Plymouth Town (part 54 of 54)

/^^TeORGE J. FEARING, a success- \ fs I ful farmer of Ifingham, Plymouth County, Mass., was born here, February 7, 1834, son of John and Mercy B. (Fearing) Fearing. His paternal grandfather, Abel Fearing, was a native of Hingham, where he was an extensive land-owner and farmer. John, the father of George J., learned the wheelwright's trade, which he followed for many years, until he lost his eyesight, thereafter engaging in farming. In politics he affiliated for some time with the Democratic party, afterward became a Free Soiler, and later was identified with the Republicans. He was a Surveyor of Highways for many years. His wife, Mercy B. Fearing, died at seventyeight years of age; and he, surviving her about a year, attained the age of fourscore. They were both members of the Unitarian church, and always able and willing to do all they could to promote its growth and prosperity. They had seven children, but three of whom are living - Mercy B. , John C, and George J. Mercy married David Cobb, of this town, and has four children - David, Jr., Henry H,, George W. , and Mercy B. John C. Fearing married Mary S. Doane, of Scituate. They have no children.

George J. F'earing, after acquiring his education in the Hingham schools, worked on the paternal farm, where he has remained ever since. He owns fifty acres of land, twenty of which are under cultivation, the special crop being hay. In politics he is a member of the Republican party, and he has been Surveyor for many years. He is very industrious, as his fine farm testifies, and is highly esteemed by his neighbors and the community at large. In the autumn of 1861 he was united in marriage with Lydia_ L. Gushing, daughter of Stephen and Elizabeth Gushing, of Hingham.

lARCUS ATWOOD, a prosperous farmer of the town of Carver, is a native of Middleboro, Plymouth County. He was born July 17, 1827, son of Levi and Bethia (Shurtleff) At wood. His mother was a daughter of Captain Gideon .Shurtleff. His paternal grandfather was Samuel, son of William At wood.

Levi Atwood was an iron moulder by trade. He died at seventy-nine years of age, and his wife at fifty-eight. They were th-e parents of thirteen children, namely: Elbridge (deceased); Levi, who died in 1893; Patience, wife of David Vaughn ; Bethia and Stephen (twins), both deceased; Lucy, widow of David Jenkins; Elkanah; Rasanda (deceased); Marcus; Martin, who died in 1891; Betsey, wife of Josiah Kennicut; Laura, who died in 18S4; and a child that died in infancy.

Marcus Atwood spent his early years in the town of Middleboro, and at the age of thirteen began working on a farm, his wages going to his parents until he was twenty-one. On attaining his majority, he came to Carver, and entered the employ of Jesse Murdock as a farm hand. He continued thus engaged until Mr. Murdock's death, between twenty-five and thirty years later, and has lived there since. Mr. Atwood owns land in Middleboro and Carver, his property comprising from one hundred and fifty to two hundred acres, situated in different. places. For several years he has served as Fire Warden of Carver. He is not a party politician, but is accustomed to vote for the candidates whom he considers best qualified for the respective duties of th'e various positions to be filled.

OHN SMITH, Superintendent of Streets, and one of the Selectmen of Hull, Plymouth County, Mass., was born here, May 15, 1857, son of John H. and Letitia (McGinness) Smith. His father, a seafaring man, came to America from Germany, and, settling in this town, has since engaged in freighting and fishing business. In politics he affiliates with the Democratic party, and he has been one of the Park Commissioners several years. He was twice mar- ried, Letitia McGinness, the mother of the subject of this biography, being his second wife. She has had five children, three of whom are now living - -Esther C, Jennie C, and John. Esther C. Smith married John L. Mitchell, and has three children - Fred L., Oscar, and Letitia. Jennie C. is the wife of Captain A. A. Galiano, of Hull, and has two boys - Andrew and Alfred R. The father and mother are still living.

John Smith, after acquiring his education in the schools of his native town, went fishing with his father until 1881, when he was appointed on the police force of Hull, being the first Chief of Police in this town. This position he resigned in 1890 to accept the appointment of Superintendent of Streets, which he has held ever since. Since 1893 he has officiated as Selectman, having been re-elected in 1896 for another term of tliree years.

On June 12, 1883, he was married to Margaret E. Moore, of Cambridge, Mass. They have three children - Daniel Alfred, John Francis, and Lilian Florence Smith. In religion Mr. Smith is liberal like his parents. His wife is a Catholic. Mr. Smith is a man of energy, promptness, and steady application to business, one who has made his own way in the world, and is not afraid of work.

