Taunton City (part 3 of 13)

During his earlier residence here his principal business was land surveying, by which he became familiar with the real estate of the town. He very soon became prominent in town affairs, and from about 1830 was on the board of selectmen, most of the time chairman, until he was appointed register of deeds in the spring of 1841. He was a leader, by the simple strength of his convictions, in the politics of the time, and his connection with the public interest increased constantly. He was a member of the Constitutional Convention in 1852, with Governor Morton and Hon. Henry Williams. He held the office of register of deeds for almost thirty-three years until the end of 1873. Familiar with the town affairs, with its real estate and its men, becoming widely known throughout the region, and as widely respected for his wisdom and sagacity, and trusted for his integrity, he found business increasing to the limit of his ability, and had he not been very moderate in his charges he might have reaped a rich pecuniary harvest. Probably no man has had so much to do with the settlement of estates and the adjustment of differences of opinion, or been so often called upon to serve on boards of reference and counsel. From the beginning of the Bristol County Savings-Bank he was one of its pillars, his sagacity and knowledge of real estate proving .of inestimable service. In 1865 he succeeded Capt. Silas Shepard as president, and retained the position during his life, his resignation a year or two before his death being refused, not as a mere matter of courtesy, but because of the worth of his name, even after his activity had ceased by reason of age and infirmity.

He united with the Broadway Congregational Church in September, 1826, at the age of thirty-four, although for some years previous he had been a steady attendant upon its worship. He never was able to fix the date of his conversion. Religiously educated, always serious and conscientious, his religious life began like the light of dawn, and grew and brightened as the years went by. Possessed of strong feeling, he was yet not a man of superficial emotions ; he believed the truth, and quietly and decisively accepted it, opening all the windows of his soul Godward, and so the light that was in him grew and broadened ; but men never saw any flare of lamps or any flashing of lightning.

In August, 1828, he was chosen deacon, which office he held for almost fifty-three years, though for the last few years relieved from its active duties. This term far exceeds that of any other deacon of that church.

But his deaconate is measured by deeds, not years, long as it was. From the first he felt and accepted a heavy share of responsibility in the church. His post in the prayer-meeting was not vacated. Week by week and year by year the church knew where to find him Thursday night. All his life he taught in the Sabbath -school until eighty-seven years old, and the influence he has exerted on the young men whom he has taught goes on now that he has fallen asleep.

For thirty years, until nearly eighty years old, he was treasurer of the society, and in that arduous and responsible position, if he expected others to do their duty, he spared himself least of all. Year after year, if a deficit occurred, he gathered a few on whom he could depend, stated the amount, and called upon them to make it up, his own subscription never lagging behind.

Joseph E. Wilbar, the present register of deeds, is the only surviving son of Joseph and Fanny M. (Lincoln) Wilbar, and was born in Taunton, July 9, 1832. The line of descent has been as follows :

Mr. Wilbar received his education at the local schools in his native town. At the age of seventeen he entered the office of register of deeds as clerk for his father for the Northern District of Bristol County. He served in that capacity till December, 1861, when he was appointed postmaster of Taunton, and served for more than four years. He then again entered the register of deeds' office, this time as clerk and assistant register of deeds, and continued in that relation till Jan. 1, 1874, when he was elected register of deeds to take his father's place. This position he has filled with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents till the present time (1883). He is Republican in politics, trustee of Bristol County Savings-Bank since 1874, and president since January, 1882. He is also a director in Bristol County National Bank.

He married Emma, daughter of Albert and Harriet (Ide) Barrows, of Norton, Dec. 26, 1861. Of this union there are five children, - Albert E., Arthur L., Charles B., Helen M., and Louise R.

Mrs. Wilbar was born in Norton, June 25, 1839. Her father was an agent for many years of Barrows' factory, at Barrowsville, in Norton. Her grandfather was named Carlos Barrows.

Edmund Baylies

EDMUND BAYLIES. The Baylies family in this country come of Quaker stock in England, where Nicholas Baylies appears on June 5, 1706, as a witness to the marriage of his son Thomas, and is described as "of the parish of Aloe- Church, county of Worcester." Thomas married Esther Sargeant, daughter of Thomas Sargeant, of Ffullford-Heath, in the parish of Soby-Hull, county of Warwick. He carried on iron-works in England first at Colebrook-dale, and afterward at some place on the Thames. With his son Nicholas and daughter Esther he came to Boston from London in June, 1737, then returned, and the year after brought over his wife and two daughters. He settled at Uxbridge, Mass., about 1738, and established iron-works there. His son Nicholas was interested in iron-works at Taunton, to which place he removed from Uxbridge, probably not earlier than 1745. He married Elizabeth Parks, of Newton, Mass., in 1738, and by her had seven sons and one daughter. He was a noted patriot at the time of the Revolution, and died in 1807. Two of his sons, William and Hodijah, were educated at Harvard College. The former was distinguished for eminent talent, both as a physician and for varied acquirements in other departments. The latter, born Sept. 17, 1756, was one of the same class at college as Rufus King and Judge Dawes, with whom, throughout their lives, he maintained a close and cordial friendship. On graduating from college in 1777, he obtained a commission as lieutenant of infantry, enlisted a company, and his first service after recruiting was on the Hudson, where he was attacked by a fever which nearly proved fatal. When Gen. Lincoln was appointed to the command of the Southern Department he selected Hodijah Baylies as one of his aides-de-camp, and in that ca- pacity he participated in the unsuccessful attempt to storm Savannah. When Gen. Lincoln capitulated at Charleston, May 12, 1780, Maj. Baylies became a prisoner of war, and as soon as his exchange was effected he rejoined the army, aud in 1782 became one of the aides-de-camp of Gen. Washington, with the rank of lieutenant-colonel by brevet. He was with the commander-in-chief at the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown, where Washington appointed Gen. Lincoln to receive the English general's sword. He remained in Washington's military family until the end of the war, after which he spent some time at Mount Vernon, and in 1784 returned to the North and married Elizabeth, daughter of Mary (Cushing) and Maj. -Gen. Lincoln.

After a short residence at Hingham he removed to Taunton, where he owned iron-works which he superintended, making bar-iron and afterwards anchors, and continuing this business until 1806. In 1785 he removed to Dighton, where he bought land, on which was a house which had been a hotel during the war, and which he remodeled. About that time he was appointed collector of the port of Dighton, and held this office for many years, resigning it in

1833. In 1810 he was appointed, by Governor Gore, judge of probate for the county of Bristol, and in 1814 he was elected by the General Court of Massachusetts a member of the Hartford Convention. In

1834, at the age of seventy-eight, and in the full vigor of his mental faculties, he resigned the office of judge of probate, and retired from all public employments. He died April 26, 1843, in the eighty -seventh year of his age. His wife died at Dighton in 1823. They had three sons and one daughter: William, who was a graduate of Harvard College and died early ; Edmund, the subject of this sketch ; Amelia, who married Dr. Alfred Wood, of Dighton, and died without issue in 1862 ; and Benjamin L., who died in 1869. William and Benjamin never married. Edmund Baylies was born at Hingham, Sept. 22, 1787, and attended school there, and later at Dighton, until he was sixteen years of age, when, having no taste for a classical education, he went to Boston, entering as apprentice the commercial house of Cunningham Brothers. His first successful adventure was in 1805, as supercargo, in charge of a vessel for Hamburg with a cargo of sugar and colonial products, which he sold at high prices just before the battle of Austerlitz and the closing of the European ports by Napoleon. After this he made several voyages to Archangel, landing there goods which he undertook to have delivered in Paris, which he did in spite of Napoleon's police. He also took part of a contract for supplying flour to the English peninsular army under Wellington, and in carrying this out he went to Lisbon with a cargo of flour. He afterwards formed a partnership with Mr. Thomas B. Curtis, of Boston, for carrying on trade with Russia, and retired from business in 1836. In 1835 he purchased land at

Taunton, from Dr. Alfred Williams, and built on it a stone house. Up to this time he had resided in Mount Vernon Street, Boston, but in 1838 he removed to Taunton, generally passing the winter in the city and the summer in the country until 1848, when he sold the house in Boston and remained permanently at Taunton, with the exception of occasional trips to Europe. In 1819 he married Elizabeth Ann, daughter of Ruth (Larkin) and Phillips Payson, of Charlestown, Mass. Mrs. Baylies, was born in 1799, and died at Boston, Oct. 10, 1846. She was possessed of great personal beauty, and was universally beloved for her kindness of disposition, her amiable manners, and her unaffected piety. Three children were the issue of this marriage, - two daughters and one son.

Elizabeth, the eldest, married Wickham Hoffman, of New York, a lawyer, and a son of Judge Murray Hoffman. At the breaking out of the civil war he entered the army, and occupied many positions of distinction, first, on the staff of Brig.-Gen. Thomas Williams, at Hatteras, then with Gen. Butler at New Orleans, and afterwards as assistant adjutant-general on the staff of Gen, Sherman, and of Maj. -Gen. Franklin. In 1865 he held the same position on the staff of Maj. -Gen. Canby, resigned in 1866, and in the same year was appointed Secretary of Legation at Paris, where he remained for nine years under Ministers Dix and E. B. Washburne, and through the siege and the commune. In 1875 he was transferred to London, in 1877 to St. Petersburg, and in February, 1883, was appointed minister to Denmark.

The second daughter, Ruth, married Maturin Livingston, of New York, a grandson of Gen. Morgan Lewis, of Revolutionary fame, and of Gertrude Livingston, sister of Chancellor Livingston.

The son, Edmund Lincoln, married Nathalie E., daughter of Cornelia (Prime) and Robert Ray, of New York, and died at Geneva, Switzerland, in 1869, while traveling for his health. His widow now resides on the homestead at Taunton.

