Plymouth Town (part 43 of 54)

Albert Loring Murdock, elder son of his father, grew to manhood in Boston, and was educated in the public schools. On leaving school, he gave some time to the study of life insurance, collecting and examining statistics. Prompted by the information he acquired in this way, he procured the passage of the law requiring the payment of the value of forfeited insurance. Later he established the John Hancock Life Insurance Company. In July, 1861, just after the first battle of Bull Run, he was one of the three men through whose efforts was raised the Boston contribution of twenty-two hundred cases of hospital stores and seven thousand dollars in money, which he was deputed to take to the front. At the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia in 1876 Mr. Murdock was very active, being largely instrumental in securing exhibits from the manufacturers of this State, and being especially successful in the collecting of the agricultural exhibit. In 1881, after twelve years spent in experimenting, he brought before the public the Liquid Food which bears his name, and which has been received with such signal favor. The use of this food in the free hospitals which he founded and sustained in Boston, including the Surgical Hospital for Women, which was continued for six year^ and in which three thousand two hundred and

Mr. Murdock was married on November 25, 1855, to Helen W. Loring, daughter of Enos and Jane (Hersey) Loring, of Hingham, Mass. They have two sons - Albert W. and Walter A. Mr. Murdock is a Republican in politics. He makes his home in the winter in Boston and in the summer at Hingham. In the latter place he has a beautiful country seat, a farm of about one hundred and fifty acres, with a fine residence, grounds ornamented with fountains and statuary, and a thick-set grove, with four miles of foot paths. His estate includes the old Gushing farm, on which stands a small house built in 1687, called Pilgrim Cottage, the most ancient dwelling in Plymouth County. Its stout timbers are of oak. With a view to preserving this time-honored domicile as a memorial of past generations and a connecting link therewith, Mr. Murdock has had the original inside finishing taken out, and replaced with good hard oak. Nor is the house kept uselessly idle. It is the home of the hired man and his family; and smoke goes up the great chimney flue, and children play about the door. Only a little less ancient than Pilgrim Cottage is a house built by ancestors of Mrs. Murdock in 1729, which, having been put in good order at much expense, now constitutes a wing of the Murdock mansion. For so preserving these old landmarks, Mr. Murdock is entitled to lasting gratitude.

Mr. Murdock is an earnest supporter of the cause of the higher education of women, and gives much of his time to forward the same. In politics he is an adherent of the Republican party. Both he and his wife are Unitarians in religious faith. Mr. Murdock is known in the business world for a man of integrity, foresight, and good judgment, and is esteemed by the general community for his good citizenship, works of improvement, and his readiness to befriend the needy.

HARLES E. KNIGHT, M.D., a popular physician residing in Rockland, Mass., was born in Livermore, Me., April 20, 1854. He is a son of William and Rebecca (Soper) Knight, both natives of the Pine Tree State. William Knight is an enterprising farmer in comfortable circumstances, a dealer in poultry and eggs. He has reared two children - Rose and Charles E.

Charles E. Knight was reared on a farm; but agriculture had no charms for him, one of his earliest ambitions being to qualify himself as a physician. He attended Waterville Institute and Bates College, read medicine first with Dr. Bridgham, who is now in Cohasset, Mass., and was graduated from the Medical School of Bowdoin College in 1879. With an admirable spirit of independence he earned a great part of the money needed for his professional training, teaching for eight or ten years. He began to practise in his native town, then moved to Livermbre Falls, and in 1895 located in Rockland as successor to Dr. Bradbury. He has a good grasp of his profession, is naturally energetic and progressive, and his methods have proved effective in the cure of disease. During his short stay in Rockland he has won the public confidence, and established a growing practice.

In 1879 Dr. Knight was united in marriage with Miss Flora B. Howard, of Harrison, Me. ; and one child, Chester L., has blessed their union. The Doctor is a strong Republican, and has taken an active part in every campaign since casting his first vote. He is a Royal

-^ENJAMIN W. ROBBINS, a successful farmer of Carver, was born here, August 12, 1835, son of Chandler and Sarah (Burgess) Robbins. He is the fourth in line of descent from his earliest American progenitor in this locality. His great-grandfather left a son bearing the name of Joseph, who in turn had a son named Chandler. Chandler Robbins, who was born and reared in Carver, married Sarah Burgess, a native of Plymouth, who became the mother of seven children. These were: Chandler, who died in 1895; Sarah, also deceased; Sarah, second, who is the wife of Charles Shaw; John, who was killed at the second battle of Bull Run, in which he fought as a private in Company E, Eighteenth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteers ; Joseph and Benjamin, who were twins; and Hannah, who married Richard VV. Wilber, of Bridgewater. Joseph, who was also a soldier in the Federal army, serving in the same regiment with his brother John, received three wounds at the second battle of Bull Run. He died in 1892. Chandler Robbins's life was for the most part spent in Carver, where he was born. He died March 27, 1895, aged seventy-one. His wife is still living.

Benjamin W. Robbins, whose circumstances in boyhood left him but few advantages, acquired his education by his own individual efforts. Born and reared on a farm, he became in early life inured to the hardships of agricultural life. Yet, appreciating its independence, he followed the precedent of his forefathers, and became a farmer. In i860, when twenty-five years of age, the estate he now owns was intrusted to his charge. It contains one hundred and fifty acres of good land. For a number of years, besides general farming he has been engaged in the culture of cranberries, now a staijle product in the fall and winter markets. In 1862 he wedded Miss Lydia M. Hammond, who bore Iiim five children. These were: Annie H., who became the wife of Theron M. Cole; John S. ; Lucian T. ; Evelyn F. ; and Morris F. Evelyn has been a student at the Normal School at Northfield. In politics Mr. Robbins is a Republican, and represented his district in the State legislature of 1882-83. In the capacity of Fire Warden, which office he has held for a number of years, he has been very efficient. He is an esteemed member of the Congregational church of Carver.

~CjvERETT T. LINCOLN, Deputy Sheriff, JQI auctioneer, and dealer in carriages and harness, is one of the busy and enterprising citizens of Middleboro, Mass. He was born in this town, January 16, 1851, and is the only son of William and Juliet (Sherman) Lincoln.

The Lincoln family is of English origin. Among the early settlers of Hingham, Mass., were: Thomas Lincoln, the "cooper," who came about 1635 or 1636; Samuel Lincoln and his brother Thomas, the "weaver," about 1637; .Sergeant Daniel, 1644-5; Stephen Lincoln and his brother Thomas, the "husbandman," 1638; and Thomas Lincoln, the "miller," who came to Massachusetts in 1635, settled first in Hingham, and some years later removed to Taunton. His three sons - Thomas, John, and Samuel - were all residents of Taunton.

boro when seventeen years of age, and died here at the age of eighty-six. His wife died at the age of sixty-two. They had two children - William and one who died in infancy. William Lincoln, like his father, had natural mechanical ability. When twenty-one years of age, he started in the carriage business in Middleboro, manufacturing and selling, and did not disdain to work at the forge himself, fashioning tires and springs. This was in the days when carriages were made mostly by hand, and until the advent of factories he had a large and lucrative business. Since machine work became common, his business has been confined to selling carriages. Mr. William I^incoln, being in feeble health, has for some time left the management of affairs in his son's hands. His wife, whose maiden name was Sherman, is a native of Carver, Mass.

Everett T. Lincoln enjoyed good educational opportunities, taking an advanced course of study at Pierce Academy. At the age of seventeen he went to work at his father's forge, and for a number of years was engaged with him in the manufacture of carriages, the name of the firm being L. Lincoln & Son. He is an able business man, knowing how to care for the property accumulated by his father and how to add to his own resources by careful investment. He is a member of the Board of Investment of the Middleboro Savings Bank and one of the Trustees of that institution.

Mr. Lincoln married May 7, 1871, Miss Lizzie Bartlett, of Plymouth, Mass., daughter of Frederick Bartlett. In politics he favors the Republican side. His ability and force of character are recognized by his townsmen, and he has been elected to a number of offices of trust and authority. He was Constable eight years, and has been Deputy Sheriff two years ; and he was formerly connected with the fire department. He belongs to Mayflower Lodge, A. F. & A. M. ; and to Lodge No. 665, Knights of Honor. Together with his parents he is an attendant at the Baptist church; and, though he is not a church member, he is interested in the welfare of the society, and for two years has been Treasurer of the Baptist Cemetery Association.

\ f5T known dry-goods merchant in Hingham, Mass., dealing also in fancy goods and furnishings. He was born in Boston, July 25, 1832, son of William and Martha (Milner) Defrees. The family is of English ancestry. William, the father, came to America in early manhood with his brother, a sea captain, who assured him that the country was a desirable one to live in. William Defrees was a baker by trade, and continued his business in Boston. The maiden name of his wife was Martha Milner. They had eight children - William H., Maria, Elizabeth C, Martha H., George T., Joseph S., Emily Jane, and Charlotte M. But two of the family are living to-day: William H., a resident of Southboro, Mass., now at the age of seventy; and George T., the subject of this sketch. The father died at the age of forty-six years, and the mother at fifty.

George T. Defrees, the fifth child ot his parents, had excellent educational privileges in the Boston schools; but at the age of fourteen, preferring work to study, he engaged to make himself generally useful in Charles Cook's paper store. He was subsequently employed by the Remick Brothers, dealers in millinery and fancy goods, remaining with them for a number of years. Later he worked for Kinmouth & Co., dealers in dry goods and ribbons, and then returned for a time to Remiclv Brotiiers, becoming familiar with all the details of the business. Failing health obliged him to quit work when the Civil War broke out, but he was anxious to do something for his country. He therefore enlisted in the Hospital Corps, and was detailed to Columbian College Hospital, where he had charge of the clothing distribution. There he had a heart-rending experience of the horrors of war; and, being obliged to sleep in a tent, he contracted neuralgia, from which he suffered for seven years. In 1867 he began the dry-goods business for himself in Brookline, Mass.; but, ill health compelling him to abandon it, he sold out. As soon as he was sufficiently recuperated, he embarked in a similar enterprise in Quincy, Mass. After a successful business career of eight years in that town he came to Hingham, May 12, 1884, where he continues the same line of trade, with which he is thoroughly familiar.

