Plymouth Town (part 38 of 54)

In 1886 Mr. White was elected to the office of Selectman ; and he was subsequently reelected three successive terms, making four years that he served at that time. In 1895, and again in 1S96, be was re-elected. In politics he is a stanch Republican. Both as a citizen and as an official Mr. White has the good will and confidence of the community.

William and Lucretia (Ames) Ryder. He is a descendant of an old West Bridgewater family. His grandfather, who served in the War of 1812, had si.\ children, of whom William was the third. William Ryder was a merchant tailor in Brockton for a number of years.

An intelligent, well-read, and progressive man of sterling personal character, he was widely respected. He lived to be seventy-two years old. His wife, Lucretia, was a daughter of Louis Ames, of West Bridgewater. She had three .sons: William, Jr. ; Walter B. ; and Henry H.

Henry H. Ryder was educated in the public schools and at Bridgewater Academy. He then left hi)me to enter the employ of Burridge Brothers & Co., with whom he remained three years and a half. At the end of that time he returned to his native city, and went into the real estate business, which has since engaged his attention. Possessing in a large degree the qualities of foresight, good judgment, and pmmpt decision, he has been very successful, and has done his share in helping to develop the resources of his native city. In politics he is a Republican, and he attends the Porter Congregatiiinal church. He is well worthy of being classed as a representative citizen of Plymouth County.

LTON B. HASTINGS, one of the successful men of Brockton, was born in Thomaston, Knox County, Me., March 21, 1857, son of Thaddeus and Abbie O. (Trull) Hastings. His grandfather, also named Thaddeus, and a native of Union Common, Me., who owned a large farm in the vicinity of Thomaston, and was one of the prominent citizens of the town, had children, of whom Thaddeus, Jr., was the third-born. Thaddeus Hastings, Jr., received a commonschool education, and learned the carpenter's trade. An industrious and intelligent man, he managed a successful business as carpenter and builder in Thomaston for eighteen years. He was about forty years old at the time of his death. His wife was a daughter of John B.

Trull, who for a cpiarter of a century managed the St. George, the principal hotel of Thomaston. They had three children, of whom Alton B. and Carrie T. are living. Carrie T. married C. F. Hathaway, of Cambridge, Mass.

Alton B. Hastings obtained his education in Bath, Me., where he subsequently shipped as a sailor before the mast for two years. Pleased with his first venture, he followed the sea for some time, visiting many foreign ports, and working his way up to the rank of second mate. He afterward worked for a year in George Moulton's repair shop in Bath, had charge of a stationary engine for some time for G. P. Richardson, and then was engaged as driver for Hobart & Hathaway, of Bath, bakers. About a year after Mr. Hastings became connected with the last-named house, Mr. Hathaway retired from the firm, and Mr. Hobart placed Mr. Hastings in charge of the business. A year later he bought a bakery in Bath, managed it for some months, and then sold it to his former employer. He subsequently removed to Marblehead, Mass., and opened a bakery there for Mr. Hathaway. He had conducted this place for three years, when it was destroyed by fire. In 1889 he opened a bakery in Brockton, at his present location. Two years ago, 1894, he erected a new building on Market Street, adjoining his old shop. He is now completing another bakery on Perkins Avenue; and on July 13, 1896, he started a bakery on Main Street, opposite Belmont Street. He has a large wholesale as well as a retail business employing ten bakers constantly, and a number of delivery teams. He is also interested in real estate, and has made some successful deals.

Mr. Hastings was married March 21, 1881, to Laura A. Cushman, daughter of Job Cushman, of Bath, Me., and now has four children - Arthur C, Alice M., Carolyn B., and Edna

Alton B. Hastings

T. Politically, be favors the Republican party. He is a member of St. George Lodge, A. F". & A. M., of Campello. In religious believe he is a Congregationalist.

^ well-known and popular citizen. He has been a Deacon of the Congregational church for eight years, and is connected with some of the leading social organizations of the day. A son of the Rev. Freeman P. and Deborah (Gushing) Howland, he was born in Hanson, Plymouth Gounty, Mass., December 5, 1838.

Freeman P. Howland was born in Sandwich, on the Gape, but passed his boyhood in Falmouth, Mass. He was a descendant in the seventh generation from John Howland, one of the Pilgrims who came to this country in the "Mayflower" in 1620. The Rev. Mr. Howland was first settled as pastor of the New Bedford Gongregational church, was subsequently located at Hanson, and later at Halifax, a neighboring town. On account of illhealth he gave up his pastorate at Halifa.x, but continued preaching more or less regularly, being often called to supply vacant pulpits. In Halifax he lived two or three years, in Gampello two years, in Hanson again one year, and from 1849 until the time of his death his home was in Abington. His life was a busy one, for much was expected of a minister in his time. He was counsellor, doctor, lawyer, and general adviser in all things; and when land was to be measured, deeds made, conveyances written, or clerical work of any kind done, his services were called into requisition.

Deborah Gushing Howland, was born in iSoo in that part of Pembroke, Mass., which is now Hanson. The Gushings are a long-lived famiy, few of them dying under seventy; and Mrs. Howland lived to be nearly ninety-six years old. She was the mother of six sons and three daughters. Of these Freeman died in 1890; John died in infancy; FIdward G. is a farmer, living in Abington ; Gharles W. is the subject of this sketch; Isaac G. resides in Abington, and Eliza B. lives with him, in the home where their father died ; Deborah, widow of Dr. A. P. Ghase, resides in Amboy, 111. ; Garoline F., wife of George W. Wilder, lives in Montpelier, Vt. ; and Daniel Sawin, a son by a former husband, and a railroad contractor, died in Arkansas.

Gharles VV. Howland in his boyhood attended the common schools in towns where his parents resided, the grammar and high schools of Abington, and Gotting Academy at West Gambridge. He began his work as a civil engineer when he was sixteen years old. His father's services were desired for some surveying and platting; and, as he was away, the youth, who had often watched him performing such work, volunteered to do it. So well was the task accomplished that from that time forth his services were much in requisition, to the overworked minister's great relief. With the exception of a short period when he' was with his brother, an apothecary in Boston, Mr. Howland has since been employed as a civil engineer, covering a wide field in his operations. He has been engaged in electric railway work and municipal engineering, and has established a reputation as an expert and reliable civil engineer. In August, 1862, he enlisted in the Fourth Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, and saw some hard service in field and hospital, acting for some time as hospital steward. His term of enlist- ment expired August 28, 1863; and after a season of recuperation, made necessary by the broken state of his health, he resumed the work of his ]3rofession. Mr. Rowland also conducts quite an insurance business, being the pioneer in that line in the town. He has been a member of the Board of Directors of the Abington Mutual Fire Insurance Company for twenty years, and he has been President of the Mount Vernon Cemetery Company eight years.

In December, 1862, he was united in marriage with Mariesta Dodge, who was born and reared in West Cambridge, Mass. She died at Mr. Rowland's summer home at Brant Rock, July 26, 1889, lamented by all who knew her, as she was a most estimable lady. She was the mother of seven children, three of whom are living: Giles W., in the insurance business in Rockland, where he married, and now resides; I'^lizabeth C, wife of Dr. Charles S. Millet, of Brockton; and Marion Dodge, who is yet under the shelter of the paternal roof. On Christmas Day, 1891, Mr. Rowland was married to Miss Amy Dickens, of Chicago, 111., a niece of Charles Dickens, the novelist; and by this union he has three children - Helen Dickens, Deborah Cushing, and Amy Dickens.

Mr. Rowland cast his first Presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln, and has been an active member of the Republican party for over thirty years. Re was a member of the State legislature for two terms, 1879 and i88r. A Mason of long standing, having joined the brotherhood before the war, he belongs to Pilgrim Chapter; and he is a member of Old Colony Commandery, Knights Templars, and of the order of Knights of Honor. He is also a member of the Rockland Commercial Club, and of McPherson Post, Grand Army of the Republic, of Abington, of which he was Commander in 1873. Deacon Rowland was on the church committee on music for seven years, and he teaches a class in the .Sunday-school. Re is a genial, pleasant gentleman, and has a large circle of friends.

ATRICK GILMORE, a leading banker and grocer of Brockton, was born November 21, 1852, on Grove Street, this town, son of John and l^llen (Sa.xton) Gilmore. The Gilmore family is of Scotch-Irish origin. Michael Gilmore, the grandfather of Patrick, was born in County Westmeath, Ireland, and for some time was a farmer in that place. Re left his home for America when his children were beginning to grow up about him, settled in Brockton, and for a number of years had charge of a passenger ferry in that place. Re died here at the age of seventy-seven, having reared two sons and one daughter.

John Gilmore, also a native of Westmeath, was the second child of his parents. When he was nineteen years of age, he located in Randolph, Mass., and was there associated in business with his uncle for about a year and a half. Re then settled in the locality now the site of 90 Grove Street, and in 1851 erected a house there. After learning the slioemaker's trade in David Packard's factory, he took contracts from L. Whitcomb, hiring a number of men to do the work. In 1858 he started in the grocery business on Grove Street, and in course of time he built up a prosperous trade. In all his business enterprises lie evinced a stability of purpose and a shrewdness of judgment that inevitably won success. He was the first Irishman to succeed in business in Brockton. About ten years prior to his death he sold his store, and turned his attention to his real estate interests. A member of St.

Patrick's Temperance Society for a number of years, he was President for some time. He was one of the founders of St. Patrick's Catholic church, wliich was built in 1859, and was superintendent of the Sunday-school for a number of years. He died March 5, 1890, aged sixty years. Of his nine children, three sons are living.

Patrick Gilmore, who was the oldest of his parents" children, graduated from the Brockton High School in 1871. Seven years later, on July II, 187S, he opened a grocery store at his present location, with James P. Conley as partner. The firm of Gilmore & Conley, after carrying on a good business until September 5, '881, was dissolved; and Mr. Gilmore has since been the sole proprietor. As a merchant, he is very successful; and he is skilled in matters of finance. He is also agent for the Cunard and White Star Lines of European steamers, and he does a good business in the drawing of drafts on Europe. He has been a Trustee of the Brockton .Savings Bank since its organization.