In early life Edmund Baylies belonged to the Orthodox denomination, but after his marriage he became a member of the Episcopal Church, and was for many years a vestryman of St. Thomas' Church at Taunton, as well as one of those who gave most liberally towards the building of the present stone edifice. In politics he was an old-fashioned Whig, and when the war of the Rebellion broke out, he warmly supported the government ; was in favor of active measures against the South, and being too advanced in years to serve his country in the field procured an able-bodied substitute, whom he sent to the front as his representative.

Of medium height and fine appearance, with clear blue eyes and a florid complexion, he strongly resembled the Duke of Wellington, for whom he has been mistaken in Europe. He retained his strikingly erect carriage until his death, in his ninety-first year. He was not more remarkable for his courtly manners than for his uprightness of character and invariable truthfulness. He was most liberal where his heart and his judgment approved, but as unostentatious in his charities as in his manner of life. He always regretted not having been forced to go to college, was a great reader, had a wonderful memory, and was a charming conversationalist. A man of rare judgment and business capacity. As a director of the Taunton National Bank, the Old Colony Iron Company, the Taunton Copper Manufacturing Company, the Taunton Locomotive Manufacturing Company, and other corporations, he gave wise and prudent counsel. He was for many years a trustee of the Taunton Public Library, and was a member of the Massachusetts Society of the Cincinnati. His farm interested him deeply, and he was especially successful in setting out trees, many hundreds of which, by their vigorous growth and commanding size, bear witness to his skill. At the death of his brother Benjamin, in 1869, the family estate at Dighton reverted to him, and he devoted himself to its improvement. He retained his faculties unimpaired until his death, which occurred at Taunton, May 16, 1878, after a short illness. His remains were interred in the family plot at Dighton, by the side of his wife, and near the other deceased members of his family.

Alfred Baylies, M.D.

Alfred Baylies, son of Thomas and Bethia (Godfrey) Baylies, was born in Dighton, Mass., Sept. 16, 1787. He was brought up a farmer, and retained a warm love for rural life and horticulture all his days. He attended private schools and studied medicine with his uncle, the celebrated Dr. William Baylies, in his native town. In those days the young student visited the bedsides of the sick from the first, and experience and observation were instructors equal, if not superior, to those furnished by the most munificently-endowed college at the present day. His studies finished, about 1813, he commenced the practice of medicine in Taunton, and from the first had marked success. He married Rebecca Dennis, daughter of James Sproat, Esq., of Taunton, Dec. 4, 1813. They had four children, - Alfred S., who became a physician ; married, December, 1844, Jane Ingell Richmond, and died in August, 1847, leaving two children, - Alfred Wood and William Sargent (deceased); Amelia F., married Samuel Southgate ; resides in Plymouth, and has two children ; Ann S. (Mrs. Charles R. Vickery) ; and Adaline S. Mrs. Baylies was born in 1789, and died July 24, 1843. Dr. Baylies married for his second wife Frances A., daughter of Abiathar and Nancy Dean Williams, Nov. 21, 1847. Their children are Maria W. and Esther S. He died July 2, 1873, in his eighty-sixth year. Dr. Baylies was one of the plain, unassuming gentlemen which we class as belonging to the old school. He was social, methodical, and systematic. By diligence and faithful though arduous endeavors he acquired a large and lucrative practice. The people had great confidence in him, and his presence in a sick room was a curative agent in itself. He despised all ostentation, and cared little for personal appearance. He was of positive and determined nature, and fixed in his ways. He possessed such sound judgment that he was generally right, and was very popular. He was active in all society matters; was an ardent Freemason, and held in high honor by the craft. He was secretary of King David Lodge, F. and A. M., of Taunton for over thirty years, and during the dark days of the Morgan excitement was the guardian of the charter of the lodge. The brethren at Weir named their lodge " Alfred Baylies Lodge," in honor of his masonic virtues.

He was very fond of pets, and never without some one of the lower animals on which to lavish attention. He was noted for his knowledge of horticulture, in the pursuit of which he built many greenhouses. He grew many and rare varieties of grapes, and manufactured a large amount of wine. He was a great reader, keeping himself fully abreast of the times. His reading was solid and substantial, largely professional, historical, and scientific. Of sterling honesty, he never made an appointment or a promise of any kind that was not rigidly and promptly kept. His word was as good as his bond, and neither was ever protested. He was an affectionate husband and a loving father, and he particularly enjoyed the happiness of the home circle, although he never murmured when called from it to face wintry storms for the relief of suffering. He gave his children advantages of good education, and was in favor of everything tending to improve, elevate, or instruct humanity. He was for years a trustee of Bristol Academy, and none did more hearty or valuable labor than he in the cause of higher education. He was Unitarian in religious belief, and Whig and Republican in politics. Although prized as a citizen and a social companion, his memory will be longer cherished as the" beloved physician," who for over half a century filled a place in Taunton and surrounding towns none other can ever fill. He was a man who, in all the walks of life, was of inflexible integrity. This was his pre-eminent characteristic. His object in all the varied demands of life was to ascertain his duty, and then to do it at whatever cost. No higher encomium on any man's memory could be written. Thus he honored his domestic relations, his professional position, his social and civic obligations, and exemplified the teachings and requirements of the church of his choice.

Hon. Charles Rice Vickery

Hon. Charles Rice Vickery was born in Weir village, Taunton, Mass., Nov. 24, 1800, and died at his residence in this city, Jan. 16, 1883. He was a son of Capt. David and Priscilla (Barnum) Vickery.

His mother was the daughter of Caleb Barnum, the seventh minister of Taunton, who died in 1776, while on his way to join a regiment of Continentals as chaplain, soon after the outbreak of the Revolution.

Mr. Vickery was best known to the present generation by his years of service as cashier and president of the Machinists' Bank, but prior to those duties he was an energetic merchant, and one of the best auctioneers that ever wielded a hammer in Bristol County. Mr. Vickery was also an old-fashioned Democrat, and for many years an active politician and leader of that party in this county. His service in State duties was as senator from this district in 1852. He was postmaster of Taunton for more than twenty years, and held many offices of trust. His geniality and pleasant manners made him a wide circle of friends during his long life.

He was twice married, first to Rebecca Church, and had four sons, - Charles O., John M., Benjamin C, and James E., - all of whom were born in Taunton, grew to maturity, and all died before their father. Mr. Vickery married for his second wife Ann S., daughter of Dr. Alfred Baylies, of Taunton, Nov. 30, 1858. She survives him.

Mr. Vickery was for many years a prominent member of the First Congregational Society, and a member of the building committee of the present church.

Mr. Vickery was a man of unblemished character, spotless integrity, sound and discriminating judgment, keen foresight, and conservative in all his views. He lived respected and died regretted.

Theodore Dean

Theodore Dean is a lineal descendant in the seventh generation from John Deane, who came from Chard, England, in 1637, and settled in Taunton, then called Cohannet. The line of descent from John Deane ( formerly spelled with an " e" final) to Theodore Dean is as follows : John1 and Alice Deane had several children, the second son of whom was Thomas1, born 1642, died 1690. He married Katharine Stephens, who died in 1726. Their second son was Thomas*, born 1673, died Sept. 10, 1747. He married Mary Kingsley, of Milton. She died Feb. 1, 1749, aged seventy-four years. Their second son was Josiah*, born 1699, died March 23, 1778. He married, in 1737, Jane, daughter of Capt. Nehemiah Washburn, of Braintree. She was born in 1715, and died in 1790. They had children, the fourth son of whom was Hon. Josiah5, born March 6, 1748. He was member of Congress from 1807-9; died Oct. 14, 1818. He married Sarah Byram, who was born in 1750, and died Jan. 13, 1849, at the advanced age of ninety-nine years. They had eight children, the seventh of whom, Eliab Byram, born 1788, died Nov. 2, 1871. He married Charlotte Williams, of Taunton, and had twelve children, one of whom is Theodore. For a more com- i

Eliab Byram Dean1 was a native of Raynham, was a manufacturer of iron in early life, but toward the close was a farmer. He was a Whig and Republican, but never an aspirant for political honors. For more than fifty years he was a deacon of the Congregational Church in Raynham, and his faithful wife was a member until her death.

Theodore Dean was born in Raynham, Dec. 31, 1809. He received a common school and academic education at Bristol Academy, Taunton, Mass. At eighteen he commenced teaching, and taught four winters with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. He was reared a farmer and manufacturer of iron, and continued with his father until 1848, when he purchased his father's interest in the "old iron forge" at Raynham, and continued to conduct a successful business until 1873. This forge was the first in the Old Colony, and one of the first in America, those at Lynn and Braintree having been established at an earlier date. This forge or bloomery was established by Messrs. Henry and James Leonard and Ralph Russell as early as 1656. " The forge at Raynham was the great joint-stock company of that vicinity and period." These works were undoubtedly very profitable, and the records say that " my share" or " shares in the iron-works" were transmitted from father to son, or other heirs, for several generations. This old forge is now (1883) owned by Theodore Dean. It has been several times remodeled, and was in successful operation for more than two hundred years. Mr. Dean is also a descendant from the Leonards on his father's side and through his grandmother, Sarah Byram, daughter of the Rev. Eliab Byram.

Mr. Dean removed to Taunton, Aug. 15, 1866, and has continued to reside here since. He is a Republican in politics, and represented Raynham and Easton in the State Legislature in 1866, serving on the Committee of Banks and Banking. In 1851 he was chosen a director of Bristol County Bank, and, September, 1853, was chosen its president, and has served in that capacity till the present time. In 1865 the name of this bank was changed to " Bristol County National Bank." He is a director in various manufacturing interests both at home and abroad, and in all of his varied interests has been successful. Mr. Dean is one of Taunton's most respected and wealthy citizens. He is a man of energy and decision of character, with strong convictions, which he does not lack the courage openly to avow, and in all matters of business and finance his rare judgment and sagacity are unquestioned. He married Lydia A. Lord in November, 1854. They have had three children: (1) Florence, born Nov. 13, 1856, married, Oct. 25, 1876, Charles D. Stickney, of Fall River, and has two children, - Harold D. and Adelaide L. ; (2) Charles Theodore, born March 1, 1860, and died Aug. 27, 1865; and (3) Bertha, born Sept. 15, 1866.