Twenty-nine years ago Mr. Defrees was united in marriage with Frances Daggett, daughter of Warren and Clara (Gould) Daggett. Her ancestors came from Maine. Mr. and Mrs. Daggett had three other daughters: Eliza, deceased; Addie, who resides in Ashmont ; and Emma, a resident of Boston.

Mr. Defrees has uniformly cast his vote for the Republican party. Fraternally, he belongs to Tremont Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Boston, in which he has for some time officiated as Chaplain. He is also identified in the membership of Massasoit Encampment, the Merrimont Lodge, No. 617, Knights of Honor, and the New England Accident Insurance Company. In religion he is an Episcopalian. Personally, he is a genial gentleman, who is an important social and commercial factor in this town. Mr. and Mrs. Defrees reside on Hersey Street.

MOS B. PAUN, M.D., has been for nearly twenty years a resident physician of Middleboro, and during his term of active professional work has won the regard and respect of his townsmen. He was born in New Bedford, Mass., October 18, 1846, a son of John and Sarah (Tripp) Paun.

His father, John Paun, was born in Kingston, R.I. He was engaged for a number of years in manufacturing and refining oil in New Bedford, making a specialty of the fine oil obtained from the sperm whale. The latter part of his life was spent on a farm in Lakeville, where he died at the age of seventyseven in 1872. His wife was born in 1801 in Fairhaven, Mass., and was a daughter of Captain Gilbert Tripp, who was master of a vessel, and was also a skilful cooper. Mrs. Paun died at the age of eighty-four. She was the mother of nine children, namely: Sarah, William, and Benjamin, deceased; John H., living in Lakeville; Deborah, Charles, David, and Ellen, deceased; and Amos B., whose name stands at the head of this sketch.

Amos B. Paun entered learning's gate through the common schools of New Bedford. He was eight years old when his parents removed to Lakeville; and there he worked on the farm for a while, subsequently attending Grossman Sisters' School and Pierce Academy in Middleboro. A little later, after he had begun the work of life, he had the misfortune to fracture his ankle; and this circumstance, curiously enough, led to his adopting the profession of medicine. At the time the accident happened he had a good position, which he filled with such efficiency that it seemed likely he wouU! make his mark in the commercial world ; but, now that he was unable to stand, he was obliged to give it up. The care of the broken ankle was a subject that caused great anxiety. His father and the family physician were afraid that, if bones were taken out and other painful processes entered into, the patient would die; but the young man was not satisfied with such a diagnosis, and began to study for himself. The trouble subsequently yielded to proper surgical treatment. Following his first investigations in the realm of anatomical and medical science, he read with Dr. Charles H. Thomas for four years, and in 1865 entered the University of Pennsylvania, where he was graduated cum laiide in 1869. He was an enthusiastic student, and had the best of special instruction. In September, 1869, he opened an office in East Taunton, Mass., where he remained two years; and after that he was in North Middleboro four years. In 1877 he removed to Middleboro, and for some time his home and office have been at"io8 Oak Street. He is a skilful and successful physician and surgeon, and has a large practice.

Dr. Paun married Miss Deborah A. Thompson, a native of Thompson's Mills, 111., daughter of Isaac and Anna (Thompson) Thompson, and has one son, Edgar Amos, born February 24, 1882. Mrs. Paun is a descendant of John Thomson, or Thompson, who came to Plymouth in 1635, it is said, and who married Mary Cook, daughter of F"rapcis Cook, one of the "Mayflower" Pilgrims.

In politics Dr. Paun favors the Republican side, and while residing in East Taunton he took a lively interest in local matters; but his professional work now demands all his attention. A genial and hospitable gentleman, he is very popular in society, and is a prominent member of several fraternal organizations. He is a Mason ; is Past Chief Patriarch of Colfa.x Encampment, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; belongs to Sippican Tribe, Improved Order of Red Men, of New Bedford; to New Bedford Lodge, No. J},,

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; and to the Commercial Club of Middleboro. Mrs. Paun is a member of the Baptist church, and an active worker in the Women's Christian Temperance Union.

ACOB OSBORN SANBORN, the efficient principal of the Hingham High School, was born in Loudon Centre, N.H., on July 6, 1840, son of Daniel L. and Ada S. (Moore) Sanborn. His great-grandfather. Captain John Sanborn, a native of Kingston, N.H., was a farmer, and one of the early settlers in Loudon, N.H., where he owned and cleared many acres of land. He served in the old State militia. He was appointed on September 5, 1775, F"irst Lieutenant of the Tenth Company, Thirteenth Regiment of militia in the colony of New Hampshire; and his commission is in the possession of his grandson, the subject of this sketch. He subquently became Captain. He married Ruth Rand, and they had five children who grew to maturity. Captain Sanborn and his wife lived to a good old age.

Edmund, their youngest child, was a farmer and miller in his native town of Loudon, N.H., for many years. In politics he was a Democrat and officially prominent, serving the town as its Representative to the legislature. In religion he was a Free Will Baptist. His wife, whose maiden name was Ruth Griffin, was a native of Loudon. They had nine children, five of whom are now living. Mrs. Ruth G. Sanborn lived to be over eighty, while her husband attained the advanced age of ninety-three.

Daniel L., the third child of Edmund and Ruth (Griffin) Sanborn, was born in Loudon, N. H., where he was engaged in farming all his life. In politics he was a Republican; and he served as Constable for many years, being also Captain of the State militia. He married Ada S. Moore, and they were the parents of six children, namely: Jacob" O. ; Ruth J., deceased; Joseph T., now residing on the old homestead, and whose wife, Fannie Cleverly, died without children; Charles F. , a resident of Loudon, N.H. ; Mary E. Buswell, wife of John L. Buswell, of Loudon, N.H., and mother of two children - Abbie E. and Frank W. ; and Ada Estelle Sanborn, who died young. The father and mother attended the Free Will Baptist church. They lived to the age of fifty-six and sixty-five respectively.

Jacob O. Sanborn, after acquiring his early education in Loudon, N.H., fitted for college at New Hampton, and was graduated at Dartmouth College in the class of 1864. The year following he took charge of the South Hinghara Grammar School, remaining until the spring of 1866, when he accepted the management of the Cradock Grammar School in Medford, Mass., which position he continued to fill until the fall of 186S. From that time until 1872 he had charge of the Winchester Grammar School. Mr. Sanborn then accepted the principalship of the Hingham High School, which he has ably filled for twentyfour years. In politics he affiliates with the Republican party. He is President of the Board of Trustees of the Hingham Public Library.

On October 30, 1869, Mr. Sanborn was united in marriage with Louise Attelia Slader, daughter of Edward and Almira A. (Hunton) Slader, being the only child now living. Mr. Sanborn is highly esteemed as a citizen and a teacher. Mr. and Mrs. Sanborn are both members of the Congregational church at Hingham, in which he has officiated as Deacon for the past ten years.

ON. GEORGE M. HOOPER, of Bridgewater, Mass., manufacturer of building brick, is one of the wellknown public men of this vicinity, having held various town officers and served two terms in the State legislature. He was born in Bridgewater, September i, 1S38, and is a son of the late Mitchell and Jane (Mitchell) Hooper.

His first ancestor in this country came from England in 1635, and settled in what is now Wakefield, Mass. From the immigrant's youngest son, John Hooper, who located in Bridgewater in 1700, George M. Hooper is a direct descendant, in the sixth generation. The family has produced soldiers as well as financiers and statesmen, Hezekiah Hooper, Mr. Hooper's great-grandfather, having fought in the Revolutionary War, and Joseph Hooper, his uncle, in the War of 181 2.

Mitchell Hooper was born in Bridgewater. An active Republican, he represented this district in the State legislature in 1861. He died October 15, 1886. His wife was born in Enfield, Mass. She, too, was of Revolutionary stock, being a grand-daughter of Thomas Mitchell, who was a soldier in the Continental army under Washington. Mrs. Hooper died in 1 89 1. Of the children born to this couple, three are living: George M., the subject of the present outline sketch; Lucia H., wife of Henry T. Pratt, of Bridgewater; and Elizabeth L., widow of Frederick A. Barker, now residing in Cambridge, Mass.

George M. Hooper attended the Bridgewater Academy and Pierce Academy at Middleboro, and was graduated from the State Normal School in this town in 1857. After teaching school for a year, he engaged in the manufacture of building brick, and has followed it up to the present time. For a number of years he has served as clerk and Trustee of the

George M. Hcoper

Mr. Hooper has been twice married. His first wife, whose maiden name was Mary E. Josselyn, was the mother of eight children, six of whom are living, namely: Jane M., wife of Emery E. Kent, of Salem, Mass. ; Louise, wife of Arthur D. Ferguson, of Allston, Mass.; George M. and Frederick VV. , of Bridgewater; Mary F., a graduate of the Bridgewater Normal School, who is teaching in a private school in Elizabeth, N.J.; and Mitchell, residing with his father. The present Mrs. Hooper was before marriage Miss Catherine Mitchell, of Bridgewater.

Mr. Hooper is a strong Republican in politics. He represented Bridgewater and East and West Bridgewater in the State legislature in 1 888 and i8go; and for several years he has been a member of the town School Committee, presiding for three years as Chairman of the Board. A prominent Mason, he belongs to Fellowship Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of Bridgewater, of which he is a Past Master; Harmony Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, of the same place, of which he is a Past High Priest; and Bay State Commandery, Knights Templars, of Brockton. He is connected with the New Jerusalem church (Swedenborgian). Mr. Hooper and his famil\- are esteemed members of the community in which they dwell, prominent in all the important social events in Bridsewater.

r^n identified with the agricultural in- Ji^ V^ ^ terests of Plymouth County throughout his active life, was born March 9, 1824, in Marion, on the farm where his father, Reuben Allen, was born, lived, and died.

