Norfolk Town (part 17 of 23)

"ENRY B. MINER, the esteemed naster of the Edward Everett School of Boston, was born in Dorchester, Mass., September 17, 1S43, son of the Rev. Bradley and Louisa (Tucker) Miner. Thomas Miner came to Charlestown, Mass., in 1630, and, at the request of Governor Winthrop, soon after 1645 joined his colony in New London, C6*nn., where succeeding generations of the family have been born. One of the family still owns a portion of the original grant of land, which has been handed down through many generations of farmers.

and manufacturer of North Stonington, where he died at the age of sixty years. His son Bradley was one of a large family of children. He was graduated from Madison University in New York State, became a Bapiist minister, and preached in that denomination until the time of his death. He was settled at different periods of his life in Fall River, Mass., in Dorchester, Mass., where he remained eight years, in Pittsfielcl, this State, and in Providence, R.I., where he died in 1854. He married for his second wife a daughter of Nathan Tucker, a farmer of Canton. They had two children, the youngest of whom was Sarah L., who was graduated from the Boston Normal School and the Boston University, and taught for several years in the Boston High School and in the Hyde Park High School. She died at the home of her brother, Henry B. , in Hyde Park in 1892, at the age of thirty-nine. She was a member of the Baptist church. The mother died at the age of seventy-six years.

Mr. Henry B. Miner spent his boyhood days in Providence, where he had been left fatherless at the age of eleven years. He was graduated from Brown University in 1864, and at once began teaching in the Canton schools. Mr. Miner claims a residence in this county since 1858. He taught in the high school at Canton tor four years, at the end of that time accepting a position in the Tileston School in Boston. In 1875 he came to the Edward Everett School, of which he has now been the honored master for twenty-two years. During this length of time the population of the neighborhood has so much increased that two districts formerly covered by the school have been detached. Beginning with a school membership of six hundred, this same territory now contains three thousand children.

In 1883 Mr. Miner married Miss Maud M. Clark, daughter of Dr. Henry G. Clark, a well-known Boston physician of fifty years' standing, who died in 1874. Miss Clark was one of three children. Mr. and Mrs. Miner have one child, a daughter named Dorothy. A son named Henry G. died in infancy.

its vicinity. He is beloved and respected by his pupils and friends, and universally esteemed. He has been a trustee of the public library of Hyde Park for many years, and for the past four years the chairman of that board. He is a member of the Hyde Park Historical Society, and is interested in genealogical and literary researches. A successful instructor of youth, he is a man whose influence can never be measured, because so far-reaching.

Winslow Faunce

foreman of the of the New Engups, Norwood, and chairman of the School Board of this town, was born in Kingston, Mass., April n, 1S50, son of George and Adeline F. (Winslow) Faunce. On the paternal side he is a descendant of Francis Cook, Stephen Hopkins, Isaac Allerton. and Mary Chilton - who all arrived at Plymouth on board the "Mayflower" in 1620 - and of John Faunce, who came to Plymouth in the ship "Ann" in 1623. The Faunce family has been identified with the town of Kingston since its original settlement. Mr. Faunce's great-grandfather, Elijah, and his grandfather, Kilborn Faunce, were lifelong residents of Kingston; and the latter, who followed the mason's trade, was a prominent citizen of his day.

George Faunce, above named, son of Kilborn, was born in Kingston in 18 16, and is still residing there. He married Adeline F. Winslow, a descendant of Knelm Winslow, who arrived in Plymouth in 1633. Her father, William Winslow, was the son of Major Nathaniel Winslow, who served with honor through the Revolutionary War.

She became the mother of the following children: Elmer; Ellen; Winslow, the subject of this sketch ; Myron; Linus, a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Alton; George, superintendent of the Pennsylvania Lead Company of Pittsburg, Pa. ; Bertha; and Sarah C.

Winslow Faunce acquired his education in the public schools of Kingston, and was for a time engaged in teaching. He subsequently learned the carpenter's trade, and, coming to Norwood in 1882, followed it as a journeyman until 1884, when he engaged as a patternmaker in the car shops of the New England Railway, where he is now foreman of that department. Mr. Faunce is a charter member of Tiot Lodge, No. 50, I. O. O. F., acting as Past Grand when it was organized, and is now its secretary, and is also a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. Politically, he acts with the Republican party, and is serving with ability as chairman of the School Board.

Mr. Faunce married for his first wife Nellie J. Stranger, who bore him one daughter, Clara L. ; and for his second wife he wedded Laura A. Stranger, his first wife's sister. Mr. and Mrs. Faunce attend the Congregational church.

DMUND N. CLARK, a prosperous general farmer and stock-raiser of Millis, was born here, August 19, 1840, son of Elbridge and Lydia C. (New,ton) Clark. The family was founded in this country by Joseph and John Clark, who emigrated from England, and settled in Medway. Lemuel Clark, the grandfather of Edmund N., married Deborah E. Newton, of Framingham. (A more extended account of the family will be found in the biography of John Clark.)

Elbridge Clark was born September 11, 1812, on the territory now embraced in Millis. He followed agriculture in connection with brick-making, and occupied the Clark homestead until his death, which occurred February 4, 1896. His first wife, Lydia, who was born in Princeton, Mass., July 18, 1814, died May 31, 1869. His second wife, in maidenhood Mary Elizabeth Mansfield, whom he married November 30, 1871, was born in Lynn, Mass., August 19, 1827, and now resides with her son in Millis. By his first union Elbridge Clark was the father of seven children, namely: Mary Ophelia, who died June 6, 1843; Edmund N., the subject of this sketch; Lucy Jane, who married Alvah Stone, and resides in Medina, Mich. ; Martha Ophelia, the second wife of Leander Day, of Framingham, Mass.: Harriet Lydia, now deceased, who was the first wife of Leander Day; Elbridge William, born in 1850, who died in

Edmund N. Clark was educated in the common and high schools of his native town. Since completing his studies he has given his attention to agricultural pursuits. He resided at the homestead until 1878, when he purchased the John Bullard farm, which he has greatly improved since taking possession. He owns one hundred and thirty acres of land, well adapted for tillage and pasturage; and he carries on general farming and stock-raising. In politics a Republican, he was a member of the School Board for nine years and Assessor for two years.

Mr. Clark married Tryphena R. Fisher, who was born in Med way, January 17, 1841, daughter of Lewis and Betsey (Richardson) Fisher, of that town. Her father, now deceased, was a stirring farmer in his day. Her mother resides with a daughter in Chicago. Mrs. Clark has been the mother of six children, namely: Ernest, born October 12, 1868; Elsie Lydia, born January 28, 1870; Betsey F., born August 25, 1871; Arthur Lewis, born February 19, 1873, who died June 8 of the same year; Irving Richardson, born October 24, 1874; and Fanny Ethel, born October 21, 1876. Ernest is now residing in Ridgway, Col. Elsie Lydia married Perry S. Newcomb, who is now a boot and shoe dealer in Chicago. Betsey is the wife of Clarence Thorn, a coal and grain dealer in Millis. Irving R. and Fanny E. are residing at home. Mr. Clark's natural ability and untiring industry have placed him among the leading agriculturists of this locality, and he stands high in the estimation of his townsmen. Mrs. Clark is a member of the Congregational church.

West Stoughton, a gentleman of means, with a taste for quiet country life, an esteemed and popular member of the community where he dwells, was born on July 13, 1858, son of Leonard and Jane (Atherton) Hodges. He is a lineal descendant in the seventh generation of William

Hodges, presumably of English birth, an early settler of Taunton, Mass., his name first appearing on the records under the date August, 1643. His marriage took place a few years later, his wife being Mary Andrews, daughter of Henry Andrews, of Taunton. This is the line: William,' John,' William,3 Abijah,4 Samuel,5 Leonard,'1 William Leonard.7 (See Hodges Genealogy.)

Samuel Hodges, grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was an innkeeper in Taunton and Easton, Mass., many years previous to the advent of railroads, and was one of the best known men of his day in that section of the State. He married Lucinda Austin, of Dighton, Mass., and reared several children, among whom were Samuel, Jr., Lucinda, and Leonard. Samuel Hodges, Jr., who was commissioned First Lieutenant in the United States army, and served as a recruiting officer in the War of 1S12, incorporated the Gay Cotton Manufacturing Company in 1813. Later he was appointed United States Consul at the Cape Verde Islands, and went there in 1819. He died in 1835. Lucinda Hodges married the Rev. Calvin Park.

Leonard Hodges, father of William L., was born in Taunton, Mass., July 8, 1794. He learned the jeweller's trade, and in 1820 he established himself in business at West Stoughton. His progressive tendencies manifested themselves as early as 1822, when he began the manufacture of satinets, the weaving in those days being done by hand looms. His energy, business ability, and close application soon developed the enterprise to such an extent as to necessitate the employment of twentyfive weavers; and he later erected and equipped a mill with improved machinery. In 1851 he retired from business, renting the mill to his nephew, who in company with Calvin Tuck carried it on under the firm name of Tuck & Hodges until 1857, at which time he sold the property to Charles French, of Canton. For many years he was a director of the Neponset Bank, Canton. Thoroughly upright and honorable, unassuming in manner, having no ambition for office, he occupied a prominent place among the leading citizens of Stoughton, where he died March 1, 1871, sincerely mourned by a large circle of friends and acquaintances.

William L. Hodges

Jane Atherton, his wife, whom he married January 12, 1848, was a daughter of Elijah and Ruth (Tisdale) Atherton, of Stoughton. She became the mother of two children, namely: Anna A., born August 20, 1855 ; and William Leonard, the subject of this sketch. Anna A. is now the widow of Claude Wilson, M. D. , late a prominent physician of Watertown, N.Y., who died April 23, 1896. She has had five children - Anna Belle, Janet, Margery, Claude, and Leonard.

