Norfolk Town (part 15 of 23)

ILLIAM H. NORRIS, of the insurance firm of William H. Norris & Son, of Boston, was born at Rumney, N.H., September 24, 1838, son of John and Mira (Holden) Norris. He comes of old English and early Colonial stock, being a lineal descendant of Nicholas Norris, who is said to have arrived in this country about 1650, and who was married at Hampton, N.H., in 1664, to Sarah Coxe. (See History of Hampton; also Norris Genealogy, by L. A. Morrison.) A few years later he removed to Exeter, where he was a soldier in the garrison in 1696, under Captain Hall. He was living in Exeter as late as 1721. John Norris, Sr. , father of John above named, and a representative of the fifth generation of the family in New England, was a first settler at Effingham, N.H. He was a surveyor and on the staff of surveyors of General Whilton, whom he assisted in surveying upper Vermont. He settled on a farm in Chelsea, Vt., and later bought an estate at Groton, N. H., where he lived until the time of his death. He had eleven children and forty-eight grandchildren.

His son John was born in Chelsea, Yt., September 22, 1794, and lived upon the home farm until twenty-one years of age. He taught the district school for a time, and then went to Boston, where he learned and fallowed the carpenter's and builder's trade. Later removing to Plymouth, N.H., he resided there four or five years. He then removed to Rumney, Grafton County, N.H., where he built the Baptist church. Finally settling in Groton, N.H., he lived there until 1870, when he died at the age of seventy-six years. His wife, Mira, was a daughter of David Holden, a farmer of Groton, where she was born November 28, 1S00. They had thirteen children, twelve of whom attained adult age, and eight are now living; namely, David, Mira Ann, Ann Maria, Sarah F., William H., Marietta L., John A., and Harriet J. Mrs. Norris died at the age of sixty-seven. Both parents were members of the Methodist Episcopal church; and the father, who was an accomplished musician and played on a variety of instruments, was the musical director of the choir for many years. He was a Free Mason and Master of the local lodge for a quarter of a century.

Until twenty-one years of age William H. Norris lived at home with his parents, obtaining his education in the public and private schools of his native town, and assisting his father upon the farm and at the trade of carpentering. Upon reaching his majority, he became a clerk in the office of a life and fire insurance company in Boston, and there continued until 1 861. In October of that year he enlisted in Company C, Thirty-second Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteers; and he served until July 17, 1865. He was on duty in the brigade quartermaster's department, and had charge of supplies, passing through all the battles of the Army of the Potomac. At the close of the war he re-entered the insurance business, and some years later took in partnership Mr. J. K. Corthell, with whom he was associated until 1892, when Mr. Corthell retired, and his son, Harry A. Norris, became his partner. The firm of William H. Norris & Son, well known as one of the oldest agencies in the city, represent eighteen companies, and do a very large business, making a specialty of fire insurance.

Mr. Norris married in 1861 Calista M. Jeffers, daughter of Ebenezer and Lucy A. Jeffers, of Rumney, N.H., where her father was a shoemaker. She was one of two children. Her brother was lost in the war. Mr. and Mrs. Norris have two sons - Clarence G. and Harry A. Their only daughter, Wilhelmina C, died in 1890, at the age of twentysix. Clarence G. Norris married Grace H. Harshbarger. He is a graduate of the department of civil engineering of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, was employed by the Pennsylvania Railroad Company for four years, and now resides in Hyde Park. Harry Adams Norris, who is in partnership with his father, married Nettie B. House, and has one son, Bradford Faunce.

Mr. Norris is a stanch Republican in politics. He is a prominent member of various fraternities, namely: the Hyde Park Lodge, F. & A. M.; Norfolk Chapter, R. A. M. ; Hyde Park Council; Cyprus Commandery, K. T. ; and Timothy Ingraham Post, G. A. R. He has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church since the age of twenty years, has been treasurer of the society for twenty years, and he served on the Board of Trustees and Stewards as secretary and treasurer for many years. He has always taken an active interest in church matters, and has been especially attached to the Sunday-school, where he has been a teacher for a long period. His son Clarence is the superintendent, and his second son is also active in the Sunday-school and church work.

VlJ*. November 1, 1852, in Brooklyn, N.Y. His father, Nicholas Henry, a native of Kaiserslautern, Germany, came to this country when a young man, and settled in New York City, where he engaged in business as a merchant tailor. Enlisting in Company H, Fifty-second New York Volunteers, in 1 86 1, he went to the front, was with the Army of the Potomac two years, and was wounded at Antietam. After serving some time in the ranks, he received a commission as Second Lieutenant of Company F in the same regiment; and a little later, for gallant conduct and meritorious services, he was promoted to the rank of First Lieutenant of that company. He received his discharge in 1864, and then went to Washington, where he was engaged in mercantile pursuits until the time of his death in 1866. His wife, Ann Catharine Schaffer, who came to this country with her parents in 183 1, was a native of Hesse-Cassel, Germany. They were married in 1842 in New York, and had nine children - -Mary, Conrad, William, Amelia, Charles Casper, Edward, Kate, Annie, and Louise - four of whom, namely, Mary, Catharine, Annie, and the subject of this sketch are now living.

Charles Casper Henry was educated in the public schools in Brooklyn, N.Y., and at Columbia Institute, Washington, D.C. After leaving school, he returned to Brooklyn; and in 1870 he came to Massachusetts, and engaged in mercantile pursuits. In 1881 he became clerk for the Boston & Albany Railroad at Natick, and continued to serve in that capacity until 1884, when he was appointed railway station agent at Wellesley. Hills, and at about the same time assumed the editorship of the Wellesley Courant. In 1893 he resigned the charge of the Courant, and in the next year became editor of the Wellesley Review, a position which he now holds. The Wellesley Review is independent in politics, and is devoted to the interests of the town. Mr. Henry is also a correspondent of the Boston press.

In politics he is a liberal Republican. He was for six years secretary of the Norfolk County Republican Committee, also a member of the Republican Town Committee, and for seven years Town Auditor of Wellesley. Mr. Henry belongs to the Norfolk County Club. He was made a Mason in Meridian Lodge, Natick, Mass., where he held the position of Master during the years 1886 and 1887, and was District Deputy Grand Master in 1896 and 1897. He is a member of the Parker Royal Arch Chapter, was its High Priest in 1891-92 and District Deputy Grand High Priest in 1894, 1895, and 1896, and is a permanent member of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Massachusetts to the Massachusetts Convention of the Holy Order of High Priesthood. He is a member of Natick Commandery, K. T., being its present Recorder, and is also a member of Aleppo Temple, Mystic Shrine, of Boston. Mr. Henry served as chairman

Mr. Henry was married in 1874 to Adeline Sylvia, a daughter of Malachi Babcock, of Natick. They have two children: Edward, born in 1876, who was graduated from the Harvard Dental College in the class of 1897; and Grace Gertrude, who was born in 1878, and is now studying at the- State Normal School at South Framingham.

V. Patrick H. Callanan

V. PATRICK H. CALLANAN, A.M., the faithful, efficient, and beloved pastor of St. John's Church, Newton Lower Falls, was born in New York City, February 4, 1856. His parents, Michael and Catherine (Jervois) Callanan, are natives of County Cork, Ireland. Michael Callanan was born in 1824, and came to this country in 1845, landing in New York City, where he made his home for some time. He now lives in Boston, and follows his former occupation, that of turner. He was married in New York City in 1850 to Catherine, daughter of Sampson and Ellen Jervois. She was born in 1826, and came to this country in 1850. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Callanan. The eldest, Ellen C, born in New York City in 1852, is with her father. Maria A., the second child, born in the same place in 1854, was educated in Boston, attending the Girls' High and the Normal School, and is now a teacher in the Ouincy Primary School in that city. Mary and Katie died young. Sampson A. Callanan, born at Port Jervis, N. Y. , in 1861, took the degrees of Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts at Boston College, and later the degree of Doctor of Medicine at the Harvard Medical School. He is now a practising physician, with office at 82 Warren Street, Roxbury. Dr. Callanan married Miss Mary Harkins, and has three children - Paul, Frank, and Charlotte - the eldest six years old.

P. H. Callanan acquired his early education in the public schools of New York. In September, 1870, he entered Boston College, graduating with the degree of Bachelor of Arts in June, 1877, and two years later receiv- ing the degree of Master of Arts from the same institution. In September, 1877, he entered St. Joseph's Seminary, Troy, N.Y., and was appointed "Master of Choir" and instructor of music the following September. He received Ecclesiastical .Tonsure from Bishop Mclnerney, of Albany, December 21, 1878; received Minor Orders from Bishop VVadhams, of Ogdensburg, June 7, 1879; received the Subdeaconship from Bishop Mclnerney, December 20, 1879; the Deaconship from Bishop Healy, of Portland, May 22, 1880; and was ordained Priest by Bishop Mclnerney, December 18, 1880. On January 1, 1 88 1 , he was appointed by Archbishop Williams curate at the Church of the Sacred Heart, East Cambridge. There he labored three years. Early in 18S4 he was transferred to West Newton to take charge of that parish during the illness of the Rev. Father Mc- Grath, and a few months later was appointed pastor of Foxboro, Wrentham, and Medfield. November 27, 1890, he was appointed pastor of Newton Lower Falls.

