandry. His wife, Nancy Flagg, who was born and reared in Massachusetts, bore him seven children, six of whom grew to years of maturity. Grandmother Stearns passed to the life immortal at the advanced age of fourscore years, while the grandfather attained on earth the age of ninety-three years. Both were attendants of the First Parish Congregational Church, known as Christ Church of Brookline.

Charles Stearns, Jr., was born in Waltham, Mass., but having been very young when his parents came to Brookline was here reared and educated. He obtained a practical knowledge of agriculture on the home farm ; and after the death of his parents he and one of his brothers carried on the homestead in partnership for a time, but he afterward managed it alone. He also engaged in the real estate business to some extent, building twenty-five or more houses in this vicinity; and he was likewise quite active in local public affairs, rendering the town efficient service as Selectman, Assessor, Overseer of the Poor, and as a member of the School Committee, filling each office with commendable fidelity. He, too, lived to a ripe old age, passing away when eighty-five years old. In politics he was a Whig until the formation of the Republican party, when he became one of its strongest adherents. His wife, whose maiden name was Hannah C. Pierce, was born in Brookline, a daughter of James Pierce, a shoemaker, and the representative of one of the earliest families of the town. They became the parents of two children: Charles H., the special subject of this sketch; and James P., who was a Lieutenant in the late Civil War, and is now president of the Shawmut Bank in Boston and a resident of Brookline. The mother died at the comparatively early age of fifty-four years. She was a member of the First Parish Church; and the father was a member of the Building Committee when the new house of worship was built, and took a deep interest in forwarding the work.

Charles H. Stearns was educated in the public schools of Brookline and the Chauncy Hall School, Boston; and after completing his course of study he assisted in the labors of the home farm. On the death of his father he assumed the entire management of the property, and for some years engaged in the nursery business. He subsequently divided the farm into building lots, which met with a ready sale, each lot being a desirable location for building purposes. Retaining for his own use the house in which he was born, he has made many changes and improvements, rendering it one of the most attractive and conveniently arranged Colonial residences of this vicinity. Since the remembrance of Mr. Stearns, Brookline has grown at an astonishing pace, the population having increased from fifteen hundred to seventeen thousand, and its valuation in a similar ratio. He has always evinced a warm interest in public affairs, and has contributed freely of his time and money toward the inauguration of beneficial enterprises. In 1892 he was elected Assessor, and to this important office he has since been reelected each succeeding year. He is a trustee of the Brookline cemetery and one of the vice-presidents of the Brookline Savings Bank, with which he has been officially connected many years.

Joshua Britton

Anna M. Mellen, a daughter of the late Michael and Sarah Mellen, of this town. Her father was for some time a merchant in Boston, but spent his last years in Brookline, where Mrs. Stearns was born. Mrs. Mellen, who is a descendant of one of Boston's old and honored families, is still living, being now ninety-four years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Stearns have two children - Anna and Marion. Anna Stearns married Alexander S. Jenney, an architect of Boston, and has two children - Paul and Marion. Mr. Stearns and his family are members of the First Parish Unitarian Church, of which he is a Deacon. He is also one of the Parish Committee, and was a member of the Building Committee intrusted with the erection of the present church edifice.

§OSHUA BRITTON, a retired manufacturer of Stoughton, was born in Easton, Bristol County, Mass., November 27, 1 8 19, son of Joshua and Nancy (Field) Britton. His grandfather, Joshua Britton, first, who resided in Easton, was a Justice of the Peace, and settled many estates. He married Cynthia White, of Mansfield, Mass., and had a family of nine children; namely, Joshua, Keziah, Thomas, James, P"anny, Cynthia and Lucinda (twins), Phcebe, and Charles.

Joshua Britton, second, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Easton ; and when a young man he there learned the trade of a blacksmith. For some time he worked for General Leach in his native town, but later engaged in burning charcoal, and still later was employed in teaming and in other occupations. In 1827 he moved to Sharon, Mass. His last years were spent in Stoughton, where he died November 6, 1866. His wife, whose maiden name was Nancy Field, was a native of Mansfield. She was the mother of seven children, as follows: Nancy, who married Horace Weld, of Livermore, Me. (both deceased) ; Richard W. , who died in 1840, aged twentyfour years; Joshua, the subject of this sketch; Gilbert, who died young; Lucy J., who married Edward Holmes for her first husband and Hosea Y. Fuller for her second, and is now living in Somerville, Mass. ; Phcebe and Andrew J., both of whom died young. Mrs. Nancy Field Britton died July 18, 1872.

Joshua, the second son, named for his father and grandfather, was bound out at the age of nine years to Consider A. and Amasa South - worth, cotton thread manufacturers, of Stoughton, for the term of seven years, during which time he attended school three months in each year. He then worked one year for them for wages and subsequently was employed in the Canton Hardware Factory for two years. He then worked at North Easton for the John Ames Knife Factory for a few months. Returning to Stoughton in 1838 he worked for Elijah Holmes in the Fisher Gay shop, at the manufacture of shoe tools, for about seven years. About 1848 he began business on his own account at the Fisher Gay water privilege in Stoughton, which in 1855 he purchased. He continued extensively engaged in the manufacture of tools upon his own account for forty years, or until failing health caused him to abandon active business; and since 1888 he has lived in retirement. He gained a wide reputation as a maker of awls.

On October 21, 1839, Mr. Britton was united in marriage with Olive F. White. She was born in Sharon, August 24, 1820, daughter of John and Sally (Mitchell) White, the former of whom was a prosperous farmer and lifelong resident of Sharon, and the latter a native of Easton. To this union were born eleven children; namely, Grenville C, Matilda L., Melissa I.., Warren F., Henry W., Ellen, Horace Edward, Ellis F., Clinton E., Leander G. , and Walter A. Grenville C. Britton died at twenty-two years; Matilda L. , Warren F., and Ellen died at the age of two years; and Walter A. at twenty-one. Melissa L. is the wife of Warren T. Morse, a native of Sharon, and now lives in West Medford, Mass., and has one daughter, Marion T. Morse. Henry W. , who is a banker in Stoughton, married Emma K. Corbett. Horace E. Britton is now manager of his father's factory; in July, 1875, he wedded Alary Mellison, a native of Indianna. Ellis F., who is engaged in mining at Cripple Creek, Col., married Affa Linfield, and has two sons - Thornton E. and Warren L. Britton. Clinton E. Britton is engaged in the livery and blacksmithing business in Canton. He married Lizzie Cobb, and has had two children - Marjorie O. and an infant deceased. Leander G. Britton, who is proprietor of a large sale stable in West Stoughton, married Blanche Bright.

