Plymouth Town (part 48 of 54)

Captain Wadsworth is one of the few master mariners left who commanded vessels during the palmy days of the American merchant service, and he honored the flag under which he sailed. His many sterling qualities and his unfaiHng courtesy have endeared him to his fellow-townsmen, most of whom are of a younger generation than himself; and he remains as a connecting link between the sturdy old navigator of the past and the younger, but no more efficient, commander of the present day. His residence is one of the handsome and commodious dwellings which contribute to the attractiveness of Duxbury as a summer resort.

"ORATIO CHANDLER, of Duxbury, has achieved success in three distinct lines of industry - agriculture, manufacturing, and fish culture - his trout breeding especially, which has passed the experimental stage, yielding most gratifying results. Mr. Chandler was born in Duxbury, Mass., August 20, 1835, a son of Nathaniel L. and Sallie (Sampson) Chandler. He belongs to one of the old Duxbury families, tracing his descent from Edmund Chandler, an Englishman, who settled in this town in 1633.

From Edmund the line of descent was continued by Joseph, Joseph, second, IMiilip, Asa, Asa, second, to Nathaniel, the father above named, who was a native and lifelong resident of Duxbury. He was a thrifty and enterprising man, who cultivated a farm, and at the same time worked at the stone mason's trade. He was at first a Whig, and later a Republican in politics, and was elected to a number of town offices. His death occurred July 14, 1890. His wife, a native of Kingston, Mass., had passed away some years previous. Of their children, three are dead - Sarah T., Nancy D., and Martha J. - and the following are living: Nathaniel L. ; Emmons A., in West Duxbury; Horatio, in Duxbury; Julia W. , wife of Jason H. Randall, of Duxbury; and Willard R.

Horatio Chandler, the subject of this sketch, grew to manhood in his present home, acquiring his education in the public schools of Duxbury. His first business venture was in the manufacture of box boards, he purchasing a share in the Howland box board mill on Pine Brook, his father at the same time buying a share, and Captain H. B Maglathlin two shares. The stock company thus formed furnished the funds for the enterprise, which from that time to the present has been conducted in Horatio Chandler's name, and has been very successful. Mr. Chandler likewise has a good farm of one hundred and twenty acres, much of which is under cultivation. The most fascinating of his pursuits, however, is raising trout. In April, 1890, he established a "hatchery" on his farm, beginning with about ten thousand trout fry, and in the spring of 1891 a most promising second crop was started. The place must he well adapted for trout culture, as the fish have continued to increase from year to year; and it is well worth the tourist's while to visit the Chandler farm, and see the trout in their home. Mr. Chandler deems it a pleasure to explain to the visitor the various important features connected with trout breeding, and his enthusiasm is infectious.

Mr. Chandler was married February i8, 1873, to Rosa Spaulding Avery, a native of Montpelier, Vt., daughter of Ebenezer and Rosamond (Spaulding) Avery. Her parents were natives of New Hampshire. Her grandfather, George Avery, who was a Revolutionary soldier, was taken captive by the Indians, and held in confinement for some time, being finally exchanged. His last days were spent on a farm in New Hampshire. Mr. and Mrs. Chandler have two daughters: Rosa A., born September 11, 1875; and Mabel M., born October 18, 1877, both graduates of Partridge Academy at Duxbury. Mr. Chandler is a Democrat in political affiliation. He has served for some time as Surveyor of Highways in Duxbury, and has been solicited to occupy higher ofificial positions. He and his wife and daughters are esteemed members of Duxbury society.

RANCIS COLLAMORE, M.D., a practising physician of Pembroke, Mass., is one of the best known and most highly respected citizens of this town, of which he is a native. He was born December 7, 1825, son of Horace and Laura (Briggs) Collamore. His paternal grandfather was Enoch Collamore, of Scituate. Horace Collamore' son of Enoch, was born in Scituate in 1791. He was educated in the public schools of Scituate and at Hanover Academy. Upon starting out in life for himself, he was first employed in Boston as a clerk; and he afterward entered into business in that city as a merchant. Subsequently he removed to North Pembroke, where he erected a brick building, and engaged in a general mercantile business, which he continued until his death on August 27, 1867. He was a member of the Massachusetts legislature in 1841 and

1842. His wife, Laura, was born in Pembroke, and was a daughter of Elisha and Laurentia (Hall) Briggs. Her maternal grandfather, Dr. Jeremiah Hall, served in the American forces as a surgeon during the French and Indian War, was a member of the Provincial Congress held in Massachusetts in 1774, and was subsequently a Colonel in the Revolutionary War, having command of a Rhode Island regiment. Dr. Hall was a native of New Hampshire, whence he came to Plymouth County, Massachusetts. He married Elizabeth Bailey, of Hanover. Mrs. Laura B. Collamore died at the age of seventythree years. She had reared ten children.

Francis Collamore was educated at Hanover Academy. When seventeen years old, he began teaching school, which occupation he followed for a number of terms. At the age of eighteen he began the study of medicine with his uncle, Dr. Anthony Collamore, who practised in Pembroke for about forty years. He subsequently attended lectures at the Harvard Medical School, and later at the Medical Department of Dartmouth College, where he was graduated in the fall of 1846. The young Doctor first practised in Braintree for about six months; but upon the death of his uncle. Dr. Anthony, in .September, 1847, he came to Pembroke, succeeded to his uncle's practice, and has since resided here. He has kept well up with the advance of his profession, being familiar with all the wonderful discoveries made during the last few years in medicine and surgery, in bacteriology and kindred sciences, and he has gained a wide reputation as a thoroughly competent and skilful practitioner. He is a member of the Massachusetts Medical Society and of the Plymouth District Medical Society. Aside from the pursuit of his regular calling he has been actively engaged for many years as a man of affairs, and as an incumbent of public office, in which capacity his ample talents have been devoted to promoting the interests of the town, and pushing forward every practical scheme for the betterment of the community. He was Town Clerk for twelve years, for over thirty years a member of the School Committee; and he is now Town Treasurer, and is also Secretary and Treasurer of the Marshfield Agricultural Society. He has been a Republican in politics since the formation of that party. In 1881 he was a member of the State legislature.

On A]5ril g, 1849, Dr. Collamore was united in marriage with Miss Priscilla Joslyn Mann, daughter of John C. and Sylvia (Hedge) Mann, of Pembroke. The Doctor and his wife have reared one son and one daughter, namely: PVancis, Jr., who married Florence A. Whitman, and resides at East Bridgewater; and Fiorina M., who is living at home with her parents. The Doctor has led a careful life, and is still hale and active to a greater extent than many a younger man. He is widely known, and wields a strong influence for good in the community.

"ON. HENRY BARSTOW, ex-State Senator, is a well-known business man residing in Mattapoisett, where he owns box and board mills. He was born in this town, December 3, 1817, a son of Benjamin and Rebecca (Hammond) Barstow. His father, who was born in Duxbury, was a ship-builder of New Bedford and Mattapoisett. He died on March 2, 1867. His mother died February 13, 1865. There were eight children in the family, and two are now living, namely: the subject of this sketch; and Susan C, who married David H. Cannon, of Mattapoisett, now deceased.

Henry Barstow was given a limited schooling in his native town, and is mainly self-educated. He began to work at ship-building with his father when fourteen years of age, and in 1849 was an expert at his trade. In that famous year he made one of a company of seventy-three who purchased the whaling vessel " Oscar " at Sag Harbor, Long Island, and started for California. They sailed around Cape Horn, and were somewhat over five months on the voyage. Arriving at San Francisco, Mr. Barstow disposed of bis interest in the vessel; and, there being few shipbuilders on that coast willing to work, and the wages being far in advance of anything he had ever known, he decided that the surest road to fortune was by way of his trade. The second year he, in connection with two others, conducted a business of his own, building a number of vessels. In the fall of 1853 he returned to Mattapoisett, and, opening a lumber yard, engaged in the manufacture of spars. At the breaking out of the war he was appointed to a position in the Charlestown Navy Yard, which he retained until the summer of 1863, when he was elected a member of the Massachusetts Senate. He was in the Senate two terms, finishing his service in 1865; and, on returning to Mattapoisett, he established the box and board mills which are yet under his supervision. In all that he has undertaken he has commanded success, and his course in life has been such as to win respect and confidence.

Mr. Barstow was married in 1842 to Miss Mary Southworth, who died April 6, 1892. She was the mother of two children - Henry and Sarah, who have both passed away.

Mr. Barstow has long been identified with the Republican party. As stated above, he served in the State Senate in 1864 and 1865; and he was also in the legislature in 1884.

7TXAPTAIN WILLIAM BATES, of I Vp Scituate, is one of the best-known V>r ^ citizens of this part of Plymouth County, and highly popular by reason of his genial, whole-souled disposition. He was born in Scituate, August 16, 1828, a son of Captain John and Sallie (Northey) Bates.

Captain John Bates, who was born on the Cape, was a seafaring man, and commanded a number of fishing schooners and coasting vessels. His wife was born in Scituate, on the farm immortalized by Samuel Woodworth in "The Old Oaken Bucket," now owned by H. H. Northey. Three of their children are living to-day, namely: Betsey, widow of Joseph Tuttle, residing in Chicago, 111. ; William, the subject of this sketch; and Coleman, in North Ellsworth, Me.

William Bates was educated in the common schools of Scituate. While still a boy, he often accompanied his father on fishing trips; and ships and sailors became vital parts of his life. He went to Boston when he was twentyone to learn the trade of calking and graving, and, after finishing his apprenticeship of two years, obtained employment as a journeyman. He followed his trade exclusively for ten years, and then, returning to Scituate, engaged in fishing, also entertaining fishing parties in the summer season and building boats in the winter. In this way he has now been occupied for a great many years; and he is well known to the fishermen of the South Shore, and to the summer excursionists who come here for recreation. Captain Bates is a Grand Army man, having served in Company D, Forty-second Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. During the greater part of his term of service he was on military police duty at Alexandria, Va. He belongs to George W. Perry Post, Grand Army of the Republic, No. 31, of Scituate.