His great-grandfather, John Allen, settled here in Colonial days. Weston Allen, the paternal grandfather, purchased and improved the Allen homestead, and here reared his children to those habits of industry and economy that afterward made them good and valued citizens.

Reuben Allen succeeded to the ownership of the ancestral acres, and was chiefly engaged in agricultural pursuits. He married Phoebe B. Blankenship, who bore him seven children; namely, Polly H., Matilda L., Sallie S., Henry D., George F., Charles Weston, and Lorenzo T. Charles Weston died at the age of five years.

Henry D. Allen was bred and educated in his native town. He attended the public schools during his boyhood, and on the home farm received a practical training in agriculture. He resided on the old homestead property until 1894, when he removed to his present snug farm, where he is engaged in general agriculture on a small scale. Mr. Allen has always taken an active and intelligent interest in all matters pertaining to the town and county, and has ably served the town in its most important offices. For eight years he was Selectman, Assessor, and Overseer of the Poor, a member of the School Committee for three years, and Highway Surveyor for a number of terms. Politically, he is a stanch adherent of the Republican 'party. While a member of no religious organization, he is in sympathy with the work of all the churches.

On June 10, 1847, Mr. Allen married Miss Eliza W. Delano, a daughter of Benjamin and Thankful (Delano) Delano. His wife has had four children, as follows: Charles H., who died March 13, 1850; Mary O. , whose death occurred November 2, 1863; Annie D., the only surviving child; and Henry T., who passed away November 7, 1888.

T^HARLES HAWKES MARBLE, an I Sp enterprising member of the well- VJl,^ Itnown firm of Ricli & Marble, plumbers and hardware merchants of Hingham, Mass., was born in Hingham Centre on July II, 1858. He is the youngest son of Demerick and Deborah H. (Groce) Marble, and is of the seventh generation in descent from Gershom Marble, the original progenitor of the family in Hingham and vicinity.

He was a mariner in early manhood, and a resident of Charlestown, Mass. He was twice married. His first wife, Mary, died in Charlestown on December 30, 1694, when shewas a young woman; and he subsequently removed to Hingham, where he resided on Beechwood Street. In Scituate, Mass., in 1697 he was married to Waitstill Ingle, who died in Hingham, November 14, 1728. Gershom Marble died August 6, 1725, at the age of si.xty.

David, fourth child of Gershom and Waitstill (Ingle) Marble, was born about the year 1706. On December 27, 1732, he married Abigail Joy, who was born in Hingham, March 22, 1713, daughter of Prince and Abigail (Tower) Joy. Four children were the fruit of this union. Luther, the second child, was born in 1735. He married Priscilla James, daughter of Thomas and Hannah (Holbrook) James. She was baptized May 10, 1 741. Luther Marble was a mariner, and met the fate of many that do business in great waters, being lost at sea. His eldest child, who bore the name of James, was born in Hingham, November 3, 1760, and was married June 7, 1785, to Fanny Stodder. Her parents were Reuben and Elizabeth (Glover) Stodder. She was born in Hingham, June 10, 1766; and after her marriage to Mr. Marble they resided on South Street. James Marble also was a seafaring man. He died on April 26,

1 801, at the age of forty. By his matrimonial alliance there were seven children. His widow was married on April 24, 1802, to Reuben Thurston, who lived but a few years after; and on June 12, 1808, She married her third husband, John Braslin. She passed away August 3, 1833.

Demerick, third son of James and Fanny (Stodder) Marble, was born in Hingham, July 18, 1794. On December 7, 18 18, he was married to Olive Easterbrook, daughter of Gorham and Susanna (Gorham) Easterbrook. She was born in Barnstable, Mass., October 28, 1798, and died on December 24, 1868. Demerick Marble was lost at sea March 30, 1823, while in command of the schooner "Globe." He was the paternal grandfather of the subject of this biography.

His son, Demerick Marble, Jr., was born in Hingham, October 7, 1819. After availing himself of the educational opportunities afforded by the common schools of that time, at the age of fourteen and a half years he went to Boston to learn the painter's trade. A year later, however, he returned to Hingham, and worked at the carriage-maker's trade. In 1849 he formed a partnership with Bela H. Whiton, which lasted for forty-two consecutive years, when Mr. Marble retired from the arena of business, having been engaged in all fifty-si.K years in the carriage-making industry.

In politics he formerly affiliated with the Free Soil party; but since the formation of the Republican party he has been identified with the latter organization, invariably casting his vote for Republican candidates. An active and public-spirited citizen, Mr. Demerick Marble has served efficiently in various town and State offices. For many years he was on the School Committee, for nine years he was a Selectman, and he is at present Town Auditor. In 1859 and i860 he was Representative to the State legislature. Since 1877 he has been Trustee of the Hingham Institution for Savings, and since 1871 a Director of Hingham Mutual I'ire Insurance Company.

Fraternally, Mr. Marble is identified with Old Colony Lodge, A. F. & A. M., having taken the third degree in March, 1859; and for over half a century he has also been a member of Old Colony Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Reared by a Baptist mother, he was thoroughly indoctrinated in that religious faith. He subsequently became a Universalist, and is ever ready and willing to state intelligently the reason for his belief. He is a man of strong convictions, but is not opinionated. He is an attendant of the old Unitarian church in Hingham. Mr. Marble has accumulated a good property, and stands high socially.

Mr. Demerick Marble and Deborah H, Groce, who was born in Hingham on June 25, 1823, daughter of Jacob and Olive F. (Burr) Groce, were married on July 31, 1842. They became the parents of four sons. William Demerick, the eldest, who was born in We\-- mouth, Mass., March 15, 1845, died in Hingham on May 8, 1850. The second, Thomas Burr, born in Hingham, November 2, 1848, died October 30, 1851. Arthur Demerick, the third son, now city engineer of Lawrence, Mass., was born in Hingham, April 10, 1853. He is a natural artist, and is also the family historian, having compiled a number of interesting biographical sketches. He married Mary A. Richardson, and has one daughter, Marion Wright Marble.

Charles Hawkes Marble, the youngest child of Demerick and Deborah H. (Groce) Marble, was born in Hingham on July 11, 1858. He attended the public schools, and was subsequently graduated at the Hingham High School, standing well in scholarship. For a time he ofificiated as Assistant Postmaster at Hingham Centre, and was assistant to the Librarian of the Hingham Public Library. He then entered the employ of I. W. Loring, to gain an insight into the mysteries of plumbing and tinsmithing, remaining with him eighteen months. He afterward returned to the postofifice for another period of service. In 1879 his present partnership with Atkins S. Rich was formed, the enterprise having been established by Mr. Rich five years previously. Mr. Marble's business tact and popularity make him an important factor of the concern. They employ from si-^c to eight men, their work covering an extensive territory. In 1880 they bought a new business plant to better meet the demands of their steadily increasing trade.

In politics Mr. Marble affiliates with the Republican party. For five years he officiated on the Board of Registration for voters, then resigning to become a member of the Board of Health, of which he is Chairman. He is a Director of Hingham Co-operative Bank, and for the past three years he has served as President of the Hingham Centre Croquet Club.

On July 17, 1S84, Mr. Charles H. Marble was married to Estella L., daughter of Reuben and Sarah J. (Dyer) Sprague, of Hingham Centre, and a descendant of William Sprague, who settled in Hingham about 1636. Mr. Marble is very prominent in Masonic circles, being Past Master of Old Colony Lodge, A. F. & A. M. While he was ?naster in 1892 the lodge celebrated its one hunuiedth anniversary, the success of which was largely due to his efforts. A book, entitled "One Hundred Years of Old Colony Lodge, A. F. & A. M.," contains an interesting account of this occasion, and also a fine portrait of Mr. Marble. It is the testimony of brother Masons that Worshipful Master Marble's work, both in the lodge room and on public occasions, was masonically perfect and very impressive. In religion he is a Universalist in belief, but with his wife affiliates with the First Parish Unitarian Church, of which he is Treasurer.

'RANKLIN E. NESMITH, manufacturer of paper boxes, is one of the successful young business men of Rockland, Mass. He was born in Tewksbury, Middlesex County, Mass., November 9, 1861. His parents were Thomas and Frances A. (Crane) Nesmith, the former a native of New Hampshire, the latter of Connecticut. Thomas Nesmith was engaged in farming for a number of years, and lived in Tewksbury and in Lowell. He died in August, 1895, aged seventy-four. He had three children, namely: Franklin E., the subject of this sketch; Henry I., in Lynn, treasurer of the Lynn Box Company; and lilizabeth F., wife of Amasa Harrington, of Waltham, Mass.

Franklin E. Nesmith passed his youth in his native town and in the city of Lowell, acquiring a good practical education. As soon as his studies were finished, he went to work in a box factory in Lowell, and in course of time learned all the details involved in the manufacture of paper boxes. He then took charge of the business which is now under his control in Rockland, and his factory on Grove Street is the centre of a large trade. He manufactures principally boxes for shoes, and during the twelve years that he has been in business has supplied a large demand, keeping a number of hands employed, and weathering successfully financial crises like the one which is at present vexing the public.

In 1887 Mr. Nesmith was united in marriage with Miss Hattie F. Lawrence, of Rockland. He has a pleasant home at 18 Union Street. In political preference he is a Republican. He is a Mason, belonging to John Cutter Lodge of Abington; Pilgrim Royal Arch Chapter; and Old Colony Commandery, Knights Templars, of Abington; and, as an Odd Fellow, he is a member of Standish Lodge, No. 177, of Rockland. He is very popular as a member of society, and as a business man has displayed much ability.

/STkORGE a. BEAL, of Abington, Vp I Treasurer of the Savings Bank, was Town Treasurer twenty -five years in succession, and has been identified with the welfare of the place for a much longer period. He was born in Abington, December 21, 1830. His parents, Benjamin and Dorothy B. (Nash) Bcal, were natives and lifelong residents of this town.

His mother died in 1837, at the early age of thirty-three; and his father, who was by occupation a boot and shoemaker, died in 1888, at the age of eighty-eight years.

