Taunton City (part 7 of 7)

-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 oflice 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 ofl'er 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, 1S37. 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, Kev. 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 Rebellion 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 Richmond Street Church, Providence, R. 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.

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

Mr. Emery has had four sons, of whom three still live, - Saiiuie/ Hopkins, Jr., married Mary, daughter of Rev. 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 Philosojihy ; Francis Wolcott Heed, 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 Eflie Stillwell, of Hannibal, Mo., and still lives in Quincy, 111., where he is a member of the firm of Channon & Emery, stove manufacturers.

Rev. Mr. Emery has been an indu.strious explorer of local history, and has published in two thick volumesa "History of the Ministry ofTaunton," asalsoa " 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. 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 I young man, and there followed the hatter's trade. j He married Feb. 20, 1791. The children were seven iu number, - Sarah, Mehitable, Samuel S., Mary, ' Humphrey, Joseph B., and Amos F. Of these Mehitable died at twenty-four; Samuel S. married and setj tied at New Orleans, where he died ; Mary married I James Shaw, of Augusta, Me. ; Humphrey died I 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, 182G; 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 communiti&s in which he lived. AVhen 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 cilled liome by the death of his father. He immediately entered tlie otSce of register of deeds as a copyist. lu 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 iirni-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 184G 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 be 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., be 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) ; Marxj B., now Mrs. William W. Stevenson, of Greenville, N. H. ; Heleyi, now Mrs. Joseph S.Tidd, of Taunton, Mass.; Susan L., Marcia A. (deceased), Charlis A. (deceased), Marcia'' (deceased). All of the children were born in Maine. In politics Mr. Howard was a Whig, afterwards Eepublican. 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 Eiver, 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-half LTpon 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 ivian 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 jiroperty 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 \^ 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 §tates 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 infiincy. 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 Eepublican 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 Eiver in 1846, and spent three years in the dry-goods trade. Eemoving 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 Soullieastern Massachusetts. Not being an aspirant for political honors, he has never filled any pulilic oiEce, 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 (Grossman) 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 And Life Of Silas Dean Prescrey'

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 iu coming time I bequeath this genealogical document." This paper bears date Taunton, April, 1845, and the statements jnade 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 Hull, 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 laud 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 familj'.

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.

Patly 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 P. 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, notwith.standing 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 oflered 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 oflice 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 oflice which he filled till January, 1870. In 1S65 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 schofrf, audthis-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 fo*!- five years a trustee of Bristol Academy.' $n Jaily, 1877, he was appointed by the Governor one of the medicaT 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 Snrf/ical 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 lias had large experience in his specialty of mental diseases' and in the cure and treatment of the iri'sane, having devoted eighteen years of his professional lifeto 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 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 repiikation in the special work to which his professibnal 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. lu 1859 he formed a law partnership with Hon. John Daggett, of Attleborough.

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

In politics he was a Republican from the organization of that party till 1876, when he became identified with the Prohibition party. In November of 1863 he was elected to the Legislature, and in 1864 was chosen county treasurer, which office he held nine years. He has held the position of agent and treasurer of the Taunton Tack Company since June, 1868, and has been a member of the school commiUee of Taunton for eighteen years. He married, Aug. 24, 1858, Catharine Prescott Webster, of Cambridge. Children, - Harriet E., Arthur P., Olivia D., Cornelius R., and Th(mias M. Cornelius W. Lothrop, father of Thomas J., born in Taunton, March 28, 1812, was for a time engaged in the straw business, and afterwarils in fiirming. He married, Feb. 20, 18.31, Eleanor Lincoln, daughter of James and Hannah Smith, of Taunton. Mrs. Smith was a daughter of Joseph Wilbur, a direct descendant of Shadrach Wilbur, who, while holding the office of town clerk of Taunton, was imprisoned by Sir Edmund Andros for refusing to give up the records of the town. (See sketch of Joseph Wilbur.) Both Mr. and Mrs. Cornelius W. Lothrop took great interest in the cause of education, and were highly esteemed.