He has been twice married. His first wife, who was Miss Sarah A. Pepper, of Boston, Mass., left two children: Emma, wife of Charles A. Cole, of Oshkosh, Wis. ; and Walter C. , a resident of Boston, Mass. His second wife, formerly Miss Ermina T. Earley, is a native of Queen's County, Nova Scotia, daughter of Benjamin P. and Hannah F. (Ringer) Earley. She has one child, William C. Bates. Captain Bates votes the Republican ticket. He takes an active interest in local affairs, and ranks among the foremost citizens of the place.

Tlp^OBERT T. DELANO, D.D.S., a I |^~Y popular dentist of Wareham, Mass., JL!^ V_ _j was born in the town of Marion, this State, July 13, 1S57. His parents were John and Elmira (Benson) Delano, his father being a native of Marion, Mass., and the mother a native of Newburg, N.Y. They had seven children, of whom five are now living: William H. C. ; Lizzie R. ; John W. ; George M. ; and Robert T. , the subject of this sketch. Robert T. Delano acquired his first knowledge of books in the district school, and afterward attended Peirce Academy in Middleboro. He began to study for his profession when eighteen years of age, entering the prix'ate office of Dr. PI V. McLeod in New Bedford, where he was employed for a year. He then entered the Philadelphia Dental College; and, after a year's close application to study there, he went back to New Bedford for a while, subsequently I'eturning to the college, where he was graduated in 1879. Immediately after receiving his diploma, he opened an office in

Augustus Pratt

Wareham ; and, with the exception of two years, 1886 and 1887, spent in Gardner, Mass., he has since followed his profession in this town. Dr. Delano is a skilful dentist, and has a large practice. He is also engaged in cranberry culture, owning meadows in the town of Marion.

He was married June 26, 1886, to Miss Mary L. Davis, of Falmouth, Mass., daughter of John VV. and Susan Davis. Dr. and Mrs. Delano have two children : Florence L., born April 13, 1887; and Mildred E., born March 22, 1896.

In politics Dr. Delano is a Republican. He is a man of much practical ability, and has won the respect of his townsmen, who have kept him in office as Town Auditor for four years. He has been Master of Social Harmony Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of Wareham, for three years, and Past Grand of Wankinquoah Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, being very prominent in fraternal circles.

UGUSTUS PRATT, an enterprising and public-spirited citizen of North Middleboro, was born in Wareham, Mass., May 24, 1829, son of Jared and Jemima Williams (King) Pratt. His father, Jared Pratt, who was a native of Bridgewater, early in life removed to North Middleboro, where he began a successful business career in a country store. F"rom North Middleboro he removed to Wareham, and began the manufacture of cut nails, which was one of the first, if not the first, established industry of the kind in the country. This business, which grew to extensive proportions, was first carried on under the firm of I. & J. Pratt, and was afterward incorporated as the Wareham Iron Company. Mr. Jared Pratt was the managing agent and treasurer of both of these firms until 1836, when he purchased extensive iron establishments in Harrisburg and I'airview, Pa., which were devoted to the manufacture of boiler plate and nails. About the same time he purchased a large farm in North Middleboro, and removed with his family to this place. He began in Harrisburg what proved a very successful business, forming a partnership with his oldest son, Christopher C. K Pratt, the firm being known under the name of Jared Pratt & Son. He divided his time between his farm at North Middleboro and his iron establishments at Harrjsburg.

Augustus Pratt, who was the second son of his parents, was educated at the public schools of Middleboro, Peirce Academy, Middleboro, and Bridgewater Academy. Preferring an agricultural to a mercantile life, he was, when very young, given the management of the farms at North Middleboro, and has conducted them successfully for fifty years. He enjoys an agricultural life, and is satisfied with the soil of New England, having never felt any desire to try Western farming. He has long taken an active interest in the success of the Plymouth County Agricultural Society, has been a member of the Board of Trustees for many years, and was President of the society for the years 1894 and 1895. He has been elected by the Board of Tru.stees for three successive terms, of three years each, as a member of the State Board of Agriculture, and at the present time holds that position. Through an election by the_, State Board oL Agriculture, he has been for several years a member of the Committee for the Suppression and Extermination of the Gyjisy Moth, the Board being legally intrusted with that work. Since early manhood Mr. Pratt, has been interested in the planting of both fruit and forest trees. In 1850 he gathered and planted white pine seed on a large tract of barren waste land, and for the last few years has been cutting valuable pine logs for timber and boards, this proving an excellent way to make use of such unproductive land.

Mr. Pratt is a Republican, and has taken an active part in politics since the first election of Abraham Lincoln. In 1869 he had the honor of representing the town in the legislature. In religion he is a Congregationalist, having united with the church at North Middleboro in 1868. In 1883 he was elected Deacon, and has served in that office up to the present time. When the church edifice was destroyed by fire in 1893, a parish meeting was called for the purpose of rebuilding it; and a committee of five was chosen, of which he was made Chairman. He was very active in raising funds for the purpose, contributing one thousand dollars himself. Mr. Pratt has all his life been interested in the cause of education. When the Hon. Plnoch Pratt, of Baltimore, established and endowed the institution known as the Pratt Free School, Mr. Augustus Pratt was appointed by the donor as a member of the Board of Five Trustees, with power to fill vacancies as they should occur. P'or the last twenty years he has been President of the Board of Trustees. He has also served eleven years as a member of the School Board of the town of Middleboro; and he was a member of the Building Committee of Five chosen by the town to contract for the erection of the high school building.

Mr. Pratt was married in 185 i to Emily M. Eaton, daughter of Colonel Oliver and Diana W. Eaton. Their children are: Herbert Augustus, born February 28, 1854; Emma Louisa, born June 9, 1862. Herbert A. Pratt has been for more than twenty years engaged in the manufacture of shoes in company with N. W. Keith, the firm being known as Keith & Pratt. He married Lucy E. Richmond, and has two children - Alton Gerard and Harold Maxwell. Emma L. Pratt married Theodore A. Richmond.

THAN E. PIERCE, a farmer of Lakeville, was born in this town, June 24, 1824. He is the eighth in line of descent from Abraham Pierce, the immigrant ancestor, who joined the Plymouth Colony in 1623, the line being as follows: Abraham, Abraham, Jr., Isaac, Isaac, Jr., Job, lilkanah, Ethan, Ethan E. The elder Ethan Pierce, who was a farmer by vocation, married Miss Fanny Hoard, and to them five children were born: Elizabeth; Elkanah; Ethan E., the subject of this sketch; Job; and a son who died in infancy. Of this family only two, Elkanah and Ethan E., are now living.

Ethan E. Pierce was sent to the district schools in his boyhood, and also to Peirce Academy at Middleboro, and thus acquired a fair education. In his early manhood he assumed the charge of the paternal estate, and, with the exception of fourteen years spent in Berkley, his entire life has been passed in his native locality. By judicious management and wise investment he has become an extensive land-owner, possessing, besides one hundred acres of the farm settled by the founder of the Pierce family in Plymouth County, two hundred and fifty acres in this county, and also lands in Bristol County. In addition to general farming Mr. Pierce has engaged in the business of marketing lumber, and has also devoted a great deal of time to cultivating strawberries, an industry of recent date in this part of the country.

On December 31, the last day of the year, 1857, Ethan E. Pierce was united in marriage with Miss Rhoda M. W. Pierce, daughter of Alvin T. and Loda (Williams) Pierce, of

Taunton, Mass. P'ive children were born of this union: Eliza M., who is a teacher; William Chester; Rhoda W., wife of David S. Hoard, of New Bedford; Ethan Alvin, named for his two grandfathers; Fanny B. , the wife of S. N. Stoples, of Berkley. There is but one grandchild in the family, Luther B. Hoard.

Mr. Pierce has never aspired to public office. His special interest has been elicited in the local grange of the Patrons of Husbandry, with which, as a farmer of large influence, he has naturally become affiliated. Mrs. Pierce is a conscientious member of the Unitarian church. Ethan E. Pierce stands out as one of the representative farmers of Plymouth County, where he now keeps up the good reputation of those of his name who have gone before.

V»^__^ who has long been known to the public, having won his epaulets in active service in the War of the Rebellion, served with credit as a government employee, and represented this district in the State Senate; and during his entire life, as a teacher and school officer, he has taken great interest in the public schools. He was born in Marshfield, April 10, 1827, son of Hiram and Jane Soule (Rogers) Oakman. The first of the family in this country was Samuel Oakman, an Englishman who settled near Portland, Me., as early as 1657; and his son Tobias, Colonel Oakman's direct ancestor, and the founder of the Marshfield branch of the family, moved from Spurwink, Me., to this town. Constant Fobes Oakman, the Colonel's grandfather, was born in Marshfield. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary army; and one of his sons.

Hatch Oakman, was a carpenter on board the "Chesapeake" at the time of her memorable battle with the "Shannon" in Boston Bay in June, 1 81 3, when the brave Lawrence uttered his famous command, "Don't give up the ship!"

Hiram Oakman, father of Colonel Oakman, was a native and lifelong resident of Marshfield, where he died in 1884. He was a shoemaker, and was also engaged in farming. His wife, Jane Soule Rogers, was a daughter of Thomas Rogers, of Marshfield, a Revolutionary soldier. Three of the seven children born to Mr. and Mrs. Hiram Oakman are living today, as follows: Hiram A., whose name appears at the head of this article; Henry P., in Boston, Mass.; and Mary J., wife of Henry A. Turner, of Norwell, Mass. Colonel Oakman's mother was a descendant of George Soule, one of the "Mayflower" Pilgrims; and both the Colonel and his wife, it may be mentioned, number among their ancestors four others of tliat famous band; namely, Edward Doty, Richard Warren, John Howland, and Edward Tilly.