George A. Beal was given good educational opportunities, completing his studies at a private academy in his native town. He embarked in the boot and shoe business in 1857, and was prosperously engaged in this manufacturing industry for nearly thirty years. In company with Joshua L. Nash, under the firm name of Nash & Beal, he carried it on by the steam factory system, the firm being one of the first to use steam power in this section of the State. From 1872 to 1883 Mr. Beal was a member of the Board of Investment of the Savings Bank, and in 1884 he retired from the shoe business to enter upon his duties as Treasurer of the bank. Since July of that year he has filled this responsible position, giving entire satisfaction to all concerned, and establishing a firm hold upon the confidence of the community.

Mr. Beal married three sisters, members of an old and prominent family of Plymouth County, which originally settled in Weymouth. In 1852 he was united to Helen M. Reed, who died January 30, 1861, leaving one son, Herbert A. In 1864 he was married to Lucretia A. Reed, by whom he had two children - George C. and Charles A. She died February 2, 1885. In 1886 he married Florence L. Reed, who has no children. Mr. Beal was Selectman and Town Clerk of Abington for ten years, and, as stated above. Town Treasurer twenty-five years ; and he is also Treasurer of the Old Colony Commandery. Knights Templars. He is a regular attendant of the Congregational church.

Ji® V ^ Bridgewater, March 15, 1S21, son of Sidney and Sally (Littlefield) Howard. His paternal grandfather was Daniel Howard, Jr., a Justice of the Peace. He had ten children, of whom Sidney, born in 1790, was the eighth. Sidney Howard was engaged in shoemaking for some years, and also owned and worked a small farm. A Republican in politics, he served as Constable for a number of years. His wife was a daughter of Major Samuel Littlefield, of East Stoughton. She became the mother of four children: Hovendon, the subject of this biography; John S. ; Nathan Capen ; and Vesta. John S. has passed away; Nathan Capen resides at Campello; and Vesta married F. W. Hatch, of Marshfield. The father died at the age of sixty-three years, the mother surviving until her seventy-seventh year.

which trade he subsequently followed for twenty-two years. He then turned his attention to farming, which occupation he pursued until his retirement from active labor. He owns one hundred acres of land, which is at present under the management of his son, J. Capen Howard. In September, 1846, he married Emily J., daughter of Sumner French, of Turner, Me. By her he has had six children, four of whom are now living - Sidney, Charles A., J. Capen, and Ellis C. The two deceased are: Sumner F., who died in 1865; and Clinton F., who died July 8, 1896. Three of the children reside in this city. In politics Mr. Howard is a Republican.

AVELAND, a wellicial of Brockton, was born at Franklin, Mass., P"ebruary 17, 1830, son of Albert and Susan (Daniels) Cleaveland. Bela Cleveland, the father of Albert, was born at Medfield, Mass., and died on May 20, 1832. He married Hannah Adams, of Medfield, and they had a family of eight children, four boys and four girls, of whom but one is living. Albert Cleaveland, the eldest child, went to California in 1849, where he spent the remainder of his life, and died when about seventy-six years of age. Susan (Daniels) Cleaveland, his wife, was born in Franklin, Mass., October 6, 1808, and was a descendant of one of the early New England families. She died February 6, i83.'i. They were the parents of two children - Walter F. and a boy that died in infancy.

Left motherless when but four years old, Walter F. Cleaveland, within a year after, went to live with his paternal grandmother. At the age of ten he accompanied his father to Woonsocket Falls, and later to Providence, R. I., attending the common schools in the dif- ferent places in which he lived. He then learned the sash and blind business, at which he worked in Providence for about four years, with his uncle at East Freetown until 1856, and in New Bedford until September, 1859. Removing from there to North Bridgewater, now Brockton, he followed his trade for about two years more, and then went into the ice, wood, and teaming business, as a member of the firm, Daniel Eames & Co. At the end of three years he purchased his partner's interest, and carried on the business alone until the spring of 1883, when he sold out to Wallace C. Flagg. He ne.xt built a shop, and for four years did wood sawing.

In 1 85 1 Mr. Cleaveland married Marietta H. Whipple, daughter of Amos and Rosella Whipple, of Cumberland, Mass. She died some years later, and Mr. Cleaveland then married Mary E. Chipman, of Sandwich, Mass., who died October 21, 1884. There were six children by his first union, namely: Susan L., who died when two years of age; Albert A., who married Eva Cook, of Brockton, resides in Brockton, and is employed in the shoe shop; Frances R., who married Charles A. Braley, of Brockton; Ullian G. , who died at the age of five years; Henry W. , who married Helen Ransom, and works in the Brockton shoe shop; and Carrie A., who lives with her father. In 1879 Mr. Cleaveland, who was a member of the Board of Selectmen, became a member of the Building Committee. He served on the Board of City Water Commissioners until 1893, being for a number of years Superintendent of Works. He is now a member of the Board of Sewerage Commissioners, and he has been Superintendent of Sewers since 1893. With one exception, he has always voted the Republican ticket, and is a firm believer in the importance of maintaining the present monetary standard of the country.

TIS WINSLOW SOULE, of Abington, clerk of the District Court, and President of the Savings Bank, was born in Middleboro, Mass., January 2$, 1828. He is a son of the late Otis and Irene (Cushman) Soule. Otis Soule was born February 13, 1799, and died August 13, 1871. He was a tanner and currier at Middleboro, Mass. Four chiklren were born to him and his wife, and three are living at the present time, as follows: Otis. Winslow, Augustus H., and Carrie Elizabeth, all residing in Middleboro, Augustus H. being married to Amanda Sears, of Halifax, Mass. Mrs. Irene Cushman Soule, who died December 24, 1881, was a daughter of Jacob and Sylvia (Sampson) Cushman ; and her mother was a sister of Deborah Sampson, who served in the Revolutionary War. Deborah and Sylvia Sampson were daughters of Jonathan and Deborah (Bradford) Sampson, and great-great-granddaughters of Governor William Bradford.

Otis Winslow Soule acquired his education in the public schools of Middleboro. He first worked for his father in the tannery in that town, and in 1844 obtained employment in a shoe shop in Abington. While earning a livelihood by manual labor he displayed ability as a financier and a public servant, and increasing responsibilities were thrust upon him by his townsmen. For a number of years he was Trustee of the Abington Savings Bank; in 1884 he was elected a member of the Board of Investment; and he has been President since 1892. In 1861 and 1862 he represented the district in the legislature. In 1868 he was appointed Trial Justice, and was in ofifice till 1874, when the District Court was established, and he was appointed clerk. As clerk of the court for nearly a quarter of a century he is well known to the public, and has many friends, among the legal fraternity especially. Mr. Soule was chosen a member of the School Committee in 1884, and served four years. In every office to which he has been elected he has performed his duties ably and conscientiously.

He was married February 21, 1847, to Mary Brown, of Abington, a descendant of the Rev. Samuel Brown, the first minister in the town, and has two children : Abbie Frances, wife of Frank E. Goddard ; and Carrie Brown, wife of Herbert F. Ellis, both living in Abington. Mr. Soule has three grandchildren, as follows: Frederick Edwards, Mary Elizabeth Brown, and William Otis, all children of Abbie Frances and Frank E. Goddard. Mr. Soule is prominent in Masonic circles, belonging to John Cutler Lodge, A. F. & A. M. ; Pilgrim Chapter of the Royal Arch; and Old Colony Commandery, Knights Templars. He attends the Congregational church. In politics he is a stanch Republican.

/3JeORGE C. GARY, a former resident \J^ I and native of Brockton, who was prominently identified with the business and religious interests of the city, was born on Gary Hill, April 5, 183 1. He was educated in the common schools and at the Adelphian Academy. He served as workman and foreman in various branches of the shoe industry, and as a manufacturer until he became the manager of a business plant of his own. He was a shoe crimper for about five years, working for himself until a few months previous to his death. He then became a collector. In November, 1852, he joined the Porter . Congregational Church, and subsequently took an active interest in all its various lines of Christian endeavor. In i86g he was elected Deacon, and for about twentytwo years officiated as Clerk and Treasurer, rendering also efficient service to the Young Men's Christian Association. He had been superintendent of the Sunday-school, in which he taught until the Sunday before his death. He was esteemed as the motive power of the church machinery among the laymen, and he was a member of the Congregational Club. In politics he belonged to the Republican party.

On August 2, 185s, Mr. Gary was united in marriage with Harriet G. P"ord, a daughter of Daniel F"ord, who was engaged in the shoe industry in this city. By her he had one child, Henry Martin, who was born in January, 1857, and died at the age of eight years. Deacon Gary died of heart disease on September 12, 1896, his last words to Mrs. Gary being a suggestion to get the notices for the Sunday services to Deacon Wade in time for proper attention. A fine epitome of his life was given by the Rev. R. L. Rae, in the te.xt chosen for his funeral sermon, from 2 Chron. .x.x.xi. 21, "And in every work that he began in the service of the house of God, . . .he did it with all his heart, and prospered." His funeral was largely attended, and bore evidence of the respect in which he was held by men of all classes. Mrs. Gary, who united with the Porter Congregational Church in November, 1852, is a lady of prominence in church work, and is greatly beloved by her class of Chinese pupils, and by all who know her unselfish nature and practical Christian spirit.

EORGE L. SOULE is one of the \ f5> I prominent business men and wellknown citizens of Middleboro, Plymouth County, Mass., where he was born on March 25, 1832. His parents, George and Mary (Harlow) Soule, both of early Colonial stock, were also natives of this town.

His father, the elder George Soule, established himself here as a furniture dealer and funeral director, and successfully carried on the business for a number of years, attending to the larger patronage incident to the growth of the town. He died at the age of sixtyseven. Mrs. Mary Harlow Soule is living in Middleboro, and, though eighty-six years of age, is active and in good health, appearing much younger than she really is. Three children were born to her and her husband, namely: George T>. , the subject of this sketch; Charles W., residing in Middleboro; and one who died in infancy.

