Norfolk Town (part 1 of 23)

School Committee

Democratic. - William A. Hodges, Chairman; William G. A. Pattee, Secretary; Eleazer Frederick, A. B. Packard, Ensign S. Fellows, John Arnold, Georgo Shepard, John A. Duggan, Geo. W. B. Taylor, Henry A. Jones, John Chamberlain, Wm. S. Pattee, Wm. Parker, Geo. 11. Hobart, Seth Dewing, Jr., William Barry, and Id others.

Source changes here: from History of Norfolk County, Massachusetts, with Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Pioneers and Prominent Men, by Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) Ed, published 1884; 3,203 words in this source stream.

Norfolk Town

popular has waxed and waned before his eyes, yet he has never been tempted to turn from his own quiet ways to grasp at the bubbles of public applause, and like a true philosopher measures all such matters with Mr. Ames

He resembles, in a certain leonine cast of face, the late Chief Justice Lemuel Shaw, who was his friend. He is a good type of that better class of country lawyers out of which such men as John Adams and Fisher Ames came. He has always been rich in brains and law-books, and a certain racy humor and

Among its other riches it has a complete set of the English Chancery Reports, from the earliest ages of English law till now. bane at the law term of 1836, and to the present time (1884) has argued his own cases there at every term.

and principal documents of all these cases bound up in twenty folio volumes. place among Massachusetts lawyers will be hard to fill when it becomes vacant.

Norfolk

of Town - Act of Incorporation - First Town-Meeting - Officers Elected - List of Selectmen - Town Clerks - Representatives - Town House - Present Valuation - Industrial Pursuits - Churehes - Schools.

On the 29th of September, 1795, a meeting of the inhabitants of the North Parish was held "for the purpose of knowing the minds of said inhabitants for building a meeting-house for public and social worship at said north end."

"As the Happiness of Society and good order and preservation of ourselves, as well as a rising Generation, greatly depend on a close adherance to morality, piety, and Religion, and these Cannot be Diffused in our Local situation but by the Institution of Public Worship of God, and the Institution of morality, piety, and Religion, therefore to promote the happiness of ourselves as well as the rising Generation, we, the subscribers, do jointly agree to the subsequent articles."

Here follows a number of articles, and the paper was subsequently signed by thirty-eight of the inhabitants, pledging twelve hundred and forty-four dollars.

Incorporation of Town. - The North Parish remained a portion of Wrentham until Feb. 23, 1870, when it was incorporated as a separate town, bearing the name of Norfolk. Portions of Franklin, Medway,

"Sect. 1. All the territory now within the towns of Wrentham, Franklin, Medway, and Walpole, in the county of Norfolk, comprised within the following limits, that is to_say:

Settlements were made here at an early day, and among the prominent namés here in 1795 were David Holbrook, Josiah Ware, Moses Mann, Samuel Richardson, James Holbrook, Asa Ware, Elisha of Wrentham, and following in an easterly course the present line of division between Wrentham and Medfield to Stop River; thence running southerly along said river, and separated by the thread of its stream from Walpole, to a point forty rods north of the mouth of the first brook running into said river, below Campbell's Mills, on the easterly side; thence from said point, by a straight line, ranning to the junction of Back and Bird streets, in Walpole; thence to the easterly side of said Bird street to its junction with West street; thence westerly by the northerly side of West street, twenty-five rods; thence southerly, and near to and westerly from the barn belonging to the home estate of Charles Bird, until said line strikes Stop River, one hundred and twenty rods southerly from West street; thence along said river as far as Wrentham and Walpole are separated by the thread of its stream; thence by a straight line, running westerly of the Walpole almshouse and easterly of the farm | buildings of Patrick Reardon, and easterly of the Dupee Blake | place, so called, to a point on the line between Walpole and Fox- | borough, one bundred and twenty-five rods north-easterly from | Dedham Rock; thence from said point, following the present line of division, between Wrentham and Foxborough, to Dedham Rock; thence southerly from said rock along the present | line of Wrentham and Foxborough to a point on said line on | the southerly side of Pine street; thence by a straight line to a | point on the westerly side of Everett street, northerly of the | house of Edmund T. Everett, and southerly of the Pondville Cemetery, to a point on the westerly side of North street, five rods southerly of the farm buildings of Samuel J. Benn; thence through the Stony Brook reservoir, near to the house of H. 8. Nash, to a point on the line between Franklin and Wrentham, | ninety rods southerly of the house late of Eliphalet Lawrence; thence running northerly, by a straight line, near to and west of the farm buildings of the home estate of J. E. Pollard, near the Elliot Felting Mills, near to and thirty-five rods west of the present residence of Saul B. Scott, to the southern extremity of Populatic Pond; thence along the western shore of said pond, at | low-water mark, to Charles River; thence in an easterly course upon Charles River, and separated by the thread of its stream from Medway to the centre of the iron bridge over said river; thence upon the thread of said river to the bridge of the Med- | way branch railroad; thence along the southerly side of said south-easterly of and near to the village of Deanville, near to and south of the old barn belonging to John Barber, to a point | on Baltimore street, two rods from said barn; thence by a straight line to the easterly side of the great bend in Charles River and near the old fording place; thence upon said river, and separated by the thread of its stream, from Medway to the point of beginning ; - is hereby incorporated into a town by the name of Norfolk ; and said town of Norfolk is hereby invested with all the powers, privileges, rights, and immunities, and is subject to all the duties and requisitions to which other towns are entitled | and subjected by the constitution and Jaws of this Commonwealth.

been passed; and until the next general valuation of estates in this Commonwealth, the town of Norfolk shall annually pay over to the said towns of Wrentham, Franklin, Medway, and Walpole, respectively, the proportion of any State or county tax which the said towns of Wrentham, Franklin, Medway, and |

Walpole, respectively, may be required to pay, upon the inhab- | itants or estates hereby set off; said proportion to be ascertained and determined by the respective valuations of the said towns | of Wrentham, Franklin, Medway, and Walpole, next preceding | the passage of this act. "Sect. 3. Said of pay its just and equitable proportions, according to its present assessed valuation, of any debt due or owing from the towns of Wrentham and Franklin, respectively, at the time of the passage of this act, and shall be entitled to receive from said towns, respectively, its just and equitable proportion, accord- then owned by said towns of Wrentham and Franklin, respectively, including therein the school-houses retained by said Wrentham, Franklin, and Norfolk, respectively; and said town of Norfolk shall be held to refund to said towns of Wrentham and Franklin, respectively, its just proportion of the surplus revenue, whenever the same shall be called for according to law; such proportion to be determined by the decennial And in ease the proportions aforesaid cannot be agreed upon by said towns of Norfolk, Wrentham, and Franklin, respectively, the same shall be determined by three commissioners, to be appointed by the Superior Court for said county of Norfolk, upon a petition of either of said towns.

"Secr. 5. The territory of the town of Norfolk, heretofore part of the towns of Franklin and Walpole, for the purpose of electing representatives to the General Court until the next decennial census, or until another apportionment be made, shall remain a part of said towns of Franklin and Walpole, respectively, and vote therefor at such places, respectively, as the said towns shall vote; and the selectmen of Norfolk shall make a true list of all persons within their town, qualified to vote at every such election, and shall post up the same in said town of Norfolk, and shall correct the same as required by law, and shall deliver a true list of all such voters as are entitled to vote in said towns of Franklin and Walpole, respectively, to the selectmen thereof, seven days at least before such election, to be used thereat.

"And the territory of the town of Norfolk, heretofore part of the towns of Wrentham and Medway, until another apportionment be made, shall, for the purpose of electing representatives to the General Court, remain a part of the Twelfth Norfolk Representative District, and vote for the same in the town of Norfolk; and the clerk of the town of Norfolk shall make returns and meet with the clerks of the towns of Foxborough, Medway, and Wrentham for the purpose of ascertaining the time and place now provided for said meeting by law; and the territory of said town of Norfolk, until legally changed, shall, for the purpose of electing a representative in Congress, continue to be part of the Congressional District numbered eight; and for the purpose of electing a councilor, part of the Second Councilor District; and for the purpose of electing a senator, a part of the Third Norfolk District.

| of Norfolk may issue his warrant, directed to any principal inhabitant of the town of Norfolk, requiring him to notify and warn the inhabitants thereof, qualified to vote in town affairs, to meet at the time and place appointed for the purpose of choosing all such town officers as towns are by law authorized and required to choose at their shall be served by posting up copies thereof, attested by the person to whom the same is directed, in three public places in said town, seven days at least before such meeting. Such justice, or, in his absence, such principal inhabitant, shall preside The selectmen of the towns of Wrentham, Franklin, Medway, and Walpole respective towns within said Norfolk, qualified to vote at said meeting, and shall deliver the same to the person presiding at said meeting before the choice of a moderator thereof.

The First Town-Meeting. - The first town-meeting was held March 7, 1870, with Albert G. Hills as moderator. The meeting was called to order by Saul

The first town-meeting was closed by tendering a vote of thanks to the moderator, and also to Silas HK. Fales and William A. Jepson for the gift of a ballotbox.

located at Island Lake. There is also a small papermill in the west part of the town, in the building formerly owned by the Eliott Felting Company. There is a grist-mill at Norfolk Centre, owned by E. W. Island Lake is a pleasure-ground belonging to the New York and New England Railroad. It is a beautiful spot, and is much frequented during the summer season.

There are two churches located in the town, both at Norfolk Centre, - Orthodox Congregational (Rev. Francis F. Williams pastor) and the Baptist Church (Rev. Daniel Round pastor).