In his political views Mr. Britton is strongly Republican, and in his religious belief he is a Universalist. He was made a Mason in Rising Star Lodge, October 13, 1864; was given the Royal Arch degree in Mt. Zion Chapter, May 12, 1866; and is a member of Bay State Commandery Knights Templars, of Brockton. He is a Bast Master of the Blue Lodge and a Past High Priest of the Chapter.

jATHAN VV. FISHER, an energetic, enterprising, and successful agriculturist of Walpole Centre, Mass., was born in Walpole, February 9, 1846, and is the descendant of a well-known early settled family, his grandfather, Daniel Fisher, having been a lifelong resident of this town.

Lewis Fisher, son of Daniel and father of Nathan W., was born and reared in Walpole, and here spent his forty-two years of earthly existence, passing to the life beyond in 1848. He was a farmer by occupation, paying, however, especial attention to raising choice nursery stock, in which he was very skilful. He uniformly supported the Whig platform, but was never an active politician. He married Catherine Bassett, of Eden, Vt. , and they became the parents of five children, namely: Martin L., who died during the late war; Simon E., of Worcester, Mass. ; Nathan W., special subject of the present sketch; and Lewis H. and Laura H., twins.

Nathan W. Fisher was but two years old when his father died. He grew to man's estate in his native town, attending the common school of North Walpole until fourteen years old, when he learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for a time. In 1862 he enlisted in defence of the Union, becoming a member of Company K, Forty-fourth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, and was stationed during the larger part of his nine months' term of enlistment at Newbern, N.C. He fought in the engagements at Kinston, N.C, and at Whitehall, after which he returned home. In the summer of 1863 Mr. Fisher resumed carpentering, but a year later gave it up to re-enlist, joining Company K, Forty-second Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, which was stationed at Alexandria, Va., on garrison duty until the term of enlistment had expired in 1864. On again returning to Walpole, he spent a year recuperating, his health having become sadly impaired from exposure and hardships. In 1866 he purchased a milk route in the neighboring town of Norwood, and he carried on the milk business for eighteen years in conjunction with farming. Mr. Fisher now devotes his attention to general farming, including stock-raising, and in winter doing also an extensive business in lumbering.

In politics he is a stanch Republican, and cast his first Presidential vote for General Ulysses S. Grant. By President Benjamin Harrison he was appointed Postmaster at Walpole Centre, an office which he filled five years. He has been a member of the Walpole School Committee several terms, has served as Assessor four years, and was a candidate for Representative to the General Court, but was defeated. He is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he has been steward and treasurer twenty years.

Mr. Fisher has been twice married. His first wife, whose maiden name was Hannah C. Baker, was an army nurse during the late Rebellion, and did a noble work in relieving the sufferings of the wounded soldiers and in caring for the sick and dying. In 1878 she died, leaving no children. Mr. Fisher and his second wife, formerly Miss Alma V. Winslow, of Walpole, have three sons, all of whom live beneath the parental roof-tree; namely, Frederick C. , Bernard W. , and Daniel W. Fraternally, Mr. Fisher is a member of E. B. Piper Post, No. 157, G. A. R., of which he has been Quartermaster ten years and Commander one year; of the A. O. U. W. , of which he has been recorder six years; and of the Walpole Grange, Patrons of Husbandry.

§ LEWIS SNOW, who owns a good farm in Millis, and is extensively engaged in the milk business, was born in Mansfield, Conn., November 4, 1847, son of Joseph and Nancy (Stores) Snow. The father, who was a lifelong resident of Mansfield, followed agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred August 16, 1854. His wife, Nancy Stores Snow, who was a native of New York State, became the mother of seven children, as follows: William, who died in infancy; Emeline, who became the wife of Frank Barrett, and died in 1868; Fidelia, wife of Isaac Farwell, a prosperous farmer of Mansfield; Dwight, who died in 1866; Fielder, who died in 1859; Lucy, who died in 1896; and J. Lewis, the subject of this sketch. The mother passed away November 5, 1879.

J. Lewis Snow, at the early age of seven years, was forced by the death of his father to contribute toward his own support; but he attended school when opportunity permitted. When a young man he worked in Newton Lower Falls, Mass., for a time, and was subsequently engaged in the express business in Newton. In 1895 he bought the property in Millis known as the Lyman Adams farm, upon which he now resides. He owns eighty-four acres of well -located land, the fertility of which he has greatly increased; and he makes a specialty of dairy farming and the sale of milk.

On April 22, 1875, Mr. Snow married Ella Daniels, who was born in West Medway, April 9, 1854, daughter of Noah and Nancy (Hawes) Daniels, her father being a native of Medfield, and her mother of West Medway. Noah Daniels followed the carpenter's trade until his death, which occurred in Millis in 1S93, and his widow is now residing here. She has reared seven children, as follows: Ella, who is now Mrs. Snow; Abbie, who is now Mrs. Clough ; Alma and Alfred, who reside in Boston; Ida, who married George Gilman, and resides in Lynn, Mass. ; Percy, a resident of Franklin ; and Jason, who lives in Norwood, Mass. Mr. and Mrs. Snow have had six children, namely: Joseph, born January 24, 1876; Harry, born March 16, 1878; Howard, born January 31, 1880; Cora, born

May 17, 1882; Ernest, born July 13, 1885; and Charles, born July 28, 1887. The last named died October 4, in the year of his birth. Harry is now a resident of Dover, Mass. ; and the others are residing at home with their parents.