Mr. Gilm'ore was married August 19, 1877, to Miss Kelleher, a native of County Cork, Ireland, and now has four children. In liolitics he favors the Democratic side, but votes the Republican ticket whenever he thinks the candidate better fitted to fill the office. He has served as Town Constable, and was on the School Board from 1879 to 18S1. Now his business demands his whole attention. A charter member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Division i, which he joined at the time of its organization in 1873, he filled the President's chair for four years, was County Delegate for two years; and he has held other offices in the organization. He has been Chief Ranger and Deputy High Chief Ranger in the Massachusetts Catholic Order of Foresters. He has been superintendent of the Sunday-school of St. Patrick's church, was Chairman of the Cemetery Committee for about nine years, and is now President of St. Patrick's Conference of the Saint Vincent de Paul Society. Mr. Gilmore was the first Roman Catholic to serve on a jury in Plymouth Countv.

fiM OLLIS M. BLACKSTONE, superintendent of the Massachusetts State Farm, located in Bridgewater, was born in Freedom, Waldo County, Me., July 31, 1848, son of Dr. Varney and Julia (Lamson) Blackstone. The family is of PZnglish origin, and is thought to have descended from the Rev. William Blackstone, the first white settler of Shawmut, now Boston.

V^arney Blackstone, M.D., father of Mollis M. Blackstone, was a practising physician of Freedom, Me. He ilied in that town at the age of forty-one years. His wife, Julia Lamson, like himself a native ot Maine, was a daughter of James Lamson, who was a pensioner of the War of 18 12, and for many years a Deacon of the Baptist church.

Hollis M. Blackstone was left fatherless at the age of six years, and when twelve years old he was practically self-supporting. Through persistent efforts he acquired an academic education, and after completing his studies he taught school for some time. He lived in his native State until reaching the age of twenty years; and, subsequently taking up his residence in Boston, he in 1872 was appointed to a clerkship at the city institution on Deer Island. He continued in that position until 1877, when he was chosen superintendent of the Marcella Street Home, conducted by the city of Boston, and located at the Highlands. In 1883 he was the choice of the Board of Trustees for the superintendency of the State Farm in Bridgewater, and that he has fully displayed the competency and fidelity expected of him is amply attested by his long tenure of office.

The institution has three separate departments; namely, the workhouse, to which are sentenced habitual inebiiates, tramps, vagrants, and idle and disorderly persons; the State Almshouse, which is a retreat for the sick and infirm poor of south-eastern Massachusetts; and the Asylum for Insane Criminals. The State Farm occupies a beautiful and he;\lthy location, and its present structure of brick and stone, which replaced the former wooden buildings destroyed by fire on July 2, 1883, are models as to thoroughness of construction and completeness in every detail. The conflagration, which destroyed the old buildings, occurred the day after Mr. Blackstone took charge of the institution; and the architectural plans and specifications for the present buildings, which are said to be practically fireproof, were, in the main, prepared by him. The State F"arm under its present management is accomplishing the work for which it is intended in a most satisfactory manner, and its present superintendent is exceedingly popular with all parties interested in its welfare.

Mr. l^lackstone and Sarah F. Roberts, of Brooks, Me., were married on February 8, 1877; and three children are the fruit of their union, namely: Alfred V.; Helen M.; and Nellie, who is no longer living.

Politically, Mr. Blackstone is a Republican. For a number of years he has served u]ion the School Board of Bridgewater, being at the present time Chairman of that body; and he is also Postmaster at the State Farm. He is a member of Fellowship Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of Bridgewater, and a member of the Unitarian church. The excellent results obtained at the P'arm are due mainly to his executive ability and thorough knowledge of the work, and in all probability his continuance in office is optional with himself.

KRANCIS K. HOWARD, Treasurer and President of the Board of Trustees of Howard Seminary, an institution of learning founded by his father, wliich stands among the foremost schools of Plymouth County, was born in West Bridgewater, May 14, 1825. His parents, Captain Benjamin B. and Olive (Howard) Howard, were both natives of West Bridgewater.

On the paternal side he traces his descent from John Howard, who was of Plnglish birth, a contemporary and neighbor of Miles Standish in the Plymouth settlement. John Howard located in that part of old Bridgewater that is now West Bridgewater some time previous to 1650. The town was organized June 3, 1656, and he was one of the fifty-six original proprietors. The homestead established by him has remained in the possession of the family ever since his time, being now occupied by Benjamin B. Howard, nephew of Mr. Francis E. Howard. P^or over one hundred and fifty 3'ears a public house was kept here, where the stage running between Boston and New Bedford stopped for refreshments and passengers. P'rom John Howard the line of descent was continued by John, Jr., Major Edward, and Colonel Edward, officers in the State militia, to Captain Benjamin B. Howard, above mentioned. All these gentlemen were born in West Bridgewater.

Captain L^enjamin B. Howard was a soklier in the War of 1812, and was afterward commander of a company of the State militia. In politics he was originally a Whig, later a Republican. A wealthy and prominent man.

Francis E. Howard

he was actively interested in the welfare of his native place, and the educational institution whicii he founded is a lasting memorial to his enterprise and public spirit. He died April 3, 1867. Howard Seminary, in West Bridgewater, was opened as a home school for girls in iScSj, and is now vi'idely known. The building, beautiful in design and surroundings, has a first-class equipment for its purposes as a seat of learning. lilective, academic, and college preparatory courses are provided for the students, the curriculum including music and art; and a diploma or certificate from Howard Seminary admits to college without further examination. The school at present is under the competent management of Professor and Mrs. R. W. Gifford, and is in a flourishing condition.

Francis E. Howard was educated in the public schools of his native town. He is interested in agriculture, both scientific and practical; owns a fine farm in West Bridgewater; and he is a member of West Bridgewater Grange, and President of the Farmer's Club of this place. In local educational matters he has long taken a prominent part. He was a member of the School Committee eight years, and Cliairman of the Board two years. This is his second year as President of the Board of Trustees of Howard Seminary, and his thirteenth year as Treasurer, he having been elected to the latter office in 18S3. The original Board of Trustees consisted of eleven members, and of this Board Mr. Howard is the only one serving at present. He is also Secretary and Treasurer of the Pine Hill Cemetery Association.

Like his father, he was originally a Whig in politics, and when, in 1855, the petition to establish the Republican party was circulated in West Bridge water, he was the first voter to sign it. Since that time he has been a stanch Republican. He gave his first Presidential vote to Zachary Taylor in 184S. Mr. Howard is a man of culture and ability as well as wealth and influence, and has been honored by his party with a number of public offices. He was chosen delegate to the first Republican convention at Worcester. He has served for six years as Selectman of West Bridgewater, and was two years Chairman of the Board. In 1S70 he was Assistant Marslial in the census work in this town; and in 1882 he was in the State legislature, and served on the State House Committee. In every office to which he has been elected he has performed his duties with good judgment and entire competence, and wherever he is known he has the respect of his fellows.

Mr. Howard was married November 25, 1852, to Mary K. Hayward, who died a few years later, leaving two children: Edith I*'., who is with her father; and Mary J., deceased. He was married again October 5, 185S, to Elizabeth B. Taylor, his present wife. By this union he has no children. Mr. Howard has been a member of the Unitarian church in West Bridgewater for nearly half a century.

RANCIS M. SHAW, a well-known business man of Biockton, Mass., is a gentleman of wide and varied experience in life. He has served his country in time of war both in the army and navy; has travelled far and journeyed in distant lands; and has held numerous positions of trust and responsibility, serving the interests of important industrial enterprises, and lending a hand sagaciously to the conduct of public affairs.

He was born November 3, 1825, at Raynham, Mass., being a representative of the fourth generation of Shaws in that ancient town of Bristol County. Joseph Shaw, his great-grandfather, was the first of the name in Raynham, where he was engaged in farming. He served as a soldier in the Revolutionary Army, and in his last years received a pension from the government. Joseph Shaw married Celia Wade, and had four children - Joseph, Samuel, Silas, and Polly. He died at sixtyseven years of age.

Samuel Shaw, his second son, was a Raynham farmer, and was also a house carpenter. He had exceptional talent for music, and taught singing-school in winter evenings in the neighborhood. His wife, Abigail, who was a daughter of Seth Hall, of Raynham, lived to the age of eighty-seven years. Tiieir children were: Mary; Samuel, Jr.; Deidamia; Isaac PI.; Susan; Linus 11.; and Abigail. .Samuel Shaw, Jr., the father of P'rancis M., was born on the famil}' iiomestead at Ravnham, and resided there to the end of his days, dying at the age of eighty-five. In his old age he drew a pension for his services in the War of 1812. Pie married Rachel Shaw, and they had seven children. The three now living are: Caroline E. , P^ancis Marion, and James Harmon. The other four were: Alanson and William Wallace, who died each at about forty years of age; Oliver Perry, who died at thirty-five; and Andrew Jackson, who died at eighteen. The mother died in 1840, aged forty-eight years. The house where the parents spent their married life and in which they were all born is now over two hundred years old: it is occupied by the son, James H. Shaw.

I'^rancis Marion was the second boy in this patriotic family to bear the name of a martial hero. In his early years attending the district school, a mile from his home, he acquired a good knowledge of the common luiglish branches. 'Phe school-room was heated from a fireplace, on whose ample hearth, in winter days, blazed a fire of huge logs and brushwood. The furniture and all the appliances were of primitive fashion. Hut textbooks were well conned, hard sums were triumi^hantly ciphered out, minds grew attentive and alert ; and not the least valuable lessons learned were of resolute self-reliance and vigorous endeavor.