ILLIAM R. SWIFT, who lost an arm while gallantly serving as a defender of the Union in the Civil War, is a well-known resident of Plymouth, Mass. He was born at Cedar\ille, in this town, January 31, 1839.

He attained to maturity in his native town, and at the age of thirteen years he began in life for himself by shipping on board a fishing schooner in the capacity of cook. After going on several voyages he, in company with

Shortly after the breaking out of the war he enlisted in Company E, Twenty-third Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteers, being mustered in at Lynnfield, Mass. Faithful to his duties, he kept his place in the ranks, and took part in several engagements, the first of which was at Roanoke Island, N.C., the second at New Berne, N.C., the third at Kingston, in the same State, and the fourth at White Hall, where he was wounded by a rifle-ball. As a result he was obliged to have his arm amputated near the shoulder, this being done within a few hours on the* battlefield. He was soon removed to the hospital at New Berne, where he remained about si.\- weeks, and was then sent home on a furlough. He received his final discharge in Boston, August II, 1S63. After residing at Chiltonville, Mass., for a few years, he purchased his present farm in the town of Plymouth, comprising nine acres, on which he is extensively and successfully engaged in the culture of cranberries.

On November 28, 1873, Mr. Swift was united in matrimony with Miss Isabelle II. Niehtinsale. Of their union four children have been born; namely, Hattie, Mabel, William, and one that died in infancy. Mr. Swift's political views identify him with the Republican party.

HOMAS G. GAMMONS, a veteran'of the American conflict of 1861-65, the marks of which he must always carry, having been twice wounded while engaged in the service of his country, has during recent years devoted himself to general farming in the town of Middleboro, Plymouth County. He was born here, November 15, 1S43.

He remained nt home until a few montlis after the breaking out of the Southern Rebellion, when on October i8, 1861, he enlisted in Company D, of the Twenty-fourth Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteers, being mustered in at Readville as a private. The first engagement in which he took part was at Roanoke Island, N.C., which was followed by others at New Berne, Little Washington, Rollo Mills, Whitehall, Kingston, Goldsboro Bridge, and the siege of Morris Island, where his regiment charged the rifle pits. They were next sent to charge upon Fort Sumter in conjunction with the marines, but this plan was abandoned, and they went instead to Jacksonville, Fla. , where they spent the winter, and took part in the battle of St. Augustine. The following spring they returned to Virginia, and under General Butler were in the engagement at the rear of Fort Darling, and in the three days' fight, three battles, near Malvern Hill. In the battle of Deep Bottom Mr. Gammons was wounded by a minie-ball, which struck the bone just above the knee, and passed through the leg. Disabled for field service he was taken on board the hospital boat, on which he remained three years. After leaving her, and while at Beverly, N.J., in August, he was again wounded and obliged to remain there until October. He received his honorable discharge, with the rank of Sergeant, in October, 1864. His first promotion after entering service was to the position of Color Corporal, a year later he was made Sergeant, and when he was wounded he was acting as Orderly Sergeant.

For several months after his return home, Mr. Gammons was obliged to go on crutches, and he was unable to engage in regular work for two years. He then took up shoemaking for a short time, and since then he has followed carpentry and farming, purchasing the farm on which he resides in 1874. Politically, he is a stanch Republican; and, fraternally, he is a member of Post No. 8, Grand Army of the Republic, of Middleboro. Mr. Gammons married Miss Bessie Bumpus, and three daughters have been born to them; namely, Susan E., Grace W. (deceased), and Bessie M.

Aptain Charles C. Delano

APTAIN CHARLES C. DELANO, a fine representative of the brave and skilful seamen upon whom the commercial wealth of our nation so largely depends, was born February 25, 1847, on the farm where he now resides, he being the fifth master of a vessel born on this same homestead. His father, the late Captain Isaac Delano, was a successful whaler in his day, and a type of the industrious and hardy people of the coast towns whose sturdy virtues left their impress on New England character. To him and his wife, whose maiden name was Mary Briggs, four children were boin; namely, Sarah, Charles C, Isaac, Jr., and William.