Mr. Snow has reached a degree of comfortable prosperity through his own personal energy, having made good use of his opportunities. In politics he is a Republican, but has never allowed political aspirations to interfere with his business affairs. Mrs. Snow is a member of the Congregational church.

well-known and esteemed citizen of Norwood, a Civil War veteran, was born in Mount Vernon, Me., January 30, 1838, son of Samuel and Sarah (Libby) Dexter. His father, who was a native of Haverhill, Mass., had some time previously joined a party of pioneers who went from this State to Maine, and settled upon unimproved land. He resided there for the rest of his life, and died at the age of sixty-four years. He was twice married, and by his second wife, Sarah Libby, who was a daughter of Jacob Libby, he had six children; namely, Edwin, Julia, Henry, Charlotte Charles B., the subject of this sketch, and Maria.

Charles Byron Dexter was left fatherless at the age of five years. He resided in Mount Vernon and Vienna, Me., until he was ten years old, when he went to Portsmouth, N.H., where he attended school until he was fourteen. Subsequently learning the bookbinder's trade in Boston, he afterward went to Readfield, Me., where he worked in the lumber camps for a time, and later found employment in an oil-cloth factory. From Readfield he went to Biddeford, Me., and followed the same occupation until 1859, when he went to Florida; and upon his return he, on April 2j, 1861, enlisted for service in the Civil War. While residing in Boston he had been a member of the Fifth Artillery, Massachusetts militia, and was therefore familiar with discipline and army regulations. As First Sergeant of his company he participated in the first battle of Bull Run, and after that disastrous engage- merit he remained in camp until the spring of 1862. He took part in the Peninsular Campaign and the Seven Days' Fight, the battles of Gaines's Mill, Crampton Pass, Antietam, Fredericksburg first and second, Salem Chapel, and Gettysburg. Sergeant Dexter had been twice promoted, holding the rank of First Lieutenant at the defence of Little Round Top; and upon the return of his corps to Virginia he was detailed to go to Maine and conduct drafted men to the front. He was appointed Quartermaster of the camp at Cape Elizabeth, where he had been recruited ; and after fulfilling his duties he returned to the army. He was again in action at the battle of Brandy Station, and was subsequently placed in charge of the ambulance train, consisting of fifty-two horse ambulances, two large medicine wagons, and eight mule teams. He continued in that service under General Grant until July, 1864, when he was ordered to Portland, and honorably discharged. After recovering his health, he, on December 31 of the same year, re-enlisted in a company of Post Guards organized at Augusta, and was stationed at Machias Port, Cape Elizabeth, and Fort Popham, where he was mustered out in September, 1865. In 1866 he came to South Dedham (now Norwood), and engaged as designer and cutter for E. F. Talbot, of Norwood, an oil-cloth manufacturer, also for A. A. Folsom & Son, and in 1882 established himself in the undertaking business, with which he has since been identified. Politically, he is a Republican. He is a Master Mason, a comrade of Post No. 169, G. A. R., and is connected with the New England Order of Proteccion.

In i860 Mr. Dexter was joined in marriage with Carrie E. Clark, daughter of Dow and Sarah Jane Clark, of Gardiner, Me. Of the six children born of this union, two are living; namely, George H. and Frank C. Mr. Dexter and family are members of the Universalist Church of Norwood.

[LLIAM MAKEPEACE THAYER, of Franklin, the author of numerous works in the field of history and biography, was born where he now resides, February 23, 1820. His parents,

After graduating from Brown University with the class of 1843, William M. Thayer studied theology under Dr. Jacob Ide, of Medway, Mass., and was licensed to preach in 1845. In 1848 he was installed as pastor of a church in Ashland, Mass., where he labored for eight years, when failing health caused him to abandon his pulpit. Drawn thither by a natural taste and capacity for belles-lettres, he then entered the field of literature. Mr. Thayer's subjects were chosen carefully, with a view of instructing as well as interesting his readers, and in many instances are widely different from those of his contemporaries. Among his best known works are the lives of Amos Lawrence, Mary Lyon, General N. P. Banks, Benjamin Franklin, and "The White House Series," including lives of Washington, Lincoln, Grant, and Garfield. The most successful from a financial point of view was the last-named work, which had a sale of over half a million copies. He also wrote "The Youth's History of the Rebellion," "Tact, Push, and Principle" and "The Marvels of the New West." These were followed by "The Ethics of Success," a series of three readers for public schools, published by Silver, Burdett & Co., of Boston. At the age of seventy-six he commenced to write a series of works for Nelson & Sons, of Edinburgh, Scotland, who in 1896 issued "Men who Win" and "Women who Win" and "Around the Hearthstone; or, Hints for Home Builders. " Several of his works have been translated into foreign languages, and a million and a half volumes of them have found their way to the reading public.

In 1845 Mr. Thayer married Rebecca W. Richards, of Dover, Mass. Of their five children two are living - Eugene R. and Addison Munroe. Eugene R., now engaged in business in Colorado, is married, and has one son, Harry S. Addison M., who is a teacher of elocution, married Gertrude E. Smith, a native of Massachusetts, and has three children - Rachel, Robert, and Gertrude. For some years previous to 1876 Mr. Thayer was engaged in lecturing on temperance, and ren- dered valuable aid to the cause. He occupies a pleasant home, where he labors undisturbed. Although he had an attack of illness some time since, caused by overwork, he is still among the active writers of the day.

§OSEPH ADDISON ALLEN, a leading farmer and influential citizen of Medfield, for many years engaged in educational work, belongs to one of the oldest families in the township. He was born here, April 25, 1819, his parents being Ellis and Lucy (Lane) Allen.