William L. Hodges pursued his primary studies in the public schools of Stoughton, and then took a four years' course at the West Newton English and Classical School. After some time spent in travel he resumed his residence in West Stoughton. Unconnected with any business enterprise, he devotes much time and thought with happy effect to improving and beautifying his estate. He has never been induced to accept public office, and holds himself aloof from political affairs. He is well advanced in Masonry, being a member of Rising Star Lodge, of Stoughton, and of Bay State Commander)-, Knights Templar, of Brockton. He is a Director of Neponset National Bank, Canton, Mass.

On May 10, 18S3, Mr. Hodges was united in marriage with Littie Gray Simmonds, of Boston. Her parents were David M. and Lydia A. (Dudley) Simmonds, the former of whom was a furniture dealer. Mr. and Mis. Hodges have two children, namely: Lydia, born January 29, 1884; and William, Jr., born September 28, 1887.

- and a member of the Board of Selectmen, was born in Sullivan County, New York, October 12, 1847, son of William and Harriet Newell (Smith) Bateman. His paternal grandfather, also named William, who was a prosperous farmer of Herkimer County, New York, and lived to be seventy-three years old, had a family of nine children; namely, William, Jonathan, Perry, Rozelle, Lyman, Eunice, Lucy, Louisa, and Gaylord. Of these two died young.

was born in Newport, N.Y., November 11, 181 5. He was reared to agricultural pursuits, and for some time owned and cultivated a large farm in Cazenovia, N.Y. He went to California in 1852. Upon his return East in the following year, he settled upon a farm in East Walpole, Mass. He later removed to South Dedbam (now Norwood), where he resided for some years; and he died in Pike, N.Y., aged seventy-two. His wife, Harriet, who was born in Newport, N.Y., April 5, 18 1 8, became the mother of seven children, as follows: Jerome Bonaparte, born in Greece, N.Y., in 1840; Rozelle S. and Adeline Virginia, both born in Cazenovia, N.Y., in 1843; George H., the subject of this sketch; Anna L., born in Cazenovia in 1851; Frank William, born in East Walpole in 1S55; and Lillie Frances, born in i860.

George Henry Bateman began his education in East Walpole, and completed his studies in South Dedham. When seventeen years old he was employed by Simon Gould in driving a milk wagon for a short time. Then he was for several years an operative in Isaac Ellis's paper-mill. After relinquishing that employment he resumed his connection with the milk business, driving a wagon for Jason M. Patten, of Hyde Park. A short time later he purchased the business of his employer, and has since carried it on. Employing nine horses and four wagons, he delivers a large quantity of milk daily to regular customers in Hyde Park and other towns. Politically, he is a Republican, and he has been a Selectman since 1892. He is a member of the Business Men's Association and of the Board of Trade, and was active in securing the establishment of the electric railway between Norwood and Dedham. In Masonry he has advanced to the Commandery, being a member of Hyde Park Lodge, F. & A. M.; of Hebron Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; of Hyde Park Council of Royal and Select Masters ; and of Cyprus Commandery, Knights Templar. He is also connected with Nahatan Tribe, Improved Order of Red Men.

In 1879 Mr. Bateman was united in marriage with Martha L. McLeod, daughter of Thomas McLeod, of Gardiner, Me. Mrs. Bateman is the mother of five children; grain, place of South Weymouth, born November 5, 1847, son of Sanford and Martha (Shaw) Hollis. His father, a shoemaker, by occupation, was a resident of South Weymouth for many years. Of his children six survive, namely: Martha M., widow of the late Joseph P. Thayer; Alvin; Charles; Lucy, wife of Walton R. Shaw; Sanford W. ; and Fannie, wife of Winslow P. Wilbur.

Alvin Hollis obtained his education in the district schools. When fourteen years of age he found employment in a shoe shop, where he remained about six years. He then engaged in the ice business, which he carried on for twenty-four years, a part of the time being associated with his brother Charles, under the firm name of A. & C. Hollis. In 1889 he started in his present business, in which he has been quite successful. He has served on the Board of Directors of the South Weymouth Co-operative Bank, and was one of the organizers of the institution. He is also a trustee of the Savings Bank.

Mr. Hollis married Adelaide Carroll, of Weymouth,- by whom he has had four children : Mary L., wife of George W. Sargent; Bessie K. , who is now deceased; Bertha E. ; and Adelaide F. Mr. Hollis is a Republican politically, and, although not an office-holder, is much interested in town affairs. He belongs to the I. O. O. F. and to the U. O. G. C, of which last-named order he is a charter member.

"ON. SAMUEL WARNER, of Wrentham, an old and honored member of the Norfolk County bar, was born October 2, 18 16, in Providence, R.I. His paternal grandfather, Nathan Warner, who was born in Warwick, R.I., in early life removed to Providence, where he died at an advanced age. It is believed that Nathan was one of the minute-men of Revolutionary times, and was discharged at Saratoga as a drummer boy, having served in the army for some time, although he was not present at any important battle.

Samuel Warner, Sr., the father of the subject of this sketch, was born and educated in Providence, R.I. When a boy he became a sailor, in which calling he afterward passed through many dangers, and visited a large number of foreign ports. He was on board the frigate "Essex," commanded by Commodore Bainbridge, at the siege of Tripoli in Algiers. When duly qualified he became a master mariner and a part owner of the vessels he commanded. After retiring from the sea, he was engaged for a time in the grocery business. He also carried on farming, spending several years in Wrentham. In his declining days he returned to Providence, where his death occurred, at the age of seventy-nine years. To him and his wife, whose maiden name was Sarah A. Mann, two children were born - Elisha M. and Samuel. Elisha M. died many years ago, leaving three children - Charles H., Samuel, and Annie.

Samuel Warner was but six years old when his parents settled in this town. He attended the district schools for a time, then continued his studies in Providence, and later was a pupil of Day's Academy. After this he took a course in Brown University, graduated from that institution with the class of 1838, and thereupon began reading law. Soon after his admission to the bar he located in Wrentham, and in a comparatively brief time won a place among the most able lawyers of the county, together with a wide and lucrative general practice. He has served as Trial Justice since the first establishment of that office under Governor Banks.

Mr. Warner was married December 24, 1840, to Miss Hannah F. Pond, a daughter of Oliver Pond, of Wrentham, and a granddaughter of Captain Oliver Pond, of Revolutionary fame. He has one daughter, Sarah A. In politics he has been a Republican since the formation of his party. His first Presidential vote was cast in 1840 for Martin

Van Buren. He served for many terms at different periods as a member of the VVrentham School Committee, and for twenty-five years was Town Clerk. In 1843, 1848, and 1882, he was a Representative to the General Court; and in 185 1 he was State Senator. In the latter part of that year Mr. Warner was appointed Land Agent of the Commonwealth for a term of three years, having charge of the public lands in Maine that belonged to Massachusetts. In that period he sold all these lands, making the last sale to the State of Maine, and turned in to the government a total sum of six hundred and sixty-one thousand, two hundred and fifty dollars, and seventy cents. An acknowledgment of the deed of conveyance was made before Rufus Choate, Justice of the Peace. A record of this may be found in the Massachusetts Legislative Reports for 1854, chapter lxii. p. 437. In 1853 Mr. Warner was a member of the Constitutional Convention. He is deeply interested in national and political affairs, and has been one of the stanchest adherents of his party.

§AMES McKAY, Chief of Police in Hyde Park, Norfolk County, Mass., was born June 19, 1843, in Warwick, R.I., of Scotch parentage. His grandfather, Alexander McKay, was a lifelong resident of Scotland, where he was engaged in tilling the soil.

John McKay, father of James, was born and reared in Scotland, but in his early manhood emigrated to the United States, locating in Warwick, R.I., where he subsequently became overseer in a cotton-mill, residing there until his demise, at the age of seventy-three years. His wife, Barbara, was born in Scotland, a daughter of Alexander Dove, who came to America with his wife and eight children, and settled in Warwick, R.I. Mrs. Barbara Dove McKay died at the age of thirty-four years, leaving six children, as follows: Alexander, a resident of California; John, a commercial traveller; Letitia, wife of William Randall; James, the special subject of this biographical sketch; Jane, widow of the late William T. Mills; and Mary A., unmarried, who lives in Hyde Park. The parents clung through life to the religious faith in which they were reared, being devout members of the Presbyterian church.

James McKay was educated in the public schools of Warwick, which he attended until he was seventeen years old, when he began working at the machinist's trade. On June 5, 1861, shortly before his eighteenth birthday, he enlisted as a private in Company A, Second Rhode Island Volunteer Infantry, and went to the front with the regiment. He passed through all the service of the Army of the Potomac, was with Sheridan in his campaign in the Shenandoah Valley, and was an active participant in thirty-five engagements, including the first battle of Bull Run, the battles of Antietam, Gettysburg, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, and Spottsylvania. He was advanced successively from private to Corporal, Sergeant, Sergeant Major, Second Lieutenant, and from that rank was promoted to First Lieutenant for his bravery in leading his company in the last fight at Sailor's Creek, where he was wounded by a minie ball in the shoulder, receiving an injury that confined him in the hospital several months. Honorably discharged on July 27, 1865, he was mustered out as First Lieutenant of his company.