He was killed in a saw-mill in Rraynham, Dec. 8, 1847. His father, Howell Lothrop, born in Norton, April 16, 1787, married Sally White, daughter of Timothy White, of Taunton, and residad on his farm in Taunton until his death, June 9, 1857- His father, Solomon, born in Easton, Feb. 9, 1761, married Me-' hetable White, of Taunton, Sept. 18, 1782, and resided in Norton. Jonathan, father of Solomon, born in Easton, March 11, 1722, married Susanna, Johnson, and resided in his native town. .His father, Mark,' lived in Easton, and married Hanuah Alden, of Middleborough, a great-granddaughter of John Alden, one of the passengers of the "Mayflower." His father was Samuel,'and his grandfather Mark, who came from England/gettled first in Salem, afterwards in Duxbury, and th«i in Bridgewater some time previous to 1660. He was a brother of Rev. John Lothrop, who settled in Barnstable, and Was the eighteenth child of Thomas Lothrop, of Elton, in England. This Thomas was the son of John, of the parish of Lowthorpe, in the East Riding of York, which gave name to the family.

ELIJAH UTLEY JONES, M.D.> Elijah Utley Jones, M.D., was born in Augusta, Me., May 2, 1826, the eldest son of Ebenezer and Clara (Mandell) Jones. His father was a native of Charlton, his mother of Hardwick, both in Worcester County, Mass. His graudfather Mandell is remembered as a brave patriot in Revolutionary times. Elijah Utley was fitted for college when fourteen, but did not enter Waterville College (now Colby University) till September, 1841. He was dependent on his own resource? for support during his college course, and these were not sufficient to furnish him suitable food. He boarded himself. Poor diet and too much study left him an invalid when he was ready to leave college. After his graduation he persevered notwithstanding his ill health, and taught school, first in Uxbridge, Mass., in 1845, in Slatersville, R. I., in 1846, and in East Douglass, Mass., in 1847, where he remained a year, as principal of the academy, in exceeding poor health, with cough and symptoms of consumption upon him. Obliged to stop for a while, after a little rest he tried teaching again in North Brookfield in 1848. Once more driven from the school-room by failing health, he tried a life insurance agency, so as to have the open air, and the town of Dartmouth, so as to be near the salt water. But all expedients failed, and with little hope of living young Jones goes back to his father's house in Augusta to die. All the family were soon taken sick with a mild form of fever, but a severe typhoid took fast hold of the subject of this sketch. For a long time his life trembled in the balance. The old and the new disease appeared to be contending for the mastery. The new in conquering spent all its foTce. Of the old disease a chronic laryngitis was left, which decided the choice of a profession, medicine instead of the ministry, for which the father had always expressed a preference.

The advice of Rev. Dr. Tappan, the pastor at Augusta, and Drs. Sliepard and Pond, of the Bangor Theological Seminary, confirmed them in this decision. The study of medicine was commenced at once, even before full recovery, under the direction of Dr. William F. Jackson, of Gardiner, Me., to whose substantial and ever kind assistance young Jones was greatly indebted for the success of his student life. Prom his father's house in Augusta to the office in Gardiner was a distance of seven miles, which he- walked morning and night. His health continued to improve, and his long walk grew shorter to him daily. During the winter of 1851-52 he acted as reporter in the Maine State Senate for the Augusta Age. With the money thus earned he paid for two full courses of lectures at the Maine Medical School. In 1853 he went to Concord^ N. H., as assistant to Dr. Alpheus Morrill, but early in the autumn of that year a favorable opening occurring at Dover, N. H., he settled there. In February, 1854, he went to Philadelphia, where he fully graduated at the Homoeopathic Medical College of Pennsylvania. His practice at Dover was all he could wish, but at the earnest solicitation of Dr. George Barrows, and by the advice of all his friends, the 1st of September, 1854, he removed to Taunton, Mass., where he has been in full practice the past twenty-nine years.

September 26th of this same year he married Sarah S. Crofoot, daughter of Theodore Stone, of East Douglass, Mass., who still survives with one daughter, Kate Handell, married to Edward P. Washburn, of Taunton. A little later he transferred his church relation from Waterville, Me., where he professed religion in 1844, and with his wife united with the church under the pastoral care of Rev. Mr. Maltby. Of this church he has always been an active member in its Sabbath-school and general church work. For several years he was on its "standing committee," and was its treasurer. Nine years ago, when a Congregational Club was organized in the city, he was chosen its first vice-president, which office he retained for five years, and then served as president two years, declining a re-election.