William Mason

William Mason, the founder of the Mason Machine- Works at Taunton, Mass., belongs to that class of intelligent and vigorous mechanics who, in spite of early disadvantages and by the force of native genius, leave their impress upon the age in which they live. New England has been especially fruitful in such men, and they in turn have rewarded her by making her the pride and glory of America. The following sketch of the life of Mr. Mason is taken mainly from " The History of American Manufactures," by J. Leander Bishop, A.M., M.D., and " Representatives of New England," by J. D. Van Slyck, published respectively in 1864 and 1879.

William Mason was born at Mystic, Conn., in 1808, and was the son of a blacksmith and small farmer. His boyhood was passed in his father's shop and on the farm two-thirds of each year, and the remainder in the country school. When he was three years old the family removed to a small island at the mouth of the Mystic River. Here they remained for three years, and then removed to Stonington, where the father cultivated a small farm and worked at his trade as a blacksmith. William's mechanical aptitude early manifested itself. He fashioned his toys himself, using his father's jack-knife, and when eight years of age made jew's-harps, afterwards some skates and sleds. He also succeeded in making musical instruments of various kinds.

At thirteen years of age he left home, and going to Canterbury, Windham Co., Conn., he entered the spinning-room of a small cotton -factory as an operative. William worked at cotton-spinning for about four years, spending one year at Lisbon in a cottonthread factory. While at Lisbon, one of the more complicated machines needed repairs, and it was found that young Mason alone could make them. This fact becoming known at East Haddam, where a mill for the manufacture of thread was about to be established, he was sent for to start the machines, though only fifteen years of age. While employed at cotton-spinning at "Canterbury he amused himself by making a " hurdy-gurdy." This instrument is still retained by Mr. Mason as a memento of his early mechanical recreations.

At seventeen he entered the machine-shop attached to the cotton-mill at Canterbury to learn the details of machine-work, and devoted himself to it three years, when he closed his apprenticeship and went to New Hartford, near Utica, N. Y. Here he obtained work in a machine-shop, but within a month the company failed and the shop was closed. The business, however, was soon started again, though on a more limited scale, and young Mason was re-engaged. After having been there about six months he returned to his old employer at Canterbury, and soon had finished and set up the first power loom used in this country for the manufacture of diaper linen. He also constructed an ingenious loom for weaving damask table-cloths, the figures of the middle and borders being interwoven; but this machine, unfortunately, had a short career, as his employer soon failed. Mr. Mason, who had always possessed a taste for art, especially for the art of painting, established himself for a short time as a portrait-painter. This, however, was not to be his life-work.

In 1832 he received an order from John Hyde, of Mystic, for some diaper-looms. He had neither shop nor means to warrant his taking the contract, but obtaining an advance on the job, he contracted for the necessary frames at a shop in Willimantic, with the privilege for himself and assistant of working there. Thus he realized a profit of about ten dollars a day. This was the turning-point of his. career, and he thenceforward devoted himself to the manufacture of machinery.

The reputation gained by the fulfillment of this contract with Mr. Hyde was the means of securing for Mr. Mason an engagement with Asel Lanphear, who had a machine-shop in Killingly, Conn., and was at work on a new device for spinning, which has become well known as the ring and traveler, or ringframe. It was the invention of John Thorp, of Providence, R. I., by whom it was patented Dec. 31, 1828. This invention had been attempted several times before, but without success. Mr. Lanphear soon failed, and Mr. Mason took charge of the establishment on account of the creditors, receiving a percentage on the business. In the ring-traveler, undeveloped and unskillfully made as it was, he saw the germ of a most important improvement, and he at once constructed a machine for making it more perfectly and of an improved form. He remodeled and perfected the "ring," and designed a new and tasteful iron frame in place of the clumsy affair previously made. There was at first a limited demand, owing to the prejudice created by the failure of the old machine. The new device, however, soon acquired a reputation which it has retained to the present time. Having remained at Killingly two years, Mr. Mason entered the employ of Crocker & Richmond, then doing a large business in the manufacture of cotton machinery at Taunton, Mass. For the next twelve months he worked steadily on his ring-frames. In the financial crisis of 1837 Crocker & Richmond failed, and were largely indebted to Mr. Mason. Not discouraged, however, by this disaster, he at once devised a " speeder" or " roving-machine." Shortly afterwards the old machine-shop of Crocker & Richmond was started up again by Leach & Keith, and Mr. Mason was employed as foreman, with his patented speeder as a specialty. The building of this machine soon gave way to the manufacture of the great invention of his life, the " self-acting mule." On this he experimented about two years, and received his patent Oct. 8, 1840. About the same time the machine known as the " Scotch mule" was introduced into this country, and a more formidable rival appeared in 1841 in the "Sharp & Roberts mule," imported by Maj. Bradford Durfee, and patented in this country Oct. 11, 1841. The latter machine was in some respects superior to that of Mr. Mason, and he set himself to make an entirely new mule. In this he succeeded, receiving a patent, Oct. 3, 1846, for what is known among cotton manufacturers as Mason's self-acting mule. Just before completing this machine, in the winter of 1842, he was taken ill, and, to add to his trouble, Leach & Keith failed, owing him a large amount.

On his recovery he determined to engage in business on his own account, and through the friendly assistance of James K. Mills & Co., of Boston, he became the principal owner and manager of the works. The prosperous times which succeeded the tariff of 1842, and the confidence of cotton and other manufacturers in his mechanical abilities at once established a business which in a very few yearsenabled him to erect, after his own design, the noble buildings known as the Mason Machine-Works, the largest, it has been said, ever erected at one time for the manufacture of machinery. The main shop was three hundred and fifteen feet long and three stories high, but addition after addition has been made to accommodate a constantly increasing business until now the buildings cover an area of ten acres. His business for many years comprised the manufacture of cotton and woolen machinery, machinists' tools, blowers, cupola furnaces, gearing and shafting, but the branch in which he was especially successful was the manufacture of cotton machinery. In this department he labored indefatigably to devise and introduce those various improvements which have contributed to increase the production, extend the consumption, and diminish the price of cotton fabrics.

In 1852, having placed his business as a manufacturer of cotton and woolen machinery and of the iron-work just named on a solid basis, he resolved on a new and additional enterprise. The first locomotive was brought into this country from England early in 1830 by Horatio Allen, of New York ; and the first American mechanic to engage successfully in their manufacture was Matthias W. Baldwin, of Philadelphia, who built the first engine in 1832, and was followed by Thomas Rogers, of Paterson, N. J., in 1837. Both of these mechanics made important improvements in the details of their locomotives. These, however, were still built on the general plan and model of the English locomotives. Mr. Mason determined to contrive a new model, and in 1853 he brought out his first locomotive, which at once attracted attention for its beauty and taste, as well as for its workmanship. The general form, as well as numerous improvements in details presented by him, has since been adopted by locomotive-builders throughout the country. He had erected in 1852 additional buildings, and he now entered vigorously into this new field.

One of the improvements introduced by Mr. Mason was the casting of truck-wheels for locomotives and tenders with hollow or tubular spokes and rims, instead of the plate or solid wheels then in use. This secured greater strength to the truck-wheels, and made them uniform with the driving-wheels of the locomotives. The first locomotives brought out by Mr. Mason in 1853 were furnished with these improved truck-wheels.

In 1857 the Boston firm with which Mr. Mason was connected in business failed, and for a short time he was obliged to suspend payments. He, however, soon started again on his own account, and conducted the business alone until 1873, when an incorporated company was formed for the purpose of perpetuating the business in the hands of his heirs and successors. It has since been known as the Mason Machine- Works.

In 1879 there was added to the other works the manufacture of the Campbell printing-press, for the accommodation of which the capacity of the shops has been greatly enlarged, and new machinery put in adapted to that branch. The works produce an average of one press a day, and employ in all departments about a thousand hands. The officers of the company are William Mason, president; William H. Bent, treasurer; Frederick Mason, agent.

Henry G. Reed

The family of Reed, spelled variously Reade, Rede, Reid, Read, and Reed, traces its lineage back to the Norman conquest. Among the names contained on the muster-roll of William the Conqueror in 1050 was John Rede, or John of Rede. (See biography of Henry C. Read, of Attleborough.)

William Reade, supposed to be the son of William Reade and Lucy Henage, was born in 1605, and sailed from Gravesend, in the County of Kent, in the " Assurance de Lo" (Isaac Broomwell and George Persey, masters), in 1635. He settled in Weymouth, Mass., and was made freeman Sept. 2, 1635. He bought a house and land of Zachary Bicknell, for seven pounds, thirteen shillings, and four pence, in 1636.

Mr. Reade was among the early settlers of Weymouth, it having been made a plantation May 8, 1635, and Rev. Mr. Hull and twenty-one families settled there. He was representative from Weymouth in 1636 and 1638.

John1, son of William1, of Weymouth, was born in 1649, married Bethiah Frye. Their children were John, William, Thomas, George, Mary, Ruth, and Hannah.

have been a man of considerable property and an extensive dealer in land. The records describe about a dozen pieces of land bought by him in Taunton, and several parcels sold by him. He was quite a business man in Taunton, but removed from there to Digliton, where he died Jan. 13, 1720-21. His wife died Oct. 20, 1730. They were buried in Dighton, on Burying Hill, between Upper and Lower Four Corners. He was the ancestor of the Taunton Reeds.