Returning to Warwick, Mr. McKay completed his trade as a machinist with the Green Manufacturing Company, which sent him subsequently to Readville, this county, to take charge of the machine shops in the branch of their works known as the Smithfield Manufacturing Company. On giving up that position he worked nine years as journeyman contractor in the machine shops of B. F. Sturtevant, of Boston, and later was employed ten years by the Boston Blower Company as superintendent of their works at Hyde Park, having ninety men under him. He afterward travelled two years for the same firm, his territory extending through the New England and Middle States. Resigning that position, he became travelling salesman for the Barney Ventilating Company, with whom he remained until 1893, when he was appointed chief of the Hyde Park police force. He had previously been connected with the management of the town affairs, having served in

1888 as Selectman. For three years he was treasurer of the Republican Town Committee. Mr. McKay was married in 1S71 to Miss Alma George, who was born in Chelsea, Vt., being one of the six children of Rufus and Nancy George. Mr. and Mrs. McKay have one child, Lizzie L. McKay. Fraternally, Mr. McKay is a member of Hyde Park Lodge, F. & A. M. ; of the Royal Arcanum, No. 136; is Past Sachem of Neponset Tribe of Red Men: and is very active in the work of Timothy Ingraham Post, No. 121, G. A. R., in which he has passed all the chairs, having been Quartermaster five years, Commander of the post, and is now Adjutant. He is likewise a member of the Loyal Legion, a military order of the United States. In former years he was connected with the Waverley Club. He is liberal in his religious belief and a regular attendant of the Universalist church.

KRANK O. PIERCE, Third Selectman of Norfolk and a veteran of the Civil War, was born in Acworth, Sullivan County, N.H., December 23, 1835, son of Orville VV. and Amanda (Templeton) Pierce. The father, who was a native of Alstead, N.H., followed agriculture in that town until he moved to Langdon, where he passed the rest of his life. Amanda, his first wife, who was born in Acworth, N. H., died in 1856. His second marriage was contracted with Miss Burrows, of Alstead, who died in 1890. Born of his first marriage were eight children, two of whom are living, namely: Frank O., the subject of this sketch; and Hattie, the wife of Willard Inman, a contractor in Brooklyn, N.Y. The others were: Melissa, Jacob, Mary Ann, Orilla, George, and Sarah. His second wife had two children: Emma, who died in 1883; and Charles, who is now a miller in Alstead.

Frank O. Pierce remained at home until reaching his majority. Afterward he worked in a box factory of Foxboro, Mass., until 1 86 1, when he entered the service in Company F, Fourth Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. His term of enlistment was mainly spent in the vicinity of the James

River. Discharged after its expiration .in July, 1861, he re-enlisted in Company B, Fourteenth Regiment, New Hampshire Volunteers, on September 11, 1862, under Colonel Robert Wilson and Captain Johnson. At the battle of Winchester he received a severe gunshot wound in the ankle, necessitating amputation. After being confined for about a year in hospitals at Winchester, Baltimore, and at Manchester, N.H., he was discharged September 8, 1865. After staying at his home in New Hampshire for a time, he returned to Foxboro, where he operated a portable engine, and later worked at his old trade of box-making. About 1872 he moved to Norfolk: and in 1873 he bought the Captain Fairfield farm, where he has since resided. He has made various improvements in his property, which now contains eighty acres of fertile land: and he carries on general farming and dairying with prosperity. Politically, he is a Republican; and he was elected a Selectman in March, 1897. He is a member of St. Alban's Lodge, F. & A. M., of Foxboro; and of the Order of the Pilgrim Fathers.

On September 8, 1870, Mr. Pierce was joined in marriage with Mrs. Jane Messenger, of Norfolk, daughter of Charles and Hannah (Wilson) Train, both of whom are now deceased. Her father, who was a teacher of penmanship in various parts of the country, died in New Orleans. Mr. and Mrs. Pierce have three children, as follows: Mabel, the wife of Frank Proctor, who is in the meat business, and resides in Wollaston, Mass. ; George and Jennie, who are residing at home. Mrs. Pierce is a member of the Baptist church. Mr. Pierce is a comrade of E. P. Carpenter Post, No. 90, G. A. R., of Foxboro, Mass.

/TAAPTAIN DAVID F. HENDERSON, I \r^ a well-known agriculturist of NeedvJ?^- ham, was born at Newton, Mass., in 1840, son of John and Catherine (Foster) Henderson. The family is of Scotch origin, and its representatives in Scotland have long been identified with the history of the country. Captain Henderson's paternal grand- father was John Henderson, Sr. , born in Scotland, who was a Captain in the English army. The younger John, the father above named, was born in Scotland in 1805, and came to Massachusetts in 1824, settling in Newton. He married Catherine, daughter of David Foster, an Englishman, who brought his family to this country at about the same time.

Their son, David F., was educated in the common schools of Newton and at Woodward's Academy in that town, where he was graduated in 1855. After leaving school he worked on his father's farm until 1857, the year of his removal to Needham with his parents. He subsequently continued working as a farm laborer until 1867, when he rented a farm in Needham, which he operated for twenty years. He then purchased the farm on Mark Tree Road, where he now resides engaged especially in market gardening.

In 1878 he joined the Roxbury Horse Guards ; and he has been successively Corporal, Sergeant, Lieutenant, and for four years Captain in that organization. He is now a member of the Roxbury Historical Society. Captain Henderson has been Superintendent of Streets for three years, also Constable; and in both these offices has served the public with marked ability and with entire fidelity to the constituency by whom he was appointed. He is the oldest member of the Norfolk Lodge of F. & A. M. , was made an Odd Fellow in 1870, and is a member of Lodge No. 58 of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and Past Grand. He was also a member of Massasoit Encampment, of Boston, and has been a member of the Needham Lodge of Knights of Honor since 1878. In politics he is a Republican, and is a member of the Boston Marketmen's Republican Club.

In 1865 Captain Henderson was married to Miss Emily A., daughter of Albion Squires, of New Hampshire. Captain and Mrs. Henderson have no children.

!LLIAM F. HALL, for the past irty years a resident of Brookline, lass., is now living retired from active pursuits, enjoying the leisure earned by his many years of toil and thrift. He was born March 7, 1824, in Alfred, York County, Me., the birthplace of his father, Dr. Abial Hall, Jr., and the town in which his grandfather, Dr. Abial Hall, Sr. , was for many years the leading physician. Dr. Abial Hall, Sr. , after beginning practice in Concord, in his early manhood went to Alfred, Me., where he continued his labors until his demise, at the age of sixty-eight years. At one time he was a member of the Massachusetts legislature. He was also a Revolutionary soldier, and fought at the battles of Bennington and Saratoga.

Dr. Abial Hall, Jr., who was born in Alfred in 1787, passed his entire life in his native town, and died in 1869, at the age of eighty-two years. He entered upon a medical career when young, acquired a high reputation throughout the county, and was eminently successful. A man of commanding presence, he yet had a benevolent countenance, through which a kindly nature shone brightly, winning love and respect wherever he went. He was a Deacon in the Congregational church, to which his good wife also belonged. A handsome memorial window, placed by his son, William F., in the church edifice where he attended religious services, recalls his good works. His wife, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Frost, was born and educated in Sanford, Me. She reared a family of five children, three of whom are now living. These are: William F., the subject of this sketch; Edward P. Hall, of Philadelphia, Pa.; and Dr. Jerry G. Hall, a physician in Wells, Me. One son, Dr. Edwin Hall, who died in 1852, was known as one of the most skilful surgeons of Maine. The mother, who was born in 1794, died in 1863.

William F. Hall received a practical common-school education. When eighteen years old he began teaching in the district schools of his native town, and was afterward so employed nearly every winter until 1850. From 1843 until 1S47 ne was a'so engaged as a clerk in a country store in Springvale, Me. In 1850 he purchased an interest in a cargo consigned to California, and, taking passage on the vessel which carried it, made the voyage to that State by way of Cape Horn, being two hundred days on the water. Two years later he returned to Maine, taking a steamer to Panama, thence across the Isthmus by mule train, and again by steamer to New York. After spending a short time with his parents, Mr. Hall settled in Boston. Here he carried on an extensive business as a lumber dealer until 1887, when he retired. In 1866 he purchased his present commodious home in Brookline, which he has made his permanent residence.

Mr. Hall is a decided Republican in his views, but has firmly declined all political offices. In 1865 he was married to Miss Catherine R. Fogg, who, born in South Berwick, Me., in 1839, died in Brookline, Mass., July 29, 1889. She was one of the two children of the late Joseph Fogg, of South Berwick. The only child of Mr. and Mrs. Hall is a daughter, Fannie M., now the wife of William J. Fegan, a boot and shoe manufacturer of Boston.

EORGE P. MASON, a farmer and \ '-) I one of the leading men of Franklin, ^ - Mass., was born in Warren, R. I., March 2, 1855, son 0I Charles and Eliza (Peck) Mason. The father, who was born in Swansea, Mass., and acquired the trade of mason, when quite a young man went to Warren, R.I., to follow that business. In 1876 he moved to Cornish, N.H., and was there engaged in general farming for a number of years. In his old age he came to live with Mr. Mason in Franklin, where he died September 11, 1896. His wife, Eliza, who was also a native of Swansea, bore him four children. These were: Phcebe, who died at the age of four; Charles Clarence, who died in 1892; George P., the subject of this sketch; and Edmund V., born in 1875, who married and is living in Everett, Mass.

After obtaining his education in the public schools of Warren, R.I., graduating from the high school, George P. Mason remained at home until he was twenty years of age. Then he came to Franklin, and engaged in the market business. He continued in this work until the year 1888, when he went to Boston to work as a salesman in a wholesale beef market for one year and a half. Six months more were spent in an employment in Franklin, after which he worked at the wholesale beef business in Boston for six years. In August, 1896, he returned to Franklin, and settled on his present farm, known as the old Clark farm, which now contains about thirtyfive acres of well -improved land. Mr. Mason is engaged in general farming, and keeps a dairy.

In politics Mr. Mason is a stanch Republican and an important man in town affairs. At the present time he is Third Selectman of the town, having held that office since January, 1897. A Free and Accepted Mason of Excelsior Lodge in Franklin, he belongs to Miller Royal Arch Chapter. He was married on January 3, 1876, to Mary J., daughter of Charles W. and Elmira (Albee) Clark, of Milford, Mass. Mr. Clark was born in Franklin, where he spent the greater part of his life engaged in the butcher's trade. He died in Franklin on May 21, 1893. Mrs. Clark now resides in Franklin with her daughter, Mrs. Mason.