At thirteen years of age, Charles C. Delano having received his education in the public schools of Marion, began his seafaring life. Shipping on board an emigrant vessel, he remained as a common seaman four years, being subsequently promoted from rank to rank until twenty-six years old, when he was made master of a vessel. Since 1S73 he has followed the sea in that capacity, and in each of the vessels he has commanded has owned a goodly interest. Captain Delano has sailed all the seas, having circumnavigated the globe four times, doubling Cape Horn and the Cape of Good Hope. He has walked the streets of the larger maritime cities of the different continents, and seen the principal points of interest in both hemispheres, ac-

Captain Delano was married in 1873 to Miss Sarah Briggs, who has borne him three children; namely, Charles C, Jr., Amos, and Howard. The Captain and his family occupy the house in which so many of his ancestors have lived and died, and which is now more than a century old, but is in a good state of preservation.

[J^OAH J. CHANDLER, the proprietor and manager of the Manomet Hotel at ^ \^ Plymouth, Mass., was born in the adjoining town of Duxbury in 1842, a son of Noah and Abigail (I'hilliijs) Chandler.

His father followed agricultural pursuits at Du.xbury throughout lite. He married Miss Abigail Phillips, and they became the favored parents of seven children, six sons and one daughter.

Noah J. ChantUer passed his boyhood at Duxbury on his father's farm, acquiring his education in the common schools. At the age of twelve he applied himself to the trade of shoemaking, which he plied at Duxbury until a few months after the outbreak of the Civil War, when, in September, 1861, he enlisted as a private in Company I, of the Fourth Regiment of Massachusetts Infantry. He went South with the regiment, and in the battle of Brashear City he sustained a severe wound in the left shoulder by being struck by a shell. He remained a few weeks in the vicinity of Port Hudson. Discharged as a private at Duxbury in August, 1862, he then returned to his trade, working at Rockland, and at Boston, Mass.

Chandler is now the proprietor and manager of the Manomet House, which accommodates about fifty guests, and which has a livery connection. Two pleasure boats also are run for the enjoyment of the patrons. Mr. Chandler ' is affiliated with the fraternity of Odd Fellows, and in politics he is numbered among the followers of the Republican party.

conducts a thriving retail fruit business in Plymouth, was born in this town, December 31, 1836, son of Elkanah Churchill, who was for many years master of a fishing-vessel.

At the age of ten years young Churchill began work in the rope-walk, where he was employed during the summer season, winding rope from five o'clock in the morning until seven in the evening, with a recess of two hours for meals, receiving twenty-five cents per day for his labor. Having learned to peg shoes, he followed that employment in the winter season, during the hours which were not occupied in attending school; and he was thus engaged until he was fifteen years old, when he went to the Grand Banks on board a fishing-vessel. He later became a sailor in the merchant service, making voyages to the West Indies until reaching the age of twentyfive, when he met with an accident which compelled him to relinquish sea life; and, returning to Plymouth, he entered mercantile business as a clerk in Bradford Barnes's giocery store, where he remained for ten years. He then engaged in a similar capacity with Stephen Lucas, proprietor of a retail fruit store, receiving at first five dollars per week, which was soon increased to six .dollars, and the following year his wages were advanced to seven dollars per week.

He remained with Mr. Lucas as clerk until January, iSSo, when he bought the business outright. Successful from the start, he continued to run the old store until November, 18S5, when he completely remodelled its interior, put in a large show window, and otherwise improved his facilities for carrying on a flourishing and constantly increasing business, to which he devotes his entire time, employing no assistant. Never having connected himself with outside matters which would prevent him from attending personally to its every detail, he has been able to successfully compete with his rivals, who have been obliged to withdraw, and he is now enjoying a clear field for the carrying on of a large and profitable enterprise.

In politics Mr. Churchill is a Republican, having voted with that party since becoming of age, but has never entertained any desire for public office. In his religious views he is liberal.

Uf RED HANSON, a prominent citizen of p", Brockton, where for many years he has conducted a marble business, was born in Weymouth, Mass., May 2, 1835, a son of Thomas R. and Clarissa (Dudley) Hanson, from both of whom he inherited many noble traits of character.

Thomas R. Hanson was the first cashier of the Union Bank of Weymouth and Braintree. He was also Secretary of the Mutual Insurance Company of Weymouth, and Treasurer of the Savings Bank of that place, besides holding at various times many of the principal town offices. He died at si.xty-five years of age. His wife, whose maiden name was Clarissa Dudley, bore him seven children, all sons, but only two survive: Fred, of this sketch; and his brother, of the firm of Hanson & Greene, the wholesale and millinery house of

New York. This brother fitted for college and entered Amherst; but, changing his mind, he left college, went to Boston, and learned the millinery business in the store of William H. Mann & Co. on Milk Street.