William3 (John2, William1), of Taunton, married Mary Richmond, June 8, 1721. Their children were John, William, Mary, and Abigail. He was a pious man. He died in 1734. The homestead is owned and occupied by one of his descendants at the present time (1883).

His widow married Stephen Andrews, Nov. 6, 1738, a man of learning and piety, known by his neighbors as " St. Stephen," who lived to the age of nearly one hundred years.

John* (William3, John2, William1) was born in 1722. He was a blacksmith by trade, and a man of considerable business; was one of the Committee of Inspection and Correspondence in the Revolution, and was also a religious man. He was above the middle stature, and rather stern in his manners. He married, Dec. 30, 1746, Dorothy Pinneo. Their children were Ruth, Lois, John, Mary, Dorothy, Hannah, Zilpah, Enos, and Lydia.

He married for his second wife, Jan. 9, 1771, Mrs. Hannah Austin. Their children were Nathan, Phebe, David and Jonathan, twins. Mr. Reed's first wife, Dorothy, was the daughter of James Pinneo, a French Huguenot, who had escaped from France during the persecutions of that pious and devoted band, and after having been secreted in dens and caves in France, he finally made his way to America and settled in Lebanon, Conn. The Rev. Bazaliel Pinneo, of Milford, Conn., is his great-grandson. Mr. Reed died December, 1788.

John5 (John4, William3, John2, William1) was born March 29, 1752. He was above the middle stature, athletic, and uncommonly regular in his habits; was known in public life, having been selectman and representative several years. He was often chosen as arbitrator between parties, and was known as Esquire Reed. He was likewise distinguished for piety, and filled an important place in the society to which he belonged. He married Mary Godfrey, Nov. 21, 1775. Their children were John, born Aug. 11, 1776; William, born Oct. 6, 1778; Polly, born Aug. 31, 1782; Dolly, born May 31, 1785; Marshall, born Jan. 17, 1788; Hodges, born June 3, 1790; Sophia, born Sept. 2, 1792 ; Zilpah, born Dec. 22, 1796. Mr. Reed died Feb. 24, 1841, and his wife died Oct. 12, 1843. She was a woman of superior sense and practical piety.

John6 "(John5, John4, William3, John2, William1) was born Aug. 11, 1776. He was a merchant in Taunton more than fifty years. He married Rebecca

Henry G.7 (John6, John5, John4, William3, John2, William1) was born July 23, 1810. He attended the public schools, and afterward the academy in Taunton. During school vacations he helped his father in his store. In his early life he made a collection of wood-working tools, and spent much of his leisure working with them, making useful articles for the family and neighbors, and miniature vessels and other toys for his mates. When eighteen years of age he entered the shop of Babbitt & Crossman as an apprentice, and continued with that firm and its successors until he attained his majority in 1831.

During his apprenticeship he had become the master of his trade, so that, continuing in the employ of the Taunton Britannia Manufacturing Company as a journeyman, working at first at the lathe and afterwards in various departments, he was in time intrusted with the oversight of the work of others, and was appointed time-keeper and superintendent. These relations he sustained when, in 1835, the firm was compelled to suspend operations, and the managing agent contracted with him and Mr. Barton to continue the business. He began the manufacture of britanniaware, in connection with Charles E. Barton and Gustavus Leonard, in 1837, employing twelve hands. The business now is chiefly the manufacture of electroplated silver-ware, and in times of ordinary prosperity eight hundred people are employed in the mills. There is no plate-ware which has a better reputation. The company is at present composed of Henry G. Reed, Henry H. Fish (deceased), and George Brabrook.

Mr. Reed has been a director in the Taunton Bank twenty years, trustee in the Taunton Savings-Bank nine years, a director in the City Mission ten years, and president of the Reed Association five years. He is a very conscientious man, of generous sympathies, and a valuable citizen.

He married for his first wife Clara, daughter of Isaac White, of Mansfield. She died Sept. 27, 1847. His second wife, Frances L., daughter of Jared Williams, of Dighton, died May 9, 1857. He married, Oct. 27, 1858, Delight R., daughter of Christopher Carpenter, of Rehoboth. His children are Clara I., Henry A. (deceased), Ida F. (deceased), Fannie L., and Henry Francis.

The Brabrooks

THE BRABROOKS. Connected with the firm of Reed & Barton - the elder as a traveling agent, and the younger as a partner - are the two brothers, Alfred and George Bra- brook. These gentlemen are now widely known as having been many years efficiently connected with the business, and having developed qualities which render their services of great value. Both entered the employ of the company young, and both have attained to large spheres of trust and responsibility in their respective departments.

Of the ancestors of the family in this country little is known, except that they are believed to have emigrated from Scotland. Joseph Brabrook and Thomas, his brother, were of Concord, Mass., in 1669. From Joseph have descended all who bear the name in America.

The progenitors from Joseph1 were Joseph2, Benjamin3, Benjamin*, and Joseph5. The last-mentioned was the father of Alfred and George Brabrook ; also of Joseph Adams Brabrook, of Lowell, Mass., of Rev. Benjamin F. Brabrook, a Baptist clergyman, who died June 9, 1853, at Davenport, Iowa, and of Sarah E. A. Brabrook, of Taunton, Mass. Their mother's maiden name was Sally Adams.

Alfred Brabrook entered the service of Reed & Barton as early as 1837, and subsequently secured a place for his brother George. It is only justice to the former to say that he has been a most efficient and active worker for the interest and prosperity of the house for nearly fifty years,* and that his agency has contributed in no small degree to extend its business in the cities where he has traveled. Alfred married Martha Dorrence, and has two daughters living.

George Brabrook, whose portrait appears on another page, was born at Acton, Mass., Nov. 9, 1828. He was brought up on his father's farm at Acton, and received his education at the common schools. He remained on the farm until he had attained his majority, and in 1850 became an employe in the shippingroom of Reed & Barton, the firm with which he is at present connected. It would hardly be worth while to enter into details here of the different positions since filled by Mr. Brabrook. He has devoted himself to business in whatever branch he has pursued with untiring diligence and energy, and it is not too much to say that his success and the honors which are accorded him, both by employes and associates, are commensurate with his exertions and with the intelligence and genius which he has displayed in his work. After being in the employ of the house a short time, he traveled and sold goods as their agent. In 1859 he became a partner in the business, and so remains at the present time.

Oct. 25, 1860, Mr. Brabrook was united in marriage to Eliza H. Knowles. She is a descendant on her mother's side of Rev. Samuel Danforth, the fourth minister of Taunton, and came to Taunton from her native city of Boston when quite young. They have two sons, - Carleton and George Hale.

Maj. Henry Hudson Fish

Maj. Henry Hudson Fish was the son of Isaac and Sarah Barker Fish, and was born in Providence, June 5, 1807. He first attended school in Providence, and was then sent to the academy at Wrentham, Mass., and then to the school of Rowland Greene, in Plainfield, Conn. On leaving school he entered the store of Frederic Carpenter, of Providence, and after the death of Mr. Carpenter he became a clerk of Mr. Henry Barton. He then went to Boston, into the auction and commission store of Whitewell, Bond & Co., where he remained until 1827, when he went to Fall River, where he formed a copartnership with W. H. Hawkins in the drygoods business, one of the earliest houses established there in that business.

After several years of prosperous business he was elected treasurer of the Fall River Savings Institution, and while holding this office was in 1836 elected cashier of the Fall River Bank. In this way he was connected with the business interests of the city for nearly forty years.

After about two years' rest and travel, with improved health he went into active business with Reed & Barton, of Taunton, Mass., in Which concern he had been a partner for many years.

From that time he resided in Boston and Taunton until October, 1881, when he went to Fall River, making his home there with one of his married daughters.

Soon after becoming a citizen of Fall River, he was elected ensign in a rifle company there, and subsequently was elected major of the regiment. Hebecame a member of the infantry Sept. 9, 1821.

He was much interested in music, and was very instrumental in forming the first military band and in introducing the first organ, and formed a society for the study and practice of church music.

He was a Sabbath-school teacher over fifty years, and maintained to the last a warm interest in all philanthropic efforts, particularly the education of the freedmen and Indians.

Abiel B. Staples

ABIEL B. STAPLES. A. B. Staples was born in Taunton, Mass., Jan. 19, 1819. He is the son of Ebenezer and Susannah (Booth) Staples. His grandfather and great-grandfather were also named Ebenezer. The ancestors for several generations have resided at or in the immediate vicinity of Taunton. His father was by occupation a brick-maker, and reared quite a numerous family. His children were Benjamin F., Susannah P., Ebenezer P. (deceased), Abiel B., Fanny M., Salome, Lydia M., Charity, John H., Henry B., Ann G., Edward W., and Silas L. ; all living except Ebenezer, and all in Bristol County. Ebenezer, the father, was a deacon in the Baptist Church, and one of seven who founded the First Baptist Church in Taunton. The family for several generations have been Baptists.

The only educational advantage enjoyed by A. B. Staples in bis youth was an attendance of about three months of each year at the common school of his town, the other nine months he worked in his father's brick-yard.

In April of the year in which he attained his majority (1840) he started business for himself. He began in a small way making brick, and from that time to the present this has been his business. From year to year he added to his facility, and increased his capacity for manufacturing until he is now one of the largest brick manufacturers in the town. He is also quite a large contractor, and sells a great many brick for other parties, as the demand upon him frequently exceeds his capability for making. It is worthy of remark that Mr. Staples has never stopped his business on account of hard times or financial depression, and never discharged his men because his business was not at that particular time remunerative, but every season he has worked the season through. From the first it was his ambition to excel in the quality of his goods, and to this ambition may be attributed the very favorable reception his bricks meet with at the hands of all masons using them.