Representative. - The Ninth Norfolk Representative District embraces Medfield, Dover, Needham, Norfolk, and Wellesley, and Norfolk has had since its incorporation one representative, Levi Mann, in 1882.

attractive building, surmounted by a tower, in which is a clock the gift of Mr. Josiah Ware. The building is beautifully located, and the tower affords an ex- | the number of voters one hundred and thirty. At the first gubernatorial election held in the town William Claflin received eighty-eight votes, John

Josiah Ware

Josiah Ware is descended in a direct line from Robert Ware, husbandman, who, we are informed by a record prepared by W. B. Trask, of Dorchester, settled in that part of Dedham, Mass., afterwards ealled Wrentham. prietors of lands granted June 12, 1642; was made company in 1644, and died April 19, 1699. He is referred to on the town records as '' Robert Ware the aged," and his name stands second, in point of wealth, on the tax list of that period. He was one of six who were "impressed, by virture of a warrant from y° major" in Dedham, to serve in the King Philip war. His estate was appraised by his administrators at £250 2s. 10d. This Robert Ware (1) married Margaret Hunting; their children were John, Nathaniel, Robert, Esther, Samuel, Ephraim, Ebenezer. Of these, Nathaniel (2), whose wife was named Mary, was born Oct. 7, 1649; died July 1, 1724. Their children were five sons and three daughters. One of the sons, Josiah (3), was born in Wrentham, March 21, 1707. hood he went to Needham, purchased a tract of uncultivated land, which he improved and cultivated, and on which he resided till his death, 1798. He married Lydia Macintire, Jan. 7, 1741. Their children were Josiah, Elijah, Lydia, Elijah (2). His second wife was Dorothy Dewen, by whom he had Asa, Dorothy, Joseph, and Daniel. His third wife was Mehitable Whitney, by whom he had Mehitable and William. His fourth wife was Sibel Robinson. By this marriage there was no issue. Of these ten children some of them attained positions of promi-

Soon after arriving at the age of mannence and were men of noteintheir day. Asa fought under Gen. Lee, and lost a hand at the battle of Monmouth. at Wrentham nearly forty years. and at the commencement of the war of the Revolu-

Josiah (4), the eldest son, and ancestor of the Josiah whose portrait accompanies this sketch, was born in Needham, Sept. 15,1742. He removed when young to Wrentham, married Lois, daughter of Elisha and Phebe Ware, June 8, 1770. He was a very worthy man, and an industrious, enterprising farmer, and was one of the building committee for erecting the first church in North Wrentham. His children were Rhoda (died young), Eunice, (married Daniel Cook), Josiah, Elisha, Lucy (married Benjamin Rockwood), Darius, and Lois (married Josiah Codding). He died Oct. 23, 1836.

Josiah (5) was brought up on the farm, but also learned shoemaking. He married Mehitable Richardson, daughter of Eli Richardson, of Franklin (now Norfolk), and removed to Oxford, Mass. There their when he was but six years of age, Mrs. Ware died. Mr. Ware then went west to New York State, where he married again, and a few years later died. Young Josiah was adopted into the family of his uncle, Daniel Cook, of Wrentham, where he received a commonschool education, and was brought up to work on the The abundance of out-door exercise in his youth assisted in laying the foundation for a very vigorous constitution, and to-day, at upwards of seventy years, he looks as though he had cheated old Father He is one of the best-preserved men of his years in Norfolk County, or

Time out of at least twenty years. perhaps in the State. Upon attaining his majority he left Mr. Cook and hired out to work on a neighboring farm one year, at the expiration of which time he returned to Mr. Cook. In his twenty-fourth

He then purchased a small farm in Wrentham and engaged in agriculture, in addition to which he also did a great deal of lumbering and teaming of various kinds, and gradually but surely built up his little In December, 1860, Mrs. Ware died, leav- Mr. Ware married as his second wife,

York and New England Railroad) was built, Mr. | Ware was appointed its first agent at Norfolk Station, He was one of the soldiers who engaged in 1775, under | which he kept, and which has since been published. Daniel, another son, passed two short terms of service in the army as orderly sergeant, and afterwards filled various public offices in Needham.

a position which he has held to the present time through all changes of administration and management. In order to be convenient to his business he purchased land adjacent to the depot, and erected a extensively, and at one time did a very considerable livery business. He is at present doing a large | lumber business in copartnership with C. J. Murphy, a young man whom Mr. Ware brought up from the age of thirteen.

In political matters Mr. Ware has always taken a_ liberal and broad stand, voting for the man rather than the party. He has devoted himself to his busi- | ness, and avoided all office-seeking, although he has | consented to fill a number of minor positions.

He has been a remarkably energetic and industrious man, public-spirited and enterprising in all matters pertaining to the public weal and welfare of his town. And when any matter of public improvement has been undertaken, he has always stood ready to do his © part, and more.

An instance will serve to illustrate the character of | the man. When it was proposed to erect a town house, an old church was tendered by the parish as a | building suitable for the purpose when properly repaired. It was the old house where from his boyhood Mr. Ware had attended church, and his reverence for the ancient and venerable structure was such, active part, and gave of his means substantial aid toward having it repaired and remodeled. He was chairman of the building committee, and when completed he placed therein, at his own expense, an elegant and valuable tower clock, which will tell the hour to the passer-by for many a year, and stand as a striking example of Mr. Ware's generous nature.

Mr. Ware enjoys to an eminent degree the confidence of his fellow-townsmen, and is one of the few representatives of the ancient and honorable pioneer families of this section who converted the wilderness into the blooming garden and fruitful field.

| BY A. E. SPROUL. | THE Norfolk Club was organized on March 15, 1884, at Young's Hotel, in Boston, by gentlemen representing the Republican party of Norfolk County. It was the result of a movement which had been begun only a few weeks before, but which, from the very start, had met with almost unexampled favor among the class of gentlemen whom it was designed to interest in its welfare. At one or two previous gatherings of the projectors of the club a preliminary organization had been effected, and a committee was appointed to issue a "call" for a dinner and report a plan for permanent organization. Upwards of one hundred and twenty-five gentlemen having assem- | bled in one of the hotel parlors, therefore, previous to the dinner, the president pro tempore, Maj. J. H. Gould, of Medfield, called them to order, and introduced Mr. George Fred Williams, of Dedham, chair- | man of the committee before mentioned. Mr. Williams briefly summarized the previous doings of the | on behalf of the committee, presented a series of by- | laws and a list of permanent officers for the action of the gentlemen present. The by-laws, which were adopted after a brief discussion, were as follows:

" ArtTIcLE I, This Club shall be called the Norfolk Club, its object being for political and social purposes only. " ARTICLE II, The officers shall consist of a president, ten vice-presidents, a secretary, a treasurer, and an executive committee of five

Source changes here: from Biographical Review, Containing Life Sketches of Leading Citizens of Norfolk County, Massachusetts, by Biographical Review Publishing Company, Boston, Pub, published 1898; 338,284 words in this source stream.

Atlantic States Series Of Biographical Reviews

XVI. Cumberland County, New Jersey. XVII. Rockingham County, New Hampshire. XVIII. Plymouth County, Massachusetts. XIX. Camden and Burlington Counties, New Jersey. XX. Sagadahoc, Lincoln, Knox, and Waldo Counties, Maine. XXI. Strafford and Belknap Counties,

Note. - All the biographical sketches published in this volume were submitted to their respective subjects or to the subscribers, from whom the facts were primarily obtained, for their approval or correction before going to press ; and a reasonable time was allowed in each case for the return of the typewritten copies. Most of them were returned to us within the time allotted, or before the work was printed, after being corrected or revised; and these may therefore be regarded as reasonably accurate.

A few, however, were not returned to us; and, as we have no means of knowing whether they contain errors or not, we cannot vouch for their accuracy. In justice to our readers, and to render this work more valuable for reference purposes, we have indicated all uncorrected sketches by a small asterisk (*), placed immediately after the name of the subject. They will be found printed on the last pages of the book.

B. R. Pub. Co Preface

UR proposition to devote a volume of the Biographical Review to the County of Norfolk, Massachusetts, having met with favor, being cordially seconded by a goodly array of Norfolk worthies, we have pushed forward the work to its completion, with what success will appear on examination of these printed pages.

The last quarter of the century now drawing to its close has been notably, from the Centennial Exhibition of 1S76 to the recent celebration of the one hundredth anniversary of the Bulfinch State House, an "age of retrospection," a period of commemoration of the founders and the preservers of nation and Commonwealth. This fact, together with the concurrent rise of the historic-patriotic orders and the growinginterest in the study of family history and genealogy, marks a taste and need of the times which the writer of up-to-date biographies cannot afford to ignore. Moreover, in view of the transmission of personal qualities from one generation to another in unending succession, the setting forth of long lines of ancestry, besides "extending the perspective of individual lives and by its revelation of kinship widening the realm of sympathy," has come to be recognized as having a scientific bearing of no little interest and value. We have, therefore, in the present number of the Review, as in previous issues, devoted considerable space to copious extracts from family registers and records, the importance of whose preservation can hardly be overestimated.

Biographical

f&pEORGE LEWIS GILL, for 55 more than half a century one of the most esteemed and trusted citizens of Quincy, Norfolk County, Mass., noted for his strict integrity, benevolence of spirit, and unobtrusive deeds of human helpfulness, was a native of Hingham, Plymouth County, this State. Born December 20, 1823, son of Caleb Gill and the descendant of early settlers of that place, he died on December 16, 1895, when he had nearly completed his seventy-second year.

Thomas Gill, the emigrant ancestor of the Gill family of Hingham, was born in the county of Devonshire, England, probably in the town of Barnstable, about 1616. He must have been young when he crossed the ocean, as the early records show that Thomas Gill received a grant of five acres of land in Hingham in 1635. For several years he served as one of the Selectmen chosen "to order the prudential affairs of the new town." He met his death by drowning, February 24, 1704-5, while sailing toward Boston. His wife, Hannah Otis, was a daughter of John Otis, who was born in Barnstable, Devonshire, England, in 1581, and was the founder of the family to which the noted patriot and orator, James Otis, belonged. John Otis died in Weymouth, May 31, 1657, leaving to his daughter, Hannah Otis Gill, "two feather bolsters, one rugg, a cotton blanket, and his biggest brass kettle"; and to his grandson, Thomas Gill, Jr., one of the eleven children of Thomas and Hannah, a musket.