Fred Hanson prepared for the work of life in the common schools of Weymouth and at a private academy in Braintree, Mass. On May I, 185 I, the day before his si.xteenth birthday, he came to Brockton, and began a five years" apprenticeship with Howard & Clark in the cabinet-making and furniture business, working three years at the bench, and the remaining two years in the counting-room, keeping books. After that he continued with them four years as salesman, and then went to l^ridgewater, and started in the furniture business on his own account. Returning to Brockton at the end of two and a half years, he carried on business here in that line for some time. In 1864 he enlisted in Company C of the Sixtieth Massachusetts Volunteers. After his return from the war in 1S65, he embarked in the marble business with George W. Bryant, under the firm name of Bryant & Hanson, and they continued together until January i, 1875, when Mr. Hanson assumed the entire control of the business, which is one of the oldest in this part of the State.

On March i, 1857, Mr. Hanson married Abbie J. Bryant, of Brockton. She died in 1 87 1, survived by a daughter, their two sons having died in childhood. In July, 1873, Mr. Hanson married Miss Margaret C. Hooper, of Bridgewater, Mass.

A Republican in political affiliation, Mr. Hanson was elected Representative to the State legislature from the Eleventh Plymouth District in 1895, and served on the State

House Committee. He has also served as clerk and as Inspector of Elections from Ward 2. He was the first to propose that Perkins Park should be lighted by electricity, and did much toward making it a success. He was Chairman of the Committee during the fair held there by the Grand Army of the Republic, and made a contract with the New England Weston Electric Light Company of Boston to light the park. They brought dynamos, which they put in the old Keith factory at the west end of the park, then occupied by W. L. Douglass. These were the first electric lights used in the town. Mr. Hanson was also instrumental in getting trains run in to the entertainment. P"raternally, he is a member of Webster Post, No. 13, Grand Army of the Republic, of which he has been Commander seven or eight years, and has served on various committees. He is a member of the New Jerusalem (Swedenborgian) church.

(s^OHN F. SCHUBERT, an expert custom shoemaker of Plymouth, Mass., who has been in the employ of one concern here for forty years, was born in the Province of Silesia, Germany, December 14, 1826. His father, Joseph Schubert, was a mason by trade He gave his children a good education in the national schools,' and young Schubert after graduating from the high school learned the trade of a shoemaker. At the age of twenty years he entered the Prussian Army, and during his five years of military life his regiment was called into active service to quell the Polish Revolution of 1848.

After his discharge from the army in 185 i, John F. Schubert emigrated to the United States, and, settling in Boston, was employed on custom shoe work by John F. Pray, proprietor of an extensive establishment located on

Washington Street in that city. In 1S56 Mr. Schubert came to Plymouth, where he entered the employ of Benjamin Bramhall, later continuing with Benjamin L. Bramhall, and he is still one of the most valued and skilful employees of the Bramhall establishment.

In 1853 Mr. Schubert wedded Catherine Connor, a native of Ireland, and has reared a family of seven children, five sons and two daughters, all of whom are residing in Plymouth and are useful and respected members of society. One of his sons is a dentist, another follows shoemaking, another is a harnessmaker, and the remaining two are connected with the iron industries. Mrs. Schubert died in 1879.

P'or the past eight or nine years Mr. Schubert has been a Trustee of the Plymouth Public Library, and he also takes a deep interest in other public institutions. Politically, he is independent, and supports the candidates whom he considers best qualified to hold public office.

On. Albert Francis Barker

ON. ALBERT FRANCIS BARKER, of Hanson, was born in this town, October 24, 1859, son of Benjamin and Deborah (Sacherick) Barker. His grandfather, also named Benjamin, was born in the town of Pembroke, now Hanson, and, after receiving a common-school education, engaged in farming. He was a prominent citizen, serving as Selectman, Overseer of the Poor, and Assessor, for a number of years. He was also an active member of the Congregational church. His son Benjamin, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Hanson, January 17, 181 1, After leaving school he learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for seven or eight years, subsequently turning his attention to farming. He was very prominent in town affairs.