Father Callanan gave evidence of a brilliant future early in his college life. He was Captain of the College Baseball Club, Prefect of the Sodality, President of the Debating Society, and Major of the Military Battalion. In 1886 he was appointed paid military instructor to his fellow-collegians by the late Father Fulton. He won many honors, and every purse of gold granted for excellence in special branches of study, a feat performed by no other student since the college was founded. Possessed of natural histrionic talent, he won laurels before the footlights. Edwin Booth attended one of the rehearsals of "Richelieu," which the college students were preparing for presentation on the stage, and was much impressed with the ability of the young student. The stage held out to him promises of a distinguished future, but after completing his college course he betook himself to a theological seminary to equip himself for the highest and noblest work of man. When he entered on his pastorate in Foxboro, the parish was in a very unfavorable condition. The parishioners were at odds, the parish was heavily involved in debt, having lost two churches by fire, and the society was discontented and discouraged. Father Callanan went to work in earnest; and, his spirit being soon emulated by the people, they became reunited, and prosperity smiled upon them. He at first beautified the old church and improved the grounds, then built another church at a cost of several thousand dollars, which was out of debt at the close of his six years' pastorate, there being a surplus in the treasury besides. In November, 1890, he took charge of St. John's Parish at Newton Lower Falls, where he found the conditions almost similar to what they had been in Foxboro when he went there. With the same spirit he had displayed elsewhere, taking as his motto, "With bigotry for none and charity for all," he went to work; and his efforts resulted in a new and handsome parochial residence, new stable, a practically new church, the old one being repaired and embellished, and the grounds about the church property graded and beautified. The spirit of the pastor magnetized the flock. The church attendance was largely increased; and on December 18, 1S95, the entire property was declared free from debt. That date was the fifteenth anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood; and his parishioners and many of the leading citizens of the place met in St. John's Parish Hall to tender their congratulations, to express in a series of resolutions their appreciation of his services, and to present him with a generous token of esteem and gratitude, a purse of eleven hundred dollars. The occasion was one of heartfelt interest and rejoicing. Addresses were made by members of the parish and visiting friends, Catholic and non-Catholic, speaking of the spiritual growth of the parish, the work of Father Callanan in behalf of good citizenship and his public spirit ; and congratulatory letters were read from Archbishop Williams, the Hon. E. P. Carpenter, and others.

Father Callanan is a tireless worker for the cause of total abstinence; and that may be the reason why, as one of the Selectmen stated at the anniversary testimonial, there were no paupers in Newton Lower Falls.

a deplorable condition. He induced the town to widen the street on which his church stood, and concrete the sidewalks; and he was influential in calling a special town meeting for the purpose of opening and grading new streets. His efforts, united with those of other progressive citizens, secured the construction of one of the best water -works systems in the Commonwealth. Father Callanan is thoroughly American in sentiment. His patriotism was alluded to by one of the speakers at the anniversary testimonial on December 18, 1895 (Mr. H. J. Jaquith), who gave the following incident: "Mr. Alexander H. Stephens, ex-vice-president of the Confederacy, was visiting Mr. Jaquith; and the latter took him to Father Callanan's church on Sunday. The priest had just been elected to the Grand Army, and the post attended in a body to listen to his sermon. His discourse was a thrilling and eloquent one on the patriotism of the North, and naturally did not suit Mr. Stephens, who asked, 'Why did you bring me to hear that?'1' Father Callanan bears the good will of the entire community, and without doubt has done a great deal of good in his seven years' pastorate at Lower Falls in elevating the moral and social standing of his people.

KYING C. WEBSTER, an enterprising HI leather merchant of Boston and a resi- (JJ_ dent of Hyde Park, was born in Cambridgeport, Mass., November 3, 1857, son of the Rev. Amos and Adeline E. (Converse) Webster. His great-grandfather Webster was killed in the battle of Bennington; and his grandfather, Amos Webster, who was born May 10, 1773, and who followed agricultural pursuits in Rumney, N. H., died there July 10, 1854, aged eighty-one years, having outlived his three wives. His first wife, Mary Hall, whom he married on February 19, 1797, was born on February 15, 1775, and died May 9, 1836. She was the mother of nine children, among whom was the Rev. Amos Webster, father of Irving C. His second wife, Lydia Sanborn, died July 4, 1846; and Dorothy Bagley, his third wife, died April 29, 1853.

The Rev. Amos Webster was born in Rumney, June 23, 18 1 7. His early education was obtained in the district schools; and at the age of seventeen he went to Ouincy, Mass., where he was for a time employed in a granite quarry. He later taught school, and by diligence and perseverance acquired means to complete his education. After graduating from the New Hampton (N.H.) Theological Institute, he settled as pastor of the Baptist church at Newton Upper Falls, Mass. ; and he also supplied pulpits in other parts of the State. In i860 he settled in Hyde Park; and, besides supplying the pulpit here at times, he edited the Christian lira for eighteen years. He was one of the organizers of the Baptist church in Hyde Park, with which he was actively connected for the rest of his life; and he was also interested in educational affairs, serving upon the School Committee for eighteen years. The degree of Master of Arts was conferred upon him by Colby University, Waterville, Me., and that of Doctor of Divinity by Columbia College.

The Rev. Amos Webster passed his declining years in retirement with his son Irving C, and died February 14, 1894. His wife, Adeline E. Converse, was born in Boston, May 30, 1828, daughter of Benjamin and Adeline B. (Battell) Converse. Her father was born in Connecticut, February 2, 1795; and her mother was born in Dover, Mass., September

14, 1801. The Converse family is traceable to one Roger de Coigneviese, who accompanied William the Conqueror from Normandy and fought in the battle of Hastings. The American ancestor emigrated in 1630, settling in Charlestown, Mass., and established the first ferry between that place and Boston. The Genealogy of the family was issued in 1887. Benjamin Converse was for many years a provision dealer; and his last days were spent in Cambridgeport, where he died May

15, 1874. He was a member of the Baptist church. His wife, Adeline Battell, whom he married July 30, 1821, died November 29, 1884. She was the mother of three children, all of whom are still living: namely, two sons ami Mrs. Webster. Five children were born to the Rev. and Mrs. Amos Webster, and three of them are living, namely: Ella, wife

Irving C. Webster was educated in the common and high schools of Hyde Park, and when nineteen years old he entered the leather business in Boston as a clerk for Proctor, Hunt & Haskell. After remaining with that concern five years, he became a travelling salesman in the same line, continuing upon the road until 1894, since which time he has been in business for himself at 118 Summer Street, Boston. He is actively interested in the progress and improvement of Hyde Park, was one of the founders of the Young Men's Christian Association in this town, serving as its first secretary, was formerly vice-president, and is at the present time a director. He is a member of the Advisory Committee of the Baptist church, with which he has been officially connected since early manhood, and for several years acted as assistant superintendent of the Sunday-school. In politics he is a Republican. He is a member of Hyde Park Lodge, F. & A. M. ; a charter member of Allon Lodge, I. O. O. F. ; was formerly secretary of the encampment, is a past officer of the Royal Arcanum; and is a member of the Leather Trade Club of Boston.

On November 20, 1879, Mr. Webster was united in marriage with Mary E. Allen. She was born in Chipman, N.B., April 13, 1858, daughter of John and Jennie Allen, who were the parents of a large family. Mrs. Mary E. Webster died December 17, 1893, leaving two children - -Edith L. and Chester C. Mr. Webster was married a second time, November 17, 1897, to Miss E. Theresa Gaffney, of Killingly, Conn., daughter of Mrs. Emily T. Gaffney.

,HARLES H. SMITH, an esteemed resident of Dedham and the Treasurer of Norfolk County, was born in Dover, Mass., April 5, 1850. A son of Abner L. Smith, he is a lineal descendant of one of the pioneer settlers of this part of Massachusetts. His great-grandfather, John Williams, was a lifelong resident of Norfolk County, and had the honor of being the first to have his name inscribed as a member of Constellation Lodge, F. & A. M. The paternal grandfather, Ebenezer Smith, was born and reared in Dover. After a few years spent in Connecticut, where he owned and operated a mill, he resided in his native town during the remainder of his life, and died there at the age of threescore and ten years. He was a millwright and carpenter, and often walked the seventeen miles intervening between Dover and Boston, when his work was in that city.

Abner L. Smith was brought up on a farm, and received his education in the old Eliot School at Jamaica Plain. On attaining man's estate, he settled on a farm in Dover, where he was engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death, when but fifty-five years old. He was prominently identified with the leading interests of the town, serving as Overseer of the Poor, Assessor, and Town Clerk for upward of twenty years, and for a long time as chairman of the Board of Selectmen. He married Mary W. Howe, one of the seven children of Isaac and Betsey Howe, of Dover. Though now seventy years old, she is still active, a regular attendant of the Unitarian church, as was her husband, and takes part in the church work.

Charles H. Smith remained with his parents until seventeen years of age, receiving a good common-school education. Then he learned the trade of a machinist, for which he had a natural aptitude. He soon became an expert in the handling of engines, and for some time ran locomotive engines on their trial trips for the Grant Locomotive Works at Paterson, N.J. He superintended the setting up the engine that won the gold medal at the Paris Exposition for this company. He put the first steam air brake used in this country on a Rogers locomotive, and helped build the first traction engine seen in the United States. After continuing in this line of work for seven years, he returned to his native town, and was there engaged in general farming for six years. He served for twelve years as Town Clerk, and was Selectman for nine years, being chairman of the board during the last three years of that period. He was also an Overseer of the Poor and a member of the Board of Health. He has been Justice of the Peace for many years, having been appointed by Governor John U. Long; and in 1889 he was appointed by Governor Ames as one of a Board of Commissioners to administer oaths to county officers. In 1889 Mr. Smith was elected to his present responsible position as County Treasurer. Since then he has been re-elected four times, receiving the nomination and hearty support of both parties, a noteworthy proof of his popularity. In 1890 he removed to Dedham, which he has since made his home.

On November 14, 1876, Mr. Smith married Miss Mary H. Humphrey, one of the five children of Captain and Mrs. John Humphrey. Her father was formerly a sea captain and for many years was engaged in the tea trade in China. He was afterward placed in charge of the United States war vessel "Swatara," during the late Rebellion, and is now secretary of the Boston Marine Society. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have six children; namely, Bessie M., Maud C, Abner IL, Edith H., Anson C, and Celia M. In politics Mr. Smith is a tried and true Republican. He was one of the founders of the Norfolk Club of Boston, and is now its vice-president. A Master Mason, he belongs to Constellation Lodge, as did his grandfather and great-grandfather. He is also a member of the Dedham Historical Society and an ardent lover of the rod and gun. He is the president of the Dedham Sportsman's Club, one of the largest organizations of the kind in New England. Both Mr. and Mrs. Smith are members of the Unitarian Church of Dedham, and are active in religious work. They were formerly connected with the church of that denomination in Dover, he having been also one of the Parish Committee.