At the youthful age of fourteen P'rancis M. Shaw joined the army of wage-earners by going to work in a nail factory. He was next, for about a year, employed in the liast Taunton Iron Works; and from there he went to a manufacturing place on the Schuylkill River in Pennsylvania, still later finding a situation in the Duncannon Iron Works - all this before he was eighteen. At that age he took a new departure, embarking on the "William and Eliza," a four-boat whale ship, for a foui' years' cruise, sailing around Cape Horn, stopping at Valparaiso and the Sandwich Islands, both on the outward trip and the return voyage, spending at one time six months at Honolulu. In 1846, fifty years ago, they were taking in oil at Japan; while in the China Sea they were in a typhoon, and had a narrow escape from destruction. At the Cannibal Islands they engaged in traflic with the natives, bartering beads for hogs; and yoiuig Shaw there sold the king's son a violin that he had made himself. Among other places that he visited on his voyage were the Samoan Islands and New Zealand.

Reaching home on the P^ourth of July, 1848, a man of twenty two, with mind broadened and matured, he shortly after went into the shoe business, some branch of which he followed for five or six years. Then he bought a thirty acre farm, and built a small shoe factory. In this he set up the first pegging machine that was brought into Raynham. In i860 his factory was burned down, and in 1862 he removed to

Abington Centre. In the following smnmer he enlisted in the Ninth Massachusetts Battery, and, being sent into the field, reached Gettysburg just after the battle was over. Orders coming for the discharge of all sailors from the ranks. Private Shaw enlisted on the United States .Steamship " San Jacinto, " and was appointed paymaster's steward. At Key West, where the steamer touched, the yellow fever was raging. They there took on Admiral Bell, and returned to New York, whence they were ordered to St. John, N. B. , after the pirate .Sims. Losing two boats in a gale off Cape Hatteras, they put into Kittery Navy Yard, and from there went to Fortress Monroe. While cruising among the Bahama Islands on the watch for rebel vessels, the "San Jacinto " was wrecked on No Name Key, and went to pieces. They remained on the island eighteen days, subsisting on what could be saved from the wreck; and for water brought to them in boats by the natives the captain paid three hundred dollars in gold. The men were rescued by the Lhiited .States Steamship "Tallapoosa," which took them to Boston. The)- had saved ten thousand dollars from the sunken shi]]. On receiving his discharge in July, 1865, Mr. Shaw went back to Abington, but soon removed to Brockton. F'or some time he travelled for David Whittemore & Co., manufacturers of shoe machines, jnitting u|) machinery in Boston and vicinity. In 1871 he went abroad in the interests of Mr. Whittemore, and sold machines in London and Glasgow, and visited also Dublin, Paris, and other places, being absent eight months. Receiving word while at Hamburg that the Whittemore manufactory had been burned, he returned to Massachusetts. In the year 1873 he had charge of the Boston Shoe Machinery Company's e.xhibit at the Vienna E.xposition. Among other illustrious visitors who came to view the American machinery were the Kmperor P"rancis Joseph and his wife, the empress. Mr. Shaw availed himself of the o])- portunity afforded by this si.x months' sojourn in Europe to visit the Alps and other points of interest.

Returning to Massachusetts, he bought out a factory on High Street, Boston, and for three years carried on the business of manufacturing pasted insoles and heel stock. His next enterprise was undertaken in Brockton, where he established the leather and remnant business on Railroad Avenue, and the Naphtha Extracting Works on Centre Street, now carried on under the name of F. M. -Shaw & Son, from which he retired on account of failing health, since which time the business has been carried on by his son, Francis E. , under the same firm name. Previous to this last venture Mr. Shaw had bought an interest in the Boston Rivet Company, and, as a representative of the company, had made in 1875 another visit to Europe. He has crossed and recrossed the Atlantic twice since that time - namely, in 1883 and 1885 - and has also travelled in California and other parts of the great West.

Mr. Shaw wa.s a Know Nothing during the short existence of that political combination in the fifties. He has been a stanch Republican since the organization of the ])arty ; and he was a delegate to the convention at Worcester that nominated for the chief magistracy of the State John A. Andrew, since renowned as our great and good war governor. Mr. Shaw has served as a member of the Council of Brockton for two years. He belongs to Fletcher Webster Post, No. 13, Grand Army of the Republic, of which he was chaplain seven or eight years ; and he has served as a delegate to four Grand Army Conventions, including that held in Denver.

In religious faith he is a follower of Swedeiihorg, and is a member of the New Jerusalem church in Abington. Mr. Shaw has been twice married. His first wife, formerly Miss Mary L. Eaton, of Raynham, died leaving six children - Emma Iv, Linus H., Alice L., Francis E., Mary E., and Samuel. In 1861 he married Harriett B. Bates, daughter of I'lufus B. Bates, of Cummington, Mass. Mrs. Shaw is the mother of one child, a son, Norman B. Alice L. Shaw married D. T. Burrell, of Brockton ; Mary E. Shaw is the wife of Sidney Perkins, and lives at Savin Hill, Boston, Mass. ; Emma E. Shaw married Edward Bryant, and lives in Brockton; Linus H. Shaw married Abbie Dunham, of Plymouth ; Francis I-]. Shaw married Ilattie E. Wilde, of Brockton; Samuel Shaw, unmarried, is a member of the firm of Leonard & Shaw, of Middleboro; and Norman B. Shaw married Lila S. Copeland, of Raynham, and resides in Brockton, and he is a member of the Opera House Orchestra of this city.

JAMES GUSHING LEAGH, of Bridgewater, who died in 1S95, was one of the able men of Plymouth Gounty, actively identified with the industrial, agricultural, financial, and political life of this section of the State. A son of Alpheus and Elizabeth Gushing (Mitchell) Leach, he was born in Bridgewater, July 11, 183 1. His parents were natives of Bridgewater, connected with the oldest families of the vicinity, his father being a lineal descendant of Giles Leach, who settled in this town .some time prior to 1665. Another ancestor of the subject of this sketch was the Rev. James Keith, the pioneer minister of Bridgewater.

Alpheus Leach had a small farm in this town, and hcic the boy James grew to manhood, obtaining his education in the district schools. In his seventeenth year he began to learn the carpenter's trade with Ambrose Keith, a prominent builder, for whom he worked a number of years; and for some time thereafter he was employed by J. li. Garver, of Bridgewater, cotton-gin manufacturer. In 1870 he started in business for himself, manufacturing oil-proof paper, used in the manufacture of boots and shoes; and he also dealt in various kinds of shoe findings. This enterprise he conducted up to the time of his death with luivarying success. As his ability as a business man became known, he was drawn into connection with prominent enterprises of various kinds, his integrity and good judgment making his co-operation most desirable. He was a Trustee and a member of the Investment Gommittee of the Bridgewater Savings Bank for a number of years; a Director of the Brockton National Bank; and, a member of the Plymouth Agricultural Society for a long term of years, he served on the Board of Trustees, and was active in its management. An ardent advocate of public schools, he was always ready to foster educational progress, and, as one of the Trustees of Bridgewater Academy, took a deep interest in the welfare of that institution.

He was elected on the Republican ticket to the Massachusetts legislature, and served two terms, in 1893 and 1894; and in 1895 he was returned to the State Senate. In both L'pper and Lower House he served with distinction on the Committees on Banking, and was also a member of other important committees. Mr. Leach was commissioned Justice of the Peace by Governor Rice in 1877. No less prominent in social than in business and political affairs, he was a member of F'ellowship Lodge, A. V. & A. M., of Bridgewater; Harmony Ghapter, Royal Arch Masons, of the same place; Brockton Council, Royal and Select Masters ; and Bay State Commandery, Knights Templars. He believed firmly in the good accomplished by. religious organizations, and was a liberal contributor to the Central Square Church of Bridgewater. His death, which occurred October 3, 1895, was widely mourned, and each citizen of his native town felt that he had lost a personal friend. His remains rest in Mount Prospect Cemetery. Mr. Leach was married April 29, i860, to Phoebe, daughter of Marcus and Hannah (Leach) Conant, of Bridgewater. Mr. Conant, who is a native of New Hampshire, is living in Bridgewater with a daughter, Mrs. Alfred Hall. His wife was born in Massachusetts. She died in 1889. Mrs. Leach, who was born in this town, is a graduate of the Bridgewater Normal School, and taught for some time before her marriage. During her husband's lifetime she took an active part in society events, and she is widely known and esteemed. She had three children, who died in infancy. Her dwelling on Pleasant Street, erected by Mr. Leach in 1869, is one of the handsome residences of Bridgewater, a town noted for its beautiful homes.

;UMNER KEITH, dealer in coal, lime, cement, fertilizer, and hay, is one of the prominent and substantial business men of Bridgewater. He was born in this town, November 20, 1833, a son of Edwin and Saba (Hooper) Keith, both natives of Bridgewater. On the paternal side he is of Scotch origin, descended from the Rev. James Keith, a native of the "land o' cakes" and a graduate of Aberdeen University, who, immigrating to America, located in what is now West Bridgewater. Here the Rev. Mr. Keith was active for years in evangelical work, and was one of the best known of the pioneer preachers in Eastern Massachusetts.

Isaac Keith, of the third generation from the Rev. James Keith, lived in Bridgewater, where his son Edwin, the father of Sumner Keith, was born in 1800. Edwin Keith was engaged in the manufacture of cotton gins, and was one of the organizers of the well-known manufacturing house of Bates, Hyde & Co., of Bridgewater. For a number of years he was superintendent of the works, at the same time being a member of the firm. Active in local politics, he was a prominent member of the Whig, and later of the Republican party. He died in i860. His wife, who was born in 1804, died in 1881.

Sumner Keith attended the common schools of his native town and Bridgewater Academy. He learned the blacksmith's and the machinist's trade, becoming a practical general mechanic, and from his sixteenth to his twentyeighth year was a workman in the employ of Bates, Hyde & Co. Then, on the death of his father, he succeeded to the position 0/ superintendent. This position he held thirteen years, resigning in 1873 on account of ill-health. In 1876 he started in his present business; and as a merchant he has been very successful, building up a large trade. Mr. Keith's career has been an honorable one, his success being achieved through native ability, good judgment, and diligent application; and he has the confidence of the entire community.