Thomas Gill, Jr., was born in Hingham, March 8, 1648-9, and died in that town, September 3, 1725. He was Selectman for several years. His wife, Susanna Wilson, was born in Hingham, where on December 31, 1673, they were married; and she died there December 29, 1725. They had six children. Nathaniel, their first-born, the next in line of descent, spent his entire life in Hingham, the date of his birth being December 31, 1674, and that of his death, April 4, 1734. He served in various official capacities. On August 15, 1705, he married Abigail, daughter of John and Mary (Russell) Jacobs. She was born in Hingham, November 13, 1683, and died April 30, 1749, having borne her husband five children.

Nathaniel Gill, second son of Nathaniel and Abigail, born November 1, 17 10, died February 12, 1762. He married December 23, 1 73 1, Hannah, daughter of Caleb and Ruth (Hersey) Beal, and reared nine children, Nathaniel, third, being the fifth in this line. He was born January 3, 1742-3, and lived in Hingham until his demise, August 22, 1 S 1 S, a few weeks after the death of his wife, which occurred July 13, 18 iS. Her maiden name was Sarah Beal. She was born April 14, 1743, a daughter of John and Deliverance (Porter) Beal, and was married November 26, 1767. They had three sons and three daughters, Caleb, their second son, being the grandfather of George Lewis Gill.

Caleb Gill was born in Hingham, August 14, 1774, and married October 21, 1798, Caty Beal, who was born in Hingham, October 17, 1779, and died there May 12, 1859. Her parents were Elijah and Caty (Lewis) Beal, both of English origin, her father having been a great-great-grandson of John Beal, who tame from the parish of Hingham, England, to Hingham, Mass., in 1638, and died there in 1688, aged one hundred years; while her mother, Caty Lewis, was a descendant in the fourth generation of George Lewis, who emigrated from East Greenwich, county of Kent, England, to Plymouth, about 1633. Caleb Gill was ,i silversmith by trade, and was quite influential in public affairs, serving as Selectman and in other offices. He died July 1, 1855, leaving three sons, the eldest being Caleb, Jr., the father of George Lewis.

Caleb Gill, Jr., was born in Hingham, August 23, 1799, and on December 8, 1822, married Charlotte Howard, who was born in West Cambridge, Mass., January 1, 1802, daughter of Peter and Betsey (Davis) Howard. He held many positions of trust in his native town during the earlier years of his life, living in Hingham until 1838, when he removed to Ouincy, where he made his home eight years. In 1846 he settled in Boston; but he subsequently returned to Hingham, and lived there until his death, July 22, 1869. His wife and two sons - George Lewis and Edwin Howard - -survived him. Mrs. Gill, whose last years were spent with her elder son, died in Ouincy, February 10, 1888. Edwin Howard Gill, the younger son, who was born in Hingham, July 26, 1825, resides in Boston. He married on October 1, 1848, Miss Sarah J. Roulston. They have one son, Arthur E., of West Newton.

George Lewis Gill completed his education at the Derby Academy, where he was a classmate of Horace B. Spear, with whom he was afterward closely associated both in business and social life. In 1838 he came with his parents to Quincy, and, entering into business with his father, assisted him in the bookbindery and also in the book and stationery store, and the circulating library, which the father had established. When the father removed to Boston, the bindery, being no longer profitable, was abandoned; but the store was continued by Mr. Gill, who added quite a stock of merchandise, continuing the business until [868, He then entered the National Granite Bank and the Ouincy Savings Bank as an assistant to Mr. Horace B. Spear, who was then conducting both institutions in the building at the corner of Saville and Hancock Streets. In 1871 the banks were separated, and Mr. Gill was elected treasurer of the Ouincy Savings Bank, a position which he filled most creditably to himself and to the satisfaction of all concerned, until his death, a period of nearly twenty-five years. During his connection with the bank it was ever in a prosperous condition; and its deposits were increased from half a million dollars to upward of two millions, a notable record.

Mr. Gill was elected Town Clerk, March 4, 1850, and with the exception of four years, from 1856 until i860, served in the same position until the inauguration of the city government in 1889, when he was urgently requested by the new Mayor to continue as City Clerk, but felt obliged to decline. Although he was a stanch Republican in his political affiliations, the confidence of all parties in his integrity and ability was such that he received the majority of votes of each organization in the annual elections for clerk of the town. He was a member of the School Committee in 1855; but, finding that he had not time to attend to the duties of that office as he would like to do, he refused a re-election the following year. He was one of the managers of the Woodward Fund from 1869 to 1894 and of the public burial-places from 1S74 till 1895. He took great interest in Mount Wollaston Cemetery, contributing much time and thought to the improvement of that beautiful restingplace of the dead: but his body was not interred there, he having made arrangements earlier in life to be buried beside his ancestors in Hingham.

Mr. Gill was a Representative to the State legislature in 1856 and again in 1867. He was appointed Postmaster of Ouincy by President Lincoln in 1861, and served until removed by the succeeding President, Andrew Johnson, in 1866. Appointed Justice of the Peace in 1S59 by Governor Banks, and in 1885 made Notary Public by Governor Robinson, he held both offices until his demise. He was likewise at the time of his death a director of the Quincy Mutual Fire Insurance Company. He was made a Mason in Rural Lodge, F. & A. M., in 1850, and was for a number of years treasurer of Mount Wollaston Lodge, I. O. O. F., which he joined many years ago, and was one of its trustees until his decease.

Lucretia Ann Burrell, who was born in Quincy, Mass., December 11, 1819, a daughter of Joseph and Lucretia (Marsh) Burrell. Her mother was a daughter of Wilson and Susanna (Savil) Marsh, and a direct descendant of Alexander Marsh, who emigrated from England to this country, settled in Quincy in 1650, and died here March 7, 1697 or 1698. He became an extensive land-owner, his large farm including what is now Hall Cemetery and much of the adjoining land. Alexander Marsh married Mary Belcher, daughter of Gregory Belcher, who on September 17, 1639, was one of six persons to sign the covenant for a church at Mount Wollaston, the first church of Quincy, an organization with which the family of Mrs. Gill has been ever since connected. Mr. Gill was a constant attendant of this church and an active worker in the Sunday-school. The house now occupied by Airs. Gill was erected by Mr. Gill soon after their marriage; and here were born their three children, two of whom died "while life and love were new.'* Walter George, their third child, born December 25, 1852, died February 28, 1879.

T^NATHANIEL SMITH, a civil engineer, \\=3 living on Maple Place in Dedham, is \(s I probably the oldest man in his profession in Norfolk County, and one of the best known in the Commonwealth. He was born in Dedham, February 27, 1827, being the third native of the town in continuous descent to bear this name. His paternal grandfather, the first of the three Nathaniels, although not the earliest Nathaniel Smith in Dedham, succeeded to the occupation in which he was reared, becoming one of the well-to-do farmers of the town.

Nathaniel Smith, second son of the above named, was one of a large family of children, and with his brothers and sisters grew to mature years on the old homestead. He acquired a good education, and in the earlier part of his mature life he taught school several years. He subsequently settled on the old family homestead near the village of Dedham, where he was engaged in tilling the soil until his death at the age of seventy-three years. He married, May 6, 1821, Betsey Foord, a daughter of James Foord, and one of a family of fourteen children. Mr. Foord was born in Milton, Mass., but spent a large part of his life in Dedham, where about 1800 he was appointed Registrar of Deeds for Norfolk County, being the second to hold that office. He held the position until his death, and was then succeeded by his son, Enos Foord, an uncle of Mr. Smith, the subject of this sketch. Enos Foord was, in turn, succeeded at his death by his son, James Foord, a cousin of Mr. Smith ; and, on the resignation of James Foord in 1870, John H. Burdakin, Mr. Smith's son-in-law, was appointed to the office, which he still retains. Three children were bom to Nathaniel and Betsey (Foord) Smith, and two of them are still living, namely: Nathaniel, third; and Emily S. - both residents of Dedham. The father and mother were of the liberal type of Christians, affiliating with the Unitarian church.

Nathaniel Smith, third, was reared on the home farm, obtaining a practical education in the common schools of his native town. He began his life work as an assistant to other civil engineers, being occupied in this manner for some years; and, when he found himself familiar with the profession, in 1849 he started in business for himself. From that time until the present he has-been actively engaged, a period covering nearly a half-century, and has done much of the surveying in the neighboring towns, becoming probably better acquainted with the face of Norfolk County and of this part of the State than any other person. He was engaged with the late Henry F. Walling in State and county surveys; and he has also done much other work, such as the surveying of farms and laying out highways in this region. From surveys that he made in 1850, he published the first map of Dedham, issuing a large number of copies; and he has since assisted in the making of a large number of county and town maps.

Mr. Smith was married in August, 1849, to Miss Mary E. Phillips, who was born in Dedham, a daughter of Nathan Phillips, a well-known carpenter and builder. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have four children; namely, Ella Louise, Mary L,, Carrie M., Frederick V,

Biographical Review

Ella Louise, now the wife of John H. Burdakin, of whom a sketch appears elsewhere in this volume, has two children - Leslie and Lillian. Mary L. , wife of Francis L. Willard, who is engaged in the pipe and plumber supply business in Boston, has also two children - Grace and Muriel. Carrie M., formerly cashier in the Register of Deeds office, married Edward S. Adams, and lives in Fall River, Mass., where he is well known. Frederick Phillips, who lives with his parents, is in the lumber business- in Boston.

Mr. Smith is a public-spirited man, devoted to the best interests of his town, and has done his part toward assisting in its advancement and prosperity by serving with fidelity as Selectman, Overseer of the Poor, Assessor, Road Commissioner, and Superintendent of the Streets for many years. In politics he is an active and stanch Republican. He is a valuable member of the Unitarian church, in which he has been a Deacon for twenty-nine years and a trustee for a number of years, besides serving for a long time as a teacher in the Sunday-school.