UGENE C. PLIMPTON, of Sharon, a highly successful cranberry grower was born in this town, February 26, 1845, son of Lyman and Louisa (Capen) Plimpton. His farm is the one on which Ziba Plimpton, Sr., his great-grandfather, settled in 1 78 1. Ziba Plimpton, Sr., was born

Ziba Plimpton, Jr., son of the elder Ziba, was born in South Walpole in 1780. He was six months old when his parents moved to Sharon; and he resided in the old Plimpton house until 1807, when he built the dwelling now occupied by his grandson, Eugene C. His children, named respectively George, Jeremiah, Harriet, and Lyman, were reared there; and he continued to occupy it until his death, which occurred in 1870, at the age of ninety years.

Lyman Plimpton, the youngest son, was born in West Sharon, July 26, 181 3. He resided in the house built by his father until after his marriage, when he repaired the old Ziba Plimpton house opposite, and occupied that for the greater part of his life. His active years were spent in tilling the soil of the farm which he inherited, and he was one of the useful and highly respected citizens of his day. His wife, whose maiden name was Louisa Capen, was born in Stoughton, Mass., in 1 817. She became the mother of five children, as follows: Lyman M. ; Louisa A. ; Eugene C, the subject of this sketch; Lewis F.; and Harriet May. Lyman M. resides in Colorado. Louisa A. married Henry Cutler, a merchant of Northampton, Mass., and has had two children: Martha H. ; and Louisa S., who is no longer living. Lewis F., who is carrying on mercantile business in Northampton, married Chiara Curtis, of Amherst, Mass., and has two children - Emily and Fanny. Harriet May is now residing in West Sharon.

For several years previous to his death it had been the custom for Mr. and Mrs. Lyman Plimpton to spend their winters with their daughter in Northampton, and return to the old homestead in the spring. Being ill in the spring of 1896, he did not undertake the journey home until July; and the end came on August 1, 1896, in the presence of most of his family. The funeral services were conducted by Sanford Waters Billings, of Sharon, who referred touchingly to the honorable career and upright character of the departed and the four surviving grandchildren rendered some

Eugene C. Plimpton, the third child and second son of Lyman and Louisa C. Plimpton, was educated in the common schools; and after finishing his studies he began to learn the machinist's trade in Northampton. In June, 1863, he enlisted in the United States Navy at Charlestown, Mass. ; but, after serving in the North Atlantic Squadron for a short time, he went to Bridgeport, Conn., and entered the Howe Sewing Machine factory. He remained with that concern until 1877 as contractor, and was quite successful in that line. Later for a time he was extensively engaged in raising sheep in Southern Colorado; and, selling out in 1880, he went to the mining districts of Leadville. In 1882 he went to Orange County, California, where he was in the fruit-raising business a year and a half; and in 1884 he returned to the homestead in Sharon. He has fifty acres of well-improved land, including eight acres of meadow, which he uses for raising cranberries, doing a large business in that line, selling exclusively in the wholesale market. His crop for 1897 was nearly one thousand barrels.

In November, 1875, Mr. Plimpton married Helen Louise Blinn, of Hartford, Conn. She is a daughter of George H. and Louise M. (Eno) Blinn, the former of whom was born in New Jersey, and the latter in Hartford. Mr. Blinn is now residing in New Haven, Conn. Mrs. Blinn died in 1883. Mrs. Plimpton is an Episcopalian.

Politically, Mr. Plimpton acts with the Republican party; and while residing in Bridgeport he was a member of the Common Council. He is well advanced in Masonry, being a member of St. John Lodge, F. & A. M. ; Jerusalem Chapter, Royal Arch Masons ; and Hamilton Commandery, Knights Templar, of Bridgeport. The Plimpton family is widely and favorably known in this vicinity. Mrs. Louisa Capen Plimpton and her daughter reside in the old Ziba Plimpton house. It is worthy of note that the golden anniversaries of the weddings of three children of Ziba Plimpton, Jr. - namely, Jeremiah, Lyman, and Mrs. Joseph Swan - were celebrated the fHOMAS JEFFERSON DANIELS, a prominent farmer of Franklin and representative of one of the old families, was born here, April 10, 1826, only son of Nathan and Roxana (Thayer) Daniels. His grandfather, Nathan Daniels, second, and his grandfather's brother, Adams Daniels, came to Franklin with their parents, Nathan and Mary (Adams) Daniels (formerly spelled Daniell), from East Medway in 1767. Adams Daniels later settled in Medfield.

Nathan Daniels, second, who was born in 1748, and who fought in the war of the Revolution in 1775, was a farmer by occupation. He was also a Justice of the Peace and a Judge, and he settled many estates. He died in 1 84 1. He had been twice married, and had reared seven children; namely, Cyrus, Ezra, Luke, Nathan (third), Dorcas, Sallie, and Olive. The third Nathan, father of Thomas )., was a farmer through life, and always lived at the old homestead. He died in 1872. His wife, who was the daughter of Nahum Thayer, an auger maker of Medway, was born in Sherborn. They had three children - -Thomas Jefferson, Lucy Gilbert, and Harriet Adeline. Lucy Daniels is the widow of William A. Baldwin, and lives in West Medway. Adeline is Mrs. William A. Bartlett, of this town.

Mr. Thomas J. Daniels, the subject of this sketch, having obtained his education in the common schools of Franklin, remained at home until twenty-one years of age, when he went into a shoe shop in Sherborn, where he worked for two months. He then worked in a machine shop in West Medway for four months, and later at Caryville in the cotton manufactory for three months. Then, being sick, he came home. Upon regaining his health, he went into the lumber business, and carried on farming on the old farm. lie came to his present farm in 1865. He now owns about three hundred acres, and still continues in the wood business, sawing and splitting wood, and selling it. He has held the office of Highway Surveyor for about thirty years,

In October, 1853, Mr. Daniels was married to Celia Ann Hicks, of Swansea, Mass., daughter of Jacob Hicks. She died in 1857, leaving one child, Nathan A., now living in Franklin, and engaged in the wood and lumber business. He married Emma Ackley, and has four children; namely, Emery Nathan, Frank Jefferson, Bertha Elizabeth, and Eva Celia.

On November 12, i860, Mr. Daniels married his second wife, Miss Mary E. Billings, a native of Sharon, Mass., born August 22, 1838, daughter of Dudley and Achsah (Thayer) Billings. Her father, who was a native of Foxboro, was a farmer, and lived during the greater part of his life in Canton and Sharon. He died in Canton in May, 1S56: and his wife, a native of Easton, died December 10, 1S61. Their children were: Spencer, who was born January 4, 1820, and died in 1882; Angeline, born in 1822; Achsah, born in 1824; Warren, born in 1827; Ruhama, born in 1830: and Mrs. Mary E. Daniels, who is the only one now living. Mrs. Daniels's maternal grandfather, Nathaniel Thayer, lived in Easton. His wife, Phoebe Thayer, died in Medway.

There have been six children by Mr. Daniels's second marriage; namely, Nahum Ellsworth, Oscar Jefferson, Cyrus Weston, Carrie Alice, Dora Elizabeth, and Ella Ruhama. Nahum Ellsworth Daniels, who was born October 20, 1861, married Almira Amanda Roberts, and is now living in Perry, la. He is a freight conductor on the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad, having been an employee for the past fourteen years. He is a member of the Brotherhood Railroad Trainmen's Lodge, and holds the office of Financier.

For the past ten years he has represented this lodge at the annual convention, it being held in 1897 at Toronto, Canada, where he acted as delegate. He has three children; namely, Mabel Elizabeth, Ella May, and Warren Ellsworth. Mr. Nahum E. Daniels is also an active member of the Odd Fellows Lodge and the Order of Red Men. Oscar, who was born November 4, 1869, lives at

Franklin, and is in the bicycle store. Cyrus, born February 6, 1874, died at the age of one year and seven months. Carrie, born in January, 1876, and Ella, born February 7, 1883, are at home. Dora, who was born in September, 1879, died at the age of one year, eleven months, and five days.

lOSES BOYD, the oldest railroad conductor in point of service in :he United States, is a resident of Dedham, Norfolk County, Mass., where he was born October 29, 181 5. His father, David Boyd, was born in Dedham; but his grandfather, Robert Boyd, coming from thrifty Scottish ancestry, was a native of New Hampshire.

David Boyd was left an orphan when but seven years of age; and from that time until attaining his majority he lived on a farm in West Dedham, obtaining his education in the district schools. After his marriage he purchased a farm in that locality, and for several years engaged in the pursuit of agriculture. He subsequently sold his farming property, and spent his declining days at the home of his son Moses, passing away at the venerable age of ninety-three years. He was a man of fine traits of character, generous and just in his estimates of his fellow-men, and was held in high regard throughout the community. He took great interest in the Unitarian church, of which both he and his good wife were active members. Of their five children two are still living, namely: Mrs. Mary Spear; and Moses, the special subject of this brief biographical sketch. Mrs. Boyd, whose maiden name was Polly French, was born in West Dedham, a daughter of Samuel and Mary French. She lived to the advanced age of eighty-six years.