Hiram A. Oakman was educated in the common schools of Marshfield and the State Normal School at Bridgewater. He taught school for a number of years, was also for some time engaged in agricultural pursuits, .and for fifteen years he was employed in the weigher's department in the Custom-house, Boston. He has likewise done a great deal of surveying. In April, 1S61, he enlisted in Company E, Seventh Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, and was mustered in in June as First Lieutenant; and on the first day of the following December he was commissioned Captain. Attached to the Army of the Potomac, he was in a number of serious engagements; and at the second battle of Fredericksburg, in the charge on Marye's Heights, May 3, 1863, was wounded in the right thigh. In July he was discharged for disability caused by this wound ; and in January, 1864, he re-entered the service, and was commissioned Lieutenant-Colonel in the Thirtieth United State Colored Troops. He organized this regiment in Baltimore; and when it took the field Colonel Bates, afterward General Bates (of whose gallantry Colonel Oakman speaks in the highest praise), was appointed commander, and served as such until he was severely wounded at the Crater fight on the 30th of July, 1864, when the command of the regiment devolved upon Colonel Oakman, he continuing its leader till the regiment was mustered out in December, 1865. Among the engagements in which he took part was the siege of Fort Fisher. At the end of his term of service Colonel Oakman returned to Marshfield, where he has since made his home.

Colonel Oakman married Lucinda, daughter of Ichabod Hatch, late of Marshfield, and six children have blessed their union, three of whom are living: Edward H., born on April 29, 1S53, now in Brockton, Mass.; Celia J., born May 21, 1854, now wife of George F. Wilson, of Marshfield; and Otis B. Oakman, A.M., born October 27, 1864, a Harvard graduate, now professor in Thayer Academy at Braintree. In public affairs Colonel Oakman has long been an active factor. He has been a member of the Marshfield School Committee for a number of years, and Chairman of the School Board for an extended period; and in i8go he represented the First Plymouth District in the Massachusetts Senate. For several years he has held the office of Justice of the Peace. He has retained his connection with the Grand Army, being at present Commander of David Church Post, No. 189; and he is a member of Old Colony Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of Hingham; and of the South Shore Commandery,

Knights Templars, at East Weymouth. In politics he has always been a strong antislavery man and a Republican. In religious belief, while a pronounced Unitarian, he is charitably disposed toward all denominations.

an esteemed citizen and successful farmer of the town for three decades, was a native of Taunton, Mass. He was born September 4, 18 19, son of Captain Job and Catherine (Montgomery) Godfrey.

Captain Job II. Godfrey grew to manhood in Taunton, receiving his education in the public schools of that city and at Peirce Academy in Middleboro. When a young man, he went to sea for a few years, then returned home, and lived on a farm in Taunton until 1865, when he removed to Lakeville, and purchased a farm of sixty-three acres, on which he resided until his death, the date of which appears at the beginning of this sketch. While living in Taunton, he became a member of the volunteer fire department, and was subsequently chosen captain of one of the companies. He was connected with the department for about twenty years.

For his first wife Captain Godfrey married Miss Elizabeth Hart, who bore him six children, namely: lilizabeth, who died in infancy; Jones; Isabel; Job; Abbie E. , deceased; and Herbert, deceased. Their mother died in 1865. Captain Godfrey's second and last marriage took place in 1866, uniting him with Miss Jane Reed, daughter of Daniel Reed, of West Bridgewater. There were no children by this union. Mrs. Jane R. Godfrey is still living.

ness operations, and at his death had acquired considerable property. In politics he was a Democrat, and served one term in the State legislature. He also served as Overseer of the Poor in Lakeville, and as Town Auditor.

-OHN BARKER, Town Clerk and Treasurer of Hanson, Mass., was born in the town of Hanover, I'lymouth County, November 3, 1840. His parents were Benjamin, Jr., and Deborah C. (Damon) Barker. Benjamin Barker, Sr., his grandfather, was a native of that part of Pembroke which is now Hanson. He acquired a common-school education, and became a successful farmer. He was one of the pillars of the orthodo.x church, with which he was connected by ties of membership. He married and had a large family, of whom Benjamin, Jr., born in Hanson, January 17, 181 1, was the second child. Having completed his education in the common schools, he learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for seven or eight years, and afterward gave his attention to farming, also taking an active interest in town affairs. He married Deborah C. Damon, who was a resident of Hanover, and they hati eight children. Mr. Benjamin Barker, Jr., died February 26, 1885.

John Barker came with his parents to Hanson when he was but five years of age. After receiving the mental equipment of the public schools, he learned the shoemaking trade at the age of fifteen. Five years afterward he responded to the first call for troops, enlisting in the Twenty-second Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, Company B. At Gaines Mills he was wounded in the breast, and was subsequently captured and taken to Libby Prison. About si.\ months after his liberation he returned to active duty, and was again wounded at the Battle of Gettysburg, where a ball struck him above the mouth, knocking out seven teeth, and passing through the right side of his face. At the expiration of three years he was honorably discharged, and returning home resumed his trade until 1878. Since that time Mr. Barker has spent his time at home looking after his farming interests, and also actively participating in town affairs. For about ten years he officiated as Collector of Taxes, and since 1879 he has been Town Clerk and Treasurer. In 1885 he was sent as Representative from the Third Plymouth District to the legislature, in which he served one year. He has done considerable business as agent for the Abington Insurance Company. In politics he is a Republican. Fraternally, he is a member of T. L. Bonney Post, No. 127, Grand Army of the Republic. He was Commander of the Post for two years, and has held all the other otifices.

Mr. Barker was first married on April 28f 1870, to Ellen A. Dyer, of South Abington. She died on December 5, 1S86, leaving two daughters; and on December 25, 1S87, he was united in the bonds of matrimony with Ida C. Reynolds, of Harwinton, Conn.

LEANDER WILLIAMS is a prominent citizen and successful farmer in Lakeville, formerly a part of Middleboro, Plymouth County, Mass. A son of Elkanah and Catherine - (Hoard) VVilliarrrs and grandson of George Williams - all of this town - he was born here on February 9, 1833, being one of a family of five children. A sister, Keziah, died in infancy; and Mr. Williams has two sisters and one brother living, namely: Eliza, the wife of Granville Leonard; John, who lives on his father's estate; and Cordelia A., who is Mrs. Filo H.

Pickens, of Taunton. The graves of the parents are in the Corswell Cemetery. The life of Elkanah Williams was a quiet and uneventful one, and his attachment to his home so strong that he has always been content to remain in the region of his nativity.

H. Leander Williams, the fourth child of the parental household, was reared on his father's farm in Middleboro (now Lakeville), leading the healthful, simple life of a farmer lad, attending the district schools, and enjoying and suffering the common joys and griefs of boy life. After assimilating the mental food supplied by the neighboring schools, he became a pupil at Peirce Academy, where his education was completed, and at eighteen years of age entered upon the work of teaching. This occupation he followed for a few years, and then he temporarily abandoned it to accept a position as assistant to Chief Engineer James Pierce, his cousin, who was at this time in charge of the construction of the railroad between Middleboro and Taunton. When the road was completed, Mr. Williams removed to Rutland, 111., where he again pursued his former vocation, teaching in that town for a period of a year and a half. At the expiration of that time he returned to Lakeville, and began farming on the old place of his grandfather, George Williams, which he now owns.

Besides the ancestral estate of one hundred and fifty acres he has other tracts, and he is one of the most prominent landed proprietors in the locality. Since settling down as a farmer in his native county he has held many offices of honor and trust, serving in the capacity of Selectman, Assessor, and Justice of the Peace, and filling each and all satisfactorily. He is at the present writing one of the Justices of the town, and has been an influential factor in the Republican politics of

Lakeville for more than thirty years. He is a Mason, belonging to Mayflower Lodge, A. F. & A. M., in Middleboro, and is a consistent member of the Congregational church of his precinct. H. Leander Williams has won respect and success, to both of which he is justly entitled.

keeper of the United States life-saving station at North Scituate, is well and favorably known on the South Shore. He was born in Boston, Mass., July 15, 1841, a son of George W. and Mary (Sherman) Brown.

The Browns are one of the old families of Scituate, and the Captain's grandfather, Benjamin Brown, was born in this town, as was also his father, George W. Brown. The latter was an enterprising and successful business man, a member of the ship-building firm of Brown & Lovell, prominent for many years in East Boston. He spent his last years in Scituate, dying here in i88g. In politics Mr. George W. Brown was a Democrat. Mrs. Mary S. Brown was a native of Freeport, Me.

George H. Brown was reared in Boston, and obtained his education in the common schools of that city. When he was fourteen years old he went to sea before the mast in one of the first clipper ships built, the "Staghorn," mak- . ing a voyage around the globe, touching at California, Honolulu, Hong Kong, and Eoo Chow, and returning by way of the Cape of Good Hope. When he was seventeen years old he began to learn the ship caulker's trade in Boston, serving with his father until he was twenty-one years old. Shortly after attaining his majority, in September, 1862, he enlisted in Company C, P'orty-second Massachusetts

Volunteer Infantry, as a nine months' man. The detachment to which he was assigned was named the Washington Light Guards, and was sent to New Orleans to join General Banks's army. Mr. Brown was enrolled in the engineer corps, and served in that body for a year in and about New Orleans. After receiving his discharge he returned to Scituate, and for a short time was in command of the schooner "Frank," a packet plying between Scituate and Boston; and he was subsequently engaged for a number of years in fishing in Massachusetts Bay and vicinity. In 1879 he received a government appointment as a surfman at Fourth Cliff, one of the United States life-saving stations, and in 1886 he was appointed keeper of the station at North Scituate. Here he has been on duty now for more than ten years, and no braver or more trustworthy member of the life-saving corps can be found on the coast.