The Medfield branch of the Allen family to which he belongs is descended from James Allen,' Allin, or Alin (as the name was variously spelled in the old records), who came to this country with his wife, Anna, in 1639 (freeman in 1647), and settled in Dedham, of which town his cousin, John Alin, was the first minister. Here he lived about ten years; and here, December 4, 1639, h's eldest son, John, was born. James' was one of a company formed in 1649 to found a settlement in the western part of Dedham bordering on the Charles River, which the following year was incorporated by the name of Medfield. The company consisted of fifty persons, each of whom was to have a house lot of not more than twelve acres of upland and as many of meadow. Other grants were subsequently made, which, together with purchases from time to time, constituted the Allen farm, which has remained in the family more than two hundred years, and is now in the possession of descendants of James of the sixth and seventh generations. James Allen' by his wife, Anna, had nine children, of whom the ninth in order of birth, Joseph,2 born June 24, 1652, was next in line of descent. Joseph2 married Hannah Sabine, of Seekbnk, by whom he had twelve children, of whom Noah,3 born April 21, 1685, was fifth in order of birth. Noah3 married Sarah Gay, of Dedham, and had seven children, the third-born being Noah,4 who was baptized November 8, 1719. Noah Allen4 married Miriam Fisher for his first wife, by whom he had five sons. The mother died June 23, 1757, leaving four children, all under twelve years of age. On

March 12, 1761, Noah Allen4 married for his second wife Abigail Ellis, by whom he had two children, Miriam and Phineas,5 of whom the last named was next in line of descent. The mother died July 28, 1764, when Phineas was only three months old; and Noah married for his third wife Sybil Clark Smith, widow of Elisha Smith and sister of the Rev. Pitt Clark, of Norton. Noah Allen4 died March 23, 1804, aged eighty-five years.

Phineas Allen,5 grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was born April 24, 1764. He lived with his father, and inherited the homestead. In 1781, when only seventeen years old, he enlisted in the Revolutionary army and was in active service in the Jerseys. After the close of the war he reached home in a pitiful condition, having travelled the whole distance, fully three hundred miles, on foot. He married Ruth, daughter of Asa Smith, of Walpole, born February 28, 1769, and they had eight children: Abigail, born November 12, 1788, died February 22, 1796; Joseph, born August 15, 1790, married Lucy Clarke Ware, of Cambridge; Ellis, born September 10, 1792, married Lucy Lane, of Scituate; Silas (who subsequently took the name of William Winthrop Allen), born January 25i 179S> Asa Smith, born June 21, 1797, married Lydia Kingsbury, and (second) Martha J. Camp; Abigail, born October 5, 1799, married Gershom Adams; Phineas, born October 15, 1801, married Clarissa Fiske, of Medfield; and Noah, born April 22, 1807, married Paulina S. Whiting, of Dover. Phineas Allen, the father of these children, died August 13, 1836, aged seventy-two years and four months. Ruth, the mother, died July 25, 1832, aged sixty-three. After the death of his first wife Phineas married Miss Eliza Turner, of Boston. His son Noah (uncle of Joseph A.) is now (1897) living in Medfield, past ninety years of age, a "real" Son of the American Revolution. As one has well said, "The Aliens from the beginning have been progressive, stanch lovers of freedom in Church and State."

Ellis Allen6 was a successful farmer, and spent his life in Medfield, his native place. His wife, Lucy Lane Allen, was born in Scituate, Mass. Both met death by accident, he on March 6, 1875, and she on June I, 1889, at the advanced age of ninety-six years. They had eight children, as follows: William C, living in Medfield, whose wife, formerly Harriet Coggin, is now deceased; George E., deceased, as is also his wife, Susan Treat Allen; Joseph A., the subject of this sketch, Lucy M., widow of James Davis, living in West Newton, Mass. ; Nathaniel T., principal of the West Newton English and Classical School; Fanny, who died in girlhood; Abigail Ellis, deceased, wife of Charles Davis, of West Newton; and James T., associate principal of the Allen School in West Newton.

Joseph A. Allen7 first attended the common schools of Medfield, and later studied with his uncle, the Rev. Dr. Joseph Allen, in Northboro, Mass. He left home and began his career as a teacher at the age of seventeen, teaching music and clay schools in Walpole and Northboro, Mass., four years, then going to Syracuse, N.Y. , where he was principal of the Syracuse Academy for a number of years, and was in business seven years. In i860 he returned to Massachusetts, and took charge of the State Reform School at Westboro. After holding that position seven years, he went to Fredonia, N.Y., as president of the State Normal School there. Later he became associate principal of the school at West Newton, Mass., and after twelve years of service in that capacity was called back to the State Reform School, of which he had charge for three years. On leaving Westboro the second time, he settled on the ancestral farm in Medfield, and opened a family school for boys, being assisted by his daughters and by his son-inlaw, George Washburn.

While living in Syracuse, in November, 1845, Mr. Allen married Miss Lucy T. Burt, who was born in Manlius, N.Y., October 20, 1823, daughter of Aaron and Lucy (Burk) Burt. Her father, who was a railroad contractor, was a pioneer in Syracuse. Mrs. Allen died March 19, 1875. Three children blessed their union, namely: Joseph Burt, born January 2, 1852, who died February 17, 1855; Ellen Burt, born December 19, 1855; ar>d Rosa Smith, born January 12, 1859. Ellen B. Allen and George Washburn (who was born in Bridgewater, Mass., April 23, 1850), were married on February 18, 1886, and now live with her father and sister on the old Allen farm in Medfield. They have one little daughter, Lucy Christiana, born August 26, 1896, who is the ninth in descent from the pioneer settler, James Allen, the original owner and occupant of the homestead, and represents the eighth generation to claim it as a birthplace.

Mr. Allen has always been independent in politics, voting for the candidate that in his judgment was best fitted to discharge official duties. He is president of the Historical Society of Medfield. He has been chairman of the School Committee and of the First Parish (Unitarian) Committee several years, and is still interested in the great questions of the day.

tICHARD MORSE, a substantial and successful farmer and dairyman of East Walpole, Mass., was bom in - ^ this town, March 12, 1830, a son of the late Chester Morse. He comes of good old English Colonial stock, the Morse family having been among the earliest settlers of Norfolk County. His paternal grandfather, Richard Morse, for whom he was named, was born and reared in that part of Dedham now included within the corporate limits of Norwood, and came from there to Walpole in the latter part of last century.