Moses Boyd remained beneath the parental roof until eighteen years old, when he went into the cabinet shop of Russell & Baker at the "Upper Village " to learn the trade of a cabinet-maker; and for some ten years thereafter he followed that branch of the business known as wood-turning. In 1843 Mr. Boyd entered the employ of the railroad company, and, as conductor, brakeman, and baggagemaster, took entire charge of the railway train, which made two daily trips between Dedham and Boston. At that early day there were but two stations between Dedham and Forest Hills; and at Hyde Park, where only two families patronized the road, if a member of either desired to ride into Boston on the train he signified his intention by standing beside the track, and the engineer, who was on the lookout for passengers, stopped for him. Under the most favorable conditions forty-five minutes were consumed in those clays in the passage to and from Boston ; and on several occasions in the winter season Mr. Boyd was obliged to leave his train stuck fast in the snow, while he and the passengers walked to their destination. Since he became connected with the road, fifty-four years ago, all of the earlier officials have passed away; and he has lived to see the wonderful improvements and the greatly increased facilities of transportation throughout the country. Two railroads, representing two great railway systems, now pass through Dedham; and the number of trains between here and Boston has been increased to fifty per day. For fifty-three years Mr. Boyd served as conductor, resigning his position in 1896, although he still acts as assistant, going into Boston three times each day. He has ever been a faithful official of the company which he has served for so many years, and is well known along the entire length of the road, being one of the most popular and respected conductors in the service.

On December 25, 1840, Mr. Boyd married Miss Olive Guild, who was born in West Dedham, being one of the nine children of Reuben A. Guild, a prosperous blacksmith and wheelwright of that part of the town. Mr. and Mrs. Boyd are the parents of seven children, six of whom are yet living; namely, Maria L., Moses Gardner, Frank R., Ella E., Charles M., and Fred W. Maria L. Boyd is the wife of Cornelius A. Taft, paying teller in the Webster Bank, Boston, and has one child, Ella L. Moses Gardner Boyd, who married Harriet T. Wolcott, has three children - Gardner, Robert St. Barbe, and Margaret. Frank R. Boyd married Julia Thorpe, and has one child, Walter. Ella E. Boyd is the wife of Jeremiah Williams, and has three children

- Mildred, Gardner, and Malcolm. Charles M., who married Jennie Parker, has three children - Charles Parker, Olive, and Eleanor. Fred W. Boyd married Ella Neale, of Hyde Park, and has three daughters - Florence N., Marion, and Helen.

In politics Mr. Boyd, who was for many years a Democrat, is independent, having the courage of his convictions, and voting for the best men and best measures irrespective of party affiliations. He is of the liberal type in religion and an attendant of the Unitarian church. Mrs. Boyd died January 10, 1884.

HARLES RICE, a retired fruit-grower of Wellesley, the son of Charles and js ^ Maria (Jennings) Rice, was born in Needham, now Wellesley Falls, October 10, 1X23. His paternal grandfather came to Massachusetts from Wales, and, settling in Brighton, was there engaged as a butcher up to the time of his death.

Charles Rice, Sr. , son of the immigrant, was born in Brighton in 1787. He engaged in the paper manufacturing business at Needham Lower Falls, and became a prominent man in the town, where he held the office of Selectman a number of times, was the Representative of his district to the General Court, and also filled other positions of public trust. He was a member of Meridian Lodge, A. F. & A. M., at Needham Lower Falls, also a member of the Royal Arch Chapter and of the commandery, Knights Templar. He was married twice. His first wife was Lucy Mann, of Needham ; and his second wife was Maria Jennings, of Natick.

Charles Rice, son of Charles, Sr. , and Maria J. Rice, acquired his general education in the Wellesley public school, Marshall's private school at Newton Centre, at Seth Davis Academy at West Newton, and at Holliston Academy. After leaving the academy, he took a course at Comer's Commercial College in Boston, and then went into a real estate office in that city with Samuel Rice. He next accepted a position with a merchant by the name of Turner, to settle up accounts, but soon left to take charge of affairs at home. In 1850 he went into the lumber business at Needham

1862. During the war he was in the customhouse in Boston under Collector Hannibal Hamlin. He held this position for nineteen months, and was the only inspector of lumber in vessels in the ports of Boston, Brighton, Cambridge, Medford, Charlestown, Neponset, and Dorchester. He had to inspect all the lumber imported, and deliver a written report to the appraiser, Mr. Frost. After this he went into the coal business at Needham for a short time. When his father died, he bought out the heirs in part; and since that time he has lived in a residence of his own near the old homestead, engaged until 1895 in growing fruit for the market. In tha't year he sold a large part of his estate and retired from business. In politics Mr. Rice is a Democrat.

He was married in 1850 to Harriet M., a daughter of Charles Brigham, of Lexington, this State. She died June 7, i860. Her children were: Herbert Francis, who was born in 1852, and died in 1883; Llattie Brigham, bom in 1857, who married Frank Crowell, and died in 1880; and Lizzie and Mary, who both died in infancy. Mr. Rice was married again in 1861 to Ellen, a daughter of Dr. Charles F. Hartwell, of Boston. Mr. and Mrs. Rice have three children - Charles Irving, born in

1863, doing business in Boston; Clifford Hartwell, born in 1870, who married Mabelle Camille Haskins, and is general manager for the New England States of the Niagara Fire Insurance Company of- New York; and Catharine Shepherd, born in 1877, living at home.

|HARLES T. CRANE, for the past eighteen years treasurer of the Weymouth Savings Bank, was born in Bra in tree, Mass., September 19, [843, son of John and Elizabeth (Nash) Crane. His paternal grandfather was John Crane, an agriculturist, and the first ancestor in this country one Henry Crane, an early settler of Dorchester, Mass., and of English origin. John Crane (second), during the lastthirty years of his life, carried on a retail boot and shoe store in Weymouth. He died in October, 1892, his widow and three children surviving him, namely: Eliza N., wife of Nathan

The subject of this sketch grew to man's estate in the town of Braintree. He received a common-school education, which he has since supplemented by general reading and practical business experience. At the age of nineteen he went to work as a clerk in his father's store. Two years later he became a member of the firm, and carried on the business in company with his father until 1874, when he retired, in order to become book-keeper for the Hall Safe and Lock Company, of Boston. He subsequently spent a year in Wisconsin and Minnesota, in 1878 returning to Weymouth to enter the Savings Bank, of which institution he was made treasurer in 1879, and with which he has since remained connected. Mr. Crane married Lavonne E. Walbridge, of Boston. They have no children. He is a Republican in politics, but with Independent proclivities. He has for many years been a Deacon in the Union Congregational Church of Weymouth, and for several years served as superintendent of the Sunday-school. He is also a member of Weymouth Chapter, Royal Arcanum.

RANCIS F. BULLOCK, a well-known contractor and builder of South Weymouth, was born in Stanstead, P. Q. , Canada, September 24, 1840, son of Noble and Annis (Abbott) Bullock. His father, son of an early settler of Stanstead County, was in early life engaged in mercantile business there, but afterward turned his attention to farming. He died in the forty-ninth year of his age.

Francis F. Bullock was brought up on his father's farm, and was educated in the schools of his native county. He then served an apprenticeship to a carpenter and builder. In November, 1861, he came to South Weymouth, and for several years was employed here as a mechanic in a box factory owned by E. and C. Sherman. Subsequently he returned to Stanstead to engage in general mercantile business with his brother, A. Fenton Bullock, under the firm name of A. F. Bullock & Co. Still later he returned to South Weymouth, and worked here for a while at his trade of carpenter. He then tried farming for two years in Cloud County, Kansas. There he had also some experience in building; and, finally returning to South Weymouth, he established himself here as a contractor and builder, and has since been quite successful. By the reliable quality of his work he has gained the respect and confidence of the business community.

Mr. Bullock married C. Fannie Curtis, a native of this town. They have one adopted daughter, E. Helen. Mr. Bullock is a member of Wildey Lodge, I. O. O. F., of which he was one of the organizers. He is also a director in the South Weymouth Co-operative Bank, of which he has been a stockholder since its organization. He is independent in politics, and is interested in town affairs and all movements for the improvement of the town or county. He is a member of the Universalis! Church Society, of which he is also treasurer.

§OSEPH ST. JOHN, who carries on a thriving general mercantile business in Cohasset, was bom in St. John's, N.F., October 15, 1844, son of James and Anastasia (Powers) St. John, the father being a native of Ireland, and the mother of Newfoundland. James St. John, who was a tailor by trade, moved from Newfoundland to East Boston, where he remained some four years, and then located in Cohasset. He followed his trade in this town for over thirty years, and resided here until his death, which occurred in 1893, at the age of eighty-two years. He was the father of four children - Margaret, Joseph, William, and John.

Joseph St. John was about ten years old when his parents left Newfoundland, and he has resided in Cohasset since he was fourteen. He acquired a common-school education, and for some time after completing his studies was employed as a fisherman. He later followed the sea in the merchant service, visiting the principal ports of Europe, Asia, and South America; and during the last two years of his seafaring life he was second mate of the ship "Mary," owned by John Bates, and commanded by Captain James Hall, of this town.

Subsequently abandoning the sea, he followed shoemaking in North Scituate, Mass., for fifteen years; and since 1886 he has kept a general store, which has been well patronized. In politics Mr. St. John is a Democrat. He served as Postmaster under President Cleveland's administration, occupying the office, in all, about eight years; and he has also been Constable. In religion he is a Roman Catholic.

Mr. St. John married Catherine Roche, daughter of John Roche, of Cohasset, and has five children - Anastasia, James T. , Celia R., Theresa, and Charles J. C.

§'OHN W. PERRY, for many years a member of the Boston police force, and now living in retirement in Dedham, was born in Natick, Middlesex County, July 22, 1821, son of John W. and Harriet (Rice) Perry. His grandfather, Samuel Perry, who conducted a farm in Natick for many years, married a lady of Welsh extraction. Their children were Samuel, William, Elijah, Sally, and John W. Grandfather Perry died at the age of ninety-one, and his wife also lived to an advanced age.