Captain Brown was married August 22, 1864, to Lydia B. Burrows, daughter of Captain Thomas Burrows, and has two children - George VV. and Stella H.

The Captain votes the Republican ticket. He is a member of Cohasset Lodge, No. 192, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Cohasset; and belongs to George W. Perry Post, No. 31, Grand Army of the Republic.

The Burrows family, it will be remembered, is one that has distinguished itself in American history. Captain Thomas Burrows, Mrs. Brown's father, was a nephew of William Burrows, Lieutenant Commander of the "luiterprise," who, in September 5, 18 13, won the victory over the British "Bo.xer" in the famous naval engagement off the coast of Maine. Lieutenant Burrows was mortally wounded, but remained on deck, and received the sword of his fallen foe. With military honors the remains of the two brave commanders were buried side by side in Portland. Governor Beadle, of Keyport, N.J., was a cousin of Captain Thomas Burrows, and an uncle was a judge.

many years an able and highly esteemed physician of North Middleboro, Mass., died at his home in this town, March 16, 1873. He was born in South Raynham, Bristol County, Mass., August 15, 1803, son of Godfrey and Abigail (Pierce) Robinson. Godfrey Robinson, who was a surveyor, and drew the first map of the town of Raynham, was the son of Josiah Robinson, the son of Captain Plbenezer Robinson, son of Increase Robinson, the son of William Robinson, who emigrated to Boston in 1635.

Godfrey Robinson was a well-to-do farmer of South Raynham. After his death, which occurred when the future Doctor was thirteen years old, the farm was afterward carried on by his sons. His wife, Mrs. Abigail Pierce Robinson, a native of Middleboro, Mass., was a woman of more than ordinary ability and force of character. She was the mother of five sons, each of whom lived to be nearly seventy years old.

Morrill Robinson acquired his knowledge of the elementary branches of learning in the town schools of Raynham, and he prepared for college under the tutorship of the Rev. Silas Hall. In 1827 he graduated from the Medical' Department of Brown University, where he was a classmate of Dr. W. W. Comstock, and in the same year he located in North Middleboro. He practised his profession in this town without interruption for nearly fifty years, occupying the same residence all the time, and by an unconscious display of those noble qualities of heart and mind which form the principal characteristics of an honorable, upright man, he endeared himself to all with whom he came in contact. He was a member of the State legislature in 1842 and 1843, serving on important committees. He united with the Baptist church in South Raynham when a young man, and continued a member until his death, which took place as above stated, when he was sixty-nine years old. His loss was the cause of sincere mourning and regret by the entire community in which he lived.

On I'ebruary 12, 1828, Dr. Robinson was united in marriage with Mary Shaw, daughter of Calvin Shaw, of Abington. They became the parents of nine children, si.x of whom are living; namely: Thomas D., Mary A. J., Frances C, Lucy M., Lydia S., and Ella C. Thomas D. Robinson, a lawyer, is practising his profession in company with his son in New York City; Mary A. J. Robinson married Colonel Timothy S. Atwood, formerly of the United States Army, and is now residing in Brockton ; Frances C. Robinson married Luke B. Noyes, a native of Whitman, who was in business in Whitman, Brockton, and Boston, until his death in 1886, and she is now residing with her daughter in Maiden, ]\Iass. ; Lucy M. Robinson, M. D., and her sisters, Lydia S. and Ella C, are residing at 28 Glenwood Street, Brockton. Mrs. Morrill Robinson, the mother, died December 27, 1884.

Lucy M. Robinson was born in North Middleboro, and her preliminary education was pursued under her father's care. She entered the Women's Medical College of Philadelphia, one of the oldest medical schools for women in America, and was graduated in 1888. Since completing her studies she has practised medicine in ]5rockton with success, and is fitted both by nature and educational training for an honorable and useful career.

TT^HARLES OTIS ELLMS. - Readers I V^ of the department of the Boston Tran- V»~_^' script, bearing the caption "Notes and Queries," have observed from time to time valuable contributions in regard to historic and genealogical matters signed "Scituate. " It is not, perhaps, generally known that the author of these contributions is Charles O. Ellms, of Scituate, who is as well versed in agricultural as in antiquarian lore, and has written many widely read articles for the papers. Mr. Ellms was born on Merrimac Street, Boston, December 13, 1830. His parents, Charles and Sally (Bryant) Ellms, were both connected by ties of kinshij:) with prominent actors in the early settlement of the country, and events known to most of us through books alone were familiar to them through the relation of eye-witnesses.

The Ellms family is of English origin. In the Rlassacluisctts Ploughman for August 1 3, 1 88 1, we find the following: "Rodolphus Ellms, the ancestor of all his name in this country, came over from England in 1640, being one of the 'Conihasset' partners, with grants of land from the king, who was the first Charles. On their arrival at Scituate, which had then just assumed its new name, he openly sympathized with the Quakers, and was subjected to a fine of ten shillings for being present at a Quaker meeting."

The subject of this sketch is descended from Rodolphus through Jonathan, Robert, Robert, Jr., Captain Charles, and Charles. Captain Charles, Charles O. Ellms's grandfather, was a noted ship-master. When Napoleon Bonaparte issued his famous Berlin decree to retaliate on England, he was captain and owner of a vessel sailing in the West Indies. Captured by a French privateer, he was taken to the island of Guadaloupe in February, 1800, and his vessel confiscated. Thus he became one of the plaintiffs in the French spoliation claims.

Charles Films, son of Captain Charles, was born in Scituate in 1805. He removed to Boston when he was five years old, and there he was educated in a private school. For a number of years he was engaged in publishing and selling books on Cornhill, Court, and State Streets; and he is pleasantly remembered by the old citizens of Boston who can look back fifty or sixty years. "He originated and published the celebrated 'Davy Crockett,' 'People's' and 'Comic' almanacs, which had such a remarkable circulation for those days. On the decease of his mother he relinquished business, and retired to the homestead farm at Scituate, disposing of the copyright of those popular publications to the late S. N. Dickinson, whose genius as a Boston printer won a wide and enduring reputation." Mr. Ellms, the publisher, was also the author of a number of popular books, including "Shipwrecks, and Disasters of the Sea," "Tragedy of the Seas," "Crusoe's Own Book," and "The Pirate's Own Book." He died in 1865.

He was a great-grandson of Samuel Thaxter, third, of Hingham, Mass., known as Major Samuel, born in 1723, graduated at Harvard College in 1743, whose grandfather, Samuel Thaxter, first, was Captain of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company in 1728, and a little later Colonel of the regiment in which the Hingham men served. His son, Samuel Thaxter (second), also a Colonel, was graduated at Harvard College in 1714. He died in 1732, survived by his second wife, Mary Hawke. Major Samuel was his son by his first wife. The widowed stepmother married the Rev. John Hancock, of Braintree, and they were the parents of Governor Hancock. Major Samuel Thaxter was an officer in Colonel Richard Gridley's regiment in the French and Indian War. He was captured by the Indians at the massacre at Fort William Henry in August, 1757, but escaped through the connivance of the French ofificers, and arrived at Hingham after Dr. Gay had preached his funeral sermon. His daughter Sally, grand-aunt of Charles Ellms, was the wife of Mr. John Pulling, who, it has been asserted, was the man who hung the lantern in the tower of the Old North Church, as a signal for Paul Revere to ride and apprise the waiting patriots of the approach of the British. Certainly the daring deed was well done, whether by John Pulling, church warden, or by Robert Newman, the sexton, to whom it has been ascribed quite as confidently. (For different authorities see "Boston Memorial History, vol. iii. p. loi.)

Major Samuel Thaxter's daughter Mary, grandmother of Mr. Charles Ellms, married Joshua Otis, an ardent Whig and patriot. He was second cousin to James Otis, the patriot and orator. Mrs. Mary Thaxter Otis, though the wife of a patriot, surrounded by patriotic associations, and a frequent visitor at Governor Hancock's house, was a devoted royalist. When a son was born, she insisted that he should be named George after the king. Her husband promised _that he should, bear that name, and, taking the child to church, had him christened George Washington. This George Washington Otis was the father of James Otis, now deceased, who was at one time Mayor of San Francisco. Mrs. Otis's Tory proclivities were excited to the utmost during the war of 181 2. She and her husband were eye-witnesses of the fight in

Boston Bay between the "Chesapeake" and the "Shannon," Joshua Otis anxiously wishing for the victory of the hero Lawrence's ship, his wife glorying in the eventual triumph of the British vessel. Frederick William Greenleaf, famous the world over as the "Harry Wadsworth" in lulward Everett Hale's "Ten Times One," was a cousin of Charles Ellms.

Mrs. Sally Bryant Ellms, mother of Charles O. Ellms, was born in Lexington, Mass., in 1809, and came from a family who have borne a prominent part in the affairs of that historic town. She was one of the young ladies selected to welcome Lafayette on the Lexington battle-ground when he visited this country in 1824, and made the tour of the States. Jonathan Harrington, the last survivor of the Battle of Lexington, was accustomed to give his young lady friends as a wedding present, a rolling-pin of his own make. Mrs. Ellms, who received one, gave it long after to the Historic Society of Lexington, in whose rooms it is now on exhibition, among other relics of ye olden time. Mrs. Ellms was connected with prominent Boston families. The brother of the late Mayor Shurtleff married her sister; and Parker H. Pierce, a prominent Boston merchant, was her uncle. He commanded the Ancient and Honorable Artillery in 1830, at the two hundredth anniversary of the settlement of Boston, and has left a sealed letter to be handed down and read before that company in 1930, at the three hundredth anniversary of that event. Mrs. Sally Bryant Ellms died in

Charles Otis Ellms was educated in the public schools of Boston, being one of the original members of the Brimmer School; and he has a letter of recommendation from his master, Joshua Bates, which he prizes highly. He remembers as a pleasing incident of his boyhood seeing the Indian chiefs Black Hawk and Keokuk in Boston, when they were being taken on a tour through the United States after the Black Hawk War, and giving to Black Hawk a peacock's feather, with which the chief was delighted; and another never-tobe-forgotten event was the visit to the school of General 15crtrand, a short, white-haired gentleman. Napoleon's favorite general, and his companion at St. Helena.