Chester Morse was brought up in this town, and was for many years an expressman between Boston and Providence, driving across the country with a large baggage wagon. He was also engaged in farming to some extent, owning a homestead in Walpole, where he died at the age of sixty-six years. He was a Whig in politics; but, his business calling him away from home a great part of the time, he had but little opportunity to devote his energies to the management of local affairs. He married Hannah Hewins, the descendant of an old and honored family of Sharon, Mass., where she was born and bred. They had three children, as follows: Warren, a resident of Walpole; Richard, the special subject of this sketch; and Chester, who died in 1857.

Richard Morse attended the common schools of East Walpole until fifteen years old, working in the meantime during his leisure hours and in the long vacations on the paternal farm, where he continues to make his home. He pays some attention to dairying, keeping from ten to twelve cows; and, although now unable to do any of the manual labor, he still carries on the farm by the aid of competent help, superintending the work in a most efficient manner, bringing to it a clear head and excellent judgment, as in his younger days, and occupying a position among the foremost agriculturists of this locality. In politics he is a stanch Republican, but has never been an aspirant for official honors, preferring to devote his time to his private interests.

"ClRASTUS WORTHINGTON, Jr., one Pv of the prominent young business men of ~^^* ' " Dedham and a well-known civil engineer, is a native of this town. Son of l{rastus and Elizabeth Foster (Briggs) Worthington, he was born on December 12, 1863, and is descended from old Colonial stock of English origin. His first ancestor in this country, Nicholas Worth ington, landed at Saybrook, Conn., in 1640, and subsequently became a resident of Hartford.

Erastus Worthington, first, grandfather of Erastus, Jr., was born in Belchertown, Mass., and became a leading lawyer in Dedham. He was one of the organizers of the Norfolk Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and in 1825 became secretary of the company, being the first to hold that office and continuing in it till 1840. His wife, Sally, was bom in Dedham, and died in 1856 at the age of sixty-five.

Erastus Worthington, second, son of the first Erastus, was born on November 25, 1S28, and was one of the most highly esteemed and influential citizens of this town. A sketch of his life may be found elsewhere in this issue of the Biographical Revii w.

twenty years of age entered the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Boston. In 1885 he was graduated at that excellent institution with the degree of Bachelor of Science. Mr. Worthington has since devoted his time and energies to the practice of the profession of civil engineering, and has had charge of a large number of important engineering works. Interested from the first in the construction of public water supply and sewerage systems, he has given considerable attention to studying important questions relating thereto, and has been engaged in the construction of waterworks at Middleboro, North Easton, Andover, Winchester, and Rockport, in Massachusetts; at Dover, N. H. ; and at Stamford, Conn. ; and in about thirty other cities and towns in New England. He has also been employed as engineer on the Norfolk Central, the Norfolk Suburban, and the Dedham, Hyde Park & Norwood Street Railways. For so young a man this list furnishes a satisfactory testimonial of successful achievement. Mr. Worthington is a member of the Boston Society of Civil Engineers, also a member of the New England Water Works Association. He is a communicant of the Episcopal church. In politics he is in accord with the family traditions, and is a stanch Republican.

ENRY BLASDALE, cashier of the National Revere Bank of Boston, and a well-known and respected resident of Hyde Park, was born June i.S, 1836. His parents, William and Elizabeth (Parr) Blasdale, were born and spent their early days in the pleasant manufacturing town of Nottingham, England, where, also, they were married. Immediately after their marriage they went to Douai, near Paris, France, where they remained some few years, and where their three children - William, Henry, and Charles - were born. A casual interview in Paris between the father of the family and N. P. Ames, the founder and at that time the active manager of the Ames Manufacturing Company, located at Cabotville, now the city of Chicopee, Mass., led to the removal of the family to this country and its location at Cabotville, the children, re- spectively five, three, and two years of age, growing up in that town and enjoying the benefits of the public schools, and, as they grew older, becoming as thoroughly Americanized in all their ideas, sympathies, and feelings as if they had been to the manor born.

Henry Blasdale at the age of fifteen left the high school to enter the village bank, where, and in the banks of the neighboring town of Springfield, he spent some six years. In the spring of 1859 he came to Boston, entering as a clerk the Revere Bank, then just organized under State laws and since reorganized under national law as The National Revere Bank of Boston. In 1865 he became cashier of the bank, which position he still holds, having acted as cashier for a continuous term of thirty-two years and having been connected with the bank in all for more than thirty-eight years. He was first married May 15, i860, to Miss Annette Frances Dickinson, daughter of Porter Dickinson, of Amherst, Mass. She died November 15, 1862. The two children of this marriage died in infancy. On February 13, 1868, Mr. Blasdale married for his second wife Miss Fannie W. Snow, of Boston. Of their five children two have passed away. Those now living are: Frederick W., Nettie F. , and Eva E.

Mr. Blasdale has a pleasantly located home in Hyde Park, where he has resided for twenty-eight years, and is a firm believer in the future growth of the town. He has served several years as one of the Commissioners of the Sinking Fund, an office requiring but little expenditure of time, and for that reason accepted.

'REDERICK P. GLOVER, proprietor of the Bird's Hill Spring Company at Needham, was born in Stoughton, Mass., on December 28, 1S25. His parents were Elijah and Sarah (Howe) Glover.

The first of the family to come to this country was John, one of the sons of Thomas Glover, of England. Nathaniel, a son of John, was born in Dorchester in 1630, and died there in 1657. His son, Nathaniel, was born in 1653, and was married to Hannah Hinckley, of Braintree, Mass. They had a son

Thomas, who was born December 26, 1690, and died some time between 1755 and 1757. He married Elizabeth Church. His son Thomas, grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was born September 1, 1723. He served in the army in a company which marched from Stoughton when the alarm for war was given, and was a Lieutenant under Captain Peter Talbot and Colonel Frederick Pope. He married Rebecca Pope, of Stoughton, in 1752. Their son Elijah was bom in Stoughton in 1770. He was twice married, his first wife being Martha Pope, of Dorchester, and his second wife Sarah Howe, also of Dorchester.