Mr. Staples was for several years a member of the City Council of Taunton, but has never sought political office. He has chosen to devote himself earnestly and entirely to his business. He is a shareholder in two or three coasting vessels, is a charitable man so far as his means allow, and a liberal supporter of the church.

He married April 20, 1842, Mercy J., daughter of Haven and Hannah Spooner, of Barre, Worcester Co., Mass. She was born Jan. 3, 1818. They have had four children, - Abiel W., died in infancy ; Mary J., now Mrs. Levanseller, of West Washington, Me., she has one child, Clinton W. ; Emma, died in infancy ; Hannah F., now Mrs. Anthony Hall, of Taunton; she has two children, Flora F. and Albert A.

William H. Phillips

From the best data at hand we think that Capt. William H. Phillips is a lineal descendant from one William Phillips, who was one of the first purchasers in Taunton in 1637 or 1638. But little is known of him. In his will, dated April 16, 1654, he calls himself threescore and ten years of age. He gives out his small estate to his wife Elizabeth and son James,

This James Phillips had children, however, but their names are not known to the writer. He probably had a son William, and certainly a grandson William, who was a native of Martha's Vineyard. He married Lucy Holly, a native of Nantucket. Their children were John, grandfather of Capt. William H., another son died young, and four daughters, who obtained maturity.

John Phillips, son of William, was born in Taunton, Mass., March 20, 1781, and died in March, 1824. He married Deborah Phillips. She was born in Taunton, Dec. 11, 1781, and died Oct. 6, 1840. From the best information obtained the writer is of the opinion that this John Phillips was a cousin to the father of the well-known Wendell Phillips, and this corresponds to the tradition of the family.

John Phillips was a brickmaker at one time at Daversport, but finally returned to Taunton in December, 1812, where he carried on that business quite extensively, and was somewhat engaged in farming also. He was a very energetic man, a great worker, and called by his friends "working John." He was a soldier for a short time in the war of 1812. His children were William Stoddard ; Lucy A., wife of Benjamin Stevens, of Pawtucket, R. I. ; Robert, lost at sea when a young man ; James ; Sarah W. and Ann M. (twins) ; Sarah W., wife of Reuben Pratt ; and Ann M., married Eben Paull.

Capt. William H. Phillips is also a great-grandson, on his mother's side, from Jacob Haskins, who was born June 20, 1736, and on the 6th of April, 1759, we find him an enrolled soldier in " His Majesty's service" against the French and Indians. They marched from Taunton on the 16th of April, 1759, to Boston, and then took ship on the 10th of May for Louisburg, arriving there on the 24th. He served with distinction through that and all subsequent wars till his death, Jan. 4, 1819.

The first of his ancestors that we know of was one William Haskins (or Hoskins, as the name was sometimes spelled). He was at Scituate, Mass., in 1634, afterwards at Plymouth. We know but little of him. His children were William, born Nov. 30, 1647 ; Samuel, Mary, Sarah, Benjamin E., and Elizabeth.

William (the second) was the one who settled in Taunton ; married, July 3, 1677, Sarah, daughter of Thomas Casewell, and had children, - Ann, Sarah, William, born June 30, 1681 ; and Henry, born May 13, 1683.

Their children were Betsey, and Hannah, born Dec. 13, 1774, and died May 11, 1843. She married Enos Burt, born Sept. 3, 1760, and died April 4, 1822. Of their ten children, Hannah, born May 12, 1799, was the third child. She became the wife of William

Stoddard Phillips, and mother of Capt. William H. Phillips; Hannah M. ; John M., whose portrait and biography are in this work ; James O. ; Enos B. ; Frances D., died in infancy ; Deborah F, ; Jacob, who died young ; and Mary E.

William H. Phillips, the subject of this sketch, is a son of William Stoddard and Hannah (Burt) Phillips. On the paternal side he is the grandson of John Phillips, of Boston, who came to Taunton and married Deborah, a daughter of Capt. Jacob Phillips, a well-known and highly-respected citizen of Taunton, who carried on an extensive trade by means of coasting vessels with the neighboring seaport towns. John Phillips, the grandfather of William H., and also his father, William Stoddard Phillips, were manufacturers of brick, and followed the coasting business, principally in vessels of their own. They were enterprising and successful men, particularly the latter, who accumulated considerable property.

William H. Phillips, on his mother's side, is descended from the Burts of Taunton. His maternal great-grandfather was Stephen Burt, born Jan. 26, 1722, and died August, 1760. His wife's name was Abigail. She survived him till March 15, 1791, when she died in the seventieth year of her age. Enos Burt, born Sept. 3, 1760, died April 4, 1822, and Hannah, his wife, born Dec. 13, 1774, died May 11, 1843, were the parents of Mr. Phillips' mother. The latter was Hannah Burt, born May 12, 1799, and died Dec. 13, 1872.

William H. Phillips was born on an island in the Blackstone River, at or near Central Falls, R. I., March 29, 1825. When he was a child his parents returned to their native town (Taunton), and here William was brought up and attended the common schools till the age of fourteen. At this period he began to go to sea in coasting vessels owned by his father, trading at Providence, Fall River, New Bedford, and other neighboring seaboard towns. William took charge of one of the vessels as captain before he had attained the age of eighteen. He continued to go to sea until 1857, when, on account of the increase of his business, he left the water and associated himself with Capt. S. N. Staples, of Taunton, under the firm-name of Staples & Phillips. They have since been engaged in the shipping and handling of coal and iron, and in general commercial business.

As a shipmaster, Capt. Phillips was eminently successful. Since his association with Capt. Staples the firm have carried on a large and increasing business, notwithstanding heavy losses in consequence of the monetary panic of 1873. They have, however, by their characteristic energy, surmounted their difficulties and met all their obligations. Few local firms are more prosperous than they are at the present time.

last municipal election he took strong ground in favor of prohibition, and with the friends of the temperance cause had the satisfaction of seeing their representative, Hon. H. L. Cushman, elected mayor of Taunton. He was an active worker in securing the charter for the city government of Taunton, and was a member of the first City Council. He and his partner have taken an active interest in all measures looking to the growth and prosperity of the city. Among other interests may be mentioned their activity in behalf of the horse railroad which runs through the heart of the city, connecting Weir village and Whittington.

In religious faith and practice, Mr. Phillips is an earnest and devoted Methodist, and his zeal and liberality in behalf of the cause have been evinced in the enlargement of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Weir village, and the founding of Grace Methodist Episcopal Church at Taunton.

He married Fanny W., daughter of Joshua and Sally (Richmond) Shaw, of North Middleborough, Mass., Jan. 17, 1848. She was born Oct. 13, 1823, in North Middleborough, Mass. Their children were Henry S., who died in infancy, and Isadore L., born Aug. 20, 1852. She married John F. Montgomery, of Taunton, Jan. 27, 1875. They have three children, viz.: Fanny W., Hugh, and Mary P.

John Marshall Phillips

John Marshall Phillips, a younger brother of William H. Phillips, was born in Taunton, Mass., April 8, 1829. He was brought up partly on the farm and partly as a sailor on coasting vessels belonging to his father, and began to go to sea at about twelve years of age. Up to this time he had been a regular attendant at the common schools ; but between twelve and twenty his time was divided between sailing in summer and going to school in winter. During this period of his seafaring life he developed much independence of character, and was a mate at seventeen and a captain at nineteen years of age.

In 1849, at the age of twenty, he was among the first adventurers to California, making the voyage thither via Cape Horn in the brig "Triumph," commanded by his uncle, Capt. Hiram Burt. It required two hundred and sixty days to make the voyage. His life of two years in the mines was comparatively uneventful, or at least partook of those characteristics of mining life which are now commonly understood and familiar to most readers. During his sojourn in Camp Saco, a Mexican town, an incident deserving of record occurred. Capt. Phillips observed that among the flags floating from the buildings in the mountains there was no flag of the United States, to whom the country belonged, and he determined to raise the symbol of America in the town. There was no American flag to be found, and no materials to make one of could be procured short of a distance of one hundred and seventy-five miles ; yet such was the ardor and patriotism of Capt. Phillips that these difficulties were not considered too great; the distance was traveled, the materials procured at whatever cost, and in due time a " star-spangled banner," made by his own hands, with the assistance of his partner, was flung to the Pacific breeze and floated proudly among the emblems of other nationalities. This was the first American flag ever raised in that town.

Returning home, Capt. Phillips purchased a vessel and engaged in the coasting trade. This business he has since followed, with varying fortunes and incidents, till within a few years past. He has built several vessels of late years, among which may be mentioned the " Calvin P. Harris," launched at Bath, Me., in August, 1871, and the "Alfred Brabrook," launched in October, 1873, from the same yard, - that of Goss, Sawyer & Packard, Bath, Me.

He owns an interest in a number of vessels, and is part owner and master of the new excursion steamer " Empire State," plying in Boston and adjacent waters as a summer excursion boat. " The Hand-Book of Boston Harbor" speaks of this steamer thus :

" One of the chief features of the summer pleasure of Boston is the immense three-decked steamer ' Empire State,' of seventeen hundred tons, with a length of three hundred and twenty feet, and eighty feet beam, and spacious and beautiful saloons, diningrooms, promenade deck, and other luxuriant appurtenances."

Capt. Phillips is a self-made man, and is noted for his liberality, being free to bestow of his means upon charitable and worthy objects. He and his family are members of the Universaljst Church, of Taunton, Mass.

He married, Jan. 15, 1854, Martha E. Morton, daughter of Isaac and Hannah Morton, of Gorham, Me. They have had five children, three sons and two daughters, the latter, viz., Agnes L. and Minerva R., are living ; two sons died in infancy, and M. Walter, the second son, died at the age of twenty-three, March 1, 1881. He had, three years previous to his death, been clerk of the steamer " Empire State."