In 1852 Mr. Ellms went to California, travelling by the Nicaragua route; and he spent nearly seven years in the gold regions, enduring the hardships and braving the perils of a miner's life. Returning by the Panama route, he arrived in Scituate in 1858, about the time of the Pike's Peak excitement. Going back to the West a little later, he started from Leavenworth, Kan., with ox teams, and, the progress being necessarily slow, he had much time to see the country, and to observe the mode of living of different Indian tribes. Kansas was under territorial government at this time, and the Border Ruffians and Free State men were at war. As gold was not found in sufficient paying quantity to warrant a protracted stay, Mr. Ellms returned to Scituate, and settled on the home farm, an estate of forty acres.

He has been successfully engaged for years in breeding Jersey stock, and was the owner of the celebrated cow, "Jersey Belle, of Scituate," which produced seven hundred and eight pounds of butter in one year, and twenty-five pounds, three ounces, in one week. This animal was of such national reputation that when the news of her death flashed over the wires, the Chicago Board of Trade, then in session, adjourned to talk about her. Mr. Ellms has been for twenty-five years a Director in the Marshfield Agricultural and Horticultural Society, and Secretary of Satuit Grange of Norwell, from the time of its organization; and he has written much for The Alassacluisctts Plougliman, Tlie .Arrt' England Fanner, and other kindred publications, on cattle breeding and various topics. An enthusiastic antiquary, he is a member of the Pilgrim Society, and has a store of knowledge in regard to the early days and inhabitants of New England.

"T. W. T. " (Thomas W. Tucker), a former editor of the Boston Herald, writes in the Tra)tscript: "You have an occasional correspondent signed 'Scituate, ' in the 'Notes and Queries,' whose articles I value highly for their accuracy and interesting matter. This gentleman is Mr. Charles O. Ellms, an old Boston boy of intelligent observation, who has many antique curiosities. He resides in Greenbush, Scituate, Mass., and takes great pleasure in exhibiting his unique collection. He is a member of the 'Old Schoolboys of Boston ' society."

The Boston Transcript, in another issue says, editorially: "That is a pretty incident mentioned by 'Scituate' in the 'Notes and Queries' department to-day, of rabbits running in and out the cannon of the old Boston Arsenal. What a contrast of timid peace and grim and bloody war! Would that there were no further use for any cannon in the world than to serve such purpose as thisi" This last quotation shows that Mr. Ellms has an eye for the poetic as well as the practical, and his writing covers a wide ranee.

ALTER PETERSON, a general merchant and the postmaster of Brant Rock, was born in Marshfield, February 24, 1848, son of Zephaniah S. C. and Harriet (Taylor) Peterson. The Petfersons are one of the old families of this vicinity. Esias Peterson, Walter's grandfather, as well as his father, was a native of Duxbury.

The latter, who was a shoemaker, worked at his trade, and also managed a small farm. He died when his son Walter was eleven years old. His wife, who was born in Marshfield, died when Walter was eighteen years of age. Of the several children born to this couple, two are living to-day, namely: Walter, the subject of this sketch; and Zephaniah W. , who resides in New Bedford, Mass.

Walter Peterson, being the eldest of the family, was called upon to take his father's place before he entered his teens. The responsibilities then thrown upon him quickly developed his self-reliance. He attended the common schools of Marshfield until he was sixteen years of age, and then began to learn the shoemaker's trade. While serving his apprenticeship, and for a short time afterward, he made shoes on his own account. Subsequently, for a number of years, he was in the employ of Gardner & Arnold, shoe bottomers and manufacturers at Sea View. While working for this firm he tried the experiment of conducting a refreshment tent at Brank Rock for a year. It was quite successful, and in the following year he erected a small building. Thereafter this business increased year by year. He now has one of the best-equipped general stores in this part of the State, carrying in stock a general line of groceries and produce, hardware, furniture, boots and shoes, paints and oils, and furnished with a Bell long-distance telephone, for the convenience of the public. He i-s-also the proprietor of the popular Ocean House at ]?rant Rock, with its special restaurant and recreation facilities, keeping pleasure boats for hire, and summer cottages for sale and to let. Besides employing a number of hands in the busy season, both he and other members of the family are in constant attendance on his patrons. While fortune has smiled upon him

On January 24, 1873, Mr. Peterson was united in marriage with Sarah A. Walker, who was born in Scituate, Mass. They have seven children; namely, W. Leslie, 11. Annie, E. Lloyd, Julia C, Bertha E., Sarah E. , and Lizzie B. The father has been postmaster of Brant Rock for a number of years. Having been in business for about thirty years, he is now known to all the regular visitors as well as the residents of the place, who respect him for the qualities by which he has acquired his present measure of prosperity.

"ON. GARRISON B. BLACKMER, one of the prominent and influential residents of Rochester, was born May I, 1825, on the Blackmer farm, his present home, son of Captain John and Nancy (Mullen) Blackmer. The homestead farm, which covers one hundred and fifty acres, has been owned by Blackmers for a full century, having been purchased in 1796 by Salisbury Blackmer, the grandfather of Garrison B. Captain John Backmer, who commanded a merchant vessel, was lost at sea with his entire crew in 1827. His wife was left with six children ; namely, James, John, Mary F., Elizabeth, Garrison B., and Nancy S. - Elizabeth and Garrison B. being the only survivors.

Garrison B. Blackmer obtained a part of his education in a private school held in his father's house. Much of the knowledge that now marks him as a man of more than ordinary intelligence was acquired without a teacher. He took charge of the farm when fifteen years of age, and it has now been under his direction for over half a century. Besides plentiful crops, his farm produces good pasturage for cattle. He has been very successful in general farming. In politics Mr. Blackmer is a Republican. Active in affairs for a number of years, he has efficiently filled several public offices. In 1S57 he was a member of the State legislature. For five years he served as Selectman of the town of Rochester. For four years he was Town Treasurer and Collector. He was qualified as a Justice of the Peace twenty years ago, and he is still exercising the functions of that office. He was on the School Committee for a number of years, and he has also served as Assessor, Overseer of the Poor, and Highway Surveyor. A Free and Accepted Mason in good standing, he belongs to Pythagorean Lodge, of Marion, Mass. In religious matters he favors the Christian sect. Industrious, intelligent, and law-abiding, and a member of an old Rochester family, he is highly regarded in this town.

SORENZO D. BRALEY, of Rochester, Mass., who has achieved success in ^^^ several branches of industry, was born June 20, 1829, in Freetown, Bristol County, son of Bradford and Patience (Parker) Braley. His first knowledge of books was acquired in the district school near his home. When he was eighteen years old he went to New Bedford, where he spent a year and a half learning the moulder's trade. In 1849 he was one of a company which fitted out the brig "Zoroaster" for a voyage to California. Taking the route around Cape Horn, it reached San Francisco in six months and two days. Here Mr. Braley thought it better to work as a laborer for seventeen dollars a day than to engage in the uncertain occupation of gold prospecting. He had been employed in this way for about three months when he fell sick of typhoid fever, and was taken to a hospital on the Sandwich Islands. He remained seven months in the Sandwich Islands, acting as steward of the hospital for a few months after his recovery. When the opportunity offered, he started for home, engaging as boat steerer on the brig "Sarah." After reaching Freetown, he remained there a year and a half. Then he returned to California, travelling this time by way of the Isthmus of Panama, in a company of eighty. During his second visit he engaged in prospecting and mining, and was fairly successful. After remaining about eighteen months in the Golden State, he came home by the Nicaragua route. By this time he was tired of the rough and lawless life of the West, and decided to remain in his native State. He subsequently worked at his trade in Freetown for two years. Then he moved to Rochester, and, after living in that town three years, he erected the residence which has sheltered him since. In the mean time he learned the cigar-maker's trade, and thereafter followed it for seven years at home as the employee of a tobacco dealer. He afterward manufactured cigars for twenty years on his own account for the wholesale trade, and was very successful at the business. He has also achieved success in farming and lumbering. His land covers about one hundred and seventy-five acres, including sixty acres of homestead, and ten acres of cranberry meadow. On the latter he has raised quantities of cranberries in the past ten years.

Mr. Braley was married in 185 1 to Miss Charity P. Rounsville, by whom he became the father of six children - William, Ida, Jennie, Dora, Nellie, and Herbert. In 1876 he entered a second marriage, contracted with Miss Helen M. Tinkham, who has borne him no children. In politics he follows an independent course, voting for the best interests of the public. He has served Rochester as Selectman, and in other minor ofifices. A

ELVIN S. LITCHFIELD, of North Scituate, a retired shoe manufacturer, comes of an old Plymouth County family, which has given to the Bay State patriotic soldiers, sturdy farmers, successful financiers, and able statesmen. He was born in Scituate, September 28, 1822, a son of Enoch and Eliza (Collier) Litchfield. His grandfather, Isaac Litchfield, as well as both parents, was also a native of the town. (For an account of the origin and early generations of the family, see the biography of William H. Litchfield, of Scituate.) Isaac Litchfield, whose father was a Revolutionary soldier, worked at his trade of carpenter for many years in Scituate. Enoch Litchfield learned the shoemaker's trade, followed it during a great part of his life, and died in the seventies. Of his children, besides Melvin S., there are living: Zenas H., George W., and Eliza J.