IDWARD RUTLEDGE EAGER, who has been a prominent resident of Canton for many years, is a descendant of one of the old New England families, as noted by Savage in his "Early New England Names." His first ancestor in this country was William Eager, who came to Plymouth, Mass., in the thirties of the seventeenth century. In 1654 William married Ruth Hill, of Maiden, Mass.; and in 1684 he removed with his family to Marlboro, Middlesex County, Mass., where he bcame one of the proprietors of the Ockoocangansett plantation, purchased from King Philip, and which was afterward the homestead of the family. Zerubbabel, son of William and Ruth (Hill) Eager, born June 8, 1672, married on March 23, 1698, Hannah Kerley. Their son Uriah, born April 4, 1700, married Sarah Bingham, March 14, 1727. Their son Uriah, born February 5, 1740, married March 29, 1764, Tryphosa Bush. Their son Moses, born October 30, 1772, married Sarah Stratton, December 29, 1793, Their son Moses Edward, born November 16, 1797, married March 25, 1827, Harriet Durant, and by her became the father of the subject of this sketch.

Edward Rutledge Eager was born November 9, 1830, in Cambridgeport, Mass., where the earlier years of his life were spent. In 1850 he came to Canton, accepting a subordinate position with the Kinsley Iron and Machine Company. Having won the confidence of his employers by his trustworthiness, in the short space of five years he was made treasurer of the company, and afterward served the firm as manager and treasurer for forty consecutive years, resigning in the fall of 1895. He has since removed to Boston, where he is a director of the Everett National Bank and of the Hollingsworth & Whitney Paper Company, and a trustee of the Whitney estate. While in Canton Mr. Eager took an active part in local affairs, serving as Selectman for a number of years, and for two years representing the town in the State legislature. He is a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity, having taken the thirty-second degree, and being the oldest Past Master of the Blue Hill Lodge of Canton, of which he was the second Master. He is a member of the Congregational Church of Canton, in which he was formerly a zealous worker and for many years the superintendent of its Sunday-school.

Mr. Eager has been twice married. His first wife, in maidenhood Miss Sophia L. Jenkins, to whom he was united in 1S56, died in 1857, leaving one child, Charles H. Eager, now of Canton, born December 28, 1856. By his second marriage, which was contracted October 16, 1862, with Miss Mary H. Talbot, of East Machias, Me., there are two children, namely: Jones Talbot Eager, born November 16, 1863, who is the cashier of the Everett National Bank of Boston; and Caroline D. , now the wife of William M. Chase, of Brookline, Mass. Charles H. Eager applied himself to his studies in the public schools of Brookline until sixteen years old, when he entered the crockery store of Abram French & Co., of Boston, with whom he remained until 1876. He. then entered the office of the Kinsley Iron and Machine Company, of which his father was the manager and treas- urer at that time, and has since remained in their employment. He is a Republican in politics, and for some years has been Town Auditor. He was made a Mason in Blue Hill Lodge of Canton, in which he is Worshipful Master. He is now a member of Mount Zion Chapter, R. A. M., of which he is Excellent King; the Master of Ceremonies of Hyde Park Council of Royal and Select Masters for some time; a member of Cyprus Commandery, K. T. ; of Aleppo Temple, Mystic Shrine, of Boston; and of the Society of Sons of the American Revolution.

ENJAMIN BOYDEN, for many years one of the leading grocers of Dedham, his place of business being located at Boyden Square, was born in West Dedham, February 2, 1807, son of Benjamin and Roxa Boyden, and died June 20, 1888, at the home now occupied by his widow and son.

The immigrant progenitor of the New England family of Boydens was Thomas Boyden, who came over from England in the "Francis " in 1634, lived for a while in Scituate, Mass., and finally settled in Medfield, Norfolk County.

Benjamin Boyden, the subject of this sketch, was probably seventh in lineal descent from the first American ancestor. He was brought up on a farm until sixteen years of age, obtaining his education at the winter terms of the district school. He then entered the store of Dr. Wheaton, with whom he remained five years, serving a long apprenticeship, and having no holidays with the exception of the annual Fourth of July and Thanksgiving Day. The first four years he received fifty cents a week, and during the last year of his service this sum was doubled. On attaining bis majority he started in business for himself, being obliged to borrow the capital, and beginning in a small way. A man of thrift and enterprise, industrious and methodical, possessing great business ability, he met with success, and found his trade constantly increasing. In 1836, being in need of more commodious quarters, he erected the building which he afterward occupied, allowing five large living rooms, and three commodious rooms for business purposes, subsequently adding to these as occasion demanded. Commencing with a small assortment of groceries, he gradually enlarged his stock, occasionally putting in an entirely new line, and long before his death carried the fullest and most complete stock of staple and fancy groceries of any merchant in the town. He took advantage of every new means and opportunity to improve his business, and was the first to introduce the delivery wagon system in this section. He was identified with the grocery trade for sixty-four consecutive years, fifty-nine years of the time being in business for himself, and at his demise was the oldest grocer in Dedham and without doubt the oldest in Norfolk County.

Mr. Boyden was a typical representative of the self-made men of the country, the record of his useful life furnishing a forcible illustration of the success that may be attained by honest industry, push, and steadfastness of purpose. He was identified with the Whigs in his earlier years, but was later a sound Republican, taking an active interest in local affairs, although he never held any public office.

Mr. Boyden was twice married. His first wife, Elizabeth Boyden, died leaving no children. On.January 10, 1S71, Mr. Boyden married Mrs. Lucy B. Strong Bailey. She was born in Orford, N.H., a daughter of Ebenezer N. Strong. Mr. Strong was one of the most prosperous farmers of that town, where he was a lifelong resident. His wife, Myra Bailey, was born in Newbury, Vt. She was a granddaughter of General Jacob Bailey, of Revolutionary fame. Mr. Strong died at the age oi eighty-six years; ami Mrs. Strong, when seventy-three years old. Of their six children Mrs. Boyden is the only survivor. She lived with her parents until her first marriage in 1853, uniting her with Jerome B. Bailey. Mr. Bailey was born in Canada in 1810. He moved with his parents to Faiiiee, Vt., and was there engaged as a merchant during his years of active life, his death occurring in 1868. By this marriage there was one son, George W. Bailey. In 1871 Mrs. Bailey became Mrs. Boyden, as before mentioned. She is an active member of the Congregational church, to which Mr. Boyden also belonged, and toward the support of which he generously contributed. He was well known throughout the whole town, and the little village of Boyden Square was named in his honor.

|LARENCE BURGIN, a prominent and able young business man of Quincy, Mass., and the treasurer of the Quincy Savings Bank, was born October 27, 1S65, in Rutland, Vt. He is the son of Mr. Thomas Burgin and Mrs. Jane Scudder Burgin, both of London, England. In 1870 the family moved from Rutland to Springfield, Mass.

Clarence Burgin received an excellent education in the public schools of Springfield, Mass., and at his graduation at the high school of that city in the class of 1882 had the distinction of being the youngest member awarded a diploma. He had fitted himself for a business life by taking a special course in engineering; and soon after his graduation he began work in the office of Charles Sidney, an architect and engineer. In October, 1883, he obtained a situation with John Lyman Faxon, a noted architect of Boston; but three months later, January 1, 1884, he was offered the position of draughtsman and book-keeper for Frederick & Field, of Quincy, and at once availed himself of the larger opportunity given him to make use of his talents. He remained with that firm until March 1, 1889, when, in company with R. D. Gordon, he established himself in the jewelry business in Boston, becoming junior member of the firm thus formed. On September 1, 1894, he gave up that business to accept the office of City Treasurer of Quincy under Mayor Hodges, a position which he resigned the first of February, 1896, to become treasurer of the Quincy Savings Bank, to which he had been elected the previous month and which he has since ably and faithfully filled.

Mr. Burgin has also been elected to numerous other offices requiring good financial knowledge and administrative ability, and is now serving as a director of the National Granite Bank, of the Quincy Quarry Company, as director and treasurer of the Lyons Granite Company, as one of the directorate of the Braintree Street Railway Company, as a director of the Quincy Shoe Company, and also as one of the managers of the Woodward Fund and Property. Fraternally, he is a member of Rural Lodge, F. & A. M. ; of St. Stephen's Chapter, R. A. M. ; and of the South Shore Commander)' of Knight Templars. He is an Independent in politics, but not an office-seeker. He attends and supports the Episcopal church.

§OSEPH S. BIGELOW, of Cohasset, president of the Atlas National Bank of Huston, was born in Boston, October 28,1848. He is a son of the late Horatio and Annie (Smith) Bigelow. His greatgrandfather, Abraham Biglow, Esq. (Harvard College, 1782), was for many years clerk at Cambridge of the Supreme Judicial Court and Common Pleas for Middlesex County, and also held the office of Justice of the Peace. He served a number of years as Warden of Christ Church, Cambridge. His son, Horatio, Sr. , grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was the first editor of the Boston Daily Advertiser, which dates from March, 181 3.

Horatio Bigelow, the younger, was born in Boston, Mass. He was a pioneer stockholder in the copper mines of Lake Superior, and held interests there for a great many years. His wife, who was a native of. the State of Maine, was a daughter of the Hon. Albert Smith, Congressman in Van Buren's administration. Mis. Bigelow died August 27, 1897, having survived her husband a number of years. Joseph S. Bigelow acquired his early education in the Boston public schools, proceeding from the Phillips Grammar School to the Latin School. He was graduated at Harvard in 1869, and then spent abour a year and a half travelling in Europe. On his return he entered his father's office in Boston, and for a number of years he was identified with important trusts of different kinds. On February 12, 1896, he was made a director of the Atlas National Bank, and on January 12, 1897, he was elected president. Mr. Bigelow is a shrewd and conservative business man, and has the confidence and esteem of all who know him.