George L. Soule acquired a good education, attending the common schools of his native town and Pierce Academy. He has a natural talent for music, and for some time was engaged successfully as a dealer in musical instruments and teaching music. He also helped his father somewhat; and after his father's death he, in company with his brother, assumed the management of the business, so that he is now manager of one of the most lucrative enterprises in the town. Mr. Soule is gifted with the faculty that wins financial success, and he also knows how to win and keep friends - -an important item in business as well as in social life.

He was married to Miss Anna S. Cathcart, of Nantucket, in 1855, and they became the parents of the following children: Mary Susan, now wife of Abbott Jones, of Plymouth; Annie L. ; William L., who is associated in business with his father; and Mabel, who died in infancy. Mrs. Anna S. C. Soule died in 1867; and in August, 1871, Mr. Soule was again married to Miss Amanda Earl Bartlett, of Middleboro. Three children - Ida Lamb, George, and Charles Howard Soule - have been born of this union.

A Republican in politics, Mr. Soule represented the town in the State legislature in 1892 and 1894. He has been a member of the Prudential Committee of the Middleboro Fire Department since its organization. In several of the leading fraternal organizations he takes an active interest, being a member of the Masonic order, the Sons of Temperance, and the Middleboro Grange. In religious belief he is a Congregationalist.

HARLES S. PIERCE, of Brockton, is a good example of our self-made men. A son of Charles S. and Elizabeth (Copeland) Pierce, he was born in North Bridgewater, this county, November 29, 1852. Charles S. Pierce, Sr., was born in Fall River, Mass. A cabinet-maker by trade, he worked for Howard & Clark, furniture manufacturers of Brockton some thirty years, and was one of their most reliable and trusted employees. He was a member of the Central Methodist Episcopal Church, and he died in 1866, at the age of forty-seven. His wife is a daughter of Ward and Martha Copeland. Her father was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. Widow Pierce, now seventy-two years of age, is living in Brockton. She had four children, namely: Abbie C, now deceased, who was the wife of Stanford W. \'incent; George R., of the firm of Pierce & Packard, of Campello; Susan M., the widow of Walter O. Packard, late of Brockton; and Charles S., the subject of this sketch.

Charles S. Pierce attended the common schools of Brockton until he was fourteen years old. He then decided that he was old enough to work, and, taking matters into his own hands, obtained employment in the shoe factory of Peleg S. Eeach, were he had been working for a month before his father discovered that he had left school. Judging it best not to interfere then, the father left him to follow his own inclination. For a year or more he remained in that factory, receiving four dollars a week. After that he earned fairly good wages, his father allowing him to keep all over five dollars a week. For ten years he worked for wages, employed in the shoe factory when business was good, and as clerk at other times in the stores of the Hon. J. J. Whipple, and other merchants. In 1872 he borrowed one hundred dollars, and started in business, in company with Enos S. Maloon, "bossing " vamps. The firm, which at first was Maloon & Pierce, became Maloon, Pierce & Morey in 18S1, and the manufacture of shoes was added to their business, though kept apart from the vamping business. At the death of Mr. Maloon in 1884, W. S. Morey purchased his interest, the style being changed to W. S. Morey & Co. In 1888 Mr. Pierce, having other business to occupy his attention, purfchased the interest of Mr. Morey, and discontinued the manufacture of shoes. Since then he has been without an associate. Mr. Pierce was the first to "crimp" congress shoes, a method of adjusting the shoe to the shape of the last. The machine he used was his own invention, called the J. C. Locket Crimping Machine. He has recently patented a canvas bo.\-toe, which is said to be practically indestructible. This is manufactured by the Carver Cotton Gin Company of Boston, a firm formed in 1890, and of which Mr. Pierce is the President. In 1895 he erected on Montello Street the large business block that bears his name. It is a handsome structure, with a street frontage of one hundred feet, and an area extending back to the railroad, which is connected with the building by a private track. Mr. Pierce also owns a valuable piece of land on Montello Street. It has five hundred feet frontage, and runs back

Mr. Pierce was married June 18, 1889, to Annie L. Bigelow, a daughter of Charles and Hannah B. Bigelow, of Millis, Mass., and now has one child, Marion B. Mr. Pierce is a member of the Commercial Club, an association of business men of Brockton; and of Paul Revere Lodge, A. F. & A. M. A Congregationalist in religious belief, he attends the Porter Church.

LBERT M. NILES, for a number of years a well-known shoe manufacturer of Brockton, was born in Randolph, Mass., April 14, 1846, son of Captain Isaac and Maria Niles. His father was a shoe manufacturer in Randolph. His brother. Captain Horace Niles, who commanded Company E, Thirty-fifth Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, was wounded at Antietam, and died from the effects thereof at Spring Hill Hospital on September 27, 1862.

Albert M. Niles acquired his education in the common schools of his native town and the Stetson High School, and for several years thereafter he was employed in his father's shoe shop in Randolph. Later he came to Brockton, and entered Charles F. Porter's shop, where, with the exception of a short time, he worked continuously until he went into business for himself. In 1873 he formed a partnership with Hamrlton Gould, under the style of Hamilton Gould & Co., which lasted two years, Mr. Niles then buying out his partner. The business was managed alone by him for two years, when Dexter E. Wilber was admitted to partnership, the firm narue changing to A. M. Niles & Co. Eight years later Mr. Niles gave up business for two years on account of poor health. At the expiration of that time a corporation was formed, under the firm name A. M. Niles Shoe Company, Mr. VVilber again becoming associated with him. In 1894 they dissolved partnership, and Mr. J. C. Frederic, of Philadelphia became associated with Mr. Niles. They carried on an extensive business until Mr. Niles's death in i8g6. In politics he affiliated with the Republican party.

Fraternally, he was an enthusiastic Mason, belonging to Paul Revere Lodge, A. F. & A. M. ; Satucket Royal Arch Chapter, and Bay State Commandery, Knights Templars. The Commercial and Howard Clubs also included him in their membership rolls. Mr. Niles was a great lover of horses, and was the owner of several animals of local reputation. Among these were Paddy De Long, who made a record of 2.29, Homer, and Miss Barbe, who are also well-known pacers on the track. He was greatly interested in the national game, rarely missing an opportunity to witness a match. Personally, he was fond of and popular with children, even the newsboys contributing many floral decorations at his funeral. Among all classes of people of a larger growth, he was likewise a great favorite. In his religious views he was liberal, attending the Universalis! church, of which his wife was a member. On May 15, 1876, at North Easton, he was united in marriage with Mrs. Helen F. Thayer Calkins, widow of Clarence Calkins.

Her first husband, Clarence Calkins, was born in West Bridgewater, October 4, 1842, and died April 26, 1873. He was a shoe manufacturer, doing business alone until within three years of his death, Henry J. Melendy, of Boston, was admitted to partnership, the plant continuing under Mr. Calkins's name. At the time of the Civil War Mr. Calkins enlisted in Company I, Fifty-eighth

Massachusetts Regiment, and served as Corporal of the Color Guard in the assault on Petersburg. He was taken prisoner, and confined for a long time in Libby and Danville Prisons, remaining in the service until the close of the war. On April 5, 1866, he married Helen F., daughter of Joseph G. Thayer, a shoe manufacturer of Brockton. Three children blessed their union: Clarence L., who is a foreman in the factory where the late A. M. Niles, his stepfather, carried on business; Clara, who married John Smith, of New Bedford, Mass., where she now resides; and Oscar L., who lives in this city.

RANK E. ANGERER, Secretary and Director of one of the large shoe manufacturing companies of Brockton, was born in Walhalla, S.C, July 24, 1865, a son of August W. and Matilda (Fahrig) Angerer. August W. Angerer, who was born in the province of Wiilfrath, Germany, P^ebruary 22, 1832, studied in different universities in Germany, and became an accomplished linguist and deeply learned in the sciences. Herr Angerer lived for a number of years in Washington, D.C., and was associated with some of the leading scholars of his time. In 1874 he was American Representative to the World's Congress of Languages at Berlin. P"or some time be was Lecturer on Political Economy at Cornell University. Subsequently he was Chief Translator and Statistician of the Treasury Department at Washington from 1865 up to the time of his death, which happened February 23, 1877, at the age of forty-five. While in the service of the United States government, he travelled for four years around the world to verify the statistics of different countries. He was a member of the German Lutheran church. His wife, who was born in

Artern, Saxony, died January 31, 1895, aged fifty-eight years. Tiiey were the parents of four children, two of whom died young. The survivors are Frank E. and his sister Minnie.

Frank E. Angerer attended the public schools of Washington, D.C., and subse. quently graduated from Gonzaga College. He served for nine years in the House of Representatives, in the successive capacities of page, clerk, and book-keeper. This experience, which brought him into contact with the most brilliant men of the nation, broadened his mind, and gave to his early training a finish which no college could supply. He was afterward associated with his uncle at Wiilfrath, Germany, for about four years. He returned to America in 1887, and was engaged as confidential clerk and book-keeper by Lilly, Brackett & Co., of Brockton. In May, 189s, a corporation was formed of this company, and Mr. Angerer became Secretary and one of the Directors of the body.

Mr. Angerer was married December 10, 1889, to Marian Inglee, of Halifax, Plymouth County, and has two bright little daughters. Politically, he favors the Republican side. He was elected from Ward 6 to the City Council in 1894. He is a member of the Brockton Lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, No. 164; and of the Brockton Commercial Club. In religion he favors the Unitarian belief, attending the Church of the Unity of Brockton.

(^OHN DUNHAM, who is extensively engaged in the cultivation of cranberries at Carver, was born here September 3, 1822, son of James and Ruth (Pratt) Dunham.

in general agriculture in this town. By his wife, who was a native of Carver, and a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Isaiah Pratt, he became the father of nine children, five sons and four daughters, of whom seven yet survive. Mr. Dunham passed away July 31, 1870, aged sixty-nine years; and his wife, August i i, 1881.