Rev. Mortimer Blake, D.D.1

REV. MORTIMER BLAKE, D.D.1 Rev. Mortimer Blake, D.D., was born in Pittston, Me., June 10, 1813, the son of Ira Blake, a native of Wrentham, and descendant of John Blake, of Sandwich, who removed to Wrentham with the returning settlers after its destruction in King Philip's war. The mother of the subject of our sketch was Laura Mowry, descendant of Nathaniel Mowry, one of the first settlers of Providence, R. I. The parents met and married in Maine, where the father was teaching, and returned thence to Franklin, Mass., when the son was about four years old, and there they spent the remainder of their days. The father was a bright, clear-headed man, given to books, and the mother a woman of keen, quick intellect, remarkable memory, fond of old ballads and poetry generally.

Their son Mortimer had a strong passion for books, and devoured all the libraries within his reach. When about ten years old he fell in with a Latin grammar, and began study without any teacher. His grandfather Blake, a good deacon of the church, for the encouragement of the lad, offered to pay the minister if he would hear him recite. A bargain was soon made with Rev. Mr. Smalley (afterward Dr. Smalley, of Worcester), and the boy mastered Virgil and Cicero, and was all ready to start out on Greek before the thought of college had entered his mind.

When fifteen, a German Jew, by the name of Seixas, visited the place to form a class among the ministers of that region for the study of Hebrew. He occupied a part of Dr. Emmons' house. Young Blake was invited to join the class. He consented, not without fear and trembling among so many ministers. But Seixas was a fine teacher, and those lessons, taught by a new method, on written sheets, inhere to this day. All this time there was no college visible ahead. But the good grandfather had it in mind, and he, a man of faith and prayer, was hoping and expecting a minister might come of all this. And so when Abijah R. Baker (afterwards Rev. and D.D.) opened an academy in Medway village, young Blake was sent there with the purpose of fitting for college, with the full consent of his parents and all concerned. He entered Amherst College in 1831, and graduated in 1835. It was in the winter of 1834 he became a decidedly Christian man, and thus answered the prayer of the godly grandfather, who had his education so much at heart. In his college course, which the writer well remembers, being only in the class before him, those rare qualities of mind and heart were developed which have done so much for the ministry and the church. As is not uncommon with college students, the graduate of 1835 turned aside for a season to teach. He had tried his hand at this in Hopkins Academy, Hadley, for a term in his senior year. His many friends in Franklin urged him to open a school there. A stock company erected a large building for the purpose, and in the course of three years nearly a thousand different scholars came under his instruction, many of them now well known in the pulpit and at the bar. Meanwhile he was studying theology with the pastor of the Franklin Church, Rev. E. Smalley, and he was approbated to preach by the Mendon Association, April 24, 1838.

This same year (1838) he received and accepted a very urgent invitation from the trustees of the Hopkins Academy, Hadley, who remembered his teaching qualities in 1835, to take charge of their institution. He served them only one year. He was beginning to be hungry for the ministry, to which he had been set apart. His first pastorate was with the Congregational Church in Mansfield, Mass., where he was ordained and installed Dec. 4, 1839. The church was young and struggling, a missionary church, but during the sixteen years' pastorate of their minister was built up in knowledge and good doctrine, and well established in the sisterhood of churches. It was a trial to them when, in 1855, Dec. 4, Mr. Blake, having accepted a call to the Winslow Church, Taunton, was installed their pastor. But the removal was not to a distance, and no minister has a warmer greeting in the Mansfield pulpit than their pastor of 1839-55.

The record of the long and most useful ministry of already eight-and-twenty years (with promised continuance) in Taunton is not yet complete. Its finished history cannot be writtten. Enough is known of it, however, to warrant the assertion that not only has one church felt the quickening influence of such a protracted pastorate, but all the churches of every order, and the entire city as well as the adjoining towns, have been reached and blessed by it. The church conferences, the Sabbath-school conventions, the ministerial associations, the public gatherings of every name have become accustomed to the presence, and feel lost without the wise counsel and easy direction of this one man. The young find in him a sympathizing, helpful friend in all their attempts to improve time and get knowledge. The Agassiz Club, organized by young students to promote the study of mineralogy and natural science, has no more active, whole-souled member than Dr. Blake. The Wheaton Female Seminary at Norton leans upon the president of its board of trustees more than any one else for sympathy and advice. The State societies of the Congregational order have appreciated the value of Dr. Blake's services, since for several years he was one of the executive committee of the Massachusetts Home Missionary Society and of the Congregational Board of Publication (its secretary at the time of the union of the latter with the Massachusetts Sabbath-School Society under the new name of the Congregational Publishing Society, and since that union one of the managers and now the secretary of the new society). Amherst College, his Alma Mater, honored herself as well as her son in conferring, in 1868, the honorary degree of D.D. upon this graduate of 1835. It was a just recognition of services rendered, of attainments made, and eminence reached by the Franklin boy of 1817.

The publications of Dr. Blake have been, in 1844, a 16mo volume entitled "Gethsemane and Calvary," which has passed through several editions; in 1853 a 12mo, " Centurial History of the Mendon Association ;" in 1878 an 8vo, "History of the Town of Franklin," beside several pamphlet sermons and magazine publications. Dr. Blake has the reputation of being a zealous and accurate historian, has long been a member of the New England Historical

He married, Feb. 21, 1837, Miss Harriet L., daughter of Joseph and Susan (Fisher) Daniels, of Franklin, Mass., a descendant of Joseph Daniels, of Medfield.

(1) Evelyn Laura, married to Bradford F. Morse, of Franklin, and now engaged in the straw business in Taunton. They have two daughters, with their parents, church members.

(2) Percy Mortimer, married to Miss Phebe Sheffield, of Lyme, Conn., who resides in Hyde Park, and is actively employed as sanitary and civil engineer in introducing pure water into cities and towns. They have three children.

(3) Lucien Ira, a graduate of Amherst College in 1877, and of the Royal University of Berlin, Germany, where he has received the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. He is about returning to the United States, and has already overtures from several literary institutions regarding a professorship.

(4) Harriet Daniels, a graduate of the Wheaton Seminary, Norton, in 1878, and a teacher of private classes in natural science and literature.

Rev. Samuel Hopkins Emery.'

Rev. Samuel Hopkins Emery was born in Boxford, Mass., Aug. 22, 1815, and is the fifth son of Joshua and Elizabeth (Welch) Emery, a descendant of John Emery, of Newbury, who came, with his brother Anthony, from Romsey, England, in 1635. His mother was daughter of Col. Joseph Welch, of Plaistow, N.H., a commander of New Hampshire troops in the Revolution, and a friend of Washington. He lived to be ninety-seven, and his daughter, Mrs. Emery, ninetytwo. Mr. Emery's protonym was given from his mother's high regard for Rev. Dr. Samuel Hopkins, of Newport, R. I.

The war of 1812 and a destructive fire in Newburyport so crippled the Emery family that they removed to Boxford, and afterwards to North Andover. In 1824 the father was elected the steward of the Andover Theological Seminary, an office which he held to universal satisfaction for twenty-five years. Young Emery entered Phillips Academy, and on the graduation of his brother Joshua from Amherst College, in 1831, he entered as sophomore in the same institution. He graduated in 1834 with the second honors of his class of forty, and was immediately invited to a professorship in the State Institution for Deaf Mutes in New York City, which offer he declined and entered the Theological Seminary at Andover. In his last year he delivered the Master's oration at Amherst, on taking the degree of A.M. On the Sabbath after his graduation at Andover, in 1837, he preached to a newly-formed church in Taunton, and was installed its pastor on the 23d of November, 1837. It was a missionary church of few members, but they were earnest, and, under the zealous young pastor, flourished as the Spring Street Church until, after three years, he was induced to go to the church in Bedford, Mass. But love for his first church soon called him back to it, pastorless and struggling, and he was reinstalled on the 6th of January, 1847. Mr. Emery's persistent energy infused a new life, and the church moved its location, built a new and fine edifice, and changed its name to that of Winslow Church.

In October, 1855, Bev. Mr. Emery received and finally accepted the pastorate of the First Congregational Church in Quincy, 111. He remained there as pastor for fourteen years, acting meanwhile as registrar of the State Association of Churches for ten years, and during the war of the Bebellion serving as hospital chaplain in six hospitals in Quincy, but in 1869 his love for the old Bay State drew him back to the East. On his way he preached three months to the New England Church in Chicago, until their pastorelect was ready to fill his office. After his return he preached two years in Bichmond Street Church, Providence, B. I., until the rearrangement of the Congregational Churches in that city was completed. While there he was called to a new church enterprise in North Bridgeport, Conn., which became firmly established during his three years' pastoral care. In May, 1874, Mr. Emery accepted a call to supply the church in North Middleborough, Mass., where he labored with marked acceptance until, in October, 1876, at the united solicitation of the churches in Taunton, he consented to take the superintendence of their Union City Mission, where he has since been fully occupied, the mission now bearing the name of the Associated Charities of Taunton, of which he is secretary and superintendent. It is a position for which he is eminently fitted by his warmhearted sympathy, his devoted fidelity, and everready helpfulness, and he has the highest confidence and respect of the community, and the love and blessing of the poor and troubled, to whom he is a neverfailing helper and adviser.

Bev. Mr. Emery married on the 7th of March, 1838, Miss Julia Beed, of Taunton, a graduate, and afterwards teacher, in the Ipswich Female Seminary. She is the daughter of Deacon William Beed, of this city, a descendant of one of its oldest families. In March last their large circle of friends unexpectedly celebrated with them by suitable rites their fortyfifth marriage anniversary with great delight.