In politics Mr. Bigelow is independent, favoring the Republican side. He has served for a number of years on the School Committee of Cohasset, is now in his third year as Selectman, Assessor, and Overseer of the Poor, and is a member of the Board of Health. He is a communicant of the Episcopal Church of Cohasset. Mr. Bigelow is a man of the world, with a broad knowledge of men and things. He has made several trips abroad, and also has travelled extensively in this country. A part of the year 1870 he spent in California.

LONZO GOULD DURGIN, a pharmacist of Ouincy, was born August 24, 1854, in Natick, Mass., son of Hiram P. and Laura B. (Gould) Durgin. The father, who was born August 28, 1818, in New Durham, N.H., obtained his elementary education in the pioneer schools of the district, and learned the shoemaker's trade when but a youth. Coming then to Massachusetts, he worked as a journeyman in Natick for a few years. Subsequently, in company with his brother-in-law, Lyman Howard, he established the first express line between Natick and Boston, and had carried it on prosperously for several years when they sold out to the present owners, Howe & Co. He next formed a partnership with a Mr. Playes, becoming senior member of the firm of Durgin & Hayes, shoe manufacturers and dealers, and prior to the war did an extensive and lucrative business in that line. After giving that up he was engaged in various enterprises of a mercantile nature, continuing until his death, which occurred March 25, 1894. A steadfast Republican in politics, he took much interest in local affairs, but was never an aspirant for official honors. He was a member and P. G. of the lodge of Odd Fellows in Natick. His wife, Laura, a daughter of Nathaniel Gould, of Natick, who was a native of Mont Vernon, Me., had seven children, six of whom grew to maturity. These were: Viola A., the wife of Ellery C. Coolitlge, of New Haven, Conn.; Ada E., who married William H. Jones, of Natick; Alonzo Gould, the subject of this sketch ; Hiram Herbert, of Pittsfield, Mass. ; Charles Eugene, who died in 1873; and Frederick R., of Brattleboro, Vt. The mother was for many years a member of the Orthodox Church of Natick.

Alonzo G. Durgin completed his education in the Natick High School. At the age of thirteen years he began learning the druggist's business in the store of Frank E. Cummings, with whom he remained eight years. On February 7, 1876, he started in business on his own account, locating in Ouincy, on what is now Chestnut Street, opposite the Congregational church. When the Robertson House was finished, he became its first tenant, moving his stock and fixtures there October 26, 1876. He remained in that locality until the completion of the Durgin & Merrill Block, when he removed to his present commodious and convenient quarters, taking possession April 2, 1S87. He has a very large patronage, being the leading druggist of the city, and the oldest established. Also he has large real estate interests, owning considerable land, most of it being in Ouincy; and he is the treasurer and manager of the Ouincy Real Estate Trust. In politics he is independent, voting irrespective of party prejudice. He is a Mason of Rural Lodge, St. Stephen's Chapter, and South Shore Commandery; and he belongs to the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company, which he accompanied to London in 1896.

On May 16, 1883, Mr. Durgin married Alice Dell, a daughter of Caldwell De Wint Churchill, of Fishkill, N. V. Caldwell De Wint Churchill was bom in December, 1S36, in Matteawan, N.Y., and was early fitted for college, it having been his intention to enter one of the learned professions. His plans, however, were changed, owing to his early marriage; and he has since been engaged in book-keeping. For many years he was employed thereat in the carpet works of A. T. Stewart. He has always taken an active part in politics, but has never sought office. He is a Mason of high rank, having taken the thirtysecond degree, and is also a prominent member of the organization of Odd Fellows. In 1856, ere attaining his majority, he married Mary B. Ferguson, a daughter of Lewis B. Ferguson, born in Matteawan, N.Y., in 1840. They became the parents of six children, of whom four are now living, namely: Henry L. , of Brooklyn, N. Y. ; Alice Dell, now 'Mrs. Durgin; Louise ( ). , the widow of Charles Conlts, late of New York City; and Frank '!'., ot Fishkill. Mr. and Mrs. Churchill are members of the Dutch Reformed church. Mrs. Din-gin's grandfather, Henry Churchill, was bom in Matteawan, N.Y., in 1796, where for many years of his life he was a prosperous agriculturist and a wealthy land-owner. His wife, whose maiden name was Helen Mott, was born in 1799. She was a cousin of the celebrated Dr. Valentine Mott; and her father was the founder of Albany, N. Y., which was then called Fort Orange. The Mott family are of French descent, and many of its members have attained distinction since the settlement of its first ancestor on American soil. Of Mr. Durgin's children, Ellen Churchill, Charles Eugene, and Mary Gould are living.

ILLIAM P. BARKER, a native of Quincy, carries on an extensive business in Lanesville, Mass. Born June 3, 1843, son of Henry Barker, he comes of ancestors who have been loyal and useful citizens of Massachusetts for many generations. Asa Barker, Sr., his great-grandfather, who was born in Methuen, Mass., in 1745, married Lydia Pierce, who was born in 1751. She was a sister of Governor Benjamin Pierce, the father of Franklin Pierce, who was President of the United States. Asa Barker, Jr., also a native of Methuen, born August 27, 1 77-, vvas an expert blacksmith and stone-cutter. His second wife, Nancy Jones Barker, was the mother of Henry Parker.

Henry Barker was born September 16, 1811, in Chelmsford, Middlesex County, Mass., and there received a common-school education. He learned the trades of blacksmith and stone-cutter under the instruction of his father. In early manhood he worked in Boston as a journeyman stone-cutter, and afterward pursued the same occupation in Quincy, whither he came about the year 1837. Later he became a contractor, commencing in a small way. One of his first contracts of any importance was for the columns in front of the old court-house in Boston. Shortly after forming a partnership with Abel Wright, his brothers, Charles and George, were taken into the firm, the style of which then became Barker, Wright & Co. In 1861 Mr. Wright withdrew, after which the business was successfully conducted for several years under the name of H. Barker & Brothers. Subsequently this firm dissolved, and two new ones were formed, that of H. Barker & Brothers, of Quincy and Philadelphia, and Barker Brothers, of Quincy and Lanesville, Mass., H. Barker being at the head of both. Charles Barker assumed the management of the Philadelphia yard, while George Barker had charge of the quarry and business at Lanesville, which they had purchased in 1851. F'or some years the work consisted mainly in the quarrying and sale of rough granite. Later, having begun to build, they furnished and set the granite for the new Masonic Temple in Philadelphia, a large contract: took one equally as large for the R.idgeway Library Building; and were awarded the contracts for several large business buildings in Philadelphia, including the Pennsylvania Railway offices and the Pennsylvania Bank. In 1867 Henry Barker, together with his sons - Henry F., George A., and William P. - formed the firm of Henry Barker & Sons. The eldest son died March 2, 1878; Henry Barker, the head of the firm, passed away July 1 1, 1889; and on October 16, [889, George A. Barker died. When the estate was settled, William P. Barker, the sole survivor of the original firm, took the business in his own name, and has since carried it on with eminent success. The quarry in Lanesville yields a very fine granite; and, when business is good, from fifty to sixty men are there employed in cutting pavement blocks.

Henry Barker was a Mason of Rural Lodge. In politics he was a stanch Republican, and for several terms represented Quincy in the State legislature. He was also a member of the School Committee for a number of years, and one of the trustees of the Thomas Crane

William Carter

Public Library from the time of its organization until the formation of the city government. While broad in his religious opinions, he and his entire family attended and supported the Adams Temple Unitarian Church. He married Elizabeth, daughter of Amos Smith, of Waterford, Me., and became the father of the three sons already named.

After completing his education in the public schools of Quincy, William P. Barker became a clerk in the Mount Wollaston Bank. Two years later he accepted a position in the National Exchange Bank of Boston, where he was employed from 1863 till 1867. Then, as above stated, he became a member of the firm of Henry Barker & Sons. Mr. Barker takes great interest in yachting, and is a member of the Quincy Yacht Club. In politics he is a consistent Republican.

BR AH AM H. TOWER, president of the Cohasset Savings Bank, was born in this town, April I, 1829, son of Abraham H. and Charlotte (Bates) Tower. The founder of the family in America was John Tower, an Englishman, who became a resident of Hingham, Mass., in 1637, what is now Cohasset then being included in that settlement. Abraham Tower, grandfather ot the subject of this sketch, was an active member of the famous Boston Tea Party, December 16, 1773, and lived to take part in the War of 1S12.

Abraham H. Tower, first, father of Abraham H., subject of this sketch, was a lifelong resident of Cohasset, and for many years was engaged in the mackerel fishing industry. He died in June, 1881. Charlotte Bates, his wife, was also a native of this town. Five of her children survive, namely: Abraham H., the subject of this sketch; Henry C. ; Charlotte M. B., widow of the late Edward E. Tower; Newcomb B., a member of the present Board of Selectmen; and Daniel N., superintendent of the water-works, all of whom reside in Cohasset.

Abraham H. Tower was educated in the public schools; and, entering the countingroom of the Revere Copper Company, Boston, he remained with that concern for twelve years. In 1858 he established himself in general .mercantile business at Cohasset Harbor; and in 1866 he admitted his brother, Newcomb B., to partnership, and added to his stock in trade coal, lumber, and all kinds of building materials. He has since continued at the head of the firm, which is now known as Tower Brothers & Co., and carries on a large business. Mr. Tower has been a director of the Hingham National Bank for the past twenty-five years, was formerly vicepresident and is now president of the Cohasset Savings Bank. He is also a director of the Cohasset Lire Insurance Company and local agent for the Hingham Fire Insurance Company.