Their son, Frederick P., the subject of this sketch, attended the public school in Stoughton and Brighton. When he was ten years of age he began to work at the shoemaker's trade; and when he was fifteen years old he went to Brighton to work in a market, where he stayed about four years. He then worked five years in a market in Boston, and when he was about twenty-four years of age he went to New York and started from there for California. At San Antonio, Tex., he joined the Southern Pacific Railroad Surveying Company. The party travelled from San Antonio to El Paso with pack mules, from there to Arizona, thence to Port Umah, to San Diego, and finally to San Francisco. While on their journey they were several times attacked by Indians; and once Mr. Glover shot a grizzly bear, which furnished fresh meat for himself and his companions for some time. Mr. Glover remained in California five years engaged in mining, and then he returned to Boston. He came by way of the Isthmus of Panama to New Orleans, where he tarried six months, and thence to Boston by steamer. After staying a short time in the East, however, he started a second time for California, making the journey by way of Salt Lake City and Carson Valley. In five years he returned to Boston once more, travelling by the way of Denver, St. Joseph, Mo., and Washington, D. C. , where he remained during the battle of Bull Run. After engaging in his former business in Boston for about fifteen years, in 1878 he came to Needham and began farming.

Frederick P. Glover

Hill Spring, which is located on high ground, in a section free from building and everything that would be liable to contaminate it. The water comes up through the gravelly bottom of a cemented brick cistern at a temperature of forty-five degrees, and is constantly overflowing the cistern. It is believed that the water comes from a great depth, as in the dryest season its flow is not diminished, and its temperature remains unchanged. Soft, colorless, and pure, clear as a crystal, and delicious to the taste, it is indorsed and recommended by many eminent physicians. Although this water has been on sale only a short time, its users frequently testify to its efficacy in cases of dyspepsia and other disorders. It is especially desirable for elderly and middle-aged persons, because it has so small a percentage of lime. A- report of its analysis by the State Board of Health, showing how free the water is from organic and other harmful matter, is given in the circulars issued by the Bird's Hill Spring Company.

Mr. Glover is a Democrat in politics. He was chosen Selectman of the town in 1884, and served five years in that office. He attends the First Parish Church. He was married in 1861 to Emeline, a native of Boston and daughter of Otis Morton, of that city. They had one son, Frederick Morton, who was born in 1862, and died in 1867, when about four and a half years old. Mrs. Glover died at her home October 28, 1897, in her sixtyseventh year, after a short illness resulting from a stroke of paralysis. She was a good wife and mother, and possessed many sterling qualities which endeared her to a large circle of friends. She was reared and educated in the city of her birth, and came to Needham with her parents when about twenty years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Morton resided in Needham for many years, and died here, each at an advanced age, the former having been for many years a Deacon in the Universalist church.

iAPTAIN RUFUS GEORGE FREDERICK CANDAGE, a prominent and highly influential citizen of Brookline, Mass., was born at Blue Hill, Me., July 28, 1826, son of Samuel

Roundy and Phebe (Parker) Candage. This surname was originally Cavendish, derived from the Manor of Cavendish Over Hall, Suffolk, England, and was sometimes written to agree with the pronunciation, Candish. The family has been in America more than two hundred years. In 1660 John Candage was a ship-carpenter and landed proprietor of Charlestown, Mass. ; and this surname appears later in the records of the towns of Marblehead, Salem, and Lynn. At Marblehead, in 1691, Thomas Candage was engaged in the fishery business.

Captain Candage's great-grandfather, James Candage, was bom in Massachusetts about 1728, was married about 1750, and went from Beverly, Mass., in 1766 to Blue Hill, Me., which had been settled three years earlier by Joseph Wood and John Roundy. James Candage was a man of enterprise, a typical pioneer, and soon became prominent in the infant settlement. He erected a saw-mill, and engaged in lumbering, and also carried on farming. He died at Blue Hill, Me., April 29, 17S8. His wife, Elizabeth, died on December 20, 1809, having been the mother of three sons and three daughters.

James Candage, Jr., who was born May 9, '753, and died at Blue Hill, January 12, 1 819, followed the occupations in which his father bad engaged. His wife was Hannah, the daughter of John Roundy, above mentioned. Their children were: Elizabeth, born September 16, 1775; Gideon, born March 17, 1778, who died October 26, 17S2; Samuel Roundy, bom January 15, 1781, who died December 23, 1S52; Gideon, born August 18, 1783; Sarah, born January 4, 1786; James, born April 30, 1788, who died August I, 1798; Azor, born April 8, 1791 ; and John, born December 21, 1793, who died December 30, 1798. Mrs. Hannah R. Candage died March 12, 185 1, at the advanced age of ninety-eight years.

Samuel Roundy Candage, the second son, was of a frank and generous character and a man greatly respected by all his associates. In early life he was a seaman, but he subsequently settled at Blue Hill and engaged in milling and farming. His wife Phebe, to whom he was married February 29, 18 16, was the widow of William Walker. She was a daughter of Simeon and Mary (Perkins) Parker, and grand-daughter of the Hon. Oliver Parker, of Castine, Me., who was Judge of the Court of Common Pleas from 1800 to 181 5. The following is the record of children of Samuel Roundy and Phebe Candage : Simeon Parker, born November 21, 1816, died December 31, 1842, lost at sea; John Walker, born March 15, 1818, died April 20, 1822; James Roundy, born April 8, 1819, died at Fortune Island, one of the Bahamas, November 14, 1856; Samuel Barker Brooks, bom January 25, 1821, died September 1, 1826; Robert Parker, born October 26, 1822, died January 30, 1878; Dorothy Perkins, born February 16, 1825, died August 28, 1826; Rufus George Frederick, born July 28, 1826; Samuel Franklin, born January 21, 1828, died May 7, 1863, at Honolulu, Sandwich Islands; John Brooks, born June 24, 1829, died July 23, 1870, in Australia; Mary Perkins, bom August 12, 1831, died September 4, 1831 ; Hannah Roundy, born August 12, 1831, died September 4, 1831 ; and Charles Edward, born April 20, 1833, died April 14, 1862, at Honolulu, Sandwich Islands. The father died on December 23, 1852, and the mother on October 2, 1850. Seven of the sons became commanders of vessels in the merchant service.