/^TeORGE K. NICKERSON, dealer in \ -) I meats and provisions, who has been for nearly forty years in business in Cohasset, was born in this town, December 25, 1837. His parents were Captain George L. and Harriet L. (Beal) Nickerson. His father was born in Provincetown in 1800, and belonged to an old Cape Cod family; and his mother was born in Cohasset. Her brother, George Beal, was a soldier in the War of 1812.

Captain Nickerson followed the sea for a great many years, visiting nearly every pait of the globe, and commanded a number of vessels. He was several years master of the quarantine boat at Deer Island in Boston Harbor. The Nickersons are a long-lived family; ami the Captain was no exception to the general rule, being over ninety-two years of age at the time of his death, which occurred in Cohasset. Mrs. Nickerson died in 1863. Of their children two are living; George K. , the subject of this sketch; and Mary H., wife of Edward E. Wentworth, of Cohasset.

cated in Cohasset. When he was seventeen years of age he began to learn the machinist's trade in Taunton, Mass. ; and he served an apprenticeship of three years. After acquiring the trade, he worked as a journeyman for a short time. He subsequently engaged in retailing meats and provisions with Charles P. Bourne, under the firm name of Bourne & Nickerson. This partnership continued some thirty-eight years, and was dissolved May I, 1896. Since that time Mr. Nickerson has been sole proprietor of the market. He has been very successful as a business man, and has the confidence and esteem of all with whom he has dealings. He is a self-made man, his prosperity being the fruit of his own industry and perseverance.

Mr. Nickerson has been twice married. His first wife, Pamelia S. Kilburn, of Cohasset, Mass., died May 26, 1865. His second wife, Clarissa C. Ripley, of Hingham, Mass., died January 9, 1S97. He has three children living - Henry R., Harriet A., and Mary A. Mr. Nickerson has been for a number of years a trustee of the Cohasset Savings Bank, and is a stockholder in the Cohasset Water Company. He was one of the original promoters of the splendid system of water-works which Cohasset enjoys.

§OHN JAMES WHETTON, a representative business man of Needham, Mass., was born in Sutton, in Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, England, October 21, 1844. He was educated in the common schools of Sutton, and was then employed for six years in the merchant shipping business. Having acquired a taste for the sea, he shipped as cabin boy on the " Kurrachee, " commanded by Captain Clark, and bound for the West Indies. He made two trips on this vessel, and was advanced to the position of ordinary seaman. His next voyage was on the steamship " Great Britain," in the Australian passenger line, "under Captain John Gray. On this vessel he was promoted to able seaman. He remained a member of the crew of the "Great Britain" for three years, and then shipped as able seaman on the "Denmark," of the National Steamship Company, from

Liverpool to New York. His next voyage was on the "Helvetia," from Portsmouth, England, to Alexandria, Egypt. He subsequently came to this country as one of the crew of the steamship " England," on which he made several voyages, leaving her in 1870, in order to become a resident of Needham. On his arrival here he first found employment as clerk in a grocery store owned by Oben C. Parker, for whom he worked one year. He was then employed for some time by the firm of Greenwood & White, and later by Greenwood & Proctor. He subsequently went into partnership in the grocery business with H. T. Reed, under the firm name of H. T. Reed & Co. The company dissolved within two years; and the business was sold to E. B. Fowler, for whom Mr. Whetton worked one year. He then bought out Mark Lee's grocery store in Highlandville, and established himself in his present business. He keeps a general stock, handling hardware, grain, crockery, and other articles in constant demand. In January, 1890, he was appointed Postmaster of Needham by Postmaster-General Wanamaker; and during his incumbency the rating of the office was raised to third class. In 1896 Mr. Whetton was reappointed as Postmaster by President Cleveland. Mr. Whetton is a member of the Norfolk Lodge, F. & A. M., of Needham, and has been a member of the Nehoiden Lodge, K. of H., for the last seventeen years. He was married in 1871, in Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, England, to Martha, a daughter of Henry Farrand, of Sutton. They have had four children - Jane, who died in infancy; James Henry, now assistant treasurer in the Union Cycle Company; Frederick, who died in infancy; and Arthur H., now a student in the high school of this town.

ILLIAM JAMES WALLACE, the Postmaster of Norwood, was born in Boston, December 10, 1833, son of James and Jane (Shields) Wallace. The father, who was born in Belfast, Ireland, son of a Scotch farmer, was a nail -maker by trade. He came to the United States in early manhood, and here married Jane, daughter of William Shields, a prosperous farmer, who resided near Belfast, Ireland. Their children were: Mary J., who died at the age of fourteen years; and William James, the subject of this sketch.

William James Wallace spent his boyhood in Boston, attending the public schools in that city. His first business experience was as a clerk in a furnishing store. Afterward he learned the cabinet-maker's trade in Dorchester, where he remained for six years. In 1857 he went to South Dedham, and worked at his trade with Haley, Marse & Co., Willard Everett & Co., and Daniels, Harris & Co. After leaving South Dedham, he established himself as a cabinet-maker in Boston; and in 1S72 he became associated in this capacity with the New England Organ Company of Boston, remaining with that firm for eleven years. He enlisted July 1, 1862, from South Dedham, in Company I, Thirty-fifth Massachusetts Volunteers, which was attached to the Ninth Army Corps. He saw service at South Mountain, Antietam, and the first Fredericksburg; and he was present at the surrender of Vicksburg. Returning to Kentucky, he was detailed to the Commissary Department at Crab Orchard Springs. He was taken prisoner at the rear of Petersburg, and spent five months in prison at Salisbury, N. C. Afterward he was transferred to Libby Prison, from which after a single night he was liberated in an exchange of prisoners. Then, with his health completely shattered, he returned to his home in Norwood, and from there was sent to the hospital at Readville. He was mustered out with the other members of his regiment in June, 1865.

In 1886 Mr. Wallace was appointed Postmaster of Norwood by President Cleveland, was reappointed by President Harrison in 1890, and again by President Cleveland in 1894. He married Elinor, daughter of James Holmes, of Halifax, N.S. Mr. and Mrs. Wallace have had five children - Mary S., Harriet Eleanor, Sarah Louise, William J., Jr., and Clara. Elected to the State legislature in 1880, Mr. Wallace served one term in the House of Representatives. He was connected with the Norwood fire department for thirty years, is a member of the George K. Bird Post of G. A. R., and a charter member of the Tiot Lodge, No. 50, of Norwood, and of Monterey Encampment, I. O. O. F. , of Hyde Park.

§ONATHAN PARKER HAYWARD, a well-known contractor and builder residing in Braintree, was born in this town, October 19, 1844, son of Daniel and Sarah H. (Clapp) Hay ward.

The emigrant ancestor of this branch of the Hay ward family received a grant of land from King George, a large tract located in and around East Braintree; and in this vicinity some of his descendants have since remained. The first school opened in Braintree is said to have been taught by a Miss Hayward. Daniel Hayward, great-grandfather of Mr. J. Parker Hayward, was a Revolutionary soldier; and Eliphas Thayer, an ancestor of Mr. Hayward on his grandmother's side, was also in the army, and was stationed at West Point at the time of the capture of Major Andre. Abigail Thayer, a daughter of Eliphas, is still living at the age of ninety-two, and resides in Boston.

Daniel Hayward, father of the subject of this sketch, was a builder and contractor in his earlier years, and later in life followed agricultural pursuits. He died in March, 1883, leaving a widow, now (1897) in the seventy-eighth year of her age, with four children : George D., a resident of Neponset; J. Parker, Charles A., and Annah E., all of Braintree. He was a Republican in politics and Orthodox in religion, attending the Congregational church.

When about eighteen years of age J. Parker Hayward, having obtained his education in the public schools of Braintree, began learning the carpenter and builder's trade, at which he worked with his father for a short period, afterward being employed as a journeyman carpenter in Boston. More than a quarter of a century ago, in company with his brother Charles, he engaged in contracting and building under the firm name of Hayward Brothers, who continue to carry on a most successful business at the present time.

George W. Bacon

- Daniel B. and Franklin P. Mrs. Hayward is a daughter of Daniel and Abigail (Curtis) Baxter. Through his great-grandfather, Daniel Hayward, Mr. Hayward is a member of the Society of Sons of the American Revolution. Politically, he is a Republican, and is now serving his third term as a Selectman of Braintree, being clerk of the board.

'RANCIS D. HAMANT, a cattle dealer of Medfield, was born in this town, June 6, 1839, son of Daniels and Hannah (Ellis) Hamant. The Hamant farm, which he now occupies, was cleared and improved by his great-grandfather, Timothy Hamant; and his grandfather, Daniels Hamant, was a lifelong resident here.

Daniels Hamant, second, father of Francis 1)., was born and reared on the homestead, which he subsequently inherited. He was a prosperous farmer and cattle dealer, and has a wide reputation as an upright and honorable man. He took a prominent part in public affairs, and was serving as Selectman and Assessor at the time of his death, which occurred in May, 1874, when he was sixty-two years old. His wife, Hannah, who was also a native of Medfield, became the mother of three children, namely: Mary J., the widow of William R. Smith, and a resident of Medfield; Francis D. , the subject of this sketch; and Julia A., who became the first wife of William R. Smith, but is no longer living. The mother died in March, 1888.

Francis D. Hamant received his general education in the common schools and at the New Hampton (N. H.) Literary Institute, subsequently completing a course of study at a commercial college in Boston. He then turned his attention to farming and also to dealing in live stock. Energetic and possessed of sound judgment, he has realized excellent financial results. Succeeding to the ownership of the homestead, which contains two hundred acres, he has since made various improvements in the property, including the erection of a new residence.

Medfield. She was a daughter of J. R. Smith; but, her mother dying at the time of her birth, she was adopted by Jacob R. Cushman. Mrs. Hamant died February 11, 1895, leaving five children; namely, Gertrude C, Nettie F. , Daniels, Mary E., and P'rancis, all of whom are residing at home except Daniels, who is employed as a book-keeper in a business establishment in Boston.