John Dunham attained maturity on the home farm, receiving his education in the public schools of his native town. When about eleven years old he began to learn shoemaking from his father. In his fifteenth year he went to work on a farm by the month, at which he continued three years. He then turned his attention to peddling, and was engaged in it for ten years. During the succeeding three years he ran a wagon through the surrounding country, selling boots and shoes, with other articles. Then, resuming the last, he conducted a shoe shop at North Carver for nine years. Since then he has been extensively and successfully engaged in the culture of cranberries. He erected all the buildings used in the industry. In 1861, on the outbreak of the Civil War, Mr. Dunham enlisted in Company K, of the Third Regiment of Massachusetts Infantry. Subsequently, he was mustered in at Fortress Monroe as First Lieutenant, and then went to Hampton, Va. At the expiration of his term of service he was discharged at Boston as First Lieutenant.

On November 22, 1845, Mr. Dunham was united in marriage with Miss Hannah H. Cobb, a daughter of Captain Charles and Sylvia Cobb, of Carver, where she was born March 7, 1820. Four children were born of the union, namely: Algelo L. , now deceased ; Rebecca, born November 16, 1850; Rolinda, June 4, 1854; and Marrietta L. , November 17, 1 86 1. Mr. Dunham takes an active interest in the affairs of the town, and he has served it for sixteen years in the capacity of Public Surveyor. He maintains his fellowship with his comrades of the late war by association with Post No. 8, of the Grand Army of the Republic, at Middleboro. He attends the Congregational church. In politics he supports the Republican party.

in lumber, doors, sashes, blinds, hardware and paints, and builders' supplies of all kinds. He was born in South Yarmouth, Mass., April 24, 1859, son of Barnabas and Deborah M. (Clark) Sears.

Barnabas Sears was a carpenter and builder. He removed from South Yarmouth to Middleboro in 1874, and, in company with his brother, engaged in the lumber business, under the firm name of J. K. & B. Sears. He met with good success; and in the latter part of his life was practically retired, leaving the management of the business to his son. He died August 30, 1894, aged seventy-five. His wife was a daughter of Captain William Clark, of Brewster, Mass. Captain Clark's family consisted of four children; and it is curious to note that his youngest child died first, the third child next, then the second, next the eldest, then the mother, and last the father, who was the oldest of all. Mrs. Sears died April 22, 1S85, when she was about fiftythree years of age. Her children were: Isaiah C. ; Etta F., wife of W. H. Doane, of Newton, Mass.; and Henry W., the special subject of the present sketch.

Henry W. Sears, after attending the common schools of South Yarmouth, took a three months' course of study at a commercial college in Boston. When he was fifteen years of age he obtained a position in a grocery store, where he was employed about six months; and in 1875, when he was sixteen years old, he began to work for his father. On January i, 1S82, he took an interest in the business, the firm name being changed to its present form of J. K. & B. Sears & Co. Mr. Sears carries an extensive stock. His business is well conducted, and his trade is increasing every year. He married December 5, 1883, Martha S., daughter of James M. Pickens, of Middleboro, and has two children: Henry W., born January II, 1888; and Mabel B., born April 20, 1892. Mr. Sears is a strong and active Republican, and has served on the Town Committee. He is a stanch advocate of total abstinence, and is a member of the .Sons of Temperance. He has been a Director in the Middleboro Co-operative Bank since the date of its organization in 1889, and is also on the Finance and Security Committee, and is President of the Commercial Club. In the Congregational Church he is Deacon, clerk, and President of the Christian Endeavor Society, and he is interested in the Sunday-school.

KIEUTENANT HENRY A. SEAVE.RN.S, late a prominent member of ^^ the Grand Army, and the senior partner of the firm of Seaverns & Spear, one of the leading mercantile houses of Scituate, Mass., was for years actively identified with the business and social life of this town. He was born in Dorchester, Mass., Ajjril 21, 1842, a son of Charles H. and Sarah L. (Smith) Seaverns. His parents also were natives of the old Bay State. He was educated in the public schools of Dorchester, and after leaving school learned the machinist's trade, at which he worked for a short time. He was one of the youthful soldiers who answered President Lincoln's call for volunteers in May, 1861, enlisting on the tenth of the month, having just entered on his twentieth year. He was first enrolled as a private in the Eleventh Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, joining Company K, under command of Captain Benjamin Stone, and was mustered into the United States Service at Fort Warren, Boston Harbor, June 13, 1861. He was discharged August 26, 1861, at Washington, D.C., by reason of sickness. He re-enlisted August 7, 1862, as Sergeant in Company H, Thirty-ninth Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, in which he served also as Commissary-sergeant. He was discharged April 18, 1864, by order of Major-general Warren in order that he might accept a commission as Second Lieutenant, this commission being dated March 30, 1864. He was present with his regiment and participated in the following engagements: Bristol Station, October 14, 1863; Rappahannock Station, November i, 1863; Mine Run, November 27, 1863; Wilderness, May 3 to 7, 1864; Spottsylvania, May 8 to 19, 1864; Jericho Mills, May 23, 1864; North Anna, May 23 to 30, 1864; Magnolia Swamp, June i, 1864; Bethesda Church, June i to 3, 1864; Cold Harbor, June 2 and 3, 1864; Norfolk Railroad, June iS, 1864; Jerusalem Plank Road, June 20, 1864; Petersburg, June 30, 1864; Weldon Railroad, August 18, 1864.

In the last-named engagement he was severely wounded, a minie ball splitting on his sword; both pieces entered his thigh, piercing to the bone, one deflecting to the front, the other to the back, just glancing over the sciatic nerve. He was carried to the field hospital, where one piece of the bullet was removed. August 19 he was transferred to the division hospital, and on August 26 to the McClellan Hospital at Philadelphia. On

September 7 he was transferred to the Officers' Hospital. On September 15 he was commissioned First Lieutenant ; and on January 7, 1865, he was discharged from the service on account of his wound. He then returned home, but found himself unable to resume work at his trade. In 1867 he bought out the firm of H. W. Bailey & Co., dealers in drygoods and notions at North Scituate. This business was established in 1823, and the store was well known to the people of Scituate and the adjoining towns. The store was enlarged, and the business was greatly increased by Mr. Seaverns. He managed the business for twenty years, from 1867 to 1887, under the name of H. A. Seaverns & Co. ; and then S. T. Spear, of Chelsea, Mass., becoming a partner, the style was changed to its present form, Seaverns & Spear. Shortly after this Mr. Seaverns visited Florida, hoping that his health would be benefited by the change of climate. There he contracted typhoid malaria, and his old wound broke out afresh, taking the form of serious inflammation of the knee joint. A complication of troubles resulted, and he was an invalid for over sixyears. He passed away September 26, 1894, as the result of hemorrhage from wounds received in service.

Mr. Seaverns was a very successful business man, and had the confidence and esteem of the community. He was Postmaster, at North Scituate for a number of years, and served for some time on the School Board. A po]nilar member of society, he belonged to the Masonic fraternity and to George W. Perry Post, Grand Army of the Republic, of Scituate.

He was a member of the P'irst Baptist Church, having united with the Neponset church by baptism in May, i860, and was for nineteen years actively identified with its work, teaching also in the Sabbath school.

His obsequies were attended with ceremonies befitting the part he had tai<en in life, the Grand Army Post escorting his remains to Groveland Cemetery, where they were interred. In accordance with his expressed desire, the Rev. B. W. Barrows, of New York, the clergyman who had baptized him, came to officiate at the funeral ; but he was so much affected that the Rev. A. D. Spalding, his pastor here, conducted the services. The monument which marks his grave bears this inscription in obedience to his dying request: "A soldier of the Cross and of the Flag."

Mr. Seaverns was married May i6, 1S67, to Mercy G. Litchfield, a native of Scituate, daughter of James S. and Martha L. (Mott) Litchfield. Mr. Litchfield, now in his eightysixth year, resides in Scituate, a widower, his wife having departed this life some years ago. Mrs. Seaverns, who is a very capable woman, now represents her husband in the mercantile business. She has been a member of the First Baptist Church at North Scituate since she was nineteen years old. She has many acquaintances and friends in this vicinity, and is highly esteemed.

61 HOMAS N. ELDRIDGE, a prosper- ^ I ous merchant of Plymouth, was born March 5, 1833, in Bourne, Mass., son of Captain Thomas M. and Ann (Haines) Eldridge. The Eldridges were among the early settlers of Cape Cod, and became one of the most prominent families in that district. Captain Thomas M. Eldridge was a master mariner, and for many years was engaged in the China and East India trade. He abandoned the sea some twenty years previous to his death, and passed his last days in retirement. He married Ann Haines, a native of Cape Cod, whose father was a soldier in the

War of 181 2. By her he became the father of eight children. Of these, Ann M., twin sister of Thomas N., is now a resident of New Bedford, Mass.

Thomas N. Eldridge attended the common schools of Bourne. At the age of twelve years he went to sea. When fifteen years old he obtained employment in the dry-goods store of Jason Hart in Plymouth, where he remained until he was twenty-one, receiving for salary a dollar per week and his board. He then went to Boston, where he secured a position as clerk in the store of William R. Storms, with whom he remained for six months. Returning then to his former employer in Plymouth, he continued with him until Mr. Hart's failure a year later. Thereupon he once more became an employee of Mr. Storms in l^oston. He subsequently worked in several of the largest dry-goods stores of Boston, including that of Prcscott Barker, at the corner of Tremont Row and Pemberton Square, formerly located at 28 Hanover Street, and those of George B. Milton and George Whiting. After leaving the employ of Prescott Barker he went to P'airhaven, Mass., where he managed the grocery store of M. Delano & Co. for three years. About the year 1861 he returned to Plymouth as head clerk for B. O. Strong, in whose employment he continued for twenty years. In 1883 he commenced business here on his own account. Two years later, compelled by his increasing trade, he removed to his present store. Since then he has been obliged to take for his use another story of the building. He is also interested in one of the banks here, of which he is a director.

In 1855 Mr. Eldridge wedded Eunice Pope, a daughter of Richard Pope, of Plymouth. His only son, William T., now assists him in business. Pie has been a member of the Masonic fraternity for the pa.st twenty years.