In politics he is a Republican, and has served as Town Treasurer and Collector for the past thirty years. He is always ready to aid in the promotion of improvements; and, as an enterprising business man and publicspirited citizen, he fully merits the high estimation accorded him by his fellow-townsmen. In his religious views he is a Unitarian, and for several years has performed the duties of clerk of that church. He is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

Mr. Tower married for his first wife Mary L. Browne, who bore him two children, namely: Mary H., wife of the Rev. E. 0. S. Osgood, of Brattleboro, Vt. ; and Abraham H., Jr., of Stoughton, Mass. Mr. Tower's present wife was before marriage Frances Hincks. She is a native of York, England.

ILLIAM CARTER, a prominent resident of Needham, Mass., head of the manufacturing firm of William Carter & Co., was horn in Alfreton, Derbyshire, England, in 1830, and was educated in the schools of his native town. Crossing the Atlantic in 1857, he landed in New York City; and coming immediately to Norfolk County, Massachusetts, he entered the employ of Samuel Sutton, of Brookline, who was engaged in knitting infants' clothing. He remained with him three years, and then came to Needham to work for John and Mark Lee in the same line of industry. After staying with them six years, he started in business for himself, forming a partnership with the Lee brothers, under the firm name of Lee, Carter & Co. Ten years later, when the firm failed, Mr. Carter took the business in his own hands. He is now carrying it on under the name of William Carter & Co., manufacturing knit underwear for ladies and children, hosiery and fancy knit goods of all kinds, and selling his product to jobbers of Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and other large cities. About one hundred employees are actively engaged most of the time, and the annual value (it the output is one hundred thousand dollars. Besides the knit goods he manufactures a patent self-computing scale, of which he owns a half interest. Mr. Carter's fine factory, thoroughly equipped with modern machinery for successfully carrying on the business, is valued at forty thousand dollars; and it is the fruit of his own labor and economy.

Since taking up his residence in Needham, Mr. Carter has been much interested in local public affairs. Me was Selectman of the town for four years, and served upon the School Committee for twelve years. In 1895 he served as Representative to the General Court of Massachusetts, and was on the Committee upon Drainage. Mr. Carter has done a great deal to promote the growth of Highlandville, planting shade trees, laying out and improving new streets. In politics he is a Republican.

He is a member of the Norfolk Lodge, F. & A. M.; of the Newton Chapter, R. A. M. : of the Nehoiden Lodge, Sons of Temperance; and of the Home Market Club of Boston. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Highlandville, was on the Building Committee, and has been one of the trustees since the church was built. lie is very much interested in all church work, and has been superintendent of the Sunday-school for a number of years. Mr. Carter joined the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Boston in 1893, and went with the company to England on their famous trip in the summer of 1896, when he revisited the place of his birth.

He has been married three times. His first wife, Hannah Truman, to whom he was married in England in 1854, died in 1862, She left (me son, Frank C who is now married and at work in his father's factor}'. He was educated in the public schools and at Comer's Commercial College. Mr. Carter's second wife was Martha, a daughter of Mark Lee, and a sister of Mr. Carter's former partner. She died leaving four children - William II. , Elizabeth, John J., and Horace .\. of whom the oldest and youngest were educated in the common schools, high school, and commercial schools, one at Comer's and one at Bryant & Stratton's, and are now married and at work in their father's factory; ami the other son, John J., is also married, and a carpenter by trade. The daughter was educated in the public schools of Needham. She married C. W. Jones, and is living in Highlandville. Mr. Carter and his third wife, Jennie G., a daughter of Jonathan Avery, of Needham, have two children: Lucie Avery, now in Wellesley College in the class of 1900; and Roscoe Arnold, now in the Needham High School. The present Mrs. Carter, who was educated in Newton, is a woman of literary taste and accomplishments, and an author of some reputation. Among her books maybe named "Bound Brook," "Amy Rushton's Mission," and "The Old Distillery," which has had an extensive sale for over twenty-five years.

§AMES TIRRELL, of South Weymouth, for many years a successful hide and leather merchant of Boston, and now largely interested in real estate, having an office at 1 5 1 Pearl Street, in that city, was born December 6, 1829, upon the estate in Weymouth first settled by Gideon Tirrell, his direct ancestor, who came here some two centuries ago. From the Report of the Record Commissioners of the city of Boston, No. 9, we learn that William Thcrrell (Tirrell) and Rebecca Simpkins, daughter of Captain Nicholas Simpkins, were married January 20, 1655, by Governor Bellingham, and that their son Gideon was born in Boston, July 16, 1664. William Tirrell and his family later removed to Weymouth.

fames, Jr., was long a boot and shoe manufacturer of this place. Afterward, until a short time previous to his death, which occurred in 1865, the second James Tirrell engaged in the hide and leather business. He married Betsey Whitemarsh, of East Weymouth, and had several children. The survivors are: the son James, third of the name; and two daughters, as follows: Mary J., widow of the late Colonel James L. Bates, who succeeded Colonel Fletcher Webster in the command of the Twelfth Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry; and Tirzah, wife of Moses T. Durrell, of Boston. The father was a Whig and afterward A Democrat in politics. He was for many years Overseer of the Poor in the town. He was a member of the Union Congregational Church of South Weymouth.

James Tirrell, third, after taking his elementary course in the public schools of South Weymouth, attended the Pinkerton Academy at Deny, N.H. At the age of eighteen years, in company with E. S. Wright, he opened a country store in Independence Square at South Weymouth. The firm existed six years, Mr. Tirrell resigning to join his father in the hide and leather business in Boston. He spent three years as clerk, and then bought a financial interest in the business. After the death of his father he carried on the business for seven years in partnership with an uncle, Albert Tirrell, under the firm name of J. and A. Tirrell & Co. In 1872 Mr. Albert Tirrell retired from the firm, and Mr. Alfred Tirrell took his place. Some years later Mr. James Tirrell sold his interest in the concern, and became engaged in real estate transactions.

Mr. Tirrell married Helen Sprague, daughter of the -late Jesse H. Sprague, of South Weymouth. Three children were born to them. The two now surviving are: James, of South Weymouth : and Helen F., wife of !- kerning Brook, of the same place.

who was a local oreacher of repute in this neighborhood, died when the subject of this sketch was in his boyhood. At an early age young Charles began to learn the shoemaker's trade, working mornings and evenings while attending school. At the age of fifteen he became foreman of a force of workmen engaged in manufacturing shoes. Afterward he had charge of Canterbury & Haskell's factory for a considerable length of time. Early in the eighties he engaged in the manufacture of cut calf stock for fine foot-wear, and carried it on successfully for the rest of his life. In this locality he was the pioneer in that particular branch of the leather trade, and he was the first to apply steam-power to shoe manufacturing in East Weymouth. Highly esteemed by the shoe and leather dealers of Boston and vicinity, he was frequently called by the Massachusetts Board of Arbitration to suggest means and otherwise assist in the settlement of labor troubles: and his constant desire to deal justly with the contending parties was highly appreciated by all concerned. He was an upright, conscientious man and a publicspirited citizen, who was in sympathy with all measures relative to town improvements. His death, which occurred in East Weymouth, November 9, 1896, when he was nearly sixty-six years old, was sincerely regretted by all who knew him.

On October 16, 1850, Mr. Pratt was united in marriage with Elzira N. Rice. She was born in Weymouth, daughter of Captain William and Margaret N. (Pratt) Rice, the former of whom served in the War of 181 2. and was for many years a ship-master. Mr. Pratt left one son, William II., who is a resident of East Weymouth. In Masonry Mr. Pratt had reached the thirty-second degree, and was serving as Prelate of the Commandcry in East Weymouth at the time of his decease. For fifty years he was an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church, serving it in various official positions, including that of choir leader. His services as director, trustee, and member of the Investment Committee of the East Weymouth Savings Bank covered a period of several years, and were exceedingly beneficial to the interests of that institution. In politics lie was a Republican.

ILLIAM H. TUCKER was a prominent business man of Avon and a member of the Massachusetts legislature. He was born January 11, 1823, in Milton, Mass., son of Nathan and Catherine Tucker, both of whom were natives of Milton, the father having been a prosperous farmer. He was educated in the common schools of Milton, and remained at home until he was eighteen years old. He then went to East Stoughton, Mass., where he was for a time employed in the shoe factory of his brother Ebenezer, who subsequently received him into partnership. The firm of Tucker Brothers continued in business for a number of years. Then William H. became associated with another brother, Nathan Tucker; and still later he was engaged in the manufacture of boots with George and Ephraim Littlefield. After his retirement from the shoe business, he became a broker. He was also a director of the Home National Bank of Brockton from the time of its incorporation until his death, which occurred August 19, 1S96, in his seventy-fourth year. Mr. Tucker acquired success through his own personal efforts, and by his honorable methods gained the esteem and confidence of his fellow-townsmen. He served as a Selectman in Stoughton, was especially active upon the School Board, and he represented his district in the legislature during the session of 1859. For some years he acted as a trustee of the Avon cemetery, and was particularly interested in the Grand Army of the Republic, which he aided financially when needed.

Mr. Tucker married for his first wife Elizabeth Davenport, of Dorchester. By this union there is one daughter, Ellen E., now the wile of George W. Porter, of Avon. For his second wife he wedded Achsa B. Burgess, a daughter of Covill and Lurana (Swift) Burgess, of Sandwich, Mass., the former of whom served as a soldier in the War of 1812. The late Mr. Tucker was an energetic ami public-spirited citizen, did much toward developing the town, and took a deep interest in all public institutions. It was frequently said that his word was as good as his bond. He was a member of the Masonic order. Mrs. Tucker, who still occupies the homestead, is a

Olonel Henry Andrew

OLONEL HENRY ANDREW THOMAS, Postmaster of Boston, and one of the leading public men of the State of Massachusetts, is a native and resident of South Weymouth, Norfolk County, the home of his ancestors for several generations. He was born July 29, 1856, son of Henry and Betsy (Chaffin) Thomas, and is a lineal descendant of Captain John Thomas, a native of Wales, who commanded the vessel that conveyed William of Orange to England in 1688, and who subsequently immigrated to America, settling in Braintree, Mass., where he died "ye 4th October, 1714."