Politically, Mr. Hamant is a Republican. He served as Selectman one year, and is now Assessor, Inspector of Cattle and Provisions, and a Justice of the Peace. He is connected by membership with the Royal Arcanum and the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and he is also an active member of the Baptist church. His farm, which is one of the finest pieces of agricultural property in Medfield, is situated near the village, and presents tangible evidence both of its owner's industry and prosper it\'.

EORGE WARREN BACON, of \ -) I Franklin, son of the late Joseph Thomas and Mary Ann Metcalf Bacon, was born December 3, 183 1, and now lives on one of the oldest ancestral homesteads in Norfolk County. He is of the eighth generation from Michael Bacon, who, with two brothers, his wife and four children, emigrated from Ireland early in the seventeenth century. They all settled in Dedham. Michael died in the winter of 1647-4S. His son, John Bacon, died June 17, 1683. Rebecca Bacon, wife of John, died October 27, 1684. Their son, Thomas, settled in Wrentham. He married Hannah Fales, and had seven children. Their son, Thomas Bacon, second, born November 26, 1693, married Deborah Clark. They had seven children, two of whom were: Thomas Bacon, third ; and Seth Bacon.

These two brothers lived to an old age in that part of Wrentham which was set off and formed the town of Franklin. Thomas Bacon, second, died in Franklin, June 6, 1784, in the ninety-first year of his age. His wife, Deborah, died January 6, 1783, aged eighty-four years. Their direct descendants now live in Franklin, bearing the family name of Allen. Cyrus Allen and Sally Bacon Allen are now dead. Cyrus Milton Allen, who lives on their homestead, is an enterprising farmer and an acknowledged leader in all farmers' organizations. The present Deacon Thomas Bacon Allen is his younger brother. George Alfred Allen, son of Cyrus M. Allen, is of the ninth generation in the line of Thomas Bacon, third; and his wife, Margie Emma Bacon, who is the only daughter of George W. Bacon, the subject of this sketch is of the ninth generation in the line of Seth Bacon, the younger brother.

Seth Bacon, son of Thomas, second, married Abigail Whiting, June 3, 1762. They had five children - Joseph, Theophilus, Sarah, Thomas, and Abigail. He died November 24, 1822. His wife, Abigail, died October 3> l77&- Joseph Bacon, their son, married Chloe Lethbridge. They had one daughter, Abigail, who was betrothed to Willis Fisher, of Franklin. She died at the age of twenty years, in 1807, her mother dying at the age of forty-two years in 1802. Joseph Bacon and his second wife, Ruth Heaton, had two children - Joseph Thomas and Delia Emmons Bacon. Joseph Bacon's church history was contemporary with the ministry of the Rev. Nathaniel Emmons, D.D., he being for many years one of Dr. Emmons's Deacons. He survived his venerable and beloved pastor several years, and died May 6, 1843, aged eighty years. Ruth Heaton, his wife, died January 6, 1866, aged eighty-nine years. Deacon Bacon was a man of sterling qualities, and was highly appreciated in his time. He was Justice of the Peace for many years, represented his town for seven consecutive years in the State legislature, and was sent from Franklin as delegate to the State convention to amend the constitution. In politics he was an intense Whig. In society he was genial, with an overflow of pleasantry from a jocose nature that made him attractive to the young.

Joseph Thomas Bacon, his son, was born February 14, 1808. He became a farmer much against his taste, as he was naturally mechanical and possessed a genius that served him well on the farm later in life. Being the only son, he yielded his choice of occupation to the strong desire of his father, who was a well-to-do farmer. In 1826 his father built a spacious mansion for those days, suited for two families. At an early age Joseph T. Bacon married Mary Ann Metcalf. He was a man of good judgment, diligent in his business, and held offices of trust in the town. He was a devout Christian worker, and was made Deacon of the only church in town at the age of twenty-one years. His strong faith, with the courage of his convictions, made him one of the foremost men in the church and Sunday-school. He was prompt in duty, always ready to testify to his faith in Jesus Christ, and was a living epistle, known and read of all men. His wife was also a devoted Christian woman. They had four children, one of whom (Ellen) died in infancy, three - Abigail Miranda, Thomas Metcalf, and George W. - living to fill useful spheres in society.

Abigail Miranda is the wife of Deacon Erastus E. Baker. Thomas Metcalf Bacon was educated for a teacher at Holliston Academy and Westfield Normal School. In all of this course of study he was the close companion of the late Charles A. Richardson, of the Congregationalist. Messrs. Richardson and Bacon were associated together in teaching in Hadley, Mass. Mr. Bacon continued teaching till near the close of his life. He died at the age of twenty-seven years. He was married to Emily J. Thayer. They had one son, Joseph Thomas Bacon. He was educated in the public schools of Philadelphia, Pa. ; and at the age of seventeen he secured a position as assistant book-keeper in the Girard Bank. He furnished the required bond, and, filling the place with honor, won the love of his superiors. For the last twenty-four years he has filled a lucrative position in a mercantile house in that city, living in Moorestown, N.J., where he has an elegant home for his wife and four children. He is a stanch Christian worker and able supporter of the Presbyterian church where he resides.

George W. Bacon is a man of much energy and push, of strict integrity of character, with deep religious convictions. He has a strong faith in and is a loving witness for Jesus Christ. At the age of eighteen years he joined the church, under the pastorate of the Rev. Samuel Hunt. His religious fervor and love for the church have been combined with an indomitable energy to overcome obstacles to uniform attendance of church and Sundayschool. As a business man he has always made business before pleasure one of the rules of his life, has always loved to work, and has shown enterprise and thrift in all of his undertakings. YVhile very young he taught a district school in his own town several winters. At the age of twenty-one he married Julia Adams Brooks, daughter of Dr. Paschal P. Brooks, of Albany, N. Y. They had three children, two of whom died in infancy.

Dr. Henry Metcalf Bacon, their first-born son, was graduated at Amherst College in the class of 1876. In answer to a call for that college to send a teacher to Kansas, he responded at once. While teaching in Arkansas City, he pursued his study in pharmacy, and later made it his profession for some years in Kansas City. In 18S3 he married Mattie Mitchel, who was his pupil in 1876 and 1877. Later they both completed a course of study and lectures in the Medical College of Kansas City, Kan. Dr. Bacon has served in the City Council and on the School Board.

In 1858 and 1859 George W. Bacon prospected in Kansas for sixteen months. After good observation and some experience in pioneer life he resolved never to move his family into so new a country. He purchased several tracts of land, much of which he retained for twenty years to good advantage. In 1865 he was called to part with his beloved and devoted wife, who died June 14 in her thirty-fourth year. The next fall Mr. Bacon established himself in business in Philadelphia, Pa., where for nearly ten years he carried on a hat and bonnet bleachery with much success. In 1S67 he married Emily J. Thayer Bacon. While living in the city, Mr. and Mrs. Bacon identified themselves with the Christian workers in the historic Presbyterian church at Fifth and Buttonwood Streets, the Rev. Thomas J. Shepard, D. D. , pastor. In 1872 Mr. Bacon was made one of the trustees of that society. In 1874 he had a pressing call to return to the old home in Franklin, owing to the illness of his mother; while the age of both parents pointed to a duty to give a helping hand in their declining years.

making it convenient for both families. As soon as they were settled on the old farm, he pushed forward with characteristic energy the improvement of the farm generally, making the rough smooth, the crooked straight, and the barren fruitful. Early in 1875 he was made Deacon of the First Congregational Church. In the spring of 1878 both of his parents died, Mrs. Bacon surviving her husband just one month, their respective ages being severity and seventy-two. This was a severe blow to their son, who had fondly leaned upon the judgment and skill of his father wherein he had never assumed responsibility. He painfully felt that he was alone in command of a large farm. While seeking for the highest wisdom, he summoned all of his powers to the task in hand. A new inspiration and aspirations at once gave zest to his love of home and family and his plans for work. In 1881-85 he prepared to can the products of his farm. He pushed with all of his force such crops as he could thus pack for the market, and, making his own cans, packed fifty thousand in one season. Soon came the crash in that line of goods, and prices declined so as to leave too little margin for so much work and outlay of capital. Fortunately, he sold his machinery to a new company just advancing in the business to be buried by the avalanche of bankrupt goods just beginning to sweep like a wave over the market. Mr. Bacon still pushed those special crops, carrying them to a packing company in the immediate neighborhood, where he found a cash market for all he could produce. He then made the dairy his leading effort, filling three silos with ensilage he made from the corn he raised for the factory. Milk and small fruits, vegetables and hay, now make up the yearly income.

Mr. Bacon has three children by his second wife, two of whom are married - George Edgar and Margie Emma Bacon. Howard Thayer, the youngest, now lives on the old home place, and is an efficient worker in agriculture, horticulture, and mechanics. His future depends much upon decisions that just now press upon his young manhood. Seven grandchildren, now upon the arena of life, make the tenth generation of this family.

ANIEL P. SMITH, M.D., who is also entitled to the degrees of Batchelor of Arts and Master of Arts, the latter having been conferred upon him by Boston College in 1893, is a promising and popular young physician of Canton, Norfolk County, Mass. He was born in Canton, January 23, 1862.

His father, Patrick Smith, was born and reared in the Emerald Isle. Crossing the Atlantic in his early manhood, he settled in Canton, and has since made this town his home. linergetic, industrious, and very trustworthy, for fifty-three consecutive years he was employed at the Revere Copper Works.