In 1855 he joined the Homceopathic Fraternity, a small society, which grew into the present large and prosperous Massachu.setts Homoeopathic Medical Society, of which Dr. Jones has been an active and influential member. For fifteen years he was on its board of management, for seven consecutive years was its secretary, and in 1876 was elected its president. He edited and published its first and third volumes of Transactions, the first covering a period of twenty years. His monograph in this first volume on the "Early History of Homreopathy in Massachusetts," is especially valuable as a record of facts not obtainable elsewhere. Dr. Jones has been a constant contributor to the magazines and periodicals in his department of knowledge the last thirty years, being assistant editor for two years of the New England Gazette, still publislied in Boston. In 1854 he became a member of the American Institute of Homcoopath)', of which he is now an honored " senior." He is also a member of the American Public Health Association. He has recently been nominated and confirmed as chairman of the city Board of Health. He is also treasurer of the Old Colony Historical Society.

In 1879 he was appointed lecturer on sanitary science and malarial diseases in Boston University Medical School, a position which he still continues to fill with great acceptance. Professionally and socially. Dr. Jones is in the foremost ranks, and has hosts of friends. His wife is secretary of the Female Charitable Association, and one of the managers of the Old Ladies' Home.

The Williams Fajiily

None of the many important families of the ancient town of Taunton have been connected with its history for so long a period, and none have been more prominently identified with its business interests and prosperity than the Williams family.

Richard Williams may be considered as in some measure the father, although not the founder, of Taunton. He certainly was in the town before the purchase by Miss Pool. Tradition says he was accompanied by a brother, and came from Scitua^e. He might have come immediately from Scituate, but there is a strong probability that he was one of those who accompanied Governor Endicott to Salem, for his wife, Frances Dighton, was sister to Endicott's first wife. He might have gone from Salem to Scituate, and thence to Taunton. Richard was a Welshman, and was born as early as 1599. It is not improbable that he was a relative of Roger Williams, and a tradition has always existed among his descendants that he was a blood relation of Oliver Cromwell, whose family name was Williams, and changed to Cromwell for an estate. It is positively known that one of Oliver's ancestors was a Richard Williams. The Richard settling at Taunton was a man of no mean abilities. He was deputy to the General Court of Plymouth for Taunton in 1646, '48, '50, '51, and several subsequent years.' He was first on the list of those who made the South Purchase (Dighton), and also of those who made the North Purchase, viz., Easton, Norton, Mansfield, and a part of Attleborough. He outlived the Plymouth government, dying in 1692. He was a rigid Puritan. When blind and deaf from age he was accustomed to attend public' worship, saying, " Although he could neither see nor hear, yet it was consoling to his feelings to know that he was present while the people of God were at their worship." He settled in Taunton in 1637, and the estate he then purchased is largely in possession of his descendants at this day. His children were John, Samuel, Joseph, Nathaniel, Thomas, Benjamin, Elizabeth, and Hannah. The children of Joseph were Richard, Joseph, Benjamin, Ebenezer, and Mehitable. Richard had children, - George, Richard, and Ebenezer; George had children, - George, Ebenezer, Richard, Phebe, Sarah, and Anna. This last-mentioned George was the father of Francis Williams, and the lineof descent from the Richard who settled in Taunton is Richard', Joseph-, Richard', George* (a captain and colonel in American army in the Revolution), George", Francis*.

Geokge Williasls (fifth generation) was born in Taunton, Aug. 18, 1745, and died Feb. 25, 1814. He married Bathsheba King (born in Raynhani, March 31, 1744, died in Taunton, May 26, 1839), Oct. 2, 1766. Their children were Sarah, George, Abiathar, Bathsheba, Melancy, Francis, Narcissus, Enoch, and Samuel K., all born in Raynham, Mass. He was a man of hardy constitution, of force and energy, and was of repute and consequence. He was of fine personal appearance, and during the Revolution was adjutant of a Continental regiment. After the war he labored diligently to improve his estate, and enjoyed a handsome property, which was largely the result of his thrift and industrious habits.