He was married in 1869 to Sarah, daughter of Edward Mitchell, of Bridgewater; and by this union has three sons - Edwin, Charles M., and Joseph W. In politics he favors the Republican side. A public-spirited citizen, he takes a deep interest in the welfare of his native town, and has served on the Board of Selectmen. He attends public worship at the New Jerusalem church.

/^^^JeORCiK a. wheeler, the subject \J5 1 of this sketch, is one of the wellknown men of Plymouth County, and is a descendant of William Wheeler, who came over from luigland in the old Colonial days. His great-grandfather, William Wheeler, of a later generation, served as a sailor in the War of the Revolution, was wounded and taken prisoner in an engagement, and afterward lost his life in attempting to escape.

William Wheeler, the next in line, son of the patriotic sailor and the grandfather of George A., served in the War of 1812, and afterward followed the calling of shoemaker and small farmer, living to a good old age and rearing a numerous family. Among the many sons was Albert D. Wheeler, who was a shoemaker by trade and was also a well-known teacher of vocal music. He married Rachel S. Bourne, of Hanson.

George A., their only child, was bt>rn in Rockland, Mass., formerly a part of Abington, June 6, 1842. In the following year his parents removed to liast Bridgewater, in which town he passed the years of his boyhood, attending the district school and also the academy for a short term. In 1859 he entered the State Normal School at Bridgewater, and, graduating in February, 1861, assumed the duties of teacher in one of the public schools of the good old town of Halifax the following fall.

Answering the call of President Lincoln for "three hundred thousand more," he enlisted August 6, 1862, in Company D, Thirty-eighth Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteers, for three years. On the 8th of the same month he was married to Miss Eliza J. Darcy, of East Bridgewater, and on the 26th left the State with his regiment to face the dangers and hardships of war. .Serving under (jeneral

Banks in Louisiana, he took part in the battles of l^island, also serving through the siege of Port Hudson and taking part in the assaults on the works. May 27 and June 14, 1863, receiving slight Wounds in the two last engagements. In 1864 he again served under General Banks in the Red River campaign, |)articipating in the battles of Cane River and Chalk Plains. In y\ugust of the same year he was transferred with his regiment to Virginia to serve under General Sheridan in the valley of the Shenandoah, there being engaged in the battles of Berryville, Winchester, or Opequan Creek, Fisher's Hill, and Cedar Creek, that being the last battle in which his regiment was engaged.

Receiving his discharge at the close of the war, he soon resumed his duties as a teacher, having charge of schools in East Bridgewater and Whitman until 1871. In 1870 he received from Mayor James Bates, Sheriff of Plymouth County, his first commission as IJeputy Sheriff, a position which he still holds, having served continuously up to the present time. Mr. Wheeler resided in I-last Bridgewater during this time, holding various town offices until 1883, when he was transferred by Captain A. K. Harmon, Sheriff of the county, to Brockton. In 1884 he was ap|jointed City Marshal, holding that position until his resignation some three years later. He is a member of Justin Dimick Post, (irand Army of the Republic, at liast Bridgewater; a charter member of .Satucket Lodge, A. b". & A. M., of the same place; a charter member of Damocles Lodge, Knights of Pythias; also a member of Satucket Chapter and Bay State Commandery, Knights Templars, of Brockton. He served as probation officer for the city from 1885 to 1891, when he resigned the office upon his election as Alderman. Mr. Wheeler still resides in Brockton, holding the

])<).sition of auctioneer, Deputy Sheriff, and Crier of the Supreme and Superior Courts of the county, and doing a general business, in which lie is assisted by his son, V. Pari<hurst Wheeler, born September 26, 1869, who, like himself, is an onlv child.

(^OHN M. STETSON, general manager of the Bridgewater Iron Company, is of the fourth generation of his family connected with this long-established industrial enterprise. A native of Bridgewater, Mass., he was born February 25, 1855, and is a son of George B. and Mary L. (Sumner) Stetson. The Stetsons are of h'.nglish origin, the Bridgewater branch being descended from Cornet Robert Stetson, one of the early Colonial settlers of Massachusetts from the mother country.

Captain Abisha Stetson, great-grandfather of the special subject of this sketch, was one of the incorporators and original members of the firm of Lazell, Berkins & Co., of Bridgewater, iron manufacturers, afterward merged into the l^ridgewater Iron Works; and liis son Nahuni, John M. Stetson's grandfather, was for over half a century agent, treasurer, and manager of the concern. A prominent citizen of Britlgewater, Xahum .Stetson disijlayed ability in public as well as private affairs, representing the district in the State legislature.

George B. Stetson, son of Nahum, is a native of Bridgewater, a well-known and respected citizen. He, too, has been connected with the Iron Works, acting for a long period as general selling agent. His wife is a native of Pawtucket, R.I. Mr. and Mrs. George B. Stetson have three sons living: George W., in P' ranee ; John M., in Bridgewater; and Nahum, in New York City.

John M. Stetson, the second son, the date of whose birth is mentioned above, was educated in the public schools and the academy of Bridgewater and in Anthon's private school in New York City. He was employeil for some time as a clerk in a cotton broker's office in New York, and in 1871 was engagfed as clerk and book-keeper for the Bridgewater Iron Works. Performing his duties intelligently and faithfully, in the daily routine of his work he became thoroughly familiar with all the details of the extensive business ; and in 1886 he was made general manager of the concern.

In 1874 Mr. Stetson was united in marriage with Ruth B. , daughter of Dr. James C. Swan, of West Bridgewater, and by this union has become the father of three children - Mary I.., Harriet S. , and James S. An esteemed member of the Republican party, Mr. Stetson has served for two years as Selectman of Bridgewater. He is well advanced in Masonry, being a member of Fellowship Lodge, A. V. & A. M., of Bridgewater; a charter member of Harmony Chapter of the same place; a member of the Council at Brockton, Mass. ; and also a member of the Knight Templar Commandery of Brockton. Belonging to one of the old and respected families of the place, he is esteemed by his fellow-citizens not only for his ccjunections, but also for - his own personal worth.

P:uRGF FEARING REED, who was \Pl born in Abington, Plymouth County, Mass., May 31, 1834, son of Ezekiel and Cephisa (Studley) Reed, is a progressive farmer, owner of a fine estate of six hundred acres, which has been for generations in the possession of the Reed family.

brought to this country by James Garrett, of Charlestown ; and, as Garrett was unable to pay their passage, both were sold in 1653 to Michael Pierce, of Hingham, for seven pounds. They served till 1662, and Reede then found his way to Scituate. There he married Mary Winter, of Plymouth; and the couple subsequently moved to Marshfield, and thence to Kingston, Mass. John Reede wa.s the progenitor of the Marshfield Reeds; and the majority of his descendants have remained in Plvmouth County from his day to the present - a race of sturdy farmers, witli here and there a statesman and able financier. John Reed, who was Lieutenant-Governor of Massachusetts, 184410 1 85 1, was a member of this family. Charles Reed, Esq., Mr. George F. Reed's brother, who is a graduate of Yale College, is a prominent member of the New Haven bar, now retired from professional work, and an e.x-judge of probate.

George Fearing I^eed attended private schools in Abington and a jirivate academy, and finished his schooling at W'illiston Seminary, Easthampton, at the age of eighteen. He was first engaged as clerk in dry-goods stores in Kingston and in Plymouth, and then for si.x years was employed as book-keeper by L. Faxon & Co., of Abington, Mass., and Charleston, S. C. From 1859 till 1885 he was in the shoe business as a member of the firm of Nash & Co., and in the latter year he assumed management of the old Reed homestead. Besides attending to the culture of sevejal acres of his land, he has the bestequipped saw-mill in Plymouth County, operated by electricity ; and this mill has a large annual output. Mr. Reed is a worthy representative of his family, industrious, able, and progressive.

was given to them - Althea Cephisa, who died May 16, 1891. In politics Mr. Reed is independent. As a member of the Odd Fellows fraternity, he belongs to Pilgrim Lodge, No. 75, Nemasket P^ncampment, No. 44, and Grand Canton, No. 18; and he is also a member of the Grand Lodge and the Grand ]{ncampment of Massachusetts.

Rlando Vv. Charles, M.D.

RLANDO VV. CHARLES, M.D., a well-known medical practitioner of I'emliroke, Plymouth County, Mass., was born in P'ryeburg, Oxford County, Me., August 20, 1856, being the son of Simeon, Jr., and Rebekah (Woodman) Charles. The family on the paternal side, distinctly Puritan, descended from John Charles, who settled in Charlestown in 1636. John Charles, the fourth of that name, a native of Brimfield, Mass., was one of the original proprietors of the town of Fryeburg, where his son Simeon was born October 27, 1787. They were public-sjiirited citizens and influential in promoting all the important enterprises of improvement in that vicinity, particularly in establishing schools and a church.

Simeon Charles, Jr., son of Simeon, lives on the farm formerly owned by his parents, a large and valuable tract of exceedingly fertile land ill the valley of the -Saco River. In their native town the family is distinguished for honesty, fair dealing, temperance, and general uprightness of character. Simeon, Jr., married Rebekah, daughter of John and Sarah (Evans) Woodman, of Sweden, Me. Joshua Gammage, grandfather of Mrs. Woodman, was a soldier in the Revolution, and with other veterans was present at the celebration of the completion of Bunker Hill Monument in 1843.

Academy, after which he began the study of medicine. For several years he taught successfully in his native town. In June. 1881, he was graduated from Bbwdoin Medical College, and in September of the same year settled in the town where he is now engaged in a large practice. Dr. Charles stands high personally, as well as professionally, among his fellow-men. He is a member of the Massachusetts Medical Society. fn |iolitics he is a Democrat. F"raternally, he is a member of Phoeni.x Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of Hanover. On May 20, iiS'Sj, he was united in marriage with Flizabeth Chandler, daughter of Joseph and Mary (Chase) Chandler, of Fryeburg. Mrs. Charles is the grand-daughter and great-grand-daughter of Revolutionary soldiers, and a direct descendant of General Joseph Frye, to whom the site of the town of Fryeburg was given Ijy the Comnmnwealth of Massachusetts for distinguished services in the French and Indian War. Paul Langdon, the first preceptor of Fryeburg Academy, and son of the Rev. Samuel Langdon, President of Harvard College, was her great-grandfather.