Melvin S. Litchfield acquired a rudimentary education in the district schools of Scituate, attending the winter sessions chiefly until he was twelve years old. At the age of seven he began to help his father in making shoes, so that, on reaching his majority, he was an expert shoemaker. Then, starting in life for himself, he worked at his trade, and engaged in fishing. In 1847, with his brother, Zenas" H., he started in the manufacture of shoes, under the firm name of M. S. Litchfield & Co., opening a small place, measuring twelve by thirteen feet, located at the corner of Cedar and Summer Streets, in North Scituate. The business increasing with the lapse of time, they were frequently obliged to enlarge their establishment. At one period they had seventy-five employees, residents of Scituate and adjoining towns. The brothers also carried on a general mercantile trade. In 1885 Mr. Melvin S. Litchfield retired from the manufacturing branch of the business. He retains his interest in the other department, which is still conducted by the original firm.

Mr. Litchfield has been twice married. By his first wife, who was Mrs. Nancy (Ellms) Clapp, daughter of Gushing O. Ellms, of Scituate, and the widow of Hiram Clapp, he has two children. These are: Arthur E., residing in Brockton, Mass., and Ella G., the wife of C. H. Waterman, of the same city. The present Mrs. Litchfield was formerly Mrs. Maria (Read) Elliot, the widow of Lyman F. Elliot, and a daughter of Leonard Read (deceased), of Mason, N. H. Mr. Litchfield has no children by his second union. In politics he favors the Republican side. Both he and Mrs. Litchfield take an active part in the social events of the town, and are very popular members of society.

[LLIAM F. BONNEY, who has ided for a number of years on a pleasant farm on Brant Rock Road, a short distance from Marshfield station, is a well-informed man, his mind broadened by travel and observation. He was born April II, 1 83 1, in Hanson, Mass., and his parents, too, Cephas and Deborah (Soper) Bonney, were natives of that town, the home of his family for generations. His grandfather, Nathaniel Bonney, was interested in the iron works in the town of Carver, this county.

Cephas Bonney was an iron moulder, and followed his trade during a great part of his life, for a short time being engaged in the manufacture of castings in Marshfield. In politics he was a Democrat, in religious belief a Methodist. He died in 1874, his wife, in 1889. They were the parents of the following children: Cephas W., now living in Ouincy, Mass.; Henry V., in Marshfield; William F., the subject of this sketch; Almira S., living in Kingston, Mass.; Edward H., in Scituate; Mary E., wife of Elisha C. Hatch, in Whitman, Mass.; and Deborah P., Leroy S. , and Lucius L., deceased.

William F. Bonney was three years old when his parents moved to Marshfield, and he here received his education, attending school until he reach his fourteenth year. He then went to Fall River, Mass., to learn the iron moulder's trade, and, after remaining there about three years, worked four years at iron moulding in Lawrence, Mass. At the time of the gold excitement in California, he made up his mind to try his luck there, and in 1852 he set out by steamer from New York City to Aspinwall, crossed the Isthmus, and took a steamer to San Francisco. This was the quickest and most direct route of travel at the time, and the journey consumed but a month. Mr. Bonney found work in the "middle mines," and stayed in the diggings three years; then, dissatisfied with the uncertainty of mining, he found work at his trade in San Francisco, and was also engaged for some time grading building lots. He remained in California about five years, returning then by the route he had taken in going thither. In 1857 he started from Marshfield with a photograph car, and visited the towns in Southeastern Massachusetts. Quite successful as a photographer, he followed that line of business for si.xteen years. In 1875, weary of constant travel, he settled on his farm on Brant Rock Road, and since that time has found pleasure and independence in the pursuit of agriculture.

John S. Ryder

T. Dunham, who died in August, 1870, leaving one son, Wilfred, born December 27, 1S67, now residing in Abington, Mass. The maiden name of Mr. Bonney's second wife, with whom he was united on December 20, 1874, was Mary L. Gray. She died in 1892, leaving four children, namely : Frances, born January 19, 1879; Josephine, December 6, 1879; Helen M., September 4, 1881 - all living at present; and Anna G., May 11, 18S5, who died October 4, 1892. In politics Mr. Bonney is independent, making a practice of voting for the candidates best qualified for ofifice.

-OHN S. RYDER is one of the old, influential, and highly respected citizens of Rochester, Mass., having taken a leading part in town and church affairs for many years. He was born in Rochester, March i, 1S22, and is the only surviving son of the late Martin and Content (Stevens) Ryder, both of this town. His father, who was a well-to-do farmer, died December 18, 1883, his mother, on February 18, 1881. They reared but two children : John S., subject of the sketch; and Martin L., now deceased.

John S. Ryder acquired a good education in his early years, finishing his school days at Rochester Academy, and began to teach at the age of nineteen. He was engaged in teaching during the winter, and in farm work during the summer from 1841 to 1849, ^i<^l ^or several years thereafter he devoted himself to farming and stone-mason work. Though he began to provide for himself when he was twenty-one years of age, he did not leave his parents until he was twenty-six. About the beginning of 1849 he moved to his present farm, a good estate of twenty-five acres, and here for nearly half a century he has followed the seasons, sowing and reaping in seed-time and harvest.

Mr. Ryder was married December 13, 1848, to Betsey M- King, of Rochester. One child was born to them, a daughter, Julia A., who died at the age of seventeen.

Mr. Ryder takes an active interest in politics, and has been elected on the Republican ticket to a number of offices. He was in the State legislature in 1875, '^'''^^ ''-'^s served on the Town Board of Selectmen one year, as Town Treasurer six years. Town Clerk fourteen years, Justice of the Peace seven years, and as School Committee six years. He has been a member of the Congregational church in Rochester since 1840, and served the society as clerk for thirty years, and as Deacon five years.

lAPTAIN JASON L. BRALEY, a retired mariner, now successfully en- ;aged in strawberry culture and general farming in Rochester, was born October 3, 1824, in the town of Acushnet, Bristol County, son of Elisha K. and Delia (Sherman) Braley. He was two weeks old when the family came to Rochester, where he was reared and educated. He went on his first deep-sea voyage when sixteen years of age, shipping as a seaman on the brig "Solon," a whaling vessel which was out fourteen months, cruising in the Atlantic Ocean. His next voyage was made on the bark "Willis" from Mattapoisett, leaving port as a seaman, and coming back as boat steerer. This vessel was out sixteen months, and sailed over the same waters. His third shipment was as boat steerer of the bark "Newton," which was out twenty months. Leaving this vessel at the Sandwich Islands, he engaged as boat steerer on the ship "Crown Princessen," with which he was connected about twenty-two months.

His next berth was that of third mate of the "Stephina,'" on a cruise lasting thirty-two months in the Indian and Atlantic Oceans. He was subsequently mate of the "Louisa" while twenty-eight months from home, hunting whales in the North Pacific. Next, he was master of the ship "William Badger," on a voyage of forty-six months, most of which time was spent in the whaling-grounds of the North Pacific. After the return of the "William Badger," he left port again as mate of the "F^alcon," which made a voyage of twenty-six months, cruising in the North Atlantic. When the " Falcon " was out fourteen months Mate Braley was made its captain. His last cruise was as mate of the "Vineyard." The "Vineyard " had been out about eighteen months when he was injured by having a cask fall upon him, and returned home by the Nicaragua route.

Captain Braley now abandoned seafaring, having followed it for thirty-three years, enduring the rigors of high latitudes, the enervating heat of the tropics, and coming scathless out of a thousand perils. In 1873 he purchased a farm in Rochester, containing one hundred and fifty-five acres of good land. Here he has since spent his life, finding both profit and pleasure in general farming and strawberry culture. He was married in 1850 to Miss Hannah M. Hall, and now has four children - Ellen M., Sylvanus A., Henry W., and Fred J. In politics he supports the Republican party. He is a member of the Masonic order, belonging to St. Helena Lodge, of St. Helena.

;R0 TURNER, a prominent resident of North Scituate, and the owner of one of the handsomest homes on the beach, was born March 15, 1852, in Boston, Mass., son of Job A. and Elmira (Fellows)

Turner. His ancestor, Humphrey Turner, was one of the men from Kent, England, who settled in Scituate in 1628. Humphrey, who was an enterprising man, established a tannery here in 1636. Besides his home, which was on Kent Street, on the east side of Coleman's Hills, he owned a tract of land on the North River.

Colonel John Bryant Turner, Azro Turner's grandfather, was born in Scituate, December 8, 1786. His parents were Job and Abiel (Bryant) Turner, both natives of Scituate. He spent his early life on his father's farm at Farm Neck, receiving a good education and fitting for college, though he did not subsequently take a college course. Drawn into public life while yet a young man, he became a leader in Old Colony politics, was a pioneer of the Anti-slavery party, and a strong advocate of Prohibition, then just beginning to be agitated. An untiring and honest worker, and unswerving in his determination to do right, he was respected alike by Whigs and Democrats. Early in his career he was chosen Moderator of the Scituate town meetings, and it is said of him that no one has filled the office who wielded the gavel with more dignity or fairness. From that time forward "Colonel Bry," or "Squire Bry, " as he was popularly called, was constantly in the public service. He was for a number of years Selectman of Scituate. In the office of County Commissioner, which he filled for several years, he gave valuable aid in the construction of many important public works, besides directing the locating of the first railroads. In 1830 he was surprised to find himself nominated on the Democratic- Republican ticket as Representative to the Twenty-third Congress; but John Ouincy Adams, for whom the Colonel entertained the deepest respect and warmest friendship, was also a nominee, and Colonel Turner withdrew in his favor. Colonel Bry was a conspicuous figure in the General Court of Massachusetts, serving for years in both the House and the Senate. Having begun his military career as a coast guard in 1812, he rose to the rank of Colonel of the Second Infantry. The sword whch he wore is now in the possession of his grandson, Azro. Colonel Turner was a leading spirit in all movements for the betterment of the town. He was in constant request as arbitrator in the settlement of differences among his townsmen. He spoke and wrote with firmness, mingled with gentleness, and with a due regard for the opinions and failings of others. A Universalist in religious belief, his writings prove that he was a diligent student of theology. He died February 16, 1849, in his sixty-third year. Colonel Turner was married in 1813 to Miss Hannah Nichols, of Cohasset, Mass. His son. Job A. Turner, was born in Scituate, and there acquired his . early education. When he was sixteen years old he went to Boston to learn the trade of carpenter and joiner. This accomplished, he worked for some time as a journeyman, and then established himself in business as a contractor and builder. He was subsequently identified with the Bay State Brick Company at Medford, Mass., and at a later period was treasurer of the George F. Blake Manufacturing Company of Boston. His death occurred in Newton, Mass., on March 12, 1886. He was married twice, and had a large family. Of his children, fi\.^e are living, namely: Frederick A., residing in Boston; Edward C, in Arlington, Mass. ; Azro, the subject of this sketch; Albion B. , in Newton; and Carrie H., the wife of George F. Blake, Jr., residing in Worcester, Mass.