Albert F. Barker received his education in the schools of Hanson. When about twenty years old he went to Colorado, where he engaged in mining. Returning home in 1881, he went to farming, and also began the study of law. Being admitted to the bar in 1892, he began the practice of his profession in Brockton, and has since been thus successfully engaged. Mr. Barker married Lucie C. Reynolds, and he and his wife have become the parents of three children - Albert D. , Maggie D., and Robert. Mr. Barker has served as member of the Board of Selectmen, Overseer of the Poor, member of both branches of the State legislature and in other ofifices. He is a member of Plymouth Rock Lodge, Knights of Pythias.

INFIELD S. SOULE, the wellknown foreman of the Lilly Bracket! & Co. Shoe F'actory, and an inventor of several machines to facilitate the shoe industry, was born in Bowdoin, Sagadahoc County, Me., July 29, 1864. He is a son of the late Reuben Soule, a native of New Gloucester, Me., where ancestors of the family, which is of English descent, settled in 1700.

Reuben Soule was a farmer and carriage manufacturer for a quarter of a century. His farm was large, requiring the aid of several men. Mr. Soule was previously engaged in teaching for a time; and he also served as Captain of a military company. He married a daughter of Joel Allen, of Webster, Me., and they had five children, three of whom are living. Reuben Soule died at the age of fifty-seven years.

VVinfield S. Soule, after acquiring his education in the public and private schools of his native town, learned shoe stitching in the Burt & Packard Shoe Factory, remaining there four years. In 18S4 he entered the employ of Lilly ]3rackett & Co., and was promoted four years after to be foreman of their stitching-room, which he still has in charge. Being of an inventive turn of mind, in April, 1895, he made a machine for marking rows and stay work, which also graduates the sizes and widths of shoes; and later he made another machine for attaching faces on uppers, the operator being obliged only to guide the work. This he intends to put out on a royalty. Mr. Soule has also invented an eyelet machine, and two or three kinds of snipping machines, besides others, which are not yet patented.

On July 5, 1891, Mr. Soule was united in marriage with a daughter of Joseph Eldridge, of Bucksport, Me. Fraternally, he is a member of Massasoit Lodge, No. 69, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He and his wife attend the Porter Congregational branch church.

OHN S. WILLIAMS, an esteemed resident of Middleboro, Mass., where he established himself in business in April, 1896, was born in Fall River, Mass., May 10, 1875. He is a son of John W. and Ellen (Sherman) Williams, of that city. His father is in the grocery business at Fall Brook. Mrs. Ellen S. Williams, who came originally from Farmington, Me., is well known and respected in South Weymouth, Mass., where she lived before her marriage. She is the mother of three children: John S., whose name appears at the head of this article; Nathaniel E., residing in F'all River, his father's assistant in the store; and Harold, who is yet with his parents.

grammar and high schools of Middleboro, and taking a two years' course of study at Amherst College. As a first attempt at earning a livelihood, he obtained employment in a paper box factory at South Weymouth, and after a year and a half of that work he went to New York to perfect himself in the science and art of undertaking, making a special study of the latest and best methods. He was graduated from the United States School of Kmbalming, and about a year ago he established himself in business in' Middleboro as an undertaker and funeral director. Although he has been here but a short time, he has already demonstrated his ability in his profession; and his quiet, pleasing manner, his refinement and delicacy have won for him many friends.

Mr. Williams belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and to the Middleboro Commercial Club. He attends the Congregational church, and is a prominent member of the local branch of the Young Men's Christian Association.

"CjUGENE LINEHAN, a well-known drug- JQ[ gist of Brockton, was born in West Bridgewater, February 2, 1859, son of Timothy and Ellen Linehan. Timothy Liiiehan, who was a shoemaker, was a highly respected citizen of Brockton, where he resided for half a century. He was about seventy years old at the time of his death.

Eugene Linehan was the youngest son of his parents. He was given the best educational advantages, attending the common schools of West Bridgewater, Bridgewater Academy, and Bryant & Stratton's Commercial College, Boston, and when his studies were finished was well cjualified for a business career. In 1881 he opened a drug store near his present location, and in the fifteen years that have elapsed since that time he has built up a lucrative business. Mr. Linehan is married and has had two children, a boy and a girl. The girl died in childhood. The boy, whose name is Eugene, is a student in the Brockton High School. Mr. Linehan is indepenilent in politics. He was in the City Council two years, being elected from Ward 7, and the second year was nominated by both the Republicans and Democrats. He belongs to one social organization, the Knights of Columbus.