ANIKL WALDO FIKLD. an extensive shoe manufacturer of Hrocktoii, Mass., and president of the Clark-Hudson Company, shoe jobbers, i i i Federal Street, Boston, is a citizen (jf whom Brockton is justly proud. Besides establishing a large and prosperous industry which has brought plenty and content into many a workingman's home, he has given largely to philanthropic enterprises, some of which owe their existence to his generosity. He was born in Brockton, February 18, 1856, the son of William L. and Mary (Holmes) Field.

was the original ancestor of most of the American F"ields, including the chief justice of the United States Supreme Court. Daniel W. Field's great-great-grandfather, Jabez, the son of Daniel and grandfather of Zopha Field, was born on the Peregrine White grant in Bridgewater, now Montello, a tract of land about a mile and six rods long, a part of which has been in the family one hundred and fifty years or more. Zopha Field, who was a prosperous butcher, owning a slaughter house and several wagons, was in business a great many years, d\'ing at the age of seventy. He married a Miss Packard, and reared four daughters and four sons, of whom only William L. and Charles C. are living.

One of the sons, named Daniel, was engaged in making boots before the war, and William L. made brogans; but after the advent of machinery lessened the demand for hand work he engaged in other pursuits. As a farmer, he was quite successful ; and he managed two large summer hotels, the Pawnee and the Central House, at Martha's Vineyard. A large real estate owner, he realized considerable on land sales, the sites of the W. L. Douglass factory, French's factory, the Lavers Dye-works, and other buildings, having originally belonged to him. He gave the land to the Old Colony Railroad Company for their station at Montello, and his .sons were instrumental in getting the station located there. Mr. William L. Field, who is sixtyseven years of age, is now living on the family homestead. He is a shrewd, quiet man, who makes no boast of what he has accomplished, though he has worked very hard in past years. His wife, who was Miss Mary Holmes, of Middleboro, daughter of Jesse Holmes, of Plymouth, has been his untiring helpmate in life's struggle, shirking no duty, however wearisome. They have three sons living.

Their only daughter was called from earth at the age of sixteen, the happy age which is neither childhood nor womanhood, but combines the graces of both. The eldest son, William F". , is salesman for I). W. Field, and assistant manager and also treasurer of the Field-Hazard Comiiany. Daniel W. is the second son. The youngest, F^red, is a member of the firm of Packard & F'ield, of Brockton.

Daniel Waldo Field in his youth attended the Brockton High School and Bryant & Stratton's Commercial College, Boston, where he was graduated in 1875. After leaving school, he worked on his father's farm for about a year and a half, driving a milk wagon and taking care of forty cows. One day when he was in his twenty-first year Mr. D. S. Howard stopped him on the street, and requested him to take charge of the books in his shoe factory, then the largest in the city. He was in Mr. Howard's employ four years. In the last three years he saved from his salary fifteen hundred dollars; and in 1881 he started in business in a small way as a shoe manufacturer, employing seven men and making thirty-six pairs of shoes a da}'. His industrious habits and close apjjlication to business brought him prosjjerity; and in 1883 he erected, on his father's farm, the nucleus of his present plant, a factory thirty-three by sixty feet in dimension. .Since then he has made three additions, only enlarging as his capital allowed; and his factory now is three hundred and fifty feet long, with four floors for business and two storehouses, containing in idl fifty-two thousand feet of floor space. He employs on an average five hundred hands, and makes from four to five thousand pairs of shoes a day.

Field, Thurber & Co. ; and in September, 1895, the brothers bought Mr. Thurber's interest, admitting to partnership Mr. Hazard, who is the present manager of the F'ield- Hazard factory, Mr. 1). W. F'ield being president of the corporation. In the past five years, according to record, Mr. F^ield has shijiped one-twelfth of the shoes sent out from Brockton. He was one of the original founders of the Clark-Hudson Company, of Boston, which was established in 1892, and of which he has since been president. Hiring quarters at 1 1 i F\>deral .Street, they purchased their stock, and the first year's sales, in 1893, amounted to over a million dollars, in 1894 the sales aggregated a million and a half dollars, and in 1895 nearly two million dollars. They are now probably the largest jobbers in Boston, and employ a hundred hands, including clerks, typewriters, and salesmen.

Mr. Field's brothers live near him, so they form a manufacturing community of their own. When he started in business, the only means of travel between Brockton and Montello was a coach which made two or three trips daily; and the silence of the little suburb was broken only by the drowsy and infrequent sounds of farm life. Now the place is changed to a bustling manufacturing village, with hurrying steam-cars connecting it with other industrial centres; and this great change is due to Mr. F'ield's enter]3rise. His factory is kept in constant operation, and he is always ready in aid his help in erecting homes of their own. The best of feeling exists between him and his employees, and only once during his business life has he had any trouble with them.

As a financier, he has a variety of connections. He is largely interested in real estate and building, transacting his business on his own responsibility alone, and has fifty tenants, and has erected thirteen stores; and he is an active Director in the Brockton National Bank, and owns several union interests. During his whole business career he has never borrowed money, never given his note. His donations to charitable enterprises are generous and frequent, and many of his benefactions have been performed in such a quiet way that they are unknown to the general [jublic. He takes a deep interest in schools for the blind. He was one of the Building Committee of the lirockton Hosijital, and one of the leaders in the enterprise. He gave liberally to the Wales Old Ladies' Home at Montello; and he built the Congregational church at Montello, which was completed in September, 1895, and gave it to the society.

Mr. I'"ield married Miss Rosa A. Howes, who was born in Barnstable, on the Cape; and she has aided him in his work, not only with sympathy and encouragement, but in many practical ways.

Though he takes no active interest in pnli; tics, preferring to devote his time to his business, he served two years as Park Commissioner of Brockton, and was urged to run for Alderman, but declined. He is not a lodge man, but belongs to the Commercial Club, an association of business men. Mr. Field is not a professed church member, yet he is a practical and active Christian. Under the weight of his business cares his health has broken down ; and by his physician's advice he has spent much of the past four years in travel, in California, Europe, Cuba, and other parts of the world.

EORGE BURRILL HOWARD has \ P I served efficiently as Assessor of Brockton for the past si.\ years. A member of an old Plymouth County family, he was born in North Bridgewater (now Brockton), November 24, 1S45. His parents

His first ancestor in this country was John Howard, who lived for some time with Captain Miles Standish in Du.xbury, and later settled on a tract of new land, in what is now West Bridgewater, where he died in 1700. He married Martha, daughter of Thomas Hayward, and reared seven children - John, James, Jonathan, Elizabeth, Sarah, l^ethiah, and Epiiraim. Ephraim Howard, who dietl in 1750, married Mary, daughter of the Rev. James Keith, perpetuating the line of descent, which includes the special subject of this sketch. His children were: Jane, born September 17, 1689; Susanna, March 8, 1692; Martha, August 7, 1695; Ephraim, Jr., March 25, 1697; Daniel, October 3, 1699; David, March 3, 1703; Silence, June 3, 1705; and Mary, December 21, 1707.

P2phraim Howard, Jr., the fourth child, married Abigail Tisdale, who died in 175S, leaving the following children: George, born January 31, 1721; Theophilus, born in 1724; Ephraim, in 1731; Abigail, in 1733; -Susanna, born in 1736, who married John Ames, and was the mother of Oliver Ames, the founder of the shovel works in Easton ; Martha, born in 1739; Mary, in 1741. George Howard, the eldest son, who was the greatgrandfather of George B., died April 3, 1815, aged over ninety-three years. He was married in 1745 to Abigail, daughter of Jonathan Copeland. She was born December 9, 1724, and died March 26, 1809. The children of this couple were: Hannah, born July 26, 1746; Abigail, September 26, 1748; Betty, May 9, 1751; George, Jr., September 8, 1753, who was in the Revolutionary War in 1775; Oliver, born December 21, 1755: Job, May 17, 1758; Caleb, December 15, 1760; Rachel, April 20, 1763; Patty, August 2,

Caleb, the third son, who was the next in this line, was a man of strong character, and was highly esteemed in North Bridgewater (now Brockton). He filled a number of public offices, was first Representative to the General Court from the town of North Bridgewater in 1822, Justice of the Peace for a great many years, and held various commissions. He was in the Revolutionary War. In his later years he was commonly called Colonel Howard, being Colonel in the militia, and Commander of the forces at Plymouth in the War of 1 81 2. He died January 4, 1831, in the seventy-first year of his age. On December 7, 1780,. he was married to Sylvia, daughter of Daniel Alger. She was born November 13, 1 76 1, and died September 17, 18 19, in her fifty-eighth year. They were the parents of eleven children: Hannah, born May 9, 1782; Apollos, August 23, 1784; Abigail, March 23, 1786; Sylvia, June 9, 1788; Vesta, May 17, 1790; Chloe, January 19, 1793; Nancy, January 10, 1795; Welcome, April 17, 1797; Olive, July 24, 1799; Caleb, June 8, 1802; and Thomas Jefferson, July 30, 1804. Colonel Caleb Howard married a second wife, Abigail Snell, daughter of Issacher Snell, Esq., but by this union had no children.