Francis Williams, son of George^ and Bathsheba (King) Williams, was born in Raynham, Mass., Oct. 13, 1779, and inherited one of the numerous farms of his father. He married a worthy daughter of an old family, Louisa, daughter of John Gilmore, of Raynham, May 6, 1804. She was born Sept. 30, 1782. They had eleven children, as follows: Francis K. William H., Martin G., George A., Louisa, Elizabeth D., John R., Edwin, Catharine, Alexander H., and Ruth C. Mr. Williams carried on extensive farminooperations, was a large manufacturer of brick, and this was his principal business lor over half a century. He was a large and vigorous man, well proportioned, and ])ossessedof great vitality, with wonderful powers of endurance. He was social in his intercourse, possessed strong intellect, and was of such an active temperament as never to have known an idle day. He was one of the first meu in every public enterprise, and did more, perhaps, than any other man of Taunton in his day to develop the resources of the country, and gave employment to many in his numerous- and widely-varied departments of industrial enterprise.

He was connected prominently with the establishment of the Taunton Copper- Works and various manufactures in Wareham, Dighton, and Providence. He helped establish every bank founded in Taunton during his business life ; was quite extensively interested in whaling. He got out large quantities of oak and pine for ship-timber, and was very successful in all departments of his business. He was an oldline Whig in polities, and held various positions of public trust, although not a politician, and preferred attending to the many details of his extensive private business, and avoided public life as much as practicable. He, however, represented Taunton in the Lower House of the Legislature, and was called upon to settle many estates. H'e was a gr^eat lover of equal and exact justice to all, and he eiijoyed to a very high degree the confidence of the community for his strict integrity, unassuming ways, and strong, practical judgment. He was broad and liberal to all deserving causes, and a Unitarian in religious belief. He was in a great many respects a remarkable man, and his great industry, fore^ght, judgment, far-reaching sa^ gacity, and constant attention to btisiness resulted in great wealth. He died July 11, 1868.

Francis K. AVilliams, eldest son of Francis and Louisa (Gilmore) Williams, was born Jan. 1, 1805. He was educated at the schools of Taunton, and from a very early period in life was accustomed to hard labor in brick-making, lumbering, and farming, remaining at his father's home until he was twenty-three, or rather making that his home, for .when but eighteeu he went on a trip to New York on a vessel partially owned by his father, under Capt. Francis T>. Williams, plying between Taunton and New York, and that was followed by another trip to the same port, and that by others to New Bedford and other ports of coasting trade. In 1828 he took command of the " Hamilton," a coasting vessel, sailing between Taunton and New Bedford, of which he was master for four years. In 1833 he commanded the " Spy" in the coasting trade, and remained as its master for eight seasons, sailing out from New Bedford. He then purchased , the farm where he now resides in his seventy-eighth I year, and soon after made it his home. He has since ' been a farmer and brick manufacturer. This last business he carried on for fourteen years. He has been a Whig and Republican in politics ; never desired office, but has taken several minor public positions as a duty. He has been a consistent and active member of the Sons of Temperance since the first ' organization of that society, and in the local society has held the highest offices and been trustee for many years. He married, April 17, 1836, Rhoda King, daughter of Thomas and Rhoda (King) Tisdale. She was born in Berkley, Mass., Oct. 4, 1805. Their children are Catharine (died young) ; Israel F., who died Sept. 4, 1864, in his twenty-sixth year (he was a graduate of Harvard University and Cambi'idge Law School, and at the time of his death was a settled minister of the Unitarian Church at Y'onkers, N. Y. ; he was agent of the Sanitary Commission during the Rebellion, and while at City Point, Va., on the duties of that office, contracted the seeds of the disease from which he died) ; Samuel K. (served three years in Company F, Seventh Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers, in the great Rebellion, was a brave soldier, and resides now in Taunton, engaged in manufacturing), Edward (died in infancy), Emily C, Seth E., and Charles H. (both of these are now farmers in Berkley).

Thomas Tisdale was born in Berkley ; was twice married, first to Rhoda, daughter of Philip King, of Raynham. They had four children, - Julia A., Caroline L. (died young), Rhoda K. (Mrs. F. K. Williams), and Israel (drowned, aged twelve years). Mrs. Tisdale died in 1814, and Mr. Tisdale married, second, Mary Benton, by whom he had one child, Caroline M. Mr. Tisdale by occupation combined farming with brick-making, and in early life carried his own brick to market by water, commanding his own vessel. He died in 1850, aged seventy-five years. His father, Ephraim Tisdale, was a former in Taunton, on a part of the farm now owned by F. K. Williams and wife. The title comes down to Rhoda (Mrs. Williams) direct from her great-grajidfather (name not known), through her grandfather, Ephraim, and father, Thomas. Her great-grandfather was a large land-owner and a prominent and active man.