John Thomas, second, son of Captain Thomas, born in Braintree in 17 10, was the father of John, third, the first of the family to settle in South Weymouth. The latter was the father of Andrew, better known as Captain Andrew Thomas, who was an extensive landowner and a lifelong resident of South Weymouth. Captain Andrew Thomas was three times married, and reared eleven sons and onedaughter, among whom was Henry, father of the subject of this sketch.

Henry Thomas was reared and educated in his native town, and, when a young man, engaged in the manufacture of shoes, which business he successfully conducted for many years. He is still a resident of South Weymouth. He and his wife, Betsy, reared four children.

Henry A. Thomas was educated in the public schools of South Weymouth, beinggraduated from the high school in the class of 1873. A few months after his graduation heentered the civil service as a messenger boy in the Boston post office, where he remained until 1893, rising through the different grades to the position of superintendent of mails. In the year mentioned he retired from the postal service, and took an active part in the State political campaign of that summer and autumn, which resulted in the election to the chief magistracy of Mr. Frederic T. Greenhalge, who forthwith appointed him as his private secretary. He retained this position until the Governor's death in February, 1895; and subsequent to that event and until the following January he served Governor Wolcott in a similar capacity, being appointed during this period a member of the Governor's staff, with the title ol Colonel. Colonel Thomas received the- appointment of Postmaster of Boston in May, 1897; and he assumed charge of the office on the 1st of the following June.

Colonel Thomas takes an active interest in the affairs of his native town, and is ever ready to aid in promoting any practical measure having for its object the moral or material advancement of the community. He is particularly interested in educational matters, and served the town for some years as a member of the School Board. He was one of the organizers of the Weymouth Improvement Society and also of the Wednesday Night Club, a debating society which flourished for a number of years, with practical benefit to its members. He also helped to organize the Norfolk Club, of which he is now president. He belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. The Colonel is a pleasant and effective public speaker, and, while secretary to Governor Greenhalge, capably represented him on many occasions at public gatherings. He has participated in the various campaigns in this State since he became of age, and has rendered valuable party service. The high social position he holds is due not only to his public record, but also to his character as a man.

HADDEUS H. NEWCOMB, a retired business man of Ouincy and its present Representative in the State legislature, was born in this town, March 15, 1826, son of the late James Newcomb. He comes of Revolutionary stock, his grandfather, Bryant Newcomb, having been a patriot of the Revolution. The latter was captured by the British and confined for some time in Dartmoor Prison, England. He was an extensive farmer of Ouincy, and likewise carried on a large granite business.

James Newcomb, born and educated in Ouincy, during his early manhood was engaged in freighting granite on sloops to Boston for some years. He was afterward engaged in quarrying granite on his own account, being one of the leaders in that industry, and continuing at it until his death. Well informed and highly respected, and having the town's welfare at heart, he was chosen to fill many of the town offices, including that of Selectman, in which he served for several terms. He also represented the town in the General Court for a time. In politics he was a Whig; and he was a member of the First Unitarian Church, which he served in the capacity of Deacon for a number of years. He married Lucy Baxter, a daughter of Jonathan Baxter, of Ouincy. Of their ten children, eight grew to maturity; namely, Lucy, James, Bryant B. , George, Oliver T. , Susanna, Thaddeus H., and Peter W. The two last named are the only survivors now. Susanna was the wife of the late John W. Shaw.

Thaddeus H. Newcomb obtained a good education in the public and private schools of Ouincy. As soon as he was capable, he began quarrying under his father's instruction, acquiring a practical knowledge of that industry. On the death of his father he formed a partnership with his brother, the late Oliver T. Newcomb, and carried on a very successful business under the firm name of Oliver T. Newcomb until the outbreak of the Rebellion. Mr. Newcomb then enlisted in Company G, Forty-second Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, as a private. Later he was promoted to the rank of First Lieutenant. With his regiment he was sent to the Department of the South-west, and at the battle of Galveston was taken prisoner, and was subsequently held by the Confederates for nineteen months, suffering untold privations. In September, 1864, he was released; and, his term of enlistment having expired, he was at once discharged from the Union service. Returning home after this, he accepted a position as quarry superintendent, in which capacity he had the sole charge of the quarries of Messrs. Churchill and Hitchcock from 1875 until 1895.

A zealous Republican in politics, Mr. Newcomb takes an active part in local affairs. ( >n the incorporation of Ouincy as a city, lie was elected to the Common Council, in which he served four consecutive years, being on the Committee on Streets, Drainage, and Sewerage. In 1805 he was elected to the State legislature, and served on the Committee on the Liquor Law. Re-elected to the legislature in 1896, he was made chairman of the same committee. Fraternally, Mr. Newcomb is a member of Paul Revere Post, No. 88, G. A. R. ; is connected with the Society of the Union Prisoners of War; and is a member of Delphi Lodge, No. 15, K. of P., of which he is Past Commander. On December 12, 1847, he married Eliza A., daughter of Albert Hersey, of Quincy. Mr. and Mrs. Newcomb are members of the Washington Street Congregational Church, of which he has been Deacon the past twenty years.

ACOB S. DYER, a venerable resident of Braintree, was born here, February !<JI 5, 18 1 8, son of Jacob and Mary (Beals) Dyer. His grandfather, Peter Dyer, was a soldier of the Revolution, and drove a baggage team during that war. Peter died in the ninety-fifth year of his age. Jacob, a son of Peter, spent his life in Braintree, where he dealt in meats and poultry, and owned and carried on a farm. lie married Mary Beals, of Randolph, Mass., and had thirteen children, of whom Jacob S. is the only survivor.

Jacob S. Dyer was educated in the public schools of his native place, and assisted his father in his business until he was twenty-one years of age. Then he engaged in farming, and began dealing in meats and poultry, which he sold at the Quincy Market in Boston. Subsequently he manufactured boots and shoes in South Braintree for a number of years, after which he again took up fanning, which lie has since followed in South Braintree.

On October 10, 1841, Mr. Dyer married Ann M. T. Holbrook, a native of Randolph, and a daughter of Peter and Eliza (Sawing) Holbrook. The Holbrooks belong to an old family of Randolph. Mrs. Dyer's greatgrandfather was a Major in the Revolutionary army. Of her ten children, Adoniram J., Jacob A., Simeon D., Jabez S. , Nathan T., George S., and Brainard T. are living. Mr. and Mrs. Dyer are members of the South

Congregational Church. Mr. Dyer has been a Deacon of the society for many years. In politics he is a Republican, and he has been Road Surveyor in the district where he lives. In the ante-bellum days he was a strong antislavery man. One of the two sons of his who fought in the war of the Rebellion died from the effects of the hardship and exposure of army life. Mr. Dyer is a public-spirited man, and has always aided movements for the benefit of the town.

AVIS D. RANDALL, a prominent resident of East Weymouth, is a native of Braintree. He was born February 20, 1831, son of Dean and Abigail B. W. (Walker) Randall, natives respectively of Easton and Marshfield, Mass. Dean Randall, who came of English origin, and was reared in Easton, was afterward until his death engaged in the manufacture of tacks, brads, and nails in Braintree ami subsequently in P2ast Weymouth, to which he removed some time in the thirties. He was one of the founders and a director of the Weymouth Iron Works. Four of his children survive him, namely: Davis D., the subject of this sketch; Otis H., a resident of Brockton; Andrew J., of East Weymouth; and Mrs. J. A. Welch, of Hingham. He was a selfmade man, and at the time of his deatli was considered one of the wealthiest men in the town. He was an old-time Whig. Publicspirited to a high degree, lie favored any movement to improve the town. He was a prime mover in securing the South Shore Road extension through Weymouth, and contributed (it his own means to this result.

Davis D. Randall, who came to Weymouth with his parents when a child, grew up in the town. His general education was received in the common schools and in the academies at South Braintree and Bridgewater. Subsequently he graduated from Comer's Commercial College at Boston. Upon the death of his father he began business life for himself, taking charge of the tack factory, and running that for a time in order to close out the business. He has been twice married, and is the father of three children - Davjs D., Jr.,

Thomas J. Nash

Lottie E., and Bessie S. The son is a clerk in an insurance business in Boston. For a number of years Mr. Randall, Sr., has been a trustee of East Weymouth Savings Bank. In political principles he is a Republican. An esteemed Mason, he is a member of the Royal Arch Chapter and of South Shore Commandery.

(5 1 HOMAS J. NASH, an esteemed resi- 4 I dent of Nash's Corner, Weymouth, was born there, November 22, 1820, son of Thomas and Phoebe (Binney) Nash. The father, a sou of Joshua Nash, served as Selectman and Town Treasurer of Weymouth for twenty years, and died February 6, 1882. His uncle, Captain Thomas Nash, was a soldier of the Revolution. Jacob Nash, who was an officer in the Revolutionary army, and Solomon Nash, who also fought in that struggle, were family connections. Of the children of Thomas, Thomas J., Mrs. Elizabeth V. White, and Clinton are living. Nash's Corner was so named in honor of the Nash family, its earliest settlers; and the post-office is now known as Nash.

Thomas J. Nash resides on the old Wish homestead, which has been owned and occupied by his ancestors for two hundred and fifty years. On this estate stands the original "Vinson" pear-tree, more than two hundred years old, under the branches of which nine generations have gathered and eaten of its fruit. On October 9, 1804, the main part of the top of the tree was blown off during a hurricane. The tree still stands and bears fruit, and is one of the landmarks of Weymouth. Near it is a spring of clear water which for many years supplied the families in the vicinity, and to this day is used by the Nash descendants for drinking purposes. Close by, for many years, stood the wigwam of an Indian. Here the subject of this sketch passed his boyhood, attending the district schools, and occupying his leisure time by working on the farm. He married August 21, 1877, Alice A. Ager, the widow of Wilbur F. Ager, of Weymouth, Mass., and a daughter of Samuel and Helen (McKay) Ilollis. Her father was a native of Randolph. Born of the union were nine children; namely, Joshua L., Thomas V., Harold B. (deceased), Helen E. (deceased), A. Mildred, H. Reginald, Kenneth L., Arthur B., and Clayton W. Mr. Nash is a member of the Pinion Con tional Church at South Weymouth. He and Joseph Dyer are the only surviving incorporators of the South Weymouth Savings Bank, and he was a trustee of the institution until recently. In politics he is a Republican, has been much interested in the welfare of the town, and has filled many of its responsible public offices. Throughout his life he has kept well informed on the topics of the day.