Thomas Jefferson Howard, youngest son of Colonel Howard, was a farmer of North Bridgewater. He died May 27, 1874. His wife was daughter of John Tilclen, who was in the Revolutionary War. She was born April 9, 1810, and died F"ebruary 25, 1891. Of their children, the following is a brief record: Thomas Franklin was born July 14, 1831. Caleb, who was born August 2, 1S33, attended the Harvard Law School, and subsequently studied in Philadelphia. He went to California about i860, and took the stump for

Abraham Lincoln, and he subsequently taught school in the Sandwich Islands. Sent from there on a government errand to the Island of Guam, near Japan, he died in August, 1864, on the way, and was buried at sea. Frederick Howard, born March 19, 1836, died February 19, 1837. Willard, born July 10, 1839, now a resident of Baltimore, Md., was in the forty-fourth Massachusetts Regiment at the time of the war, and was commissioned by Governor Andrew in the Fiftyfourth Regiment, serving successively as Lieutenant, Adjutant, and Captain, and remaining in the service until the war was finished. He is now Colonel of the F'ourth Regiment of the Maryland State militia. Davis Howard, born July 16, 1842, was also in the Forty-fourth Massachusetts. Fred Leslie, born February 2, 1849, is one of the firm of C. A. Browning & Co., of Boston, wholesale dealers in millinery goods.

George Burrill Howard, the fifth son, attended in his boyhood the conunon and private schools of North Bridgewater. He subsequently served a three years' apprenticeship to the tinsmith's trade, and then entered Martin L. Keith's shoe factory in Brockton, where he was employed for a number of years. When he was twenty-one he began to deal in real estate, and he was successful in that business. He is well known in Brockton, and is a worthy representative of the family to which he belongs. A Republican in politics, Mr. Howard stands high in the esteem of his fellow-partisans. In 1886 he was appointed Assistant Assessor, and served four years. In 1S90 he was appointed Assessor, and has been in office continuonsly since.

He was married in 1870 to Elizabeth Martin, a native of West Bridgewater, daughter of Charles N. Martin, and they became the parents of two children, namely: Mildred B.,

-Y^ATHANIEL SHAW, a veteran of the I =y Civil War, who conducts a thriving Ji^ \^ grocery business in Plymouth, was born in Carver, Mass., December 14, 1836, son of Nathaniel and Betsey (Shurtleff) Shaw. His grandfather, Nathaniel (first), who resided in Carver, was accidentally killed by a falling tree when he was thirty-five years old. Of the grandfather's five children, there are three living, the eldest of whom has reached the age of ninety years. Nathaniel Shaw (second), Mr. Shaw's father, was also born in Carver. He learned the trade of a hollow-ware moulder in Ellis's foundry, where he was afterward employed for many years. In the spring and summer a good farm gave him ample employment for all his surplus time. He dietl at the age of sixty-five years, regretted by all who knew him as an industrious man and a good citizen. His wife, Betsey, born in Carver in 1806, was a daughter of Captain Gideon Shurtleff, also a native of Carver, and a son of Abial Shurtleff. The Shurtleffs descend from William Shurtleff, who came to this country in the "Mayflower," and they are mentioned in a work, entitled "A Nameless Nobleman," written by Jane G. Austin. Abial Shurtleff, Mr. Shaw's maternal great-grandfather, who was born in Marshfield, Mass., moved to Carver when a young man. Of a strong physique, he continued hale and hearty up to the time of his death. When close on ninety-four years old, he walked from Carver to Plymouth, a distance of nine miles. Captain Gideon Shurtleff worked at his trade of moulder in the winter, and was engaged in farming during the summer season. For several years he was Captain of a military company; and during the War of 181 2, when the British troops landed at Wareham, Mass., he commanded a company of the volunteers organized to meet and oppose their advance. He was the father of seventeen children, among whom was Betsey, Mr. Shaw's mother. Mrs. Nathaniel Shaw reared nine of her eleven children, five sons and four daughters. Of these, Nathan (third) was the fourth born. The mother lived to the age of sixty-seven.

The third Nathaniel Shaw, who is the subject of this sketch, was educated in the schools of Carver. He afterward assisted his father upon the farm until he was nineteen years old. Then he obtained employment in Ellis's foundry, where he remained for some time. Later he went to the Kingston foundry, where he continued to work for a year. From there he went to Pratt's foundry in North Carver, and then to Watertown, Mass., where he followed his trade until 1862. In this year he enlisted as a private in Company B, Third Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteers, under Colonel Richmond, and subsequently participated in the North Carolina campaign, doing picket duty in and around Newberne, N.C., and in the battles of Kingston, Whitehall, and Goldsboro. After receiving his discharge in 1863, he returned to Watertown, and remained there for some three years. At the expiration of that time he came 10 Plymouth, where he was for the succeeding ten years employed at the Plymouth Iron Foundry. He then formed a copartnership with Mr. Hatch, and has since carried on the grocery business here under the firm name of Hatch & Shaw.

Mr. Shaw has been twice married. His first wife, a native of Carver, whose maiden name was Lucy Vail, died in 1876. She left one son, E. A. Shaw, who is now engaged in the grocery business in Stoughton, Mass. In

1S78 Mr. Shaw contractetl his second marriage with Julianna Baker, a daughter of William VV. Baker, of Plymouth. He is a memher of Patuxet Colony, No. 103, Pilgrim Fathers, and a comrade of Cadlingwood Post, No. 76, Grand Army of the Republic, of which he has been Commaneler. In politics he supports the Republican party, and, although he is well qualified to fill sundry town offices, he invariably declines nomination as a candidate.

Tp^UFUS E. PACKARD, real estate I S^ agent and man of affairs, of Brockli^ V ^ ton. Mass., formerly Nortii l^iidgewater, was born in a house that stood on Be\- mont .Street, near Charles Eaton's private residence, July 28, 1836. He is a son of the late Lorenzo E. and Wealthy (Sylvester) Packard, both of North Bridgewater.

The Packards are an old New Plngland family. .Samuel Packard, the first of the name ill this country, came from Windham, near llingham, England, in the ship "Diligence, " of Ipswich, and settled in Hingham, Mass., in 1638. From there he moved to West Bridgewater, where for a number of years he kept a tavern ; and for some time he was constable of tiie town. He had a famil}' of twelve children. Zaccheus, the thirtl child, married -Sarah Howard, and reared nine children. His son, Zaccheus, Jr., was married in 1725 to Mercy, daughter of Isaac Alden, and had a family of si.\ children. Isaac Alden was a grandson of John and Priscilla (Mullins) Alden. Zaccheus Packard, Jr., died in 1775, aged eighty-two years. His son, -Simeon, who was born March 30, 1736, was married on July 6, 1 76 1, to Mary, daughter of Mark Perkins, and died October 23, 181 5, aged nearly eighty years. His widow died October 22, 1820, aged eighty-one. Eleven children were born to this coujale. Their third child, Zenas, who was the grandfather of Rufus 1{. Packard, was born May 22, 1771, and died April 20, 1854, aged nearly eighty-three years. Zenas Packard was an active church member, holding the office of Deacon for a number of years. His wife, Deborah, whom he married in 1793, was a tlaughter of l^benezer Thayer. She died October i, 1S54. They were blessed with a family of ten children.

Lorenzo Emerson Packard, son of Zenas and Deborah Packard, was born in North Bridgewater, August 6, 18 10, and was educated in the common schools of this town. He S]ient his life, with the exception of two or three years, in his native place, and followed shoemaking for a livelihood. Though not an aspirant for office, he was actively interested in politics, voting originally with the Whigs, afterward with the Republicans. He scr\'ed on the Prudential School Committee in looking after supplies for school-houses in his district, and was Clerk of the Board. He was a prominent Congregationalist. He was married November 18, 1832, to Wealthy, daughter of Gustavus Sylvester, of North Bridgewater. She died in 1876. He lived to the age of eighty-one years. Their children were nine in number, namely: I'jncline b'rances, imw the wife of F. E. Allen ; Rufus Emerson, the subject of this sketch; Caroline Augusta, the wife of John O. Emerson; Martiia Adelaide, who died at about twenty years of age; Wealthy Alice, who died in 1S93; lillen Elizabeth, who died in infancy; Luella Minerva, who married George A. Warren; Horatio Lyman, who died in infancy; and Sylvester P'remont, who is married and resides in Brockton.

guishiiig himself as a pupil by winning a prize book offered for excellence in scholarship. This success was the more remarkable from the fact that at the very early age of seven years he was set to work at pegging shoes, both before and after school hours, now and then even at noontime, so that he had no unusual opportunities for study. He left school at the age of fourteen, and went to work at shoemaking; and for some time he was foreman of rooms in different factories. He also managed a room of his own, employing a large number of hands. The constant strain of indoor work at length undermined his health ; and in 1886 he turned his attention for a while to canvassing, subsequently opening an intelligence office. This he closed up after a time, and has since devoted his energies to real estate and insiu'ance, in which he has been very successful. At present he has the management of much of the real estate business in Campello; and he has a number of private estates tcj look after, including those of Martin L. Keith, the Hon. Ziba C. Keith, and Preston K. Keith. Mr. Packard is also an auctioneer.

Mr. Packard was married in 1855 to Elizabeth K., daughter of Gushing Otis, of East Bridgewater. She died ^n 1869; and her children, three in number, have also ]5assed away. While she was living, Mr. Packard resided in East Bridgewater. On April 17, 1871, he was united to his second wife, Mary VV., daughter of Vina! Lyon, of 15rockton. By this union he has one son, Granville L. , a graduate of the Brockton High School, now cashier and book-keeper for the Standard Oil Gompany. Granville L. Packard was married in 189s to Thersa K., daughter of John .She[iard, of Gampello.

Mr. Rufus E. Packard, who is a Republican, was Chairman of the l^epublican Gity Committee and Chairman of the Ward 3 Committee several years; has been two years Treasurer of the Republican County Campaign Committee, and Warden for fifteen years of Ward 3, since Brockton became a city; and almost every year he is elected a delegate to some convention. He has been Constable seven or eight years, and was appointed Justice of the Peace by Governor Ames and reappointed by Governor Greenhalge. On June 22, 1871, twenty-five years ago, he became a member of Massasoit Lodge, No. 69, Independent Order of Odd Eellows, of which he has been trustee fifteen years. He has passed all the chairs of the lodge, and is a member of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. He is a member of Brockton Lodge, No. 21 8, Knights of Honor (having been trustee of this body also fifteen years), and also Past Dictator of the Lodge; and he belongs to Beatrice Lodge, No. 27, Daughters of Rebecca. Mr. Packard, wife, and son attend the South Congregational Church, and he is a member of the Consreuational Club.