ARZILLAI FIELD, a farmer of 15rocl<ton, was born here February 17, 1842, son of John and Olive (Thompson) Field. His grandfather, Barzillai Field, fought in the Revolutionary War with his three brothers, Ephriam, Fobes, and Richard. John Field, when but sixteen years old, served his country in the last war with England. He followed farming, and was Selectman of North Bridgevvater for one term. His wife, Olive, was a daughter of John Thompson, whose house stood on the line between Stoughton and North Bridgevvater. They had ten children - Olive, Franklin, Eustace, Owen A., Elizabeth, Clarissa, John, Charles T., Caroline, and Barzillai. Olive, born June 16, 1S20, married Elisha Bumpus, a tailor of North Bridgewater, and is now deceased. Also deceased are: Franklin, born April 7, 1822; Eustace, born May 17, 1824; and Owen, born July 24, 1826. Elizabeth, who was born April 11, 1829, married Francis Brett, of South Paris, Me., and now resides in this city. Clarissa, born January 5, 1S32, married William W. Allen, of Brockton, and resides in California. John, born March 19, 1834, is now living in the State of Minnesota. For information regarding Charles T. , see the notice of his life elsewhere fn this work. Caroline, born August 27, 1839, who became Mrs. Charles G. Wilber, of Brockton, has since passed away. The father died January 20, 1866, in the seventieth year of his age. He was a man of independent ideas respecting religious questions, being one of the original members of the Swedenborgian Church. The mother died on March 25, 1883, in the eightyfirst year of her age.

Barzillai Field, after acquiring a commonschool education here, took a course of study in the Hunt Academy. He then worked in the shoe shops for D. S. Howard and others for some time, and then went to the West. Later he returned to the farm, which he now conducts. On July 8, 1864, he enlisted in Company C, Si.xtieth Massachusetts Regiment, and, after serving for a little more than four months at Indianapolis, he was honorably discharged November 30, 1864.

On August II, 1874, Mr. Field was united in marriage with Elizabeth Putnam Kimball, of Campello. Her parents were Samuel and Betsy Ann (Keith) Kimball. Her father, who was born September 19, 1S19, enlisted in Company E, Eighteenth Massachusetts, August 30, 1862, and was killed at the second battle of Bull Run. Mr. Field and his wife have a daughter, F'lavella Field. In politics Mr. Field is an Independent. He is a comrade of the Fletcher Webster Post, No. 13, Grand Army of the Republic.

LLEN DANFORTH was a well-known editor and banker of Plymouth. He was born at Taunton, Mass., January 18, 1796, son of Asa and Deborah (Thayer) Danforth. Tiie Danforths, who are an old and respected family of New England, come of English extraction. In Flngland their ancestral history goes back to the year 1538. A record gives the information that Thomas Danforth in 1634 was executor of his mother's will. In the same year his brother Nicholas emigrated from England, and settled at Cambridge, Mass., where he died in 1638. Nicholas's son Samuel, who was born in lingland in 1626, and died in 1674, labored in the ministry at Roxbury, Mass., in conjunction with John Eliot, the celebrated Indian missionary. His son, the Rev. Samuel Danforth, who was born December 18, 1666, graduated from Harvard College in 1683. Samuel wedded Miss Hannah Allen, and with his family removed to Taunton, Mass., in 1687, where he passed away November 14, 1727. His son James, who was born November 11, 1692, married Miss Sarah Dean, and died February 27, 1759. James Danforth, Jr., born July 16, 1724, married Miss Mehitable Baker, by whom he became the father of Asa, and passed away on April 15, 1777. Asa Danforth, who was born January 9, 1766, wedded Miss Deborah Thayer, the mother of the subject of this sketch, arid departed this life July 15, 1841.

Allen Danforth resided in Taunton until 1822, when he removed to Plymouth. On May 4 of that year he published the first number of the Old Colony AJcniorial, which was the first newspaper produced in Plymouth. Having conducted that journal until 1836, he thereafter devoted his attention exclusively to financial institutions, enjoying the confidence and respect of all the people of Plymouth. He was one of the incorporators of the Plymouth Institution for Savings, now called the Plymouth Savings Bank. In 1829, when the bank was a year old, he was elected Treasurer, in which capacity he served until his demise, a period of nearly forty-three years. When he assumed charge of the bank, its total deposits were six thousand, seven hundred and forty dollars. At his decease they amounted to over one million, eight hundred thousand dollars. Mr. Danforth was also Secretary of the Old Colony Insurance Company from its organization in 1835 to 1853, during which time the company enjoyed uninterrupted prosperity.

Five children came of the marriage, namely: Nathaniel, born in 1821, who died in the following year; James Allen, born September 19, 1 8 19, who married Sarah T. Jackson, of Plymouth; Lydia Ann, born October 16, 1825, who still resides on the old homestead; Mary A., born June 6, 1828, who became the wife of John J. Russell, of Plymouth; and William Seaver, born January 20, 1832, who wedded Miss Abbie D. Mace, of Colebrook, Conn. Mr. Danforth represented his district in the legislature of 1830-31, and he was Selectman of Plymouth in 184S and 1S49. He was affiliated with the fraternity of Masons, being a member of Plymouth Lodge, Plymouth. In national politics he was a Republican. He maintained fellowship with the Unitarian Church of Plymouth from the date of his settlement there to his decease, serving it for a part of that time in the capacity of Treasurer. He died May 28, 1872, in the full enjoyment of the confidence and respect of all who knew him, and regretted as a loss to Plymouth.

Mass., son of Asa and Mary (Maxim) Humphrey. He attended the public schools at Carver, where he acquired a practical education fitting him for the position of a teacher in the common schools, and before attaining his majority had spent two years as a teacher in Middleboro, Plymouth County. At the age of twenty he removed to Hopkinton, Middlesex County, Mass.

the Eldorado of the West, taking the pioneer route to San Francisco. He remained in that vicinity until the spring of 1852, engaged in prospecting and mining; but, not meeting with the wished-for success in his search for gold, he then returned to his native State. From that time until 1863 he was engaged in farming in East Wareham, where he subsequentl}' carried on a substantial grocery business for fifteen years. Disposing of his store in that place Mr. Plumphrey was engaged as a merchant in South Wareham from 1S80 until 1883, but since that time has made his home at Wareham, where he occupies an assured position among the useful and valued members of the community.

On January 19, 1853, Mr. Humphrey was united in marriage with Miss Nancy N. Besse, a daughter of Captain Seth and Sarah (Briggs) Besse, of Wareham. They have four children, namely: Sophia B. , born November 23, 1853; Albert, born December 3, 1855; Clinton, born April 30, 1858, now deceased; and Horace M., born January 25, 1867. Sophia B. Humphrey married, May 26, 1887, Almon H. Stone, of Phillipston, Mass., and is the mother of one child - Nelson, born .September 9, 1891. Albert Humphrey married in January, 1892, Emma G. Pettigrew, of Phillipston, Mass. They have one child - Mary E., born in February, 1893.

Politically, Mr. Humphrey is a decided Republican, and faithfully sustains the principles of that party. He is also a stanch temperance advocate. He has been a member of the School Committee fifteen years, a Justice of the Peace for the same period ; and he has likewise served as Selectman, Assessor, and Overseer of the Poor, besides being Road Master and holding other minor offices. Religiously, he and his estimable wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

JSAAC SAMPSON was born in Lakeville, Plymouth County, Mass., July 12, 1826, and is to-day, after varied experiences in life, a successful farmer in his native town. His parents were Nathaniel and Zilpha L. (Shaw) Sampson. Nathaniel Sampson was also a native of Lakeville, and was the father of si.x children, three of whom are no longer living. The survivors are: Nathaniel M., Zilpha L. , and Isaac. Attending the district school and Pierce Academy in his boyhood, until the year 1850, Isaac Sampson lived on the farm where he had made his advent into the world, and among the surroundings of a peaceful country home passed his childhood and youth. The tidings from the adventurous explorers of the American Eldorado, who told of fabulous fortunes made in the Californian gold mines which had just been discovered, filled him with a desire to seek his fortune there also; so he took passage for San Francisco by way of the Isthmus, and landed in the city of the Golden Gate I'n the fall of 1850.

Following the precedent of the Western pioneers, he took possession of a tract of land in Alameda County, and became what is called in the settlers' parlance, a "squatter." With an energy born of intense ambition, the young New Englander put in a crop of vegetables in July, and then hurried to the mines, where he purchased an interest in one which seemed to promise great returns. Having accomplished this arrangement, he then returned to his field, and gave it his whole attention for several months. He then engaged in a mercantile enterprise at the Mission of San Jose, and continued in this from the winter of 1851 to that of 1853. In the latter year he returned to the old farm in Lakeville, Mass., glad, no doubt, to set his foot once more upon New England soil. Here he remained until 1859, when a desire to breathe the balmy air of the Pacific shore again seized him, and he returned to San Jose and resumed his former pursuit in that growing town. In 1863 he returned East for his family, for the ties of home and kindred were as strong as ever about his heart.

The Western life seemed a different thing when wife and children were with him, and for three years the Sampsons lived in the land where so many fortunes had been made and wrecked within one short decade. In 1866 he returned with his family to New England; but the West seems to have had a strange bold upon him, for in 1869 he again went to the Pacific coast, engaging this time in the commission business in San Francisco. His last journey to Calfornia was made in 1877, in which year he established himself in San Leandro as a merchant. This venture was short lived, as he returned to his native home in 1878, and has since resided here. It was on the third of his many Western voyages that Mr. Sampson experienced the horrors of shipwreck, near Cape St. Lazro. The vessel went ashore; and he was finally taken off by a passing steamer, and in this wise reached his destination after suffering and delay.

While in California he was Postmaster of San Leandro, and was Notary Public for Alameda County; and he has in his own native place filled many offices of trust and importance. He was first Town Clerk at Lakeville, and he has also been Treasurer, Assessor, Selectman, and a member of the School Committee in the town of his birth and present residence.