Mr. Emery has had four sons, of whom three still live, - Samuel Hopkins, Jr., married Mary, daughter of Bev. Dr. A. W. McClure, first of Maiden and afterwards of Jersey City, N. J., and is now a lawyer in Boston, and a lecturer in the Concord School of Philosophy ; Francis Wolcott Reed, married Elizabeth, daughter of Theophilus Sproat, of Taunton. His health was injured by his long service in the Union army, and especially by his nine months' confinement in Andersonville prison, and he is seeking recovery by farming and wheat-raising in Dakota; Joseph Welch, married Effie Stillwell, of Hannibal, Mo., and still lives in Quincy, 111., where he is a member of the firm of Channon & Emery, stove manufacturers.

Bev. Mr. Emery has been an industrious explorer of local history, and has published in two thick volumes a "History of the Ministry of Taunton," as also a " History of the Congregational Church of North Middleborough," besides shorter articles of local interest too many to mention. He was one of the charter members of the Old Colony Historical Society, incorporated the 4th of May, 1853, of which he was the first recording and corresponding secretary, a corresponding member of the Chicago Historical Society, and a resident member of the New England Historical and Genealogical Society, Boston.

Amos Freeman Howard

Amos Freeman Howard was born in Alfred, Me., Nov. 7, 1810. He was the son of Pomfret and Mehitable (Scamman) Howard. Pomfret was probably a native of Dover, N. H. He settled in Maine when a young man, and there followed the hatter's trade. He married Feb. 20, 1791. The children were seven in number, - Sarah, Mehitable, Samuel S., Mary, Humphrey, Joseph B., and Amos F. Of these Mehitable died at twenty-four; Samuel S. married and settled at New Orleans, where he died ; Mary married James Shaw, of Augusta, Me. ; Humphrey died young ; Joseph B. settled in New Orleans, where he died at the age of twenty-one; Sarah and Humphrey died young. Pomfret died May 27, 1826; the date of his birth is unknown. His wife, who was born Aug. 19, 1770, died Sept. 4, 1844. Her father, Deacon Samuel Scamman, was a man of prominence, and the owner of large landed property, and from him are descended a large and intelligent family, which are scattered all over the country. He and his wife died at Saco, Me., where they had lived a long and useful life, and where their memory is still reverently cherished. Their daughter Mehitable was a most worthy lady, of sound judgment, strong will, and earnest piety. Her strength and purity of character was recognized by all who knew her.

The educational advantages enjoyed by Amos F. in his youth were meagre indeed, but by the exercise of that indomitable courage and enterprise which never# deserted him through life he obtained through reading and reflection a fund of useful information and intelligence which in after-years placed him on a plane with the most intelligent men of the various communities in which he lived. When but a boy he learned type-setting, and at the age of fifteen went to Dover, N. H., and obtained employment in a printing-office. Here he remained only a short while, however, as he was called home by the death of his father. He immediately entered the office of register of deeds as a copyist. In this office, and those of the clerks of the different courts, he employed himself till his twenty-second year, when, in copartnership with William G. Conant, he began merchandising at Alfred, under the firm-name of Conant & Howard. Here he continued some three years, when he went to Sanford, Me., as clerk for the Franklin Manufacturing Company, which was located at Springvale. At this place he remained some ten years, but as the Franklin Manufacturing Company failed, the most of this time was spent in trade. In 1846 he went to Saco, Me., and engaged as overseer in the dyeing and finishing department with the York Manufacturing Company. He remained with this company some twelve years, when he removed to Manchester, N. H., where, however, he only remained a short while, then went to Biddeford, Me., where he became superintendent of the Pepperill Mills. One year later he came to Warren, Mass., as agent for the Warren Cotton Mills, in which capacity the next nine years of his life were spent. In the spring of 1869 he came to Taunton, and in partnership with his son, Bion B., he purchased the Oakland Cotton Mills, and here remained till the close of his life, May 7, 1881. On Nov. 7, 1833, Mr. Howard married Mercy, daughter of Capt. Joseph and Susan (Varrell) Lowe. She was born Nov. 30, 1808, at York, Me. Their children are Bion B. (deceased) ; Mary B., now Mrs. William W. Stevenson, of Greenville, N. H. ; Helen, now Mrs. Joseph S. Tidd, of Taunton, Mass. ; Susan L., MarciaA. (deceased), Charles A. (deceased), Marcia2 (deceased). All of the children were born in Maine. In politics Mr. Howard was a Whig, afterwards Republican. He was selectman, justice of the peace, and held other minor offices, but avoided so far as he might consistently with his duty as a citizen all official place or distinction. He was a worthy member of the Union Congregational Church at Taunton, and was a deacon in Congregational Church at Warren, Mass. Mr. Howard was a man of sterling good qualities, but it was in the family circle his virtues shone brightest. His home was the dearest spot on earth to him, and it seemed to be the great object of his life to render all around him happy.

Oakland Mills, of which Mr. Howard died proprietor, were first established by Silas Shepard more than half a century ago, and were known throughout the country as "Shepard's Factory," which name is still applied by many. It is situated on Three-Mile River, two and a half miles from Taunton Green. The principal business was the manufacture of cotton flannels. Upon the death of Mr. Shepard the mills became the property of L. R. Chesbrough, his son-inlaw, and from him, in 1869, Mr. Howard and his son purchased the property. When they took charge of the mills they dropped the manufacture of cotton flannels and began making denims and tickings. They also began at once remodeling and improving, adding new machinery, substituting the latest improved looms, etc., for the more antiquated affairs then in use ; and by availing themselves of modern advantages were able to successfully compete with other enterprising concerns. In 1880 they made such additions to their buildings and machinery as to increase their capacities about one-haTf. Upon the death of Amos T. Howard, his son, Bion B., succeeded to the management, but lived only a short while, dying in December of the same year (1881). He was possessed of excellent business capacity, as was evidenced by his eighteen years' successful career as agent for the Cordis Mills, Millbury, Mass. He was a man of high character, and thoroughly upright and honorable in all business relations. A wife and two children, Bessie B. and Bion B., survive him. After his decease, Mr. J. S. Tidd bought out the interest of the heirs of Bion B. Howard, and assumed the management. The property is now owned by Mr. Tidd and the heirs of A. F. Howard jointly. They now furnish employment to about one hundred and thirty hands, run six thousand spindles, one hundred and forty-four looms, and manufacture about ten thousand yards of cloth daily. The business under Mr. Tidd's management has been very successful indeed. They have the latest and best machinery, and keep apace with the times in every particular.

Mr. Tidd was born in Warren, Worcester Co., Mass., Jan. 23, 1843. He is the son of Samuel and Maria E. Tidd, and was brought up on the farm, and at nineteen years of age he enlisted for one year in the United States army, Forty-third Massachusetts Infantry, was in a number of minor engagements in North Carolina, and was honorably discharged at expiration of service. He returned home and became an employe in the counting-room of A. F. Howard in Warren Cotton-Mills. He continued in the employ of same concern until 1873, when he accepted a place, again in the employ of Mr. Howard, at Oakland Mills, of which he is now general manager and treasurer. In December, 1867, he married Miss Helen, daughter of A. F. Howard. They have three children living, Joseph Howard, Winthrop L., and Marjorie, and one deceased, Lawrence A., died in infancy. Mr. Tidd has been a member of City Council of Taunton two years, and is now a member of the Board of Aldermen, representing Ward 7. A Republican in politics, and a member of the Union Congregational Church at Taunton.

Nathan Hack Skinner

Nathan Hack Skinner was born in Troy, N. Y., Nov. 1, 1828, the fourth of a family of six sons and three daughters. His boyhood was spent at home, and his educational advantages were limited to the common school. He went to Fall River in 1846, and spent three years in the dry-goods trade. Removing to Taunton in 1849, he engaged in the employ of J. S. Rounds, becoming associated as partner in about three years, and, on the death of Mr. Rounds, in 1860, succeeded to the entire business.

He is now conducting successfully the largest mercantile business in Southeastern Massachusetts. Not being an aspirant for political honors, he has never filled any public office, but has given faithful service in places of trust in mercantile, educational, and church affairs. He is a member of the First Congregational (Unitarian) Church, and is identified with the Republican party. His wife is Mrs. Lucy P. Skinner, by whom he has one daughter, Addie W.

Josephus Skinner, father of Nathan H., was born in Mansfield, Mass., June 15, 1796. At the age of twenty-five he moved to Troy, N. Y., and remained three years. He spent the same length of time in Attleborough, Mass., and then removed to Norton, Mass., where he has since resided. He married Rebecca, daughter of Nathan and Olive (Crossman) Hack, born in Taunton, Aug. 10, 1802. Thomas Skinner, father of Josephus, was born in Mansfield, Aug. 17, 1751, living there until his decease in 1844, with the exception of the time spent in active service in the army of the Revolution. Occupation, farmer.

The Early History Of The Presbrey Family

Among the papers that came officially into the hands of the administrator of the estate of the late Capt. Seth Presbrey, of Taunton, was a document bearing across its back the following inscription : " To the generations of Presbreys in coming time I bequeath this genealogical document." This paper bears date Taunton, April, 1845, and the statements made therein are undoubtedly trustworthy. From it is condensed the history of the first three generations as given in this article. The name is generally spelled Presbrey, but some scholars claim that as there is no such spelling in books of heraldry it is erroneous and should be spelled Presbury, and there are those of the family who adopt the spelling, whether or not with justice it is difficult with our present light to say.