IDWARD B. SOUTHER, of Ouincy, a dealer in newspapers, periodicals, fancy articles and cutlery, was born in this town, January 29, 1827. A son of John Souther, he is a lineal descendant in the seventh generation of Joseph Souther (first), a cooper by occupation, who was married in Boston, October 22, 1657, by Governor Endicott, to Elizabeth Fairfielde. She was a daughter of Daniel Fairfielde, who was a member of Pastor John Robinson's church in Leyden. Born in Boston in 1640, she died in that city, October 14, 1730. Joseph Souther (second), born in Hingham, Mass., August 20, 1658, married Hannah, daughter of Christopher and Ann Holland, and, as appears from his father's will, died before December 14, 1696. Joseph Souther (third), who was born February 27, 1685, spent his active years occupied in the calling of a shipwright. On April 22, 1708, he married Content Tower, who died December 17, 1730. Joseph Souther (fourth), a native of Cohasset, bom November 20, 1721, married Abigail Kent, October 10, 1744; and both died in 1808. Their son, John Souther, the grandfather of Edward B., born in Hingham, Mass., February 15, 1755, married on December 21, 1780, Deborah Leavitt.

John Souther (second), the father of Edward B., was born September 13, 17S1, in the part of Cohasset that was then known as Beechwood Swamp. When he was a lad he removed with his parents to Hingham, where he attended the district school and then the

Derby Academy. Afterward he worked at ship-building with his father, whom he succeeded in business, carrying it on alone from the time of his father's death until 1815. Coming then to Norfolk County, he bought a large tract of land situated about half-way between Quincy ami Quincy Point, and which was afterward known as Souther's Hill. Here he had carried on ship-building for some years when, in 1835, he retired in favor of his eldest son, John I,. Souther. For some years he was a stockholder of the Mount Wollaston Bank. He was a Whig in politics; and, besides serving as Selectman for a long period, he represented the town in the State legislature several terms. He was quite prominent in local matters, taking great interest in all beneficial enterprises, and was one of the building committee of the town hall and of Adams Temple, the Unitarian church. On January 20, 1805, he married Lydia Lincoln, a daughter (if Jonathan and Lydia (Nichols) Lincoln, of Hingham, and by her became the father of ten children. These were: John, born February 2, 1S06, who died October 18, 1891; William, born March 7, 1808, who died July 8, 1867; Henry, born May G, 1810, who died May g, 1892; George, born March 21, 1813, who died October 19, 1837; Frederick, born April 11, 1815, who resides in Quincy ; Lydia L. , bom March 6, 1N17, who on August 30, 1838, married the late T. W. Averill, and died .March 1, 1891 ; Charles Nichols, born May 11, 1 8 1 9, who is a resident of Napa City, Cal. ; Hannah Lincoln, born July 27, 1821, who is the wife of Emery Souther; Catherine C. , born January 20, 1824, who married William Appleton, now of Westboro, Mass. ; ami Edward B., the subject of this biography. Both parents were active members of the Unitarian church. The father's death occurred in March, 1S78.

Edward B. Souther attended the public schools of Quincy and a private school in Northboro. He afterward became a clerk in the grain store of his brother Henry. Later he bought out his brother, and carried on the business alone for the ensuing two years. In 1850 he went across the Isthmus to Feather River, California, where he met a family party, consisting of his brothers, Henry and Frederick, Henry's son Henry, and his brother-inlaw, William Appleton, who had made the journey by way of the Cape. They all went directly to the mines; but Mr. Souther stayed but a year, preferring life in Massachusetts. On October 21, 1851, shortly after his return home, he went on a gunning excursion, and was so unfortunate as to shoot off his right hand while loading his gun. In the following January he took charge of the grist-mill on the property his father had purchased when he first came to this town, and operated it until 1858. On March 29, 1869, he bought his present business, which was then very small, handling but one edition of one paper each day. He has since greatly enlarged his operations, re ceiving four editions of the Boston Globe and three of the other daily papers. He has also a large trade in the leading magazines, and in fancy articles, tobacco, and cutlery, carrying the best line of the latter to be found outside of Boston.

Mr. Souther is a Past Grand of Mount Wollaston Lodge, and treasurer of Manet Encampment, I. O. O. F., and a member of Shawmut Canton, Patriarchs Militant. On February 26, 1846, he was first married to Sarah H., daughter of Josiah Adams, of Quincy. Of his six children, four are now living, namely: Sarah Adelaide, the wife of Tilson A. Mead, who is the principal of the Chapman School, East Boston, .Mass. ; Edward W. and Henry Lincoln, both of Boston; and Elizabeth Adams, the wife of Dr. Frederick Illsley, of Chelsea, Mass. The mother, who was an active member of the Unitarian church, to which Mr. Souther also belongs, died October 29, 1868. Since then he married Mary E., daughter of Perez Chubbuck, of Quincy. Of the two children of this marriage, Mary Adams is living.

fOHN HENRY DINEGAN, a real estate dealer and note broker, is a wellknown business man of Quincy and one of its most active citizens, and was born in Quincy, September 3, 1856, son of the late Daniel and Mary Ann (Ward) Dinegan. The father, who was a native of County Longford, Ireland, went to England when a small boy, and resided there until a short time after his marriage. Coming then to the United States, he settled in Ouincy, where he followed the trade of a boot-maker, which he had learned in the old country, until the breaking out of the Rebellion. He then enlisted for service in the war with a company of nine months' men. At the end of that time he re-enlisted in Company G, Fortysecond Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, in which he served until taken prisoner by the Confederates. After spending several months in the rebel prison at Galveston, he was released; and, his term of enlistment having expired, he was honorably discharged from the Union army. Returning to Ouincy then, he was engaged in the work of a tanner and currier until he received a stroke of apoplexy, from which he never fully recovered. Two years later he suffered a third stroke, causing his death in 1881. His wife, Mary Ann, a daughter of John Ward, of Staffordshire, England, had nine children born, of whom six are now living. Her daughter Alice married Maurice Keohan, of Weymouth, Mass. : Margaret is the wife of Andrew McPherson, of Ouincy; and Emily married John Q. McDonnell. The others are: Mary Ellen, Daniel Ward, and John Henry.

John Henry Dinegan received his education in Quincy, being graduated from the Ouincy High School with the class of 1872. At once he began life for himself, entering a grocery store as a clerk, a capacity in which he continued five years. Then he purchased his employer's interest in the store, and afterward profitably conducted it until 1891. In that year he made a change in his occupation, becoming an operator in realty and notes. His executive and financial ability is acknowledged, and he often fills offices requiring experience and shrewdness. He is also one of the directors of the Ouincy Co-operative Bank.

On October 5, 1882, Mr. Dinegan married Hannah M., daughter of William and Hannah Webb, of Ouincy. They have had six children, of whom Mary Webb, Alice, and Emily are living. Mr. Dinegan is a member and the sexton of St. John's Catholic Church. In politics he takes an independent course, voting for the best men and measures regardless

Fellows; has membership in Monticello Lodge, No. 13, A. O. U. W., of Charlestown, Mass.: and is Chief Ranger of the Massachusetts Catholic Order of Foresters.

§VARNUM ABBOTT, president of the J. V. Abbott Manufacturing Company , of East Dedham, Mass., manufacturers of loom pickers, strappings, and other leather goods, was born June 7, 1836, in Andover, Mass., a son of Moody B. Abbott.

The Abbot, or Abbott, family is one of the oldest in Andover. The founder of the branch to which the subject of this sketch belongs was "George Abbot, of Rowley," so called to distinguish him from others of the name who came from England to Massachusetts more than two hundred ami fifty years ago, and died at his home in Rowley in 1647. His son, George," who came with him, settled in Andover in 1655, and there married, in 1658, Sarah Farnum. The line is thus continued: Nehemiah,3 born in 1667, who was Deacon of the South Church in Andover thirty years; his son, Nehemiah,' who settled in Lexington, and was Town Treasurer; William,5 a farmer who lived in Andover; and Jeduthan,'1 of Andover, who was the father of Jeduthan,7 grandfather of Mr. Abbott, of Dedham. (An interesting account of descendants of George Abbot, of Rowley, is contained in the Essex Antiquarian for July, 1897 (edited by Sidney Perley, and published in Salem), to which we are indebted for some of the facts here given.)

Jeduthan Abbott, second of the name, was a prosperous farmer in Andover. He was exceedingly fond of horses, always keeping fine stock, and was prominent in military circles, in the War of 1812 serving as Captain of a company of State militia. He married Betsy Bridges, of Andover, also the descendant of an old Colonial family; and they reared two children, Moody B. being the younger. Both he and his wife lived to be seventy-four years old.

Moody B. Abbott was born and reared on the homestead in Andover, and in that beautiful hill town spent his sixty-nine years of life, engaged the larger part of the time in agricultural pursuits. His wife, whose maiden name was Hannah V. Noyes, was also born in Andover, a daughter of Frederick Noyes, a well-to-do farmer, who reared a family of ten children. She was a bright and active woman of eighty-five years, when she died April 9, 1897. Of her seven children four survive, namely: Charles M. , of California; J. Varnum; Sarah M. ; and M. Elizabeth, wife of Richard A. Ward. Both parents united with the West Congregational Church in their younger days. The father was a man of some prominence, and took an active part in local affairs, serving in many of the town offices.