John W. Perry, Sr. , born in Natick in 1789, died there February 12, 1S25, at the age of thirty-six, having spent his mature years in the pursuit of agriculture. He first married Sally Rice, of Walpole, Mass., by whom he had one child, John W., who died in infancy. By his second wife, Harriet, who was a twin sister of his first wife, he had two sons, namely: John W., the subject of this sketch; and Andrew J., who was born June 14, 1824, and died in April, 1842, in his eighteenth year. After her husband's death Mrs. Perry married Alfred Bacon, and resided in Natick, where she and her second husband passed their last years.

John W. Perry, the subject of this sketch, was nine years old when he went with his mother to Dover. There he attended Strawberry Hill School until he was fourteen years old. He lived with his mother till he was seventeen years of age, when he began an apprenticeship to John Davis, of Sherborn, Mass., to learn blacksmithing. After he had learned his trade, he worked as journeyman in Medvvay, Holliston, and other places until twenty-five years of age. Afterward a severe injury received while shoeing a young horse obliged him to give up his trade. He then bought out the bakery of Wesley P. Balch, of Medfield. Selling out the shop at the end of five years of successful business, he returned to Natick, there established another bakeshop, and continued in the business three years more. At the end of that time he sold out and went to Boston, accepting a position with A. H. Allen, a furniture dealer in Dock Square. After working in this employment until 1859, he went on the Boston police force, and was connected therewith till April, 1882, when he was pensioned for disability, having suffered prostration from heat, while on duty on Boston Common. Several others were prostrated at the same time, two of whom died. In November, 1882, he bought an elegant house in Dedham, and has since resided here. He is a Republican in political affiliation.

Mr. Perry was married in 1846 to Miss Sarah D. Breck, daughter of Joseph Breck, of Medfield, Mass. Her brother, Joseph L. Breck, is now deceased. Her sisters are Josephine and Cynthia Ann. The latter is the wife of Thomas J. Baker, a prominent citizen of Dedham. Mr. and Mrs. Perry have had no children.

EORGE B. SHERMAN, a late resi- \ fa I dent of Plainville, Norfolk County, and an artist of considerable note, was born in Fall River, Mass., June 29, 1825, son of the Rev. Eleazer and Hannah Brightman Sherman. He received a common-school education, and early in life followed the example of many other adventurous New England youths, and went to sea. Beginning on the lowest round of the ladder, he served some years before the mast as a common sailor, but made such good use of his scanty opportunities for advancement that, while still a comparatively young man, he became commander of a vessel. In 1S49 he joined the vast army of fortune hunters on their way to the newly discovered gold-fields of California, making the journey in the sailing-vessel "Argonaut." Pie remained in California, however, but a little more than a year, when, because of failing health, he returned to his native town, where for the next twelve years he remained. In 1863 he removed to Norfolk County, and for a time followed the comparatively obscure calling of a stationary engineer, removing to Plainville in 1873 to a permanent home. The unsatisfactory condition of his health, however, obliged him once more to seek a new employment; and the force of circumstances this time conduced to happy results, directing him to that sphere of life in which he was best qualified to succeed. Gifted by nature with a fine artistic temperament and a keen eye for form and color, he had already improved these talents to some extent by practice in spare moments and by an intelligent study of nature and also of the works of famous artists, so far as they had come under his observation. He, therefore, now turned his attention to landscape painting, to which occupation the last twenty years of his life, which closed August 28, 1897, were mostly given. Among the pictures which contributed in largest measure to establish and fix his reputation as a landscape painter of marked power are "The Battle-field of Gettysburg from Little Round Top Mountain," "The Old Man of the Mountain" (a natural, rocky projection bearing the aspect of a man's head, in the White Mountains of New Hampshire), "Echo Lake," "Franconia Notch," and several paintings of Green Mountain scenery.

In estimating his work, it may be said that Mr. Sherman was not only imbued with an intense love of Nature in all her ever-varying moods and aspects, but also had a thorough command of the technique of his art. His canvases evince the careful study and intelligent treatment that distinguish the work of a master from that of a tyro; while to these essential qualities were added others partaking more of his own individuality, though free from anything like mannerism. Though his art career was begun comparatively late in life, he achieved for himself a recognized place among New England painters that might be envied by many a one starting earlier and with better advantages. Mr. Sherman was es- sentially a manly man and a true gentleman in all the relations of life. Of more than common intelligence, he kept himself well informed upon subjects of current interest outside of his profession ; and it may be said of him that his life from childhood was one continued effort at self-improvement. The record of his success is of use as an example of energy and perseverance to the younger generation.

In October, 185 1, Mr. Sherman married Miss Sarah J. Gifford, of North Bridgewater (now Brockton), Mass. ; and they became the parents of three .children, of whom but one attained maturity, namely: Elizabeth N., who became the wife of William H. Wade, of Wrentham, Mass. Mrs. Sherman, who survives her husband, resides in Plainville, and is a lady widely known and equally respected for her amiable and true womanly character.

/^TuRDON SOUTHWORTH, chairman \ '3 I of the Board of Selectmen, Stoughton, was born in this town, March 27, 1846, son of Luther and Sarah A. (Richards) Southworth. His grandfather, Jedediah Southworth, who was an early settler in Stoughton, married Sarah Hewett; and of that union eight children were born - Apollos, Luther, Albert, Marcus, Sally, Lucy, Martha, and Mary.

Luther Southworth, Gurdon Southworth's father, was born in Stoughton, December 13, 1799. In early manhood he was a manufacturer of cotton thread and twine, but his later years were devoted to agricultural pursuits. He was widely and favorably known as an upright, conscientious citizen, who fully merited the esteem in which he was held. He lived to be ninety-two years old, dying in December, 1 89 1. His wife, Sarah, who was born in Sharon in 1810, became the mother of two children - -Luther, born in December, 1843, who married Emma Ward, and is residing in West Stoughton ; and Gurdon, the subject of this sketch. The mother died in 1875.

Gurdon Southworth acquired his education in the public schools of his native town. When a young man he worked in the woollen factories, and also in boot and shoe factories.

In 1873 he became associated with his brother in the manufacture of screws at West Stoughton, in which business he was engaged for nearly ten years. In 1882 he, in company with Charles M. Staples, bought a bakery in this town; and, giving up the screw manufacturing business, he continued in partnership with Mr. Staples until the latter's death in 1889, since which time he has carried on the enterprise alone. He conducts a very profitable business, and two teams are kept busy supplying bread and pastry to his numerous patrons in Stoughton, Sharon, Canton, and Avon.

On November 7, 1868, Mr. Southworth married Sarah B. Staples, who was born in Stoughton, January 30, 1852, daughter of Algernon and Docena (Harlow) Staples. Her mother died in 1852; and her father, who is a shoemaker by trade, is now residing in Chase's Mills, Me. Mr. and Mrs. Southworth have one son - Ernest B. , born April 18, 1872, who is now assistant superintendent of the Stoughton Rubber Company's works in this town.

In politics Mr. Southworth is a Republican, and he is capably filling the position of chairman of the Board of Selectmen. He is treasurer of Rising Star Lodge, F. & A. M., Secretary of Mount Zion Royal Arch Chapter, a member of Bay State Commandery, Knights Templar, of Brockton, and a member of Aleppo Temple of the Mystic Shrine in Boston. He is also a member of Lodge No. 172, I. O. O. F., and an associate member of A. St. John Chambre Post, No. 72, of Stoughton.

,ILTON HARRINGTON HOWARD, a contractor and builder of Norwood, was born in West Bridgewater, Mass., September 8, 1 85 1, son of Lewis G. and Abigail (Copeland) Howard. The family is of English origin, and traces its descent from one of the Dukes of Norfolk. Zephaniah Howard, grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was an architect and builder, and framed the dome of the State House in Boston.

water in 1810. He first became a shoemaker, and later followed the carpenter's trade in his native town. His wife, Abigail, who was a daughter of Martin Copeland, of Foxboro, Mass., became the mother of two sons - Milton H., the subject of this sketch; and Somers.

Milton Harrington Howard was educated in the public schools and at Bridgewater Academy. After completing his studies, he began to learn the carpenter's trade. He was later engaged in setting up machinery in furniture factories in and around Boston; and about the year 1874 he established himself as a builder in Norwood, in which business he has since continued. He has satisfactorily filled many large contracts in this locality, among them those for the building of the Universalist and Congregational churches, the North, East, West, and Guild schools, and the extension to the high-school building; also several factories and much general work in Norwood, Readville, and Walpole, including the erection of many fine residences. He is a member of Orient Lodge, F. & A. M., Hebron Royal Arch Chapter, in which he has occupied some of the chairs; the New England Order of Protection, in which he has held offices; and the Ancient Oder of United Workmen, in which, also, he has filled various offices, for several years having been Deputy Grand Master. Politically, he is a Republican, and is at the present time serving upon the School Board.

In 1872 Mr. Howard married for his first wife Mary Elizabeth Cottle, daughter of George and Sophia Cottle, of Boston. She died in September, 1874. In 1876 he wedded for his second wife Ella A. Capen, by whom he has four children; namely, Carrie Ethel, Maud Stanley, Herman Capen, and Marion Wilder. The family attend the Congregational church.

ISAAC BEALS, a much respected citizen of Avon and the superintendent of Highland Park, was born in East Stoughton, Mass., December 17, 1836, son of Isaac and Submit (Monk) Beals. His grandfather was Eleazer Beals, of Randolph, which town was the birthplace of his father, his mother being a native of Stoughton. Isaac Beals, father of the subject of this sketch, served as a soldier in the War of 1812, and afterward settled in East Stoughton. He was the first one in Stoughton to engage in the manufacture of boots and shoes for commercial purposes.

Isaac Beals, Jr., was reared and educated in his native town, and at the age of twenty he began work in a boot manufactory. He later engaged in business for himself under the firm name of Isaac Beals & Co., and carried on a flourishing enterprise, both in this town and in Brockton, for a number of years. He did much to develop the boot and shoe manufacturing industry of both places, and his business ability and progressive tendencies proved very beneficial to the community. As a publicspirited citizen, he has taken an active interest in promoting improvements in the direction of public works. He was instrumental in securing the extension of the Brockton Street Railway through Avon, and as superintendent of Highland Park he has clone much to increase the beauty of this fine public reservation. In politics he is a Republican.