Dr. Daniel P. Smith in his boyhood was a pupil in the public schools of Canton; and later he attended Boston College, from which he was graduated in 1883, with the degree of Batchelor of Arts. He afterward took a thorough course of study at the Bellevue Hospital Medical College in New York City, receiving his diploma from that noted institution in 1887. He then began the exercise of his profession at Attleboro, Bristol County, Mass., and continued there nine years, building up a good practice. In February, 1896, he returned to Canton, where he is meeting with eminent success in his professional career, having already established an enviable reputation for skill in diagnosing and treating the various ills to which flesh is heir.

Dr. Smith is a sound Democrat on all political questions. Fraternally, he is a member of the Royal Society of Good Fellows of Attleboro, in which he was Ruler for some time, of the Ancient Order Hibernians, and Massachusetts Catholic Order of Foresters. He is likewise a member of the Boston College Alumni Association and of the Catholic Alumni Club of Boston.

ILLIAM E. MANN, a well-known farmer and lumber manufacturer of Norfolk, was born in this town, December 22, 1844, son of Levi and Lydia (Lurana) Mann. His parents were natives of North Wrentham, now Norfolk, as was also his grandfather, Salmon Mann ; and he is descended from the Rev. Samuel Mann, who was the first settled minister in Wrentham. The Rev. Samuel Mann lived in the central part of the town, and many of his descendants may be found in this vicinity. Salmon Mann, who married Phcebe Howe, of Marlboro, Mass., followed agricultural pursuits, and operated a saw-mill.

Levi Mann, father of William E. , inherited the homestead farm and the mill, both of which he carried on during his active years. - He was a Selectman of Wrentham, served in the same capacity for many years in Norfolk, and represented his district in the legislature for one term. He died April 18, 1S88. His wife survived him about seven years, dying February 3, 1895. They were the parents of six children, as follows: Thomas, who married Julia Backus, of Ashford, Conn., served through the Civil War, and is now Postmaster at Fitchburg, Mass. ; William E., the subject of this sketch; James W. , who died at Port Hudson, La. ; Edward W. , who married Emeline Cary, of Medway, Mass., and is Postmaster and the only merchant in Norfolk village; Phcebe, who died from an accident, at the age of twelve years; and Frank W. , who married Fanny Backus, and manufactures bone-cutters in Milford, Mass. All were educated in the common schools, and Frank attended college.

William E. Mann assisted in carrying on the home farm until the death of his father, when he took charge of it, and has since managed the property. He owns two hundred acres of tillage and pasture land, besides considerable woodland ; and besides genera] farming he manufactures hard and soft lumber and building material at the old Mann saw-mill. He does a good business, and is regarded as one of the prosperous citizens of the town.

On April 20, 1873, Mr. Mann was joined in marriage with Jennie M. Rae, who was born in Nova Scotia, September 15, 1847, daughter of William and Elizabeth (Craig) Rae. Her father, who was a native of Dumfries, Scotland, accompanied his parents, who were people of wealth, to Nova Scotia, when he was twelve years old. He died in 1887, and Mrs. Rae passed away in 1895.

EORGE P. MOREY, Town Clerk of I IgjT Walpole, Norfolk County, Mass., ^ - *~ was born at Walpole Centre in 1826, a son of Palmer Morey. His paternal grandfather, the Rev. George Morey, who came here from Norton, Bristol County, was a noted minister of the gospel, and for forty-four years the only clergyman of this town.

Palmer Morey was a lifelong resident of Walpole, for many years being a leading farmer and one of the most influential citizens of this place. He was a steadfast Whig, and for many years served in various town offices, including that of Selectman and of Assessor, besides representing his town in the State legislature. His wife, formerly Priscilla M. Porter, of Middleboro, Mass., bore him three children, namely: H. Louisa, deceased; George P. ; and Sarah J. The father's death, which occurred on the old home farm in Walpole in 1864, at the age of sixty-seven years, was a serious loss to the community.

George P. Morey left school at the age of fourteen years to assume the position of a clerk in a country store; and, after being thus employed fifteen years, he went to Boston, and was a clerk in the wholesale grocery store of Robert M. Morse four years. Returning then to Walpole, he established himself here as a general merchant, and continued in business several years, building up a flourishing local trade. He was at the same time engaged in farming, and operated a saw-mill, his lumber business being large and lucrative. In 1861 he was appointed an officer in the Boston custom-house by John C. Goodrich, and continued there eight years.

Mr. Morey is a public-spirited, enterprising man, in hearty sympathy with the progressive movements for adding to the prosperity of the town, and has rendered efficient service to his fellow-men in various official capacities. For fifteen years he was Special County Commissioner. He was for many years one of the Town Board of Selectmen; and in 1865 he was elected to his present position of Town

Mr. Morey married Miss Jessie A. Blakeley, of New Orleans. They have one child - George P. Morey, Jr., who is in business as a real estate dealer in Boston, but resides with his parents at Walpole Centre. Mr. Morey and his family attend the Unitarian church.

URTON W. NEAL, who was for many years a leading builder of Brookline, Mass., is now enjoying the comforts of life free from the cares of business activity. He was born in Hereford, Canada East, December 25, 1833, son of the late John Neal. His grandfather, Samuel Neal, was born in or near Unity, N.H., and there spent the larger portion of his life.

John Neal, who was born and educated in Unity, for many years followed farming and carpentering in that town. Later he removed to Hartford, Vt., where he followed both occupations to some extent. His last years were passed in Woodstock, Vt. , where he died at the age of threescore years and ten. His wife, whose maiden name was Lucy D. Morgan, bore him seven children, of whom Amanda, Burton W. , and Rosaline are living. Both parents were members of the Congregational church.

Burton W. Neal received a good commonschool education, and afterward learned the carpenter's trade. In 1853 he came to Brookline as a journeyman carpenter, and in 1870 he established himself in business here on his own account. A skilful and ingenious workman, thoroughly conversant with the use of tools, he had no trouble in securing all the work he needed. In the succeeding twentyone years he built a large number of residences in this vicinity. Six years ago he gave up his business to his son, Burton W. Neal, Jr., who is now conducting it very successfully. While he has been a strong Republican in politics, he has never been an aspirant to official honors. For some years he has been one of the directors of the Brookline Savings Bank. He attends the Baptist

Mr. Neal was married in 1S55 to Miss Lena Becker, who was born in Germany. They have two children - Clara and Burton W., Jr. Clara married George F. Boynton, a dry-goods merchant in Brookline; and they have one child, George. Burton W. Neal, Jr., married Miss Ida Campbell ; and they have a daughter, named Marion.

§OHN VV. TIRRELL, the proprietor of TirrelTs Pharmacy, located in Brooks Block, Washington Street, Canton, is a well-known business man of this town and one of its most respected citizens. He was born July 8, 1856, in East Bridgewater, Plymouth County. His father, William Tirrell, was also a native of Bridgewater; and his paternal grandfather, also named William, was an early settler of the town. The father was reared in Bridgewater, and for a while was there engaged in the grocery and grain business. Selling out his store, he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, and was thereafter engaged in farming until his death, which occurred when he was thirtyeight years old. His wife, whose maiden name was Emily S. Bell, was born in Stockton, Me., daughter of John Bell, a prosperous shoe manufacturer of that place. At her husband's death she was left with three young children to care for, namely: Altazana, now the wife of Joseph H. Bisbee, of Canton; John W., the subject of this sketch; and Jennie G., the wife- of Charles H. Griggs, of Milton, Mass.

John W. Tirrell had but limited educational advantages, his early knowledge having been obtained in the public schools of Beaver village in East Bridgewater before he was thirteen years old. In 1869 his widowed mother came with her little family to Canton, and he obtained work in a stocking factory. His mother afterward returned to East Bridgewater, but he continued his residence here, and for a year or more was employed by C. M. & J. N. Staples in their large bakery. On April 1, 1872, he entered the drug store of W. W. Brooks for the purpose of learning the business, and remained with him as clerk until January 1, 1889. He then bought out his former employer, Mr. Brooks, and has since carried on a general drug business, as above mentioned. He has met with signal success from the first, maintaining the reputation of the establishment, which was opened in 1856 by the late proprietor, as a first-class drug store and pharmacy.

In former years Mr. Tirrell invariably supported the Republican ticket. He is now independent in his views, and casts his vote for the men best suited for the office to be filled. On November 20, 1877, he married Miss Annie Little, a daughter of William Little, of Pembroke, Me. They have two sons, both young men of whom their parents may justly be proud. William B. is a graduate of the Canton High School; and Arthur L., who is in the city office of the Boston & Maine Railway Company, resides at home. Mr. Tirrell is a member of Blue Hill Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of Canton ; of Mount Zion Royal Arch Chapter of Stoughton ; of Hyde Park Council ot Royal and Select Masters; of Cyprus Commandery, Knights Templar, of Hyde Park; of Blue Hill Lodge, I. O. O. F. ; of Pecunit Tribe, I. O. R. M. ; and of Samuel Adams Colony, Pilgrim Fathers, of Boston.

EORGE F. GRIDLEY, of the firm \ '-) I Downer & Co., bankers and stock- - brokers of Boston, is a well-known resident of Hyde Park. He was born February 28, 1848, in Boston, which was also the birthplace of his father, George A. Gridley, and of his grandfather, William Gridley. The Gridleys trace their descent to three brothers named Gridley, who emigrated from England to America in old Colonial times, settling in or near Boston. William Gridley, the paternal great-grandfather of George F., spent a large part of his life in Boston, prosperously engaged in business. William Gridley, second, who inherited the business qualities of his father, was for many years engaged in the manufacture of furniture in Boston. He was one of the founders of the firm of Gridley & Blake, which after his death in 1845 was changed to Blake & Alden.

George W. Robbins

George A. Gridley spent his seventy-three years of life in his native city, for many years carrying on a substantial business as a dealer in second-hand furniture, being the junior member of the firm Barry & Gridley. He married Susan P. Smallpeace, who was born and bred in Boston. Her father, Robert Smallpeace, was the proprietor of a fashionable hair-dressing establishment in that city. She is still living, being now a bright and intelligent woman of eighty-five years. Her children are: William A., George F. , and Maria" L. Maria is the wife of Amos D. Brainard. Both parents united with the Unitarian church in their earlier days.