DVVIN T. CLARK, a leading business man of Hanson, was born in this town, August I, 1S49, son of Edwin and Louisa (Bowker) Clark. His grandfather, Thomas Clark, was a native of Hanson, where he followed the trade of a wheelwright. He married Sarah Keith, of West Bridgewater, and they became the parents of seven children.

Their son, F3dwjn, father of Edwin T., was born in W^est Bridgewater, Mass., in 1825. He was educated in the schools of his native town, and learned the trade of a shoemaker, which he followed the greater part of his life. In 1862 his patriotism led him to enlist in the Twentieth Massachusetts Infantry, and he performed his duty as one of the grand army of citizen soldiers who fought for the preservation of the Union. He is a Republican, politically, and he is a member of L. T. Bonney Post, No. 127, Grand Army of the Republic. His wife, Louisa, reared thTe"c children.

Edwin T. Clark, who is the eldest son of his parents, was educated in a school at South Hanson. His first business experience was gained as clerk in a store, in which position he remained for several years. Then, considering himself equipped for an independent start in life, he opened a grocery store at

Bryantville. This venture proved a success, and, Mr. Clark thus encouraged, subsequently opened another store at South Hanson, which also proved successful. He conducts both stores at the present time, and ha.s a large and increasing trade, the result of his straightforward business methods and his thorough knowledge of the wants of his patrons. He is one of the most prosperous and substantial citizens of Hanson. He takes a prominent part in local affairs; and that he stands high in the community may be inferred from the fact that he has served one year as a Representative to the State legislature.

\}p \^ ^ Plymouth County, Mass., present Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, was born ill the neighboring town of Halifa.x, in 1841. He comes of old New England stock, and from the best information obtainable is a lineal descendant of George Morton, a native of England, who came to Plymouth in the "Ann" in 1623. Mr. Morton's paternal grandfather, Elbridge Morton, was born in Freetown, Bristol County, Mass., and subsequently located in Halifa.x, Plymouth County, where he was engaged in the practice of medicine. He married Johanna Thompson, and they reared seven children. Mr. Morton's father followed farming in Halifax for many years.

1861, at the first call for troops, he enlisted for three months in Company A, Third Regiment, »Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, and served until the expiration of the term, when he was honorably discharged with the regiment, and came home. In the autumn of 1862 he re-enlisted for nine months in the same company, being commissioned Lieutenant, and serving in that capacity until again receiving an honorable discharge. Returning to Halifax, he engaged in farming, remaining a resident of that town until 1883, when he removed to his present home in the village of Bryantville. Mr. Morton takes a practical interest in public affairs. He served twelve years on the Board of Selectmen in Halifax, and he is now, as already mentioned, at the head of the official board of Pembroke. He is also a member of J. E. Symonds Post, No. Ill, Grand Army of the Republic. On January I, 1868, he was united in marriage with Martha C. Harring-ton.

OHN WILLIAMS, a well-to-do farmer and dairyman of Lakeville, formerly a part of Middleboro, Mass., was born August 28, 183 1, on the valuable estate of one hundred and seventy acres where he now lives. Mr. Williams received his early education in a district school, acquiring there a practical knowledge of reading, writing, and arithmetic, which served as a basis for the larger knowledge acquired in the work of every-day life and intercourse with iliffercnt classes of men. He went to work on the Old Colony Railroad when nineteen years of age - that is, about 1850 - and may claim to have worked on some of the first miles of railroad laid in New England.

The first steam locomotive put in service in this country made its initial trip in August, 1829, on the Delaware & Hudson Canal Railroad. Following this, came the Baltimore & Ohio, the Albany & Schenectady, and a road connecting Charleston, S.C., with Hamburg. In 1830 there were but twenty-three miles of railroad in this country; in i<S40, two thousand eight hundred and eighteen; and in 1850, when Mr. Williams was engaged in railroad work, nine thousand and twenty-one miles. The present mileage is so great that, if all the railroads in our country were extended in a straight line, they would exceed more than five times the circumference of the globe.

farm, where he has since resided. He owns eighty-five acres of land in Lakeville, and eighty-five acres in Taunton, and is extensively engaged in general farming and dairying, owning some fine live stock. He is one of the prominent citizens of Lakeville, and as a Republican has long been interested in town matters, at one time efiRciently filling the ofifice of Road Surveyor. One of the old residents of the town, Mr. Williams is well known in the locality and highly esteemed.