- and tack manufacturers of South Braintree, was born in Braintree, June 25, 1844, son of George W. and Almira (Arnold) Willis. On his father's side he belongs to one of the oldest families of Bridgewater ; and on his mother's side he is descended from the Arnolds of old Braintree, who were well represented in the Revolutionary War. George W. Willis came to Braintree when young, and became a boot manufacturer here, also carrying on a jobbing business in Boston. He died at the early age of thirty-eight years.

Mr. George D. Willis, after attending the high school at Braintree and pursuing a subsequent course of study at Comer's Business College, entered the employ of Blake & Alden, furniture dealers of Boston, with whom he re- mained as salesman for ten years. In 1868 he began the manufacture of tacks and shoe nails in South Braintree, in partnership with Mr. Stevens, they being the founders of this industry.

The first wife of Mr. Willis was Mary E. Barrett, daughter of the late Rev. Fiske Barrett, of South Braintree; and by her he had one daughter - Annie M., now deceased. He married, second, Ella S. Hobart, daughter of the Hon. F. A. Hobart, of South Braintree, and by this union has one son - George D., Jr.

Mr. Willis has taken an active interest in politics. He has served as Town Clerk, Town Auditor, and as a member of the School Committee. In 1890 he represented the towns of Braintree and Holbrook in the State legislature. In July, 1864, he enlisted in Company I, Forty-second Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, doing duty in Maryland in guarding railways and supply trains. He was discharged in November of the same year, and returned to South Braintree. He has for several terms been Commander of General Sylvanus Thayer Post, No. 87, of which he is a charter member; and he has also served on the staff of Department Commanders Adams and Churchill of the G. A. R. He is a member of Rural Lodge, A. F. & A. M., at Ouincy, and of the Bay State Commandery, Knights Templar, at Brockton. He is connected with the Braintree Savings Bank as a vice-president, trustee, and auditor.

,HARLES S. MANN, treasurer and manager of the New England Awl and Needle Company, West Medway, was born in Brockton, Mass., February 2, 1847, son of Lemuel and Lucy (Ball) Mann. The father, who was a native of Wrentham, Mass., followed the wheelwright's trade for many years, and was employed at different times in Wrentham, Easton, Brockton, and Stoughton. He is now residing with his son in West Medway. His wife, Lucy, who was a native of Northboro, Mass., became the mother of two children, namely: Lucy, who died at the age of three years; and Charles S., the subject of this sketch. The mother died in 1869.

Charles S. Mann, after completing his school education at Newbury, Vt. , learned the trade of a machinist. Pie was employed for some time in Stoughton and Brockton, successively; and in 1866 he began the manufacture of awls upon his own account in Brockton. Three years later he became connected with the firm of Fenn & Daniels, as superintendent of their factory ; and the present building was erected under his supervision. He was soon afterward admitted to the firm, which, under the style of Fenn, Daniels & Mann, carried on business until 1871, when the New England Awl and Needle Company was incorporated, with Mr. Mann as treasurer and general manager. This concern manufactures awls, needles, button-hooks, and wire novelties, and employs a large force of men and women. They ship their products to all parts of the United States, and also to Canada and Europe, and have acquired a high reputation. For over twenty-five years the present manager has devoted his efforts to the development of this enterprise, and the success attained is in a great measure due to his energy and business ability.

Mr. Mann wedded Lizzie M. Ide, a native of Upton, Mass., and daughter of Timothy and Sarah Ide, who now reside in West Medway, where the father is following the blacksmith and wheelwright's trade.

Politically, Mr. Mann is an earnest supporter of the Republican party; and he has been chairman of the Town Committee. He is now chairman of the Board of Registration. He is connected with Charles River Lodge, F. & A. M., and is a member of the Norfolk Club of Boston. He is one of the most active business men of West Medway, and is highly esteemed for his personal worth and his usefulness to the community.

RTHUR N. CRAM, a prominent and valued citizen of Walpole, Mass., has been for many years identified with the manufacturing interests of this town, although he is now partly retired from active pursuits. He was born August 1, 1852, in Boston, Mass., son of Jerome B. Cram, a former highly esteemed citizen of Walpole.

Arthur N. Cram

Jerome 13. Cram was engaged in manufacturing during a large part of his life, being a member of the enterprising firm of Manning, Glover & Co., of Boston. He made his home in Walpole, and assisted in advancing the educational status of the town by his faithful and efficient services as a member of the School Committee. He was a strong Republican in his political affiliations. His wife, whose maiden name was Lucy Norton, was born in Boston, where her father was superintendent of the old stage line running from that city to Providence, R.I. Mrs. Cram died in early womanhood, leaving but one child - Arthur N. , the subject of this sketch, then but a month old.

Arthur N. Cram received his elementary education in the common schools of Walpole, was fitted for college at St. Mark's Boarding School, and was graduated at Harvard with the class of 1874. He soon went into his father's factory to learn the business of manufacturing curled horse-hair, and, having remained with the firm until its dissolution, was from that time until 1889 engaged to some extent in manufacturing. For the past few years he has lived somewhat retired.

He has never swerved from the political faith in which he was brought up, being a steadfast Republican. Well known as a man of progressive enterprise and energy, wideawake to the necessities of his growing town, he has worked unceasingly in its interests while serving in the various town and county offices to which he has been elected. He has been Town Auditor, a trustee of the public library, a Selectman six years, chairman of the board four years, and is now serving a two years' term, to which he was recently elected. It was largely through his efforts that the fine system of water- works was introduced into Walpole in 1895, and he was a member of the first Board of Water Commissioners. For twelve years he has been Secretary of the Republican Town Committee. He has served on the County Committee, is chairman of the Representative District Committee, and a member of the Norfolk District Committee.

Mr. Cram was married November 15, 1882, to Miss Carrie E. Stone, a daughter of J. Edward Stone, of this town, and a grand-daughter of Dr. E. Stone. Mr. and Mrs. Cram have five children; namely, Warner S., Marjorie, Edward S. , Chauncey J., and Frances C. In the order of Odd Fellows, Mr. Cram has held all the offices of Reliance Lodge and of King Mountain Encampment. He has also passed all the chairs of the A. O. U. W. , and has held most of the offices in the Spring Brook Council, Royal Arcanum. Liberal in his religious belief, he is a regular attendant, with his family, of the Unitarian church, and an active member of the Parish Committee.

2EWIS E. GRAY, the proprietor of a periodical and variety store in Fox- ^ boro, was born January 20, 1842, in Easton, Mass. His paternal grandfather, Lewis Gray (first), spent the larger part of his long life in Cambridgeport, Mass., where his death occurred at the venerable age of ninety years. An upright and trustworthy man, this Lewis was for many years the confidential servant of Judge Dana, of the Massachusetts Supreme Court.

Lewis Gray (second), the father of Lewis E. , was born in Cambridgeport. After reaching man's estate, he removed to Easton, Bristol County, and was there engaged as a harnessmaker for several years. In 1849 he located in Foxboro, where he afterward resided until his demise, at the age of seventy-eight years. He married Louisa Packard, who bore him five children, namely: Francis D., who died in 1849, aged twenty-six years; Sibyl E., an unmarried lady, living in Foxboro ; Davis P., now a resident of Northbridge, Mass., who married Louisa Winters, and has two daughters - Lilla and Clara; Mary E. , who has never married, and lives in this town; and Lewis E., the subject of this biography. Lilla Gray is now the wife of James Alexander, of Springfield, Mass., and has two children - Clara and Robert. Clara Gray married Henry Dolliver, of Grafton, Mass., and has three children - Maud, Jessie, and Harold.

Foxboro. Afterward he learned the trade of box-maker, and worked for several years in the factory of V. S. Pond, having charge of the paper-box department for a large portion of the time. In 1884 he resigned his position there, to open the periodical and variety store, which has since acquired an extensive and lucrative trade. He carries a fine stock of fancy goods, and furnishes the reading public with the leading papers, magazines, and periodicals of the day, keeping a good supply on hand.

On July 16, 1S65, Mr. Gray married Miss Sarah Curtis. They have reared two children - Harrie F. and Hattie C. The latter assists her father in the store. Mr. Gray cast his first Presidential vote in 1864, for Abraham Lincoln. Since then he has voted for the candidates whom he thought best qualified for the office. He served for ten years, from 1886 to 1896, as Town Clerk. Fraternally, he is a member of the A. O. U. W.

|UEL F. THAYER, a prominent resident of Bellingham, and the only son of Luther and Urana (Hill) Thayer, was born here January 25, 1826. His grandfather, Luther, was the first of the family to settle on the old homestead, where the subject of our sketch now lives. Grandfather Luther, who carried on a large farm according to the best methods of his time, died in 1804; and his wife, Mary, died six years after. They had two children - Ellery and Luther. Ellery, born in 1796, married Abigail Pickering. Luther was born in Bellingham in the year 1800. He spent his life here, chiefly engaged in farming. He was active in politics, interested in the growth and prosperity of the town, and held many offices of trust. At his death he was eighty-seven years old. His wife, Urana, who came from Mendon, Mass., died in 1879, at the. age of seventy-eight. Their only child is the subject of this sketch.

Ruel F. Thayer was first sent to the public schools in Bellingham, and afterward attended more advanced schools outside the town. When quite a young man he left home, and went to Milford, Mass., where he found employment as clerk in a store. After remaining there two years, he returned to Bellingham, and opened a general store. After carrying on this for fourteen years, he sold out, and took charge of the old homestead, which he has since managed. To public questions, which have long interested him, he has been able to give more attention since he sold his business. In politics he is a Republican and a stanch upholder of his party's principles. Since 1857, excepting one year, he has served on the Board of Selectmen. He has been Town Treasurer since 1877. He has also been Town Assessor, and he was Overseer of the Poor for three years. In 1868 he was the town's Representative in the State legislature. He has done a great deal to promote the best interests of Bellingham, takes a leading part in all movements designed for its benefit, and gives much attention to its educational interests.