George F. Gridley attended the public schools of Boston until he was fifteen years old. After his graduation from the grammar department, he accepted a position with the firm of which he is now a member, and which is one of the oldest and best known firms in the city, having been established fifty years ago, under the name of Stone & Downer. He began as office boy, working from twelve to fifteen hours daily, receiving at first but fifty dollars per annum for his labors. From that position he gradually worked his way upward, becoming clerk and then cashier. In 1 88 1 he was admitted to the firm as junior partner. In the same year he became a member of the Stock Exchange. Here he has been one of the Governing Committee for three years, and will be until 1898, when his term will expire. He possesses in a rare degree the qualities essential to a business man, while quiet and unassuming in manner.

On January 24, 1871, Mr. Gridley married Miss Nannie Smith, who was born in Saco, Me., daughter of John and Elizabeth Smith, the former of whom was a leading dry-goods merchant of that place. Mrs. Gridley, who was a woman of refinement and culture, much beloved by all who knew her, died March 12, 1894, aged forty-three years. A devout Christian, she was a member of the Episcopal church. In this society, with which he united many years ago, Mr. Gridley is now the lay reader. He was also for some time one of the church trustees and the clerk of the parish. In politics he is a strong Republican. He has served his fellow-townsmen as

Auditor for some years, although his business leaves him but little time to devote to public affairs; and he has been a trustee of the public library for seventeen years. He is a member of the Royal Arcanum: of the Hyde Park Lodge, F. & A. M. ; of Norfolk Chapter, R. A. M.; of Hyde Park Council, which he served as an officer for five years, declining a re-election in 1896; and of Cyprus Commandery, K. T. He also declined to accept the higher offices in the lodge.

vJ?_^" Selectmen of Avon, Mass., and a distinguished veteran of the late Civil War, was born in Avon on February 2, 1839, son or Captain Samuel Virgin and Sally (Loring) Robbins. His ancestors, both paternal and maternal, were of English origin. His mother's parents were Jacob and Lydia (Tilson) Loring, her paternal grandfather's name being Ignatius Loring. Captain Robbins, the father, was a master mariner in the West Indian merchant service with Samuel P. Draper, of Boston, and was lost in the Gulf Stream with his vessel, the bark "Sharon," being en route from Savannah to Hamburg, Germany, and only two days out from port.

George Washington Robbins, the subject of this sketch, who was only eight years old at the time of his father's death, was educated in the public schools of Avon, and later, having shown a natural aptitude for military tactics, was sent to Russell's Military Academy at New Haven, Conn. He was a student in that institution for about three years, and during the last two years held the rank of captain of the cadets. In 1858 he left the academy, and went to Dane County, Wisconsin, near Madison, and became superintendent of a farm of over thirteen hundred acres, which was owned by his brother, John V. Robbins.

He remained in this position until August 12, 1861, when he was commissioned as Lieutenant Colonel in the Eighth Regiment of Wisconsin Volunteers, better known as the Eagle Regiment. On the 14th of the following October the "Eagles" reached St. Louis,

Mo., and were assigned to duty along the line of the Iron Mountain Railroad, which they kept guarded during that fall and the following winter. The first battle in which the regiment participated occurred on October 22, 1 86 1. During this winter the regiment was transferred to Cairo, 111., and in the following spring crossed the river to Bird's Point, 111., and opened up the Bird's Point & Sykeston Railroad in order that supplies could be despatched to General Pope's army, then stationed at New Madrid and Island Number Ten. On April 7 and 8 engagements occurred at these two places; on May 8, 1862, the battle of Farmington took place; and on the 28th of May the siege of Corinth was opened. September 14 and September 19 there were fights at Iuka, Miss., and on October 3 and 4 at Corinth. In this last engagement the Eighth Wisconsin Regiment had twenty-one men killed, eighty-three wounded, and eighteen missing. Colonel Robbins was in all these engagements with his regiment, and was subsequently at Jackson, where his men were in the advance. On May 14, 1S63, they were at Champion Hills, and on the 22d of the month, being then a part of the Second Brigade, Second Division of the Fifteenth Army Corps, they were engaged in the assault on Vicksburg, which was in the nature of a feint made with a view of absorbing the attention of the rebel commander, and thus preventing him from massing his troops against General McClernand of the Thirteenth Corps. Succeeding this the regiment fought in the battles of Mechanicsville on June 4 and Richmond on June 14, and was present at the surrender of Vicksburg on July 4, 1863. On October 3, 1862, at the battle of Corinth, Colonel Robbins was shot in the leg, and seriously injured; and on July 1, 1863, while behind the levees on the Louisiana side, he was again disabled, his horse falling on him, and injuring him so severely as to make it needful for him to give up his command. On September 1, 1863, he was honorably discharged by order of General Grant, for injuries received in the service, holding the commission of Colonel, which had been granted him on December 20, 1862.

Robbins came to Avon, remaining here until the spring of 1864, when he started for the Far West by overland stage route. In May he arrived in Austin, Nev. , where he engaged in milling and mining for two years, and subsequently until 1870 in managing a stage route and conducting a hotel at Pinto Creek, thirty-two miles east of White Pine. In January, 1870, Colonel Robbins returned to Avon, and for a number of years engaged in the livery business, also running an express line between Avon and Boston. In 1875 and 1876, while in this business, he served as Selectman of the town of Stoughton, of which Avon was then a part; and after the division of the towns he was chosen as a member of the first Board of Selectmen of Avon. Me was again chosen Selectman in 1896-97, and in both years has been chairman of the board.

Colonel Robbins's wife was before marriage Miss Deborah T. Inglee, of Halifax, Mass. She has been the mother of four children, by name George W. , Florence I., Grace A., and Helen T. The Colonel is a member of Fletcher Webster Post, No. 13, G. A. R., at Brockton, Mass. In politics he is a Republican. He has served the town of Avon as Superintendent of Streets, and his fellowtownsmen hold him in highest esteem both as an official serving the public interests and as a man in private life. Naturally of exact and military habits and of unflinching courage, he inspired the soldiers under his command with enthusiasm and bravery, and as an officer secured the most perfect discipline.

No allusion to the Eighth Wisconsin Regiment should be made without referring to "Old Abe," the eagle that was always carried into battle, and that has made the regiment so famous. "Old Abe" was captured in Wisconsin in 1 86 1 , when an eaglet, by a Chippewa Indian, who sold the bird for a bushel of corn. It was subsequently presented to the Eighth Wisconsin Regiment, christened "Old Abe" in honor of Abraham Lincoln, and became the pet and inspiration of the regiment. It was of the species known as the white-headed or bald-headed eagle, the American emblem. "Old Abe " was carried into battle; and it is said that when the fight raged most fiercely, and the enthusiasm of the soldiers was at its highest, then it was that he "seemed to be in his own element. He flapped his wings in the midst of the furious storm, and, with head erect, faced the Hying bullets and crashing shells, with no signs of fear." His presence became almost a prestige of victory, and at the battle of Corinth the rebel General Price, made every effort to capture him; but "Old Abe," as if conscious of his danger, soared aloft, and, though many shots were hurled after him, was soon out of reach of harm. One bullet just grazed his feathers, but did no serious injury. After this, it being feared that he might some time become lost, his tail and wing were cropped to prevent his flight, and for a time he lost his appearance of dignified royalty. He was again shot at Vicksburg, but was never injured in the flesh. He shared all the marches of the regiment, including Sherman's great march and the Red River expedition, ami was in twenty-five battles and as many skirmishes. After the war large sums of money were offered for him, the Barnum Circus management offering twenty thousand dollars; but it was decided by his "comrades" that he should be given to the State government of Wisconsin. He appeared at various reunions, was one of the features of interest at the Centennial at Philadelphia, and in the winter of 1878-79 was in Boston for a number of months. It is estimated that, merely by the sale of his pictures, at least one hundred thousand dollars was added to G. A. R. funds. "Old Abe" died in 1881, and through the art of the taxidermist has been preserved in lifelike attitude, and may be seen in the War Museum at Washington.

r^AMUEL BRADLEY NOYES, a lawyer and a prominent citizen of Canton, Mass., was born in Dedham, Mass., April 9, 181 7. The eldest son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Morrill) Noyes, he is a descendant of Nicholas Noyes, who belonged to the Noyes family of Chouldertown, Wiltshire, England. This ancestor, at the age of nineteen, with his brother James, who was a clergyman, came to New England in 1634, and settled in Newbury,

Mass., in 1635, five years after the settlement of Boston. The maternal great-grandfather of Mr. Noyes, the Rev. Isaac Morrill, graduated at Harvard College in 1737, was a strict, Puritanic divine, and the pastor in Wilmington at the time of his death, which occurred in 1793. His son and the grandfather of Mr. Noyes, Eliakim Morrill, was a highly respected resident of Dedham.

Samuel B. Noyes attended the public schools, and also for one year a private school in Dedham, under the tuition of the Hon. Francis W. Bird. He entered Phillips Andover Academy in 1S36, and remained there until the summer of 1840, in which year he entered Harvard College. While at Phillips Academy he was closely in touch with student life, and he is now a member of the academy's Alumni Association. In 1875, when the Philomathean Society of the academy, in which he played a prominent part during his school days, held its semi-centennial anniversary, he was chosen to be the orator of the day. His address on that occasion, together with an account of the day's proceedings and views of the academy buildings, was subsequently published in book form. On leaving college he studied law successively with the Hon. Isaac Davis, of Worcester, Mass., the Hon. Ezra Wilkinson, of Dedham, and the Hon. Ellis Ames, of Canton. He was admitted to the Norfolk County bar in April, 1847, and began practice in Canton, where he has resided ever since, with the exception of two years spent in Florida. Mr. Noyes has served in public office with distinguished ability. In 1849 he was Justice of the Peace, and Trial Justice from 1850 until 1867. He was appointed by Governor John H. Clifford Commissioner of Insolvency for Norfolk County in 1853; from 1849 to 1871 he was a member of the Canton School Board ; and Superintendent of Public Schools from 1856 to 1858, from 1 86 1 to 1864, and from 1867 to 1 87 1. He has always taken a deep interest in popular education, even outside his own town. In 1864 he was appointed by the Hon. William Pitt Fessenden, then the Secretary of the United States Treasury, as a special agent of the department, and the acting Collector of Customs at Fernandina, Fla.