Rufus G. F. , the sixth son, attended school regularly until twelve years of age, when he began to work in his father's saw-mill ; and for the next five years he had to content himself with attending the winter terms of three months each. He subsequently pursued his studies at Blue Hill Academy for two terms; and at the age of eighteen years, influenced by the example of his brothers, he became a sailor, going first on coasting-vessels running between Boston and points on the Maine coast, and in time making longer voyages and touching the more important ports on the Atlantic seaboard. At the age of twenty-four he had become captain; and his first voyage in this position was from Blue Hill to Boston, carrying a cargo of paving-blocks. Business men of his native town built for him the "Equator," and he subsequently sailed in much larger vessels, including the sloops "Fame," "Pink," "Credit"; schooners

"Passamaquoddy, " "Edward," "Zodiac," and "Zulette"; half-brigs "Curacoa, " "Delhi," "Zavalla," and "Equator" ; squarerigged brig "Pioneer"; bark "Chesapeake"; ships "Kentucky," "Java," "Iowa," "Hoogly, " "Wizard," "Jamestown," "Electric Spark," and "National Eagle." He has made three voyages round the world, has doubled Cape Horn thirteen times, eight times toward the West and five times toward the East, and has sailed over more than five hundred thousand miles. He has visited ports in North and South America and in the West Indies, the Mediterranean, in India, China, and Oceanica, and on the western coast of Europe. The last voyage of Captain Candage was in the "National Eagle," of which he was part owner; and in May, 1867, when she made her home port of Boston, he retired from seafaring life and settled in Brookline as his permanent residence. In January of the following year he was appointed Marine Surveyor by the American Ship Masters' Association of New York for the record of American and foreign shipping, and in the same year was appointed surveyor for the Boston Board of Underwriters. In 1882 he was appointed surveyor for the Bureau Veritas of Paris, France.

Captain Candage was married on May 1, 1853, to Elizabeth Augusta, daughter of Elijah, Jr., and Mary R. Corey, of Brookline. She died on November iS, 187 1 ; and on May 22, 1873, Captain Candage married Ella Maria, daughter of Benjamin and Sarah (Hall) White, of Weymouth. By the latter marriage there were five children; namely, George Frederick, Ella Augusta, Phcebe Theresa, Robert Brooks, and Sarah Caroline Candage.

In 1 86 1, when the Ship Masters' Association of New York was formed, Captain Candage was elected its thirteenth member; and in 1867 he was elected member of the Boston Marine Society. He has been president of the last-named society and a member of its Board of Trustees for some years. He is also a member of the New York Marine Society, of the New England Historic Genealogical Society, of the Bostonian Society, Sons of the American Revolution, Bunker Hill Monument Association, the Pine Tree State Club (an ex- president), the Brookline Thursday Club, Norfolk Club, Massachusetts Republican Club, and the Baptist Social Union. He is a Mason, being a member and Past Master of Beth-horen Lodge; and he is a member and first Regent of Sagamore Council, Royal Arcanum. He has served the town of Brookline in many positions, having been a member of the School Board for five years, a Trustee of the Public Library since 1 87 1 and many years treasurer of the Board, Selectman from 18S0 to 1883, and a member of the Board of Assessors since 1883, as well as Moderator of the town meetings many times. He has also been Representative to General Court. In 1881 he was elected treasurer of the Seamen's Baptist Bethel and president of the Boston Terra Cotta Company, holding the last position until 1896, when the business was closed. He is still president of the Boston Fire Brick and Clay Retort Company, having been connected with it since 1883, and is vice-president of the Industrial Home on Davis Street. The Captain is a man of wide observation and exceedingly well-read, having collected a large and valuable private library. Always keenly interested in historical subjects, and especially in the early history of Boston and vicinity, he has written many interesting and valuable papers which have been read before the various societies of which he is a member, and not a few of which have been published in historical magazines. He is corresponding member of the Maine Historical Society and honorary member of the Dedham Historical Society. He has a beautiful home in Brookline, but usually spends his summers on the Maine coast.

lLARKE STORER GOULD, M.D., a successful physician of Norwood, was born in South Boston, Mass., August 2, 1864, son of Dr. Joseph F. and Lydia R. (Lawrence) Gould. He is a lineal descendant of William Gould, an Englishman, who arrived in America at an early date in the Colonial period ; and he is a grandson of Squire John Gould, of North Leeds, Me., a prominent resident and for some years a Trial Justice in that town.

Joseph F. Gould was a native of North Leeds, Me., but was reared in Milton. At an early age he conceived a desire to become a physician, and after struggling courageously to procure a medical education he was graduated from the medical department of Harvard University. He practised his profession in South Boston until the breaking out of the Civil War, when he was appointed Surgeon of the Fourth Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteers, and in that capacity served with distinction until his discharge. Resuming his practice in South Boston, he acquired a high reputation as a physician and obstetrician, and resided there until his death, which occurred in 1887. His wife, whose maiden name was Lydia R. Lawrence, is a daughter of Nathan and Elizabeth (Millet) Lawrence. She is a direct descendant of John Lawrence, who was born in Charlestown, Mass., in 1636, and was the first native American of the Lawrence family. John was a son of John Lawrence, Sr. , of Wisset, England, who arrived on board the "Arabella" in 1630; and the family traces its ancestry back to Sir Robert Lawrence, of Ashton Hall, who was born in 11 50. Four children were born to Dr. and Mrs. Joseph F. Gould, as follows: Lawrence M., M.D., a physician of Hyde Park, Mass.; Junius B. , of South Boston; Ruth; and Clarke S., the subject of this sketch.