Mr. Thayer was married in March, 1862, to Lizzie Darling, of Mansfield, Conn. He has one son - L. Francis, born August 12, 1863. The latter married Anna Scott, daughter of Edgar Scott, a farmer of Bellingham, and has one son, Ruel Scott Thayer, who was born April 11, 1893. Both Mr. and Mrs. Ruel Thayer attend the Baptist church.

§OHN PULCIFER, a retired business man living in Wellesley, and a son of Eps and Betsey Pulcifer, was born in Gloucester, Mass., in 1824. The Pulcifers came originally from Scotland. Mr. Pulcifer' s grandfather was a farmer. The father was born in Gloucester, followed the trade of carpenter in that town, and died in 1872. His wife's death occurred in 1891.

John Pulcifer was withdrawn from the public school in Gloucester when he was fourteen years of age, and sent to work on a farm for Deacon Rice, in North Brighton. He was with Deacon Rice for two years, "doing a man's work and receiving a boy's wages." After working two years longer at farming, this time in Newton Lower Falls, he began to learn the trade of wheelwright with Anson Fisher. He worked with him for five years, and then did joiner's work for Jonathan Calkins for two years. He then bought out Mr.

Calkins, and continued the business in his own name, in connection with blacksmithing and carriage-painting. After spending thirty-five years in this business, he retired in 1892, and has lived very quietly at his home in Wellesley ever since. Although a public-spirited citizen and anxious to promote the interests of the town, he does not care for public life, and he has never held office. In politics he is a Republican. A member of St. Mary's Episcopal Church of Newton for forty years, he has been Warden for eight years, and Vestryman for seventeen years.

The first of Mr. Pulcifer's two marriages was contracted with Eliza Boyd, whose two children by him died in infancy. On the second occasion he was united to Susan, daughter of Joseph Greenwood, of Waltham, Mass. They have had four children - Susan G., born in 1859, living at home; Carrie, born in 1865, who married William P. Shaw, and lives in Bath, Me. ; Mary, living with her parents; and Ella G. , born in 1867, who graduated from the State Normal School in 1895, and is now a teacher at Revere, Mass.

SAHEL F. LOVELL, an enterprisingdairyman of Millis, was born upon the farm he now occupies, December 28, 1836, son of Asahel P. and Eliza (Stedman) Lovell. The first ancestor of the family to settle in Norfolk County was Alexander Lovell, who moved from Roxbury, Mass., and located in Medfield. Zachariah Lovell, the grandfather of Asahel F. , resided in the place now called Millis village for some years, and then moved to the farm now owned by his grandson. He resided here until his death, which occurred February 24, 1875. His first marriage was made with Sibyl Plimpton, who was Asahel F. Lovell's grandmother. The maiden name of his second wife was Abigail Thayer.

Asahel P. Lovell, who was born in the place now called Millis, was brought up a farmer. After his marriage he took charge of the homestead property, which he improved to a considerable extent. He died in 1892. His wife, Eliza, who was a native of Sherborn, Mass., became the mother of Sibyl P., Abbie

R., Asahel F., and Fred S. Steadman. Sibyl P. was the wife of Daniel G. Stevens. Abbie R. was the wife of Willard Clark, who resides in Millis; and Fred S. Steadman Lovell died in infancy. Mrs. Eliza Lovell died April 12, 1875.

Asahel F. Lovell attended school in his native town, and at an early age began to assist his father upon the farm. When thirty-five years old he took the management of the property, which eventually came into his possession ; and he cared for his parents during their declining years. He now owns two hundred and fourteen acres of fertile land, keeps an average of twenty-two cows, and daily sends a large quantity of milk to Boston. In politics he is a Republican, and he has served upon the Board of Assessors for the past two years. He is connected with the Home Circle and the grange in Millis, and is much interested in agricultural progress and the general welfare of the community.

On June 9, 1861, Mr. Lovell married Olive A. Hartshorn, who was born in Franklin, Mass., July 16, 1839. Her parents, Edmund and Susan N. (Ware) Hartshorn, both now deceased, were prosperous farming people. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Lovell were born as follows: Edmund Francis, December 25, 1862; Mary Eliza, March 1, 1864; Winifred Jeanette and Wallace Dean, twins, April 14, 1868; Susan Ware, February 10, 1873; and Freddie Steadman, July 1, 1877, who died July 24 of the same year. Edmund Francis, who married Hester Richardson, is a painter by trade, and resides in Millis. Mary Eliza married Putnam Clark, a resident of this town, and a pipe-maker in Boston. Winifred Jeanette is the widow of William Knowles, and resides with her father. Wallace Dean died September 14, 1869. Susan Ware is the wife of Harry Alden, a clothier of Norwood, Mass. Mrs. Asahel F. Lovell died May 19, 1890.

'TEPHEN B. SIMONS, formerly a well-known merchant of Boston, was born April 20, 1836, in Holliston, Mass., son of James F. and Cina Marble (Blanchard) Simons. His grandfather, who was born in England, came to this country when a young man. The father was born in Boston on May n, 1809. He was a tailor by trade, and did business in Holliston. He married Cina Marble Blanchard, who was born in Millbury, Mass., April 20, 181 2. They had two sons - James F., Jr., and Stephen Blanchard, who followed the same business, and at one time were in partnership. The mother died in 1853, and the father in August, 1877.

Stephen B. Simons obtained his education in the public schools and at the academy of Holliston. At the age of fourteen he went to work in a gentlemen's furnishing store on Elm Street, Boston. He had been two years in this place when he left to accept the position of manager in John Gove's store on Merchants Row. In two years more he purchased the gentlemen's furnishing department in this store, and went into business for himself. His trade was mostly retail. He continued in the business he had chosen for himself with increasing prosperity, and founded at different times the firms of Simons Brothers, Whitten & Co., and Simons, Hatch & Whitten. In the great Boston fire of 1872 he suffered heavy losses; but soon after he went to work in the same business, under the firm name of Simons, Whitten & Co., and in a comparatively short time was able to meet his debts. Then he gave a dinner to all his creditors, each of whom, on that occasion, found under his plate a check for the amount due to him. After this he remained in the same firm, continuing to increase the business, which was now wholesale. He was located at different times on Essex Street, Franklin Street, and Winthrop Square. Mr. Simons was a prominent member of the Boston Merchants' Association, of the Algonquin, Central, and Suffolk Clubs, of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery, which he joined in 1868, of the Wellesley Managers' Club, which received its first entrance fee from him. He was also a lifelong member of the Y. M. C. A. His religious creed was that of the Unitarians, and he attended Dr. Minot Savage's church in Boston and the Unitarian church at Wellesley Hills. In politics Mr. Simons was a Democrat. That he was highly esteemed is shown by the memorial resolutions adopted and put upon record by sundry organizations after his death, on February 9, 1897.

In 1856 Mr. Simons was married to Almira N. , daughter of John and Mary Ann (McNear) Mason, of Boston. Mr. Mason, who was born in Sandwich, N. H., and did a brokerage business in Boston, died in August, 1877. His wife's death occurred in December, 1895. Mrs. Simons was educated in the public schools in Boston until she was fourteen years old. Afterward she attended a private school on West Street.

LBERT A. BRACKETT, of Milton, was born in Quincy, Mass., December 5, 1850, son of Charles C. and Sarah (Peabody) Brackett. His lineage we are unable to give, the only ancestral names with which we have been favored being those of James and Benning Brackett, said to have been brothers living at a remote period in the old town of Braintree, of which Quincy was formerly a part. A Richard Brackett, it may be mentioned, was living in Boston in 1632; and in 1642, it is said, he and his wife Alice were dismissed to the church in Braintree. Their son James removed to Braintree in 1675.

Charles C. Brackett, who was born in New Hampshire, was a contractor and builder. Coming to Massachusetts, he lived for a number of years in Quincy, where he erected a number of buildings. In politics he was a Republican. He resided for some time in Topsfield, Mass., and while there was sent as representative to the State legislature. He died April 5, 18S5. His wife, Mrs. Sarah P. Brackett, who was a native of Essex County, Massachusetts, died in May, 1885.

Albert A. Brackett acquired his education in the public schools of Quincy. Leaving the high school at the age of fifteen, he entered the Mount Wollaston National Bank as clerk; and he was subsequently employed as clerk in the wholesale leather house of E. B. Pratt & Co. He was connected with this house about twelve years, a portion of the time as partner. In 1878 he started in business for himself, opening a wholesale leather house at 90 High Street, Boston. Some time later he removed to his present location, 64 South Street, Boston. He was the first tenant in this building. Since 1874 Mr. Krackett has been a resident of East Milton, and a street in this town is named for him.

He married Miss Lavinia H. Bunton, of Milton, Mass. ; and they have two children - Albert E. and Vina B. In the eighties Mr. Brackett, who is a Republican, was four years Selectman of Milton; and in March of the present year (1897) he was again elected a member of the board. During the session of 1888 he represented the Fourth Norfolk District in the State legislature. He is Past Master of Rural Lodge, F. & A. M., and a member of Joseph Warren Commandery, K.T., of Boston. Mr. Brackett is practically a selfmade man, having worked his way up to his present position in the business world.

KRED HOMER WILLIAMS, one of Boston's rising lawyers and a wellknown resident of Brookline, was born in Foxboro, Norfolk County, January 7, 1857, son of Virgil Homer and Nancy R. (Briggs) Williams. He is descended from Richard Williams, who settled in Taunton in 1637. Lewis Williams, father of Virgil H., was born in Easton, Mass., and spent his life in farming in that town, a prominent and highly respected citizen. He met his death by an accident, in the seventy-sixth year of his age.