Here he spent two years, and then returned North. In May, 1867, the Hon. Salmon P. Chase, Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court, appointed him Register of Bankruptcy for the Second Congressional District, which office he still holds. In politics he is a Republican, and he has constantly taken an earnest interest in State and national affairs. He formed and kept up a wide political acquaintance; and his support has been often sought, and always given on the side of justice and integrity.

Mr. Noyes is a member of the New England Historical and Genealogical Society, of the New England Agricultural Society, of the Massachusetts Press Association, of the Bunker Hill Monument Association, and of the Stoughton Musical Society. In the latter organization he was a member of the Committee of Arrangements that had charge of their centennial celebration in 1886, and it was he who delivered the address for the occasion. In private life he is known as a man of taste and culture, a genial companion, an accomplished entertainer, and a valued and reliable friend. He has marked literary and musical tastes. The classics of his school and college life have never lost their interest for him, and he has a special fondness for the old English writers of the time of Addison and Johnson. He is familiar with the writings of Shakspere, and his knowledge of the famous actors who have appeared on the American stage in Shaksperian drama for the past forty years is extensive. He has been an industrious writer for the public press, especially in the line of historical essays. For over ten years he has been almost totally blind, and consequently has lived retired from public and social life; but he still retains his health and spirits, and enjoys a life of leisure in the companionship of his friends and family. He has from his youth devoted much time to the study of music. In college he was the leader of the college choir, of the Harvard Glee Club, and of several other choirs, being thereby enabled to partially defray his expenses. It is safe to assume that, had he made a specialty of voice culture, he would have become famous as a tenor singer. As a member of the class of Harvard University, 1844, he received his degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1864 and that of Master of Arts in 1 87 1.

In January, 1850, Mr. Noyes was married to Georgiana, daughter of James and Abigail (Gookin) Beaumont. Her father came to New England from Denby, England, in 1800, and in 1802 built the first mill in Massachusetts erected for the manufacture of cotton by machinery. Her mother was a daughter of Edmond Gookin, a lineal descendant of Daniel Gookin, who in 1650 was magistrate of the Indians in Massachusetts, antl who accompanied the preacher, John Eliot, in his visits to the various tribes. Daniel Gookin's History of the Indians is published in the collection of the Massachusetts Historical Society. Mr. Noyes has four children, namely: Teresa, the wife of Charles H. French, of Canton; Eliza Rosita, the wife of F. W. Sumner, of the same town; Bradley Morrill, of Canton; and James Beaumont, who married Mary Bartlett, of Lynn, and resides in Boston, Mass.

§'AMES H. PACKARD, a prominent resident of Milton, now retired from business life, is a native of Dorchester, born April 10, 1845, son of Henry J. and Amanda (Waite) Packard. The Packard family is an old one in Milton, and its men have been among the progressive citizens of the town. Samuel Packard, the first of the name in this country, came from England in 1638, and settled in Bridgewater. The grandfather of James H. Packard was a soldier in the War of 1812. He settled in Milton, coming to this town from Bridgewater in either 1805 or 1806.

Henry J. Packard, who was born in Milton, resided for many years in Dorchester, on what is now Morton Street. In early life he was a cabinet-maker. Later he turned his attention to the making of pianos. For a number of years he was in business at Dorchester Lower Mills, manufacturing different kinds of furniture. He was a man of very decided opinions, and in politics was a Whig. His death occurred in 1854. Of his children, four are living, namely: Elizabeth T., now Mrs. W. H.

Bowman, of Dorchester Lower Mills; James H., the subject of this sketch; William E., who resides at Dorchester Lower Mills; and Frank, who resides on the old Packard homestead on Morton Street, Dorchester.

James H. Packard resided in Dorchester until he reached his fifteenth year, attending school at the old Winthrop School-house. He then came to Milton, where he entered the employ of Samuel Adams, then a well- .known baker of Milton and the proprietor of the original Bent & Co. Bakery, which was at that time located on Wadsworth Hill. After working for Mr. Adams for about ten years, he engaged in the provision and meat business, with his headquarters in Dorchester. After two years he returned to the business with which he had formerly been connected, but which was now under different management. In 1874 he was made gardener of the Milton Cemetery, and subsequently was appointed superintendent. The last-named position he filled for fifteen years, having been in all engaged for twenty-three years in cemetery work. For fourteen years he was town undertaker of Milton.

On January 5, 1881, Mr. Packard was united in marriage with Emma L. Wadsworth, of Milton, daughter of Charles and Elmira T. (Hunt) Wadsworth. Mr. Packard is a Republican in politics. He is a member of Union Lodge, F. & A. M., at Dorchester, which is one of the oldest Masonic lodges in the State; and of St. Stephen's Chapter, R. A. M., of Quincy, Mass. He was formerly identified with Mattapan Lodge, K. of P., of Dorchester.

§OHN F. BROOKS, manufacturer of infants' fine shirts, bands, mittens, and similar articles, was born in Cohasset, Mass., in 1868, son of Frank and Mary G. (Rose) Brooks. The father was a seaman, who sailed from Cohasset on a whaling voyage; and the ship was never heard from. His wife, Mary G., was born in 1845, was a daughter of John Rose, of the Azores Islands. She is now a resident of Needham.

Hingham, and at Phillips Academy at Exeter, N.H., being graduated at the last-named institution in 1889. In the fall of the same year he went to work as travelling salesman for T. O. Gardner & Co., of Boston, and in this capacity visited New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, and many other large cities. He remained with this firm five years, and then, in company with H. I. Brett, purchased the business of his former employers, which they carried on under the firm name of Brooks & Brett, their factory being located in Boston. In 1896 they bought the factory of Alexander Lines & Co., at Highlandville, Mass., to which they removed their entire machinery. In July, 1896, Mr. Brett retired from the company; and the business is now carried on under the name of John F. Brooks & Co. The stock, of which the factory produces about thirty-five thousand dollars' worth in a year, is sold principally to jobbers and large retail dealers. Mr. Brooks has enlarged and improved the plant, putting in all the new and improved machinery used in this line of business, and has in other respects shown himself to be a wide-awake and thoroughly upto-date business man. He is a member of Old Colony Lodge, F. & A. M., of Hingham, Mass.

f£j*J AMES T. LENNON, the proprietor of a large livery stable in Wellesley, and a son of Michael and Kate (Field) Lennon, was born in the County Roscommon, Ireland, in 1854. The father, who was also a native of Roscommon, born in 1833, died in 1892. He was a school teacher throughout the greater part of his life. The mother, who was also a teacher, died when their son, James T., was an infant.

James T. Lennon was educated in his native town. Having finished his education, he became a monitor in the school in which he had pursued his studies. After filling this position very satisfactorily for one year, he set sail for this country in a vessel bound to Boston. Soon after his arrival he found employment in the stables of R. H. White at Chestnut Hill, Brookline. In 1875 he came to Wellesley Hills, then called Grantville, and was here engaged in farming for five years. He was subsequently manager of a livery business for C. H. Mcintosh and his successor, Mr. Taylor. After spending a year in the employment of the latter, Mr. Lennon bought the stables, and has since conducted them very successfully in his own name. He has a good and growing business. In politics Mr. Lennon is a Democrat, and his religious belief is the Roman Catholic. He is a member of the St. John's Catholic Church at Wellesley Lower Falls; of the Natick Council, No. 126, R. A. M., of Natick; and of the A. O. H., Division No. 25, at Newton Lower Falls, of whose Finance Committee he is the chairman.

Mr. Lennon was married in May, 1882, to Mary, daughter of Hugh Conley, a resident of County Roscommon, Ireland, where his daughter was born. Mr. and Mrs. Lennon have nine children, born as follows: Kate, in 1883; Hugh, in 1884; Mary, in 1885; James, in 1886; Lizzie, in 1887; Agnes, in 1890; Margaret, in 1893; Louisa, in 1894; and Helen, in 1897. Of these the first six are attending school.

born in this town, April 17, 1848, a son of Charles Howe French. His grandfather, Alexander French, was likewise born in Canton, and was of old Colonial stock, the family having emigrated from England in the seventeenth century.

Charles Howe French was born and bred in Canton, and during his years of activity was identified with the highest and best interests of the town. For some time he was engaged in business as a railroad contractor, but afterward established himself in business in Stoughton as a manufacturer of fancy woollen goods, for which he gained a wide reputation, the productions of his mill being in demand in all the leading New England markets. He was a stanch Republican in politics and very active in local affairs, serving as Selectman, besides being Representative to the General Court, and State Senator two terms. He was for thirty-eight years president of the Neponset National Bank, a position which he occupied at the time of his death, on January 13, 1889, at the age of seventy-four years. Four children were reared by him and his wife, Elmira K. Everett, daughter of Deacon Leonard Everett, of Canton, namely: Caroline O. ; Ella A., widow of D. T. V. Huntoon, of Canton; Charles H. ; and Abbott E., of this town.

Charles H. French completed his education at the age of eighteen years in the Chauncy Hall School, Boston, and at once entered the factory of his father in Stoughton, in order to learn the business, and was there employed in various capacities until the demise of his father. Since that time he has carried on the business in company with his brother, Abbott E. French, and Robert Ward, of South Orange, N.J., this firm being among the leading woollen manufacturers of Massachusetts.