The year 1S53 was the date of his marriage to Miss Julia Sampson, who did not change her name by becoming a bride. To Mr. and Mrs. Sampson two children were born, namely : Eujiene H., who married Ardelia B. Merrill, daughter of Nathaniel Merrill, of Turner,

Isaac Sampson is now settled on the farm of his inheritance; and he is a citizen with whom the people of Plymouth County would be loath to part again, for much travel has made him broad, liberal, and progressive, the sort of man who makes a just neighbor and a kindly friend. Having no special party prejudices, he is at liberty to vote for whatever candidate seems best fitted to fill office, and may therefore be called in the best sense of the term an independent voter.

fffjYOSEPH RIPLEY, a highly respected old resident of Hingham, where he has been engaged as a manufacturer of furniture and as an undertaker for many years, was born here May 9, 18 19. His parents were Nehemiah, third, and Eunice (Whiting) Ripley. His earliest known ancestor in America was William Ripley, who came from Hingham, England, in 1638, and settled in Hingham, Mass. His wife, who, with their two sons and two daughters accompanied him, died a few years later; and on September 29, 1654, he was married to Mrs. Eizabeth Tha.Nter, widow of Thomas Thaxter. William Ripley died July 20, 1656. His second wife outlived him, and on January 20, 1658, married her third husband, John Dwight, of Dedham. She died July 17, 1660.

John, the first-born son of William Ripley, married Elizabeth, daughter of the Rev. Peter Hobart. He died P'ebruary 3, 1684, and his wife died March 26, 1692, at the age of sixty. Next in the ancestral line was Peter, the fifth child of John and Elizabeth (Hobart) Ripley, who was born October 21, 1668. On April 17, 1693, he was united in marriage with Sarah Lassell, daughter of John and Elizabeth

(Gates) Lassell. She was born in Hingliam, November 29, 1666, and died September 19, 1736. He died April 22, 1742. He lived on the paternal homestead on Main Street, Hingham Centre, and was an influential man in town affairs, serving as Constable in 1708 and as Selectman in 1725.

Peter, the second child of Peter and Sarah (Lassell) Ripley, was born in Hingham, November 7, 1695, and on January 5, 1720, married Silence Lincoln, daughter of Caleb and Rachel (Bate) Lincoln. She was born here December 26, 1692, and died March 11, 1760. Peter Ripley, second, died in April, 1765, having officiated as Constable in 1735, and as Selectman in 1738 and 1741. He also resided on the old paternal acres. Nehemiah, first, son of Peter and Silence (Lincoln) Ripley, born April 2, 1727, was married June 4, 1752, to Lydia Hobart, daughter of the Rev. Nehemiah and Lydia (Jacob) Hobart. She was born in this town February 9, 1733. Nehemiah Ripley, first, was a farmer, and served the town as Constable in 1766. He died August 10, 1769, aged forty-three. His son, Nehemiah, second, born April 18, 1755, on February 24, 1780, married Priscilla Lincoln, whose parents were Moses and Mary (Burr) Lincoln. She was born here February 13, 1757, and died March 30, 1829. Nehemiah, second, died March 8, 1829. He also occupied the ancestral farm. By his marriage there were nine children : Nehemiah, third, the father of the subject of this sketch; Justin, who died very young; a second Justin; Lydia, who also died in early life; John; Peter; Ebed ; Priscilla; and Lydia.

Nehemiah, third, son of Nehemiah, second, and Priscilla (I^incoln) Ripley, was born in Hingham, November 5, 1780. He also followed farming on the old home acres. On February i, 1807, he was married to Eunice

Whiting, daughter of Amasa and Lydia (Jacobs) Whiting. She was a native of Hingham, born in June, 1786. She died October 15, 1850, and he died October 11, 1863, leaving six children: Eunice W., who married Francis Campbell, of Milton, Mass. ; Ann Eliza, the wife of Winslow C. Whiting, of New York; Abigail, now Mrs. William Whiton ; Nehemiah; Joseph; and Lydia Jacobs, who married Abner L. Baker. A son, Peter, died in 1841, aged seventeen. William died in 1853, in his twenty-fifth year. Another had died in infancy.

Joseph Ripley during his boyhood worked at farming and everything else he could get to do, his early educational opportunities being limited to brief terms of schooling. He, however, gained by experience and contact with the business world a fund of practical knowledge which has served him in good stead. When he was seventeen years old he was apprenticed in Milton to learn the carpenter's trade, which he readily acquired. Upon attaining his majority he returned to Hingham ; and, instead of making a business of carpentering, in 1842 he engaged with hi.s brother in the manufacture of furniture. Two years later he formed another partnership with Mr. Newhall, under the firm name of Ripley & Newhall. They manufactured furniture for the Boston market with good financial success until 18S2, when the j^artnership was dissolved by mutual consent. In the meanwhile Joseph Ripley had given attention to the undertaking business, which had assumed such proportions as to require his undivided time. He has continued engaged in this ever since, keeping pace with the latest improvements in embalming and furnishings, being also an excellent funeral director. He is pleasantly located on South Street, his residence being on one side of the street and his place of business on the other.

Mr. Ripley married Elizabetli L. Lane in 1846, and they celebrated their golden wedding last June. In politics he is a Republican, casting his first vote for John C. Fremont, and voting for every Republican Presidential candidate ever since. Religiously, he was brought up under Unitarian influence; but since 1842 he has been a member of the Haptist church, in which he is actively interested. He is a Deacon who is tender in his relations with the church, being a Christian gentleman who tries to follow the example and teaching of the Master. Though he has attained the age of seventy-seven years, he is still vigorous and active.

ILLIAM STETSON, a well-known carpenter and contractor of Brockton, was born in Pembroke, Plymouth County, in 1842. His parents were Harvey, Jr., and Abigail D. (Walker) Stetson. The family, which is of English origin, was founded by Cornet Robert Stetson, who came from the County of Kent, England, in 1634. He settled in Scituate, Mass., on a farm adjoining the one supposed to be alluded to in the popular song, "The Old Oaken Bucket." His rank of cornet was received in the first company of horse raised in the Plymouth Colony. He married and became the father of four sons. Harvey Stetson, the grandfather of William, was born in Pembroke, where he was subsequently engaged in the trade of ship carpenter. He married Polly Lanman, of Scituate, and they had three children - Harvey, Jr., Mary Ann, and Edward. Harvey Stetson, Jr., a native of Plymouth, was considered a mechanical genius. He was also engaged in ship-building, but he subsequently forsook that calling for farming. By his wife, Abigail D., he became the father

After attending the common school in his native town for the usual period, William Stetson took a course at Bryant & Stratton's Commercial College in Providence. He subsequently learned the carpenter's trade in less time than any other apprentice of his employer. He was afterward employed in a cotton gin manufactory for some time. Then he and D. H. Dunbar kept a grocery store, the firm being known as Dunbar & Stetson. After that he worked at his trade in Boston, Lynn, and Bridgewater, and was in the employment of Charles Johnson, of Brockton, as foreman for four years. In the centennial year he began undertaking contracts in Brockton. Now, in the possession of a profitable contracting business, he puts up houses to sell, and otherwise deals in real estate. On September 8, 1875, Mr. Stetson was united in marriage with Diana P. Beale, of West Bridgewater. While he supports the Republican party, he takes no part in political affairs beyond voting. At several times he has been solicited to accept important public offices.

REDERICK SIMPSON STRONG was for over thirty years superintendent of the Carver Cotton Gin Company of East Bridgewater, also one of its stockholders and directors; and much of its early success is due to his wise management and his valuable labor-saving inventions, on which large royalties had been paid. Mr. Strong was born in South Coventry, Conn., August 25, 1824, a son of Frederick A. and Julia (Simpson) Strong, both natives of that town. His ancestry was a distinguished one, the family characteristics being patriotism, a keen sense

He was eighth in descent from Elder John Strong, who came to the Massachusetts Bay Colony from England in 1630, and was active in founding the towns of Dorchester, Hingham, and Taunton. Removing finally to Northampton in 1659, he took a prominent part in the development of that place. He was possessed of considerable wealth, and was a large land-owner. Of stanch Puritanical principles, he was the head and support of the church in Northampton. His descendants, who were men and women of firm character, prominent in every generation in church and town affairs, settled in various towns in Connecticut. In 1763 Justice Joseph Strong, at the age of eighty-nine was elected for the fifty-second time to the Colonial legislature; Caleb Strong was United States Senator from 1788 to 1800, and Governor of Massachusetts in 1800; another member of the family, a physician, was commissioned by Washington in 1793 as Surgeon in General Wayne's army. Roger Strong, who was Paymaster in the army in the War of 181 2, was the father of Erederick A., and grandfather of the subject of this sketch. Frederick A. Strong was a large manufacturer of Connecticut; and his wife, the mother of Frederick S., was a cousin of General Ulysses Simpson Grant.

Frederick Simpson Strong received an academic education, and prepared for college, but, owing to ill health, did not take a further course of study. He taught school for a while, and was gradually drawn into mechanics, for which he had a natural genius. In the early fifties he was engaged in the manufacture of firearms for the United States government at Springfield; and he was subsequently, as a member of a New York firm, engaged in superintending the dressing of stone by machinery in New York, having two thousand men under his charge. The panic of 1857 made it necessary for this firm to suspend business, and Mr. Strong then obtained the position of superintendent of the East Carver Cotton Gin Company, now known as the Carver Cotton Gin Company of East Bridgewater. He had been connected but a short time with this concern when, the mills were destroyed by fire; and in the re-establishing of the plant his mechanical skill and inventive genius were of great service. During the war the manufacture of cotton gins was suspended, and Mr. Strong entered the employ of the national government, superintending the manufacture of swords and rifles at West Chelmsford, Mass., and the manufacture of Remington rifles at Ilion, N. Y. His knowledge of the manufacture of arms being of immeasurable value to the government, they would not allow him to go into the army, therefore he furnished a substitute. A pretty good record for an ardent Democrat !