After acquiring his early education in Scituate, Azro Turner attended the Highland ]\lilitary Academy at Worcester. Since attaining man's estate he has been extensivelv engaged in agricultural pursuits, at the same time taking a prominent part in town matters. In politics he is an Independent, with a leaning to the Republican side. He served for four years on the Scituate Board of Selectmen, and is one of the most influential men of the place. An Odd Fellow, in good standing, he belongs to Cohasset Lodge, No. 192. On November 27, 1872, he was united in marriage with Georgietta Frances Litchfield, of Scituate, and the union has been blessed with six children. These are: Alfred F., born November 3, 1873; Philip H., born August 29, 1876; Azro, born December 13, 1879; Edith A., born March 13, 1883; Vesta M., born November 27, 1885; and Cora M., born April 23, 1889.

RTHUR R STARRETT, the efficient foreman of the W. L. Douglas Shoe Factory of Brockton, was born in Aylesford, Nova Scotia, August 20, 1851, son of George and Phcebe (Johnston) Starrett. He is a descendant of Peter Starrett, who was born in Scotland about the year 1700, and, it is believed, emigrated to Ireland about 1730. From there the family came to America, settling in Maine, on or near the site of the present city of Portland. When the Revolutionary War broke out, this branch of the Starrett family was so intensely loyal to the British crown that they emigrated again, this time to Canada, settling in Nova Scotia, near the New Brunswick line. Peter Starrett married Elevena Armstrong. Their son John, born in 1745, married Hannah Bancroft. He died October 4, 1829. Handley Starrett, son of John and Hannah Bancroft Starrett, and granilfathcr of Arthur P., was born in Cumberland County, Nova Scotia, in 1793- About 1840 he moved to Port Williams, Annapolis County, Nova Scotia, where he owned and conducted a mill. He also held the office of Prime Magistrate. He subsequently moved to Cambridge, Hants County. He and his wife had seven children, four boys and three girls, namely: William, now living at Port Lome, Annapolis County, Nova Scotia; George, father of the subject of this sketch; John and James, now living in Cambridge, Hants County, Nova Scotia; Elizabeth, who died in Lynn, Mass., in 1896; Jennie, now living in Lynn, Mass.; and Amanda, who resides in Cambridge, Nova Scotia.

George Starrett, father of Arthur, was born in 1818. When a young man he began to learn the trade of a ship-builder, but he had not been thus engaged long when he met with an accident in the ship-yard, that disqualified him from following that occupation. He then, by a course of hard study, fitted himself for the profession of a school teacher, which he followed in different counties in Nova Scotia for upward of twenty years. While residing in Port Williams he married Phoebe Johnston, daughter of Uriah and Mariah Johnston; and after his marriage he settled in Aylesford, Annapolis County. His wife died in 1884, at the age of sixty-si.x years, and he then removed to his farm at Port Lome, where he spent his remaining days, making occasional visits to his children in Brockton. He survived his wife ten years, dying in 1894. His children are: Arthur P., Charles A., Annie M. (deceased), Edith J., Bertha, and Ella.

attending the common school he had the benefit of private instruction from his father. At the age of seventeen he left home, and shipped on a merchant vessel bound for the West Indies ; and he was out in the famous September gale of 1868. Two years thereafter he came to Massachusetts, settling in I^ynn, where he learned the carpenter's trade. In the fall of 1872 he came to Brockton; and the next year, while working for Barney Snow, a contractor, he fell from the roof of a fivestory building, breaking his ankle. He then abandoned his trade, going into the factory of Peleg S. Leach to learn stitching. Three years later he entered the shoe factory of Daniel S. Howard, where also he remained three years, subsequently continuing in the same employment with J. C. Jenkins. In February, 1881, he took charge of the stitching-room of W. L. Douglas & Co., with whom he has since remained.

On February 4, 1872, Mr. Starrett was united in marriage with Lelah A. Banks, a daughter of Joseph and Mehitable Banks, of Port Lome, Nova Scotia. He has three children - Jennie V., Charles E., and Lena. Jennie F., now a young lady of twenty-two years, is a graduate of the Brockton High School, and resides at home; Charles E. is employed in the factory under his father; Lena, a girl of twelve years, is attending school. In politics Mr. Starrett is a Republican; and he represents his ward in the Common Council. He is connected with several fraternal organizations, being a member of Massasoit Lodge, No. 69, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; Nemasket Encampment, No. 44; and Beatrice Lodge, No. 28, Daughters of Rebecca, in each of which he has passed all the chairs. He and his wife are also members of Brockton Colony, No. 138, Pilgrim Fathers.

Rancis Barnard Gardner

RANCIS BARNARD GARDNER, clerk of the Board of Water Commissioners, and Overseer of tlie Poor of ]5rockton, Mass., is a native of Nantucket, and a wortliy representative of one of the old and much respected families of that long-time famous island home. He was born near the close of the first half of the century, January I, 1845.

His grandfather. Prince Gardner, a large ship-owner, was engaged in the whale fishery, and in the oil and tallow business. In religious persuasion he was a Quaker or member of the Society of Friends, as were many of the inhabitants of Nantucket fifty years ago or more, the island, as is well known, having been at an early day a refuge for the oppressed of that form of faith. Prince Gardner was one of those who occupied the high seats in the meeting, and used sometimes to preach. He died at seventy-two years of age. His wife, Mary Gorham, a Quakeress, whom he married in 1802, attained the advanced age of ninety-two years. They had but three children; namely, Charles G. and two daughters.

Charles G. Gardner, the only son, was the eldest child. He was born in 1807. The people of Nantucket may be said to have held at an early day advanced views on the subject of education, seeking for their children, if possible, something beyond common-school instruction. The Quaker born and bred youth, Charles G. Gardner, purused his studies at Greenwich Academy, East Greenwich, R.I., and later at a Friends' boarding-school in Providence. When his school days were over, he learned the cooper's trade, and made casks for his father. Of course, they were to hold whale oil, the whale fishery being then the leading industry of the place, and a profitable one on the whole, although hazardous. There were losses peculiar to the "war time" of the early part of the century, and Prince Gardner and his brother Benjamin, who lost the ship "Johanna," of which they were joint owners, came in for a share of the F"rench spoliation claims, of which but little was realized. Mr. Gardner, of Brockton, still has in his possession several articles received by his grandfather and uncle by way of indemnity, which he cherishes as memorials of the olden time, a turned-over page of the family history. In the latter part of his life Mr. Charles G. Gardner attended the North Congregational Church of Nantucket. He died at the age of eighty-five years. He was a Whig during the existence of that party, afterward a Republican, and always a thorough-going Abolitionist. He married Lurana Rogers, daughter of John Rogers. Her father was the mate of a whaling vessel. He lost his life in sight of land in Massachusetts Bay, while lashed to the rigging of a vessel during a storm. Mr. and Mrs. Charles G. Gardner had ten children, only three of whom are now living.

Francis B. was the ninth child of his parents. He was educated in the schools of Nantucket, which were then graded. Making good progress in the lower schools, he entered the high school at thirteen years of age. He subsequently attended the Coffin private school for a time; and then, a well-grown youth and well informed for his years, he learned the art of pegging shoes, and followed that occupation for some time. In November, 1862, he went to West Bridgcwater, and entered the employ of Charles Mowry, engaging to work for ten dollars a month and board. He stayed there till September, 1S63, when he came to Brockton, where he worked on army brogans at twenty dollars per month and board. In April, 1864, he went into the shop of George H. Gurney, shoe manufacturer, and, learning to cut leather, earned twelve and one-half cents an hour. He there worked three years as a cutter, and six years as superintendent of the factory, fifteen hundred dollars being his salary in his final year, ending November, 1872. At that time forming a copartnership with R. B. Packard, firm of Gardner & Packard, he made his first trip to Boston to carry samples the week after the great Boston fire. They had a factory on Centre Street, Brockton, where O. O. Patten & Co. now are. In 1878 the firm dissolved, and Mr. Gardner continued in business alone, buying a factory on Linden Street, known as the David Howard factory, now owned by F. M. Shaw & Son. He carried it on till January, 1882, when he sold it to Henry Mitchell. The business is now owned by Howard & Foster.

In 1881 Mr. Gardner took a prominent part in the movement to make Brockton a city. At the town meeting he was elected one of the Committee of Twelve to co-operate with the Selectmen in securing the charter, which was accepted as they submitted it. He had for one or two years previously been Chairman of the Republican Town Committee, and he was later on the same committee two or three years. He was one of the committee to make arrangements for the inauguration of the city government, and was elected to the Common Council of the city, but resigned his position on the Council without taking his seat. He was a member of the Board of Overseers of the Poor for three years, after having refused the office for one year. He is now serving on his fifteenth year in this responsible position, having been elected five successive terms. In 1882 Mayor Keith appointed him on the Board of Health. Mr. Gardner had no intention of remaining in public office, and in the autumn of 1883 resolved to go again into business, but he was so strongly urged to accept a position on the Board of Water Commissioners that he did so, and has now served the Board twelve successive years. In January last he received one vote from the Council, which represented the unanimous vote; in other words, he was elected by acclamation.