William Presbrey, the great-grandfather of the writer of the " genealogical document" described above, was born in the city of London about the year 1690, and when ten years of age was impressed on board a man-of-war, where he remained until he was about twenty-one years of age. One summer, while the ship was lying in the harbor of Boston, he with others of the crew were permitted to go on shore, when he took occasion to stray away from his companions. Passing through what was afterwards called Roxbury, he pushed on through fields and woods, subsisting upon berries, and continued his traveling for four days, when he found himself in

Taunton. He first stopped at the house of Mr. Nathaniel Crossman, on what is now called Cohannet Street, at a point nearly opposite White's Music Hall, perhaps a little farther down the hill towards the river. Mr. Crossman was a farmer, miller, and shoemaker, and hired the young stranger for a year or two as man-of-all-work. It is said that Presbrey rigged the first properly-equipped vessel on Taunton River, which was a sloop built at Benjamin King's landing in Raynham. He eventually bought land and built a house near " Spring Brook," where he lived, after taking for his wife one Hannah Smith, till he reached the ripe age of eighty-one years. They had two sons, William and Joseph, and one daughter, Hannah, who died a young woman. The older son, William, was a coaster and shoemaker, and lived in that part of Taunton known as the Weir. He married Mary White, and died at about the age of forty-five, leaving five sons and four daughters, as follows : William, Seth, John, Simeon, Levi, Lydia, Mary, Abigail, Betsey, " who all married and left families."

William, a coaster and trader, married Lydia Pratt, and lived at the Weir, and died at the age of eightytwo, leaving children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

John, having the same business as his brothers, was living in 1845, and was eighty-five years old. He married Prudence Pratt, and they became the parents of a large family.

Levi was a land surveyor; married Lina Pratt; went to Canada to survey a tract of land, and was frozen to death, while traveling on horseback, in the winter of 1800. He was thirty years old, and left children.

The other son of the original William, Joseph, was a carpenter ; lived at the Weir ; married Molly Baker, and died aged about seventy-five years, leaving two sons and four daughters, - Elisha, Joseph, Sarah, Patty, Mary, and Hannah. Elisha passed the earlier years of his life near the Weir ; was a carpenter ; married Wealthea Wilbar, and had several children;

Joseph, a carpenter, went to Connecticut; married Patty Perkins ; removed to Lenox, Mass., and afterwards to Lanesborough, where he died at the age of seventy-eight, leaving one son and one daughter.

Patty married Solomon Wilbar ; lived many years in Taunton, and afterwards removed to Troy, N. Y., where she died, in advanced years, the mother of several children.

Seth Presbrey, Jr., oldest son of Seth, married Mary Dean, Jan. 19, 1808. Mary, first born of James and Hannah Dean, was born in Taunton, Dec. 17, 1783. James, her father, was born Feb. 15, 1762, and was the fourth in descent from Walter Dean.

To Seth, Jr., and Mary were born four children, as follows : Silas Dean Presbrey, born Dec. 3, 1808, lost at sea Nov. 23, 1837 ; Benjamin Franklin Presbrey, born Oct. 23, 1810, died Nov. 2, 1869; Billings Troop Presbrey, born Aug. 28, 1815, living; Harriet Malancey Presbrey, born Oct. 23, 1823, married Isaac R. Hadwen Oct. 15, 1845.

Billings Troop Presbrey, on Jan. 18, 1838, married Clarissa Burt Dean, daughter of Col. Israel Dean, of Taunton. Their issue has been but one child, Silas Dean Presbrey, who was born in Taunton, Oct. 19, 1838. He passed his boyhood days in Taunton, living in that part of the town known as the Weir. Attended public school, when he was prepared for the Taunton High School. He was admitted to the high school in the spring of 1852, being then thirteen years of age. The high school was then held in the " Old Spring Street Church," and was in the charge of Ozias Pitkin, as principal, and Miss Mary Read and Miss Emiline Lathrop as assistants. In this school he was prepared for college, under the direction of the principal mentioned above and his successors, who were Mr. Ruggles, Mr. William L. Gage, and Mr. William E. Fuller, the last of whom was principal only for the last six months of his pupilage, but had the important and not easy task of completing his preparation for college examination. In July, 1856, he was admitted to Harvard College " without conditions." The next four years were those of the ordinary college student, who enjoys his privileges, but feels a duty to help to bear the expense of such a course. In the winter of sophomore year, 1857-58, he taught school on High Street, in Taunton ; also during the winters of his junior and senior years he left his studies to teach as principal of the East Weir School, in Taunton. For the last two years of his college course, by his standing in his class, he became entitled to one of the State scholarships, which was granted him. During his college course he had the following honorary " parts" : Junior exhibition, May 3, 1859, a Latin version, from Tennyson, "The Lotos- Eaters" (translation into Latin hexameters) ; Senior exhibition, Oct. 18, 1859, a dissertation, " The Poetic and Scientific Love of Nature." His " part" at Commencement, July, 1860, was a disquisition, " Parliamentary Manners." He maintained a good rank in his class, notwithstanding the fact that the overwork required of one who " went out to teach" so depressed his vitality that he was obliged to lose six weeks of his senior year by reason of an attack of pneumonia. At his graduation he was chosen a member of the Phi Beta Kappa of Harvard.

On his return to Taunton he immediately entered his name with the late Dr. Henry B. Hubbard as a student of medicine, and commenced the study of his chosen profession. In October of the same year he joined the class in the Harvard Medical School, and was thus well started in his new work. It so happened that early in the following winter Mr. William E. Fuller, who, it will be remembered, was the teacher who had the completion of Presbrey's college preparation, and who had since that time remained principal of the Taunton High School, resigned this position to study the law, his chosen profession. The position thus made vacant was offered to Presbrey, who, after some consultation with friends and advisers, and much disappointment at the interruption to his studies that it would cause, accepted the office of principal of the Taunton High School. The school was then large and prosperous, but was what might be called a " mixed school," having no regular curriculum of study. During his principalship the school was regularly graded, and a systematic order of study covering a four years' course adopted and put in successful operation. He remained as principal of the school till June, 1863, when he resigned to return again to his studies. During the time of his teaching, while he had devoted his best thought and zeal to that work, he did not neglect to keep his interest in his chosen profession, and to devote to it all his spare time, so

Oct. 19, 1863, he married Sarah Williams Briggs, second daughter of Artemas and Susan Shaw (Williams) Briggs, and immediately again joined his class in the Harvard Medical School, and continued his studies till the time of his graduation in medicine in the spring of 1865. In the fall of 1864 he was appointed by the Governor resident physician (undergraduate) at the Tewksbury State Almshouse, where he got the first real experience in the every-day work of his profession. Soon after his graduation he opened an office in Taunton, and was appointed the first "city physician," an office which he filled till January, 1870. In 1865 he was admitted as a member of the Massachusetts Medical Society, and has held offices in that society and in the Bristol North District Medical Society, of which he was president in 1869 - 70. In May, 1868, he removed to his present residence at the corner of Weir and Harrison Streets. In 1866 he was elected a member of the school committee, which office he held till January, 1872, and after a respite of five years was again elected to the same office, and has been a member of the school committee since that time. During each year of his membership in the board he has been one of the standing committee on the high school, and this is the sixth year of his service as chairman of that committee. He was chairman of the board of school committee during the year 1868 ; and has been for five years a trustee of Bristol Academy. In July, 1877, he was appointed by the Governor one of the medical examiners of Bristol County, the appointment to last seven years. He was one of the founders and is now president of the Massachusetts Medico-Legal Society, founded in October, 1877. This society is composed of the medical examiners of the State, and holds its meetings every fourth month in Boston.

Besides attending to a large and responsible practice, he has found time to publish some articles in the medical journals. In the Boston Medical and Surgical Journal, July 13, 1876, he published " Notes of a Successful Case of Extirpation of the Uterus and both Ovaries for Fibro-Cystic Disease" ; also in the same journal in August, 1882, and in the Transactions of the Massachusetts Medico-Legal Society will be found the address by the president on " What Constitutes a Medico-Legal Autopsy ?"

In the spring of 1881 he was chosen one of the Board of Water Commissioners of Taunton, a position which he still occupies. Close application to his professional and many other duties made it necessary for him to take a vacation for rest and change in 1881. Accordingly he joined one of Mr. Tourjee's admirable excursion parties, and passed the summer in a delightful trip through England, Scotland, and portions of the continent, and, returning in September, again applied himself to his work.

John P. Brown, M.D.

He was prepared for college at Andover, Mass., and at Hampton and Pembroke, N. H., and graduated at Dartmouth College in 1860. In 1865 he received his medical degree at Harvard College. Soon after his graduation he was appointed assistant physician at the asylum for the insane in Concord, N. H., where he remained until he was elected superintendent of the Taunton Lunatic Hospital in 1878.

Dr. Brown has had large experience in his specialty of mental diseases and in the cure and treatment of the insane, having devoted eighteen years of his professional life to that work.

He is emphatically a self-made man, having acquired his education and achieved his success in life by his own unaided exertions. He supported himself through his preparatory course and while in college by teaching school. As superintendent and physician of the insane, he has acquainted himself with the most advanced discoveries of science relating to the care and treatment of that class, and has acquired a high reputation in the special work to which his professional life has been devoted.

Thomas Jackson Lothrop

Thomas Jackson Lothrop was born in Taunton, March 2, 1834. After a preparatory course in Bristol Academy, Taunton, he entered, in 1850, Harvard College. Immediately after graduation he sailed for Fayal, one of the Azores Islands, where he remained three years, being employed as tutor in the family of the vice-consul of the Azores. Returning home he began the study of law, and was admitted to the bar in Iowa in 1858. Soon after he returned to Taunton and was admitted to the Massachusetts bar. In 1859 he formed a law partnership with Hon. John Daggett, of Attleborough.

In 1862 he was appointed quartermaster of the Fourth Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers, and served in Louisiana under Gen. Banks, being mustered out with the regiment in September, 1863.