§OHN KINSLIiY, a native resident of Lakeville, was born on the farm which is now his home, April 3, 1829. His parents were Unite and Susanna (Alden) Kinsley.

Unite Kinsley was born in I^ridgewater, Mass., but removed to Middleboro at an early age. He was a millwright by trade and was an enterprising man, managing a cotton-mill in Taunton, Mass., for a number of years. After his marriage he settled on the farm now occupied by his son in Lakeville. He did not live to enjoy the leisure of old age, but was called to pass from earth in 1833, when he was but forty-two years old. His wife lived to be fourscore, passing away in 1875. Their remains rest in the Precinct Cemetery. Seven children were born to this couple, namely; Sllsuii A., who married William W. Nelson; Lydia B., who married O. llaskins; Mary, who married J. C. Haskins; Betsey; Alvin; John, the snbiect of this sketch; and Sarah.

John Kinsley and his sister Betsey are the only surviving members of his family. He was born and reared on the farm, receiving his education in the schools near by. He began to work as a carpenter when seventeen years of age, learning his trade in Middleboro, and was employed in the vicinity of his home until 1854. In that year the gold excitement, which began in 1849, still continuing, he went West, joining the multitude of Eastern men who were seeking their fortunes on the Pacific slope. He travelled by water, landing at San Francisco, and remained there for a while, finding the surest and safest way of making money was to work at his trade. In 1856 he returned East, and after living for a number of years in New Bedford returned to the home of his childhood, where he has been content to spend the years that have followed.

Mr. Kinsley has many interesting reminiscences of the California of the early fifties, the many types of men who congregated there, and the lawless life of the time; and, like many another New England man who sought that El Dorack), he agrees that, though wealth was easily got and lavishly spent, though there was little restraint from law or public ojjinion, there was no such genuine comfort to be found as there is in a New England farm home. Mr. Kinsley is highly esteemed in his native town. In politics he is a Prohibitionist.

HOMAS DROHAN, Probation Officer (jf Brockton, Mass., is an ex-State Detective, and has held various other positions of public trust. He was born in

His grandfather, Edward Drohan, who was born in Hackettstown, near the estate of the Marcjuis of Waterford, was an extensive farmer, owning three hundred acres of land, whereon he raised horses, cattle, and dairy produce. He married and became the father of five children, two boys and three girls, of whom I^llen, a resident of Waterford, is the only survivor. James Drohan, born in 181 3, son of Thomas, was head gardener on the Powers estate. He married Helen Flvnn, and they had five children, two of whom died in early life. Two boys, Thomas and his brother Edward, and one girl were left fatherless in 1852.

Thomas Drohan received a part of his education in Tramore, and came with his widowed mother to America in 1853, the year after his father's death. They settled in Ouincy, Mass., but removed on July 3, 1855, to Brockton, where they went to housekeeping. ]''or a time Thomas was in the employ of Sherman T. Moore and others in the shoe business, subsequently taking contract work, which he filled by the labor of his own hands. When the war broke out he wanted to enlist, but was refused on account of being too young. Later, on August II, 1862, at the call of President Lincoln for three hundred thousand more, he enlisted in Company H, Thirt\--third Massachusetts Volunteer Infantrv', and went to Washington, waiting at Alexandria for General McClellan. The company arrived at Bull Run the second da)' of the retreat, going back thereafter to defend Alexandria, being near Fairfax Cemetery. After taking part in the battle of Fredericksburg, they forced their way across the Rappahannock, not having their clothes off for nine days. Subsequently, sent

They were then sent to Chancellorsville to drive the rebels out, young Thomas being on picket duty. From Beverly Ford they went to Gettysburg, where he wa.s wounded, his regiment occupying Cemetery Hill the first day, and Peach Orchard the second day ; and at Frankstown they drove the confederates to the river. Going thence to Chattanooga, Tenn., he was promoted to Corporal for his bravery, being one of the first to cross the breastworks at Raccoon Hill, October 20, I1S63. At Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge his regiment was on the extreme right under General Hooker. Then followed the battles of Bayard's Roost, Tunnel Hill, and Resaca (the latter fought on Sunday, May 15, 1864), and Bent Hickory, May 25. After that they were skirmishing all the way till they arrived at Kenesaw Mountain. Here Mr. Drohan was wounded and sent to the rear, subsequently going to the hospital. As soon as he was able he went home, but returned to his regiment after a short furlough, and received his discharge in Washington at the end of the war. General Hooker comjDlimented him for keeping his military ec[ui|iments in order, quaintly remarking, "Vour gun looks good enough to eat. "

Coming back to Brockton Mr. Drohan resumed contract work, later entering the employ of C. R. F'ord ; still later, for three years, he served in Gardner J. Kingman's shoe factory, and during one year he drove a candy team for F. B. Washburn. In his political affiliations Mr. Drohan is a Republican, who has been officially prominent. In 1878 he was elected Constable, and in 1879 and 1880 he was delegated to night duty on the police force. The following year he was Constable, being on day duty. In 1882 he was appointed by Mayor Keith Assistant City Marshal. He and Mr. Littlefield enforced the liquor law very strictly, so strictly, in fact, it is said, that he was discharged by the Democratic Mayor, H. I^. Packard. Mr. Drohan's personal friends, who are many, thereupon procured him a position on the State Detective force under Governor Butler. He was on duty one year, and in 1884 he officiated as Constable and Truant Officer, continuing in this position a number of years, being obliged to serve many writs. For twelve years he collected delinquent taxes. Since 1891 he has served as Probation Officer, being appointed by Mayor Keith, and in 1891 reappointed, according to the new law by Judge Reed.

In 1866 Mr. Drohan was united in marriage with Miss Moore, a daughter of Michael Moore, who was one of the first Irishmen to settle in this city. By this alliance there were eight children : Catherine ; James ; Annie, who died; Thomas Emmett ; Edward Walter; Ellen; William; and Mary. James Drohan spent three years at the Holy Cross College in Worcester; was graduated from the Medical Department of Harvard College in 1895; and is now a medical practitioner in Rockland, Mass. Catherine married James Madden, and resides here. Thomas Emmett is an electrician for the West End Railway Company. Edward Walter is connected with the Brockton Tiuus. Fallen attends the Brockton High School, and William and Mai)' are also living under the paternal roof and attending school.

F'raternally, Mr. Drohan is a member of Fletcher Webster Post, No. 13, Grand Army of the Republic, which he has served as Quartermaster, and of the Union Veterans Union. He has an excellent memory, his army experience alone furnishing him much food for pleasing as well as pathetic reflections. His brother, Edward Y., who enlisted at East Bridgewater in the Twenty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment, after participating in many engagements, was woimded at the battle of Cedar Mountain, and was sent to Eighth Street Hospital, where he died. He was buried at Arlington. Mr. Dmhan has one sister living in Brockton.

(S#T I^ni--IvT A. SHERMAN, an iron moulder, now retired from active business, is a resident of Plymouth, Mass., where for a number of years he was foreman of the Plymouth Iron Foundry. He was born in Carver, Mass., March 16, 1829, son of Micah and Mercy R. (Ransom) Sherman.

Micah Sherman was born in Carver, February 24, 1783. He followed agricultural pursuits during the active period of his life, tilling the soil with energy and success. He died in his native town in FY-bruary, 1868, at the age of eighty five years. His wife, Mercy R. Ransom, a native of New York, who was born November 24, 1786, died April 29, 1842. They had ten children, of whom Albert A., the subject of this sketch, is the only one living. The others were: Joseph Ransom, who was born March 10, 1805; Rufus, who was born October 22, 1806; Polly, who was born September 25, 1 80S ; Eucy, who was born November 13, 1811; Micah, who was born May 19, 1814; William M., who was born August 29, 1816; F^liza, who was born November 22, 1819; Lydia R., who was born January 21, 1823; and Sarah S., who was born November 25, 1S24. The parents attended the Congregational church.

Albert A. Sherman, the youngest born of the ten children, acquired his education in his native town, and at the age of fourteen he began to serve an apprenticeship at the iron moulder's trade. After mastering his trade he worked as a journeyman for David Pratt si.\ months, going from Carver to Middleboro, where he was for a short time employed at the foundry of Thompson & Tinkham. He was ne.\t employed by Cobb & Drew in Plymouth ; and from this town he went to P'all River, where for five years he worked in the stove manufactory of William Cogswell. After subsecjuently working in Pratt & Co. 's sho]5S at VVatertown Mills for two years, antl in Somerset, Mass., for three years, he returned to Plymouth, where he was employed at Hobb's Hole, now VVellingsley ; and during the war he was engaged in the manufacture of shot and shell at VVatertown. In 1868 he once more took up his residence in this town, beconiing connected with the Plymouth Iron F\iundry, where he continued until the suspension of that concern a short time since, having . ably filled the position of foreman for ten or twelve years.

Mr. Sherman married for his first wife Caroline French, daughter of William French, of p-all River. She died March i, 1852; ami in June, 1 868, he wedded Mrs. Mary H. Harlow, born F'uller, whose first husband was Justus Harlow, a resident of Plymouth and a tailor by trade, who died at Fortress Monroe during the Civil War. She was born in Kingston, daughter of Captain Albert and Mary (Chase) F"uller, the former of whom was a native of Sandwich, Barnstable County, Mass. Captain Albert F'ullei- was a ship-master engaged in the West India trade. He died of yellow fever in San Domingo in 1844, aged forty-two years. His wife, Mary Chase, who was a native of Barnstable, Mass., was the mother of si.x children, of whom Mrs. Sherman is the youngest. Three are now living, namely: Frederick C. , a jeweller of Providence, R.I.; Cynthia C, Mrs. Simmons; and Mary H.,

Alexander Vining

Mrs. Sherman. The others were: Albert C, who died young; lulward Mortimer; and Mary Helen. Mr. and Mrs. Sherman have two children, as follows: Clarence, who is engaged in the oil stove business; and Leon Allen, an electrician, who is connected with the Plymouth Electric Railway.