Mr. Gardner is a charter member of Damocles Lodge, No. 16, Knights of Pythias, was its first Chancellor Commander, and is now Chairman of the Finance Committee of Grand Lodge, which post he has filled for six years. He was last year appointed for three years more as a member of the Finance Committee. He was a charter member of Banner Lodge, New England Order of Protection; and as its first warden he wrote his signature to three hundred and si.xteen certificates of membership. As a pioneer in Brockton of the nolicense movement, he has occupied several positions on the committee, and has taken an ardent and active interest in temperance. He is a member of the Brockton Agricultural Society, and has been superintendent of its hall for about eight years. A loyal American citizen, he is an associate member of Fletcher Webster Post, No. 13, Grand Army of the Republic, of Brockton. Of the charter of the People's Savings Bank of Brockton he was one of the original signers, and he is a Trustee of the bank, and one of its Investment Committee. He is a communicant of the First Congregational Church, and was at one time clerk of the church and a member of the Parish Committee. He is now on the Building Committee for the new church edifice.

Mr. Gardner and Miss Emma Davis, daughter of John W. Davis, of Nantucket, were married in October, 1866, and five years ago they celebrated their silver wedding, or twenty-fifth anniversary. Among the presents received on that occasion, as testimonials of the esteem and good will of neighbors and friends, were a case of silver from the city government of Brockton, and a silver service from Banner Lodge, Knights of Pythias. Mr. and Mrs. Gardner have three children, namely: Annie L., who married Edward E. Stebbins, and resides in Melrose, Mass.; Gertrude E., an assistant in the Water Commissioner's office. City Hall; and Charles F., now a student at the Brockton High School.

jAPTAIN GEORGE D. ALLEN, who has been on duty much of the time in recent years as the commander of a great ocean steamer, is well equipped for the responsible post he occupies, being a type of the thorough American sailor, a brave, resolute man, with a cool head and a keen eye. He was born October 28, 1843, in Marion, a son of John D. and Sarah N. (Hathaway) Allen. His parents reared two other children, both daughters, namely: Abbie, who died in 1882; and Louisa.

George D. Allen was educated in the district schools, and laid aside his text-books, when a lad of fourteen, to go on board a coasting-vessel, on which he remained three years as a sailor. Shipping then on a merciiant vessel, he visited various portions of the globe, including California, China, and Australia, sailing one year as common seaman, two years as second mate, four years as first mate, and from that time until the present as master. Captain Allen has followed the sea nearly forty years, has commanded vessels twenty-eight years, and at different pejiods during the last eight years has been in charge of an ocean steamer. During his career he has circumnavigated the globe twice, been around the Cape of Good Hope three times, and doubled Cape Horn six times, in most cases having an interest in the ships that he has commanded. He has been unusually fortunate in his voyages, although at one time his ship was struck by a hurricane, and totally demolished. The vessel was on its way from New Orleans to Liverpool, being about sixty miles from the mouth of the Mississippi River, in the Gulf of Mexico, when struck by the tremendous gale. The timber with which it was loaded kept the hull from sinking, and the entire crew floated on the wreck thirty-six hours before being rescued.

Captain Allen was married May 8, 1869, to Magdalana S., daughter of Captain Clark Delano. Eight children have been born of this union, namely: Elmena Stover, who died when five years old; Bertha Bolivia, who was born off the coast of Bolivia; Clara B. ; John C, born off Cape Horn; Sarah D., who died December 13, 1880; James Scott Hathaway, born on board ship at Liverpool, England; Florence Souter; and Abbie L. , who died in infancy. Soon after his marriage the captain bought the farm of forty acres on which he and his family make their home. Captain Allen is held in high regard as a man of great force of character and moral worth. In politics he is a strong advocate of the principles of the Republican party.

AHUM F. MORSE, Selectman of Rochester for more than twenty years, ^ \^ ^ was born May 19, 1835, on the farm where he now resides, aon of John N. and" Lydia (Look) Morse. This farm was originally owned by his grandfather, Simeon Morse, who served as a soldier in the Revolution and was one of the early settlers of this locality. John N. Morse was a large land-owner, and one of the prominent men of the district. He had a family of eleven children; namely, John O. A., James H., Savery A., Mary A., Lydia,

Nahum F. Morse acquired his education in the district school and the old Peirce Academy of Middleboro. In boyhood he became familiar with the duties of farm life, and, when he was twenty-six years old, he took full charge of the homestead. The farm covers two hundred acres in Middleboro and Rochester, including good tillage and pasture land. His whole life has been spent there. He has been successful as a farmer, keeps some live stock, and raises some fruit. He was married in 1857 to Almeda I. Washburn, of Carver, this county; and eight children came of the union. Two arc deceased - Jennie F. and Nahum F. The others are: Lottie H., Annie G., Isaac F., Tirzah S., Chester B. , and Helen B.

Mr. Morse, who is a Democrat, has been for many years identified with the adjustment of town affairs, his conservative judgment and practical common sense being highly valued by his townsmen. He has served as Selectman of the town altogether for twenty-two years. In this period he has also acted as Overseer of the Poor, Assessor, and Town Agent; and he has been a Justice of the Peace for fifteen years. He is a Mason in good standing, belonging to Social Harmony Lodge of Wareham, Mass. As a member of the Christian Advent church, he takes an active interest in religious work.

)YSANDER S. RICHARDS, a horticulturist and author and a leader in various reformatory and progressive movements, is a resident of Marshfield Hills. He was born in Quincy, Mass., April 13, 1S35, a son of the Hon. Lysander and Content C. (Clapp) Richards. The Richards family is of

The Hon. Lysander Richards, who was a son of Nehemiah Richards, was born and reared in Cummington, Mass. After teaching school for a while, he went to Quincy, Mass., where he was interested in the quarries, eventually becoming a member of the house of Richards, Munn & Co., the largest stone contractors in Quincy, and probably in the United States, in their day. Mr. Richards attained eminence in business circles, and had many financial interests. He was the first President of the Quincy Mutual Fire Insurance Company. A prominent member of the Whig party, he served one term as State Senator. He was a member of the Quincy School Board for a number of years, and one of the prime movers in establishing the high school. In religious belief he was a Unitarian. He had an extended acquaintance in Norfolk County, and was respected by all who knew him. He died in 1851 at Havana, Cuba, where he had gone for his health. His wife was also a member of an old family of English origin, her first ancestor in this country settling in Scituate in 1630. She passed away in 1893. Of their children the following are living: Lysander S., the subject of this article; Louise C, clerk in the United States Life-saving Service Department in the Treasury Building, Washington, D.C. ; Venelia, wife of Charles W. Calef, of Auburn, N.H. ; Charles N., keeper of the Senate Stationery Department at Washington; Clara, also in the national capital; Anna S. , wife of T. Butler Van Alstyne, a lawyer of Tustin, Cal., appointed by Governor Budd President of the Board of Trustees of the Southern California Insane Asylum near Los Angeles, Cal.

education in the Quincy schools, passing through the grammar grade, and leaving school at the age of fifteen. He was sixteen when his father died, and in the two years following that event was acting Postmaster in Quincy.

At the age of eighteen he obtained a position as book-keeper for Williams & Rodgers, hide and leather merchants in ISoston ; and after the dissolution of that firm he was employed as book-keeper for Rodgers, Johnson & Thompson, Boston. At twenty-two he was the junior member of the hide and leather firm of Rodgers, Baxter & Richards, which was subsequently merged into Rodgers, Richards & Co. This house controlled an extensive business, amounting to between two hundred thousand and three hundred thousand dollars per year, and was in existence about seven years. Soon after the partnership was dissolved Mr. Richards became a member of the hide and leather firm of Charles Marsh & Co., of Boston, one of the leading mercantile houses of the Hub. The Hon. Charles Marsh (now deceased), the head of the firm, was President of the Granite National Bank and of the Quincy Savings Bank, and was a State Senator. He retired from business in 1874; and Mr. Richards, who was suffering from illhealth, severed his connection with the firm at the same time.

For a number of years Mr. Richards had been engaged in scientific study and research, and had written various articles, including a treatise on cosmography, which was published in the Boston Banner of Lig/it, running about two years in the seventies. On retiring from business, he took the opportunity to visit the gold and silver mines of California and Nevada, in order to supplement the knowledge gained from books by actual observation ; and before he returned home he studied the mineralogy of the coal mines of Pennsylvania. It is an incident worthy of note that Mr. McKinley, brother of President McKinley, entertained Mr. Richards in California, and afterward came on to Quincy, and made him an offer to go on to California, and, as an expert, examine some mines in which he was interested.

After his return from this tour Mr. Richards devoted much of his time to literary work, publishing scientific and philosophical papers, as well as a series of articles on his travels in California and the Far West, including Utah, in the Boston Cotnvioniocalt/i. In the fall of 1874 he settled in Marshfield, moving into his present dwelling, which he erected in 1876. Here his most important literary works have been completed. Among these are "The Beginning and Fnd of Man"; "Vocophy " ; and "Breaking up; or. The Birth, Development, and Death of the Earth and its Satellite in Story." Mr. Richards taught sciences and other branches of study for a year in a school in Washington, D. C. , and for four years had charge of the Marshfield Business Academy, of which he was the founder. During the season of 1866-67 he presided at the Music Hall (Boston) Sunday afternoon lectures. Previous to 1874 he lectured on scientific subjects before the high and grammar schools of Quincy, his topics including Darwinism, Astronomy, and Geology. He has also studied carefully the science of agriculture and horticulture, and has given many addresses at farmers' meetings in Boston. He has been Vice-President of "the Marshfield Agricultural and Horticultural Society, and was for three years a member of the State Board of Agriculture.