Virgil Homer Williams, the father of the subject of this sketch, was brought up on the grandfather's farm. He was a painter by trade, and was also employed in the manufacture of straw goods. At the age of seventy-five years he is now retired, and is residing with his son. He married a daughter of Wheaton Briggs, a wheelwright of Attleboro. Mrs. Williams died in 1880, at the age of sixtyfour years. She was a member of the Congregational church in Foxboro.

Fred Homer Williams, the only child of his parents, lived in P'oxboro until sixteen years of age, when he entered Brown University, where he was graduated in the class of 1877. He was principal of the high school at East Medway, now M ill is, Norfolk County, for two years, and then began the study of law with

Judge W. H. Fox, of Taunton, Mass. Before he had completed his law studies, his health failed; and he spent a year and a half in Minnesota. Recovering, he continued his studies with Judge Fox and at the Boston University Law School, and was admitted to the bar in 1882. After a period of two years spent in the practice of law in Foxboro, he opened an office in Boston, and has long been associated with Mr. Frank M. Copeland, under the firm name of Williams & Copeland.

He married July 19, 1881, Julia Annette Blake, who was born in Whitman, then called South Abington, the daughter of Samuel Blake, a shoe manufacturer of that place. Mr. and Mrs. Williams have one child - Harold P., born October 2, 1882. Mr. Williams has always resided in this county, and has made his home in Brookline since 1890, having, also, a large farm at M ill is, where he spends the summer months. He is a Republican, and served in the Massachusetts House of Representatives in 1883-84, and has recently taken his seat as a member of the State Senate for 1898.

He was secretary of the Norfolk Club for a period of five years, between 1884 and 1889. He is also secretary of the Association of the Sons of Brown, composed of graduates of Brown University residing in Boston and vicinity. Formerly a member of the St. Albans Lodge, F. & A. M., and Excelsior Lodge, I. O. O. F., of Foxboro, he is now a member of the Beth-horon Lodge, F. & A. M., Lomia Lodge, I. O. O. F., of Brookline, and of the East Medway Grange, Patrons of Husbandry.

Mr. Williams has long been a member of the Curtis Club, composed of Boston lawyers. Socially, he is connected with the University and Exchange Clubs in Boston and with the Riverdale Casino, of Brookline. Mr. and Mrs. Williams attend the Harvard Congregational Church.

HITMAN COOK, a farmer and manufacturer of Bellingham, Mass., son of Emory B. and Laura A. (Howard) Cook, was born in Bellingham, March 16, 1853. His grandfather Cook was the first of

Emory B. Cook was a mechanic and machinist, and worked at his trade in West Med way, Southboro, and Marlboro, but finally settled in Bellingham. He began to manufacture the Cook's patent cupola windmill about the year 1879; and it was patented August 3, 1880. On account of the cheapness of other mills, however, he made but about seventy-five of the cupola mills; but he continued making chisel handles until his death, which occurred May 12, 1897. He is survived by his wife, formerly Laura A. Howard, of Bellingham, and their two children - Whitman, of Bellingham; and Frank A., now living in Newtonville, where he is engaged in the carpentering business. Mrs. Cook spends her time partly in Newtonville with her son Frank and partly in Bellingham with the subject of our sketch.

Whitman Cook received but a commonschool education. When he was a young man, he went to Fryeburg, Me., where he worked at the carpenter's trade for about twelve years, and then returned to Bellingham in March, 1890, to take charge of the old homestead and of his father's business. He now owns a small farm, but spends the greater part of his time at his trade. He is soon to take charge of his father's business, and carry on the manufacture of chisel -handles. Mr. Cook is a Republican in politics, and has served on the School Board for three years. He is a member of the Junior Order of American Mechanics of Bellingham.

He was married in January, 1S73, to Alice B. , a daughter of John and Alice Harriman, of Fryeburg, Me. Mrs. Cook's father, who was a blacksmith by trade, and who also carried on a farm, died at the age of eighty-six years. Mrs. Cook's mother has also departed this life.

ILLIAM FISHER GUILD, the chairman of the Medfield Board of Selectmen, and a leading farmer of that town, was born in Walpole, Norfolk County, November 20, 1839, son of Samuel and Orra (Fisher) Guild. His paternal grandparents were Aaron and Cynthia (Smith) Guild, who spent their lives in Walpole; and his maternal grandparents were William and Nabby (Capen) Fisher.

Samuel Guild, who was born in Walpole, February 12, 1806, lived on the old homestead throughout the greater part of his life. In his early years he did teaming to Boston, and subsequently he was engaged in butchering and farming. He died in May, 1893, aged eighty-seven years. His wife, Orra, whose birth occurred May 4, 1812, died May 20, 1864, aged fifty-two years. They had sixchildren, namely: Orra Elizabeth, born April 4, 1834, who married Lyman D. Ware, now residing in Walpole, and died December 10, 1863; Samuel Elbridge, born April 20, 1835, who was successively a machinist and cardmaker, served in the late war in the capacity of naval assistant engineer, and on April 7, 1859, married Jane Earle, of Hollis, Me., with whom he now lives in Walpole; Mary Jane, born August 24, 1837, now residing in Jamaica Plain, Mass., with her son, George H. Ware, being the widow of George Henry Ware, who died in 1863; William Fisher, the subject of this sketch; Frederick, born November 15, 1843, now employed in the card factory at Walpole, who married Phcebe Wilmot; Julius, born March 30, 1850, now residing on the old Guild homestead in Walpole, who married Mary Ella Pillsbury.

The special subject of this sketch, William Fisher Guild, received a good common-school education. At the age of eight years he went to live with an uncle, with whom he remained two years, receiving his board and clothing. Returning home then, he remained with his parents until about sixteen years old, when he went to work in a card factory and grist-mill, afterward following the two occupations for about five years. On September 12, 1862, he enlisted for nine months' service in the Union army, joining Company K, Forty-fourth Massachusetts Infantry, under Colonel- Francis L. Lee and Captains Frank W. Reynolds and Richard H. Weld. The regiment lost ten men in its first skirmish, which occurred at Ravvles Mill, N.C. After passing without injury through many others, Mr. Guild was discharged at Readville, Mass., June 18, 1S63.

After his return home he bought a farm in the southern part of the town of Medfield, which he carried on up to 1881. He then removed to his present farm, the old Plympton homestead, which was first settled by Henry Plympton about the year 1705. Mr. Guild also owns property in the north-west part of Medfield. Besides carrying on general farming, he keeps a dairy of fifteen cows, and ships milk to Boston.

On May 15, 1862, Mr. Guild was married to Miss Elizabeth M. Plympton, who was born in Medfield, May 23, 1841, daughter of David and Eunice M. (Ware) Plympton. Her father, who was a lifelong farmer, belonged to the fourth generation of Plymptons who occupied the farm. Pier mother was born in Walpole. Both parents have passed away. Mr. anil Mrs. Guild have had seven children, namely: Louis, born September 15, 1864, now living in Medfield; Arthur, born in 1866; Orra E., who married Walter H. Webb, on August 25, 1897, and now resides in Providence, R.I. ; Annie, of whom there is no special record; Samuel D., a clerk in Boston, Mass.; Edward A., who died in December, 1895 ; and Mabel, now attending school. The Republican party has had a constant adherent in Mr. Guild. He was first elected to the office of Selectman in 1879, and he served in that capacity until 1SS1. In 1S94 he was elected chairman of the board, and he has since presided at the board meetings for two years. Since 1877 he has been on the Board of Assessors. He belongs to Moses Ellis Post, No. 117, G. A. R., of Medfield. Both he and Mrs. Guild are members of the Unitarian church, and he is on the Parish Committee.

"ENRY C. AUSTIN, of Medway, the chairman of the Board of Assessors, was born in New Haven, Conn., April 16, 1S37. His parents, Eli B. and Grace M. (Beecher) Austin, were natives of that city. The father carried on a wholesale grocery business in New Haven until his death, which occurred in 1842. The mother died in Medway in 1886. They had seven children, three of whom are living, namely: Mary A., who is the widow of W. C.

Kain, and resides in Milford, Mass. ; Elizabeth B., who is a resident of the same town; and Henry C, the subject of this sketch, who is the youngest. The others were Benjamin B., Charlie, Sarah, and William E.

Henry C. Austin was educated in private schools of New Haven. On reaching the age of eighteen years, he went to Knoxville, Tenn., and five years later to Douglas County, Missouri. . A few years after he engaged in farming in Litchfield, 111. In 1869 he came East, and carried on general farming near West Medway for a time. He next conducted a general store for about five years. Then he worked for a while as a book-keeper, after which he retired from active business pursuits. He now occupies a pleasant country residence, and has four acres of land, which he cultivates. In politics he is a Democrat, and he has served with ability as chairman of the Board of Assessors for the past six years. Pie is a member of Charles River Lodge, F. & A. M., of Medway, of the Knights of Honor, of Holliston, Mass., and of Medway Lodge, No. 163, I. O. O. F., of Medway.

On October 2, 1862, Mr. Austin married Leah Martha Huddlestun, who was born in Charleston, W. Va., December 11, 1842. Her parents, Thomas and Martha (Simms) Huddlestun, in 1856, moved to Missouri, where her father followed contracting and building for a time. Later they went to Kansas, and there spent the rest of their lives. .Mrs. Austin has had six children, four of whom are living. These are : Charles Henry, the superintendent of a box manufactory at West Medway; Francis Beecher, of Milford, Mass. ; Albert Elmer, of Amherst, Mass. ; and Grace May, who resides at home. The others were Thomas Jasper, the first-born, and Roswell C, the fourch. Mr. Austin is warden of Christ's Episcopal Church, which was organized December 24, 1881, by Rev. John S. Beers, and now has a membership of forty.

SEWIS DUDLEY METCALF, a retired business man of Norfolk, was ^ born in Franklin, Mass., February 26, 1834, son of Lewis L. and Sibyl D. (Dudley) Metcalf. His grandfather, Lewis