Mr. Sherman is a Republican in jjolitics, and cast his first Presidential vote for John C. P'remont in 1856. P'raternally, he is connected with Mayflower Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; and he attends the Baptist church, of which Mrs. Sherman is an active member. Since the closing up of the foundry he has been passing his time quietly at his comfortable home, where he is enjoying a pleasant season of rest after an unusually long period of useful activity.

^f^ LP:XANDER VINING, late a prominent leather merchant, and one of the best-known commercial men of Boston, who died at his home in Ouincy, Mass., January 31, 1885, was born in South Scituate, May 11, 1817, son of Alexander, Sr., and Polly (Jacobs) \'ining. He was a descendant of two Colonial families of repute, the representatives of both being noted for their intellectual attainments, sturtly character, and stanch patriotism.

Alexander Vining, Sr. , father of the subject of this sketch, was a native of East Abington, Mass., now Rockland. Having acquired a liberal education, he became a school-teacher, and was for many years principal of the East Abington Pligh School. As a member of the Whig party in politics, he took an active part in securing capable persons for the public service, although he never sought or held office himself. In his religious views he was a Universalist, and he served as Deacon of that church. His useful life ended at a good old age, and the record of his career was an exceedingly bright and honorable one. His wife, Polly Jacobs, was a daughter of Captain Joshua Jacobs.

Her father was a son of Joshua Jacobs, of Scituate, Mass., and a lineal descendant of Nicholas Jacob, who settled in Hingham, Mass., in 1633. John Jacob, son of Nicholas, born in England in 1630, was the father of David, who was born in Hingham, Mass., in 1664, and about 1688 settled in Scituate, Mass., evidently being the first of his surname in that town. He married Sarah Cushing, and, as we learn from Deane's "History of Scituate, "' was the father of eleven children, including a son Joshua, born in 1702. Mrs. Vining's father, Joshua, son of Joshua, joined the Continental army as a Captain in the Twenty-third Regiment of Infantry in 1776, and, after serving with honor all through the Revolutionary War, he remained in the P^ederal service during the rest of his active life. He died at the age of seventy-eight years. Mrs. Polly Jacobs Vining was a lady of unusual intelligence and advanced education, a .graduate of the old Watson School in Charlestown, Mass. She died at the age of seventy -five years. Alexander, the subject of this sketch, was her only chikl.

Alexander Vining was educated in the common schools of South Scituate, and he resided in his native town until he was forty years old. In 1S57 he removed to Hull, Mass., where he engaged in the hotel business as proprietor of the Nantasket House; and three years later he removed to the Mansion House at Wind Mill Point, of which he was proprietor until it was destroyed by fire on P'ebruary 12, 1872. About the year i860 he engaged in the wholesale leather business in Boston, where he became one of the most prominent and enterprising merchants in that line of trade, and his connection with it continued until within two years of his death, which took place as above stated, at the age of nearly sixty-eight years. As a business man he was energetic and progressive, and always made a success of whatever he undertook.

It is generally conceded that he kept the best summer hotel along the beach, and in commercial circles he reached an enviable standing as a high-minded and upright business man, who fully merited the respect and esteem which was accorded him by his mercantile associates. While a resident of Hull he took an active part in public affairs and the general improvement of the town, serving as a member of the Board of Selectmen for several years. He was the original projector of the first county road from Hull village to the Rockland House, and was mainly instrumental in securing its completion. For several years previous to his death he resided in Ouincy, Mass., but he always preserved a sincere affection for his native town of South Scituate (now Norwell) ; and his remains were interred there. Politically, he was a Republican, and in his religious views he was liberal.

In I.S57 Alexander Vining was united in marriage with Fanny Margaret Raymond, daughter of Captain Lewis Raymond, a wellknown ship-master of South Scituate. By this union there were two children, only one of whom, namely, Floretta, now survives. Mrs. Vining died May 24, 1865.

Miss Floretta Vining inherited a large fortune from her father, and her ample means have been, and are still, used liberally in doing good. In the month of May, 1885, she took up her residence at Seaside Cottage, the former summer home of her father, and she. occupied it until March 12, 1890, when it was destroyed by fire. She was upon a visit to Washington, D.C., at the time. On May 20 of the same year she began the erection of her present summer dwelling, which is known as Vining Villa. During the summer she was in Europe, and upon her return in the fall, the villa was ready for occupancy. Here she resides through the summer months, but during the winter season she occupies apartments at the Parker House, Boston. She is a prominent member of literary and social circles of that city, belonging to many noted clubs and other organizations, in which she is very popular, taking an active interest in their development and usefulness.

She is the first Regent of John Adams Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution; was the second New PZngland lady admitted to membership of Sorosis, the leading women's club of New York Cit\'; is the first Vice-President of the Abbott Academy Club, of Andover, Mass. ; has been Auditor of the New England Women's Press Association since its organization: is a Director of the Women's Club-house Corporation, which has in contemplation the erection of a club-house for women in Boston; and is a member of the Playgoers' Club. During the past five years, through her influence several wealthy people have been led to build cottages at Hull, and her own pleasant summer home here has been the scene of many distinguished gatherings. She is a believer in and an earnest advocate of the Greater Boston, recognizing that Hull will, as a district of Boston, receive the needed police patrol, so that it will become more and more the summer residence of Boston's best people, as a place where the)' may be entirely free from those evils that characterize many of the near-by summer resorts. She displays the same interest in increasing the conveniences of Hull that characterized her father. .She was the means of securing a daily mail, and, by a strenuous effort on her part, at last had it increased to two deliveries per day, although she was obliged to visit Washington and make a personal appeal to the Post-ofifice Department. She was the main instigator in the laying out of Spring Street, the project of which was opposed by the town officers, but she at last succeeded in causing the County Commissioners to order its construction. She was the means of establishing at Stony Beach, Hull, a United States Life-Saving Station, which has done such good service in saving men from shipwreck.

Originally, the only conveyance to Hull was by barge to North Cohassett. Miss Vining was instrumental in raising a public subscription, with the object of inducing the Old Colony Railroad to establish railroad communication with the place. The project was entirely successful, the sum of one thousand dollars being raised, which proved sufficient ffir the ]iurpose. Hull now has seven regular trains per day, with additional accommodations in the summer Miss Vining also induced the town to appropriate one thousand dollars per year to pa)' for carrying to Bingham the children who attend the high school there. With the ready consent of the male residents, Miss Vining takes part in town meetings, and all practical measures for the public good find in her an earnest and efficient advocate. Her voice is heard in their public discussion, and she is usually the main factor in their execution.

Miss Vining is a lady of much physical vitality, as well as of superior mental force, and her interest once assured in connection with any worthy object, her aid and influence in its behalf is sure to follow. She seems to live solely for the purpose of doing good in a practical way; and that she is accomplishing her object can be attested by the large number who have profited by her generosity. She has a penchant for helping needy and worthy young men, insisting always that they also strive to help themselves. Many who to-day are occupying good positions owe all they are to the fact that Miss Vining tided them over the hard spot in life. In a quiet unostentatious way Miss Vining has done this noble work, and many deeds of charity has she performed that the world knows not of. The highest reward, and the only one the lady asks, is the joy of doing service with good will.

ENRV O. LITTLE, President of the Bridgewater Bo.\ Comjjany, one of - \. ^ the prosperous manufacturing enterprises of this busy section of the -State, was born in Columbia, Conn., May 22, 1848. His parents, David and Elizabeth (Scoville) Little, were also natives of Columbia. His grandfather, Norman Little, served in the War of 1812. David Little taught in the common schools of Connecticut for forty years, at the same time managing a farm. He was highly respected by his fellow-citizens, who elected him to the office of Deputy Sheriff of Tolland County. His wife, also an intelligent lady, taught school for some time.

Henr)' O. Little remained in his native State until he was about hfteen years of age, obtaining his education in the common schools. He then went to \'ineknid, N.J., and for a number of years was engaged in raising fruit for the wholesale trade, owning a large farm, which he devoted to that industry. In 1872 he removed to Bridgewater, Mass., and here for some time followed the same occupation, raising fruit and seeds and disposing of them at wholesale. In 1890 the Bridgewater Box Company was organized, and Mr. Little, being one of the incorporators, was elected President at that time. The company have a vvellequiijped plant with improved machinery, and employ on an average forty hands the year round. They deal in all kinds of lumber, and manufacture shooks and wooden packing bo.xes of various kinds, making a specialty of lockcorner and printed bo.xes. The factory is fitted with every convenience including telephone. In a business sense Mr. Little is a self-made man, having achieved prosperity through his own unaided efforts.

He has been twice married. His first wife, Miss Elsie M. Perry, of Springfield, Vt., was a descendant of Commodore Perry, who won immortal fame by his brilliant victory on Lake Erie in 1813. She left one son - Walter S. , the present Treasurer of the Bridgewater Box Company. The present Mrs. Little, who is of English birth, was Miss Louise B. Hudson.

Mr. Little, who is a Republican, served for several years on the Board of Selectmen of Bridgewater. As a Mason he is a member of l*"ellowship Lodge; and he was a charter member and the first officer of Harmony Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, of Bridgewater; and ffir two years he has served as District Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Chapter, Royal .Arch Masons, of Massachusetts. He is also a member of Old Colony Commandery, Knights Templars, at Abington. I\Ir. Little has a wide circle of acquaintance, and stands high in the esteem of his fellows.

UGUSTUS HUNT W RKiHT is one of the leading men of Abington, Mass., taking part in all matters of local importance. A son of liidmund and Sarah A. (Hunt) Wright, he was born in Boston, December 23, 1846. lulmund Wright was born in Boston, October 16, 1794. He was for some years publisher of the Boston Daily Patriot, and eventually disposed of the business to the Boston Daily Advertiser. He died in l^oston in 1S73. His wife died in 1867, aged fifty-eight years. They had si.x children, one dying in infancy. The five living are as follows: Edmund \V. , Theodore E. , Augustus H., Horace W. , and Mary A.