Clarke Storer Gould was educated in the common and high schools of Boston ; and while pursuing his general studies he availed himself of every opportunity for acquiring a knowledge of anatomy and physiology, with a view of preparing himself for the medical profession. The unexpected death in 1885, of his father who had so earnestly shared and aided his plans, threw him somewhat upon his own resources. He possessed the courage and persistence to overcome the difficulties which now confronted him, and finished his two remaining years at the Medical School. After his graduation from the Harvard Medical School in 1887, he practised about a year in South Boston and the same time in Maynard. In 1889 he located in Norwood, where he has since resided. By closely applying himself to his profession, which absorbs his entire interest, he has built up a large practice in this local- ity, and has already acquired an honorable rank among the successful physicians of Norfolk County. He is a member of the Massachusetts State and District Medical Societies, and is also a member of the American Medical Association. He is connected with Orient Lodge, F. & A. M. ; the Ancient Order of United Workmen; and the Royal Arcanum, having been the first Regent of Hook Council, and being Medical Examiner of the order in this town. He is the local surgeon for the New England Railway and a member of the International Association of Railway Surgeons. In politics he is a Republican.

Dr. Gould married Amanda Evelyn Vroom, daughter of William V. Vroom, of Clementsport, N.S., and has two children - Joseph F. and Hilda P. The family attend the Universalist church.

{ 2)eORGE FENEI.ON WILLIAMS, \ '-> I of Foxboro, Mass., recently elected Representative to the State legislature from the Tenth Norfolk District, was born in Foxboro, in the house in which he now resides, April 28, 1856, being the only son of Francis D. and Lydia (Copeland) Williams. On the paternal side he is lineally descended from Richard Williams, the first settler of vvhat is now Taunton, Mass. ; and through his mother he is a direct descendant, in the seventh generation, of John and Priscilla Alden, of the Plymouth Colony.

Mr. Williams received his elementary education in the schools of Foxboro, and was subsequently graduated with high honors, after a four years' course, at the Chauncy Hall School, Boston, where, besides gaining distinction in his class studies, he received a gold medal for having been the best drilled private in the battalion for two years in succession. In 1875 he entered the employ of his father, who, besides the large coal and express business that he conducted, was also at that time station master. Here it fell to his lot to perform the multifarious duties of ticket agent, express agent, baggage-master, telegraph operator, and station agent, besides attending in large measure to the business in coal, hay, lime, cement, and teaming, all of which he accomplished in a manner that left no doubt of his energy, endurance, and rare business capacity, and proved him also to be possessed of an exhaustless stock of patience and good humor under trying circumstances, accompanied by a never-failing courtesy. When he resigned the position two or three years ago, he received the highest commendations from the railroad officials for the efficiency of his service.

It was while occupied as above narrated that Mr. Williams's fellow-townsmen, recognizing in him a man worthy of their fullest confidence, chose him to fill the important and responsible position of Town Treasurer. During his incumbency of this office he introduced a simpler, clearer, and more comprehensive system of book-keeping, by which also the town was credited for the first time with interest on its deposited balances, and which has since been continued. Mr. Williams was appointed February 21, 1895, by the late Governor Greenhalge, Notary Public and Justice of the Peace, and still holds the positions. He was one of the most indefatigable workers for the introduction of conducted water, and was made clerk of the Foxboro Water Supply District, in which office he served continuously until 1896. In the report of the Water Commissioners, 1878-93, he is spoken of as follows: "G. F. Williams has performed the duties of his office since the first meeting in 1879 to the present time, and acted as clerk for the commissioners and as corresponding secretary. He has kept neat and accurate records, and has, in short, not only faithfully and ably performed all the duties of his office, but many others that have been demanded of him, all in a most commendable manner. He declines to receive any pay for his services." He filled the position of chairman of the Board of Trustees of Boyden Library for twelve years, and long served as a member of the Town Committee, usually acting as clerk. He has been a trustee of the Foxboro Savings Bank since 1888 and a vice-president since 1S94.

At the Republican convention, which was held in Music Hall, Franklin, on Monday, October 11, 1897, Mr. Williams was nominated as Representative to the General Court from the Tenth Norfolk District, the nomination being practically unanimous, he receiving the total number of votes in the convention except that of Mr. E. J. Whitaker, who, being himself a candidate, waived his right to vote. This district, which comprises the towns of Franklin, Foxboro, Medway, Norfolk, Wrentham, and Bellingham, is entitled to two Representatives; and Mr. Elbridge 'J. Whitaker, of Wrentham, was chosen on the ticket with Mr. Williams, who was subsequently elected by an overwhelming majority. Mr. Williams has long been deeply interested in everything pertaining to the welfare of his town and district; and to the duties of his new position he brings an intelligent and welltrained mind and an honesty of purpose that cannot but redound to the credit and benefit of his constituency, his native town, and his party.

ENRY S. RUSSELL, of Milton, Fire Commissioner of the city of Boston, is a native of Dorchester, Mass. He was born June 21, 1838, son of George Robert and Sarah P. (Shaw) Russell.

Among the early New England colonists were several bearing this well-known English surname. In common with the Russells of Newport and Providence, R.I., Colonel Russell is descended from John Russell, of Charlestown, 1640, who became one of the first- settlers of the new town of Woburn. In Bartlett's Genealogy of this branch of the family his lineage may be traced as follows: John,1 who died in Woburn, Mass., in 1676; John,2 who was ordained to the charge of the First Baptist Church in Boston in 1679, and died in 1680; Joseph,3 who died in Boston in 1 714; Thomas,4 born in Boston in 1705, who died in 1760, and whose remains, it is said, rest with those of his father, mother, and grandfather, in King's Chapel burial-ground; Jonathan,5 who for a number of years was a prosperous merchant of Providence, R. I., but, some time after the breaking out of the Revolutionary War, removed to Mendon, Mass., where he died in 1788; Jonathan," born in Providence, R.I., 1 77 1 , who was

Jonathan Russell, Sr., is spoken of as having been Captain of a company of militia known as the Providence Cadets, which at some time or times during the Revolution "was called into active service." His son, the Hon. Jonathan Russell, LL.D., was educated for the law. Turning his attention for a while to commerce, at a later period he was for a number of years engaged in the diplomatic service, being Consul to France in the time of Napoleon, one of the five commissioners who in 1 8 14 negotiated the Treaty of Ghent, and subsequently United States Minister to Sweden and Norway. He was a member of Congress, 1821-23.