Mr. Williams never was a witness in any court other than that of probate, never had a lawsuit with any one, and never had to secure a bondsman for any other purpose than the customary bonds of a sailing-master. He is a generous, warm-hearted man, and stands high in the regards of community, doing no discredit on the honored name he bears. He is Unitarian in sympathy and belief, and a supporter of that church organization. He is a stockh(dder of Taunton National Bank, Bristol County National Bank, and holds as an heirloom a few shares of Boston and Albany Railroad left him by his father. Mr. Williams has been for forty-four years a sufferer 'from rheumatism, which has greatly crippled him, but, with agreat fund of cheerfulness, he is passing down to the twilight of life with resignation, cheered in his declining years by a loving wife and afiectionate daughters.

John Reed Williams, fifth son and seventh child of Francis and Louisa Williams, was born on the old Williams liomestead in Taunton, Mass., June 18, 1817-. He was brought up like his other brothers to work diligently and well at any labor coming to hand, and early was inured to labor. None of his father's household were allowed to eat the bread of idleness, but all were trained to know the necessity and value of the saying, "By the sweat of thy face shalt thou earn thy bread." These industrious habits were not only good acquirements in themselves, but they were preventives of all the various kinds of dissipation which have ruined so many reared in idleness. He received common school and academic education, teaching one term of school when twenty years old. The fall after he was of age he went to Savannah, Ga., and engaged in brick-making, and there made the brick from which Fort Pulaski, afterwards to become so historic, was constructed. He stayed there two winters, and returning home worked for his father until 1842, when, purchasing the place where he now resides, he moved thither in the spring of 1843. For two years he made red brick, and since then has been engaged in manufacturing fire-bricks and stove-linings. Commencing in a small way with only his own personal labor, he now employs about twenty men, and in 1882 the production of his works amounted to fourteen thousand dollars. He has received from them in some years twenty thousand dollars. He made many improvements on his land, now consisting of one hundred acres, and in 1857 completed the commodious and beautiful residence in which he now lives. This is delightfully situated on a gentle eminence, and presents a charming view of the surrounding country in almost every direction, and from its retired situation is extremely desirable as a home. Mr. Williams is a director and president of Taunton Iron-Works, which ofiices he has held for several years ; he is stockholder in two banks, in copper-works, iron-works, etc., always choosing some manufacturing interest at home for investment. He is an active, wide-awake, and progressive man, publicspirited and generous in support of anything tending to build up his native town and city. Whig and Republican in politics, he has never been an aspirant for office. He is Unitarian in religion, and connected with the Congregational Unitarian Church of Taunton. He is member of King David Lodge of Freemasons at Taunton, and King Philip Lodge of Odd- Fellows. He married Sarah, daughter of Abner and Eleanor (Sanford) Pitts, of Taunton. Their children are Francis (died in infancy), Joseph S., Sarah E., E. Louisa, John G., and Sophia P. They all live with their parents, and form a pleasant and intelligent family group. Mr. Williams has a full appreciation of the value of mental culture and development, and has given his children good opportunities for education, which have not been neglected. Sarah and Louisa are successful and highly-appreciated teachers. Joseph is the manager and engineer in his father's works. John G. is traveling salesman for the business. Alexander Hamilton Williams, youngest son of Francis and Louisa Williams, was born on the ancestral home of his great ancestor, Richard, Dec. 26, 1823. He received the same lessons of thrift, industry, and economy as his elder brothers, and early worked at brick-making, farming, or lumbering, as occasion demanded. His education was derived from the common schools of his native town and its academies. Being the youngest son, it devolved on him to succeed his father in his business operations when the active brain was tired with age and the worn frame succumbed to the weight of years, and during his last years his father lived with Alexander. Mr. Williams was about twenty-five years old when he assumed the management of his father's affairs, and under his energetic labors and youthful ambition they did not lose in magnitude. His has been an active life. Always outspoken and frank in expressing his views, he has labored with earnestness to carry them into practical results. He is a member of the JJnitarian Church, a member also of King David Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons. Although not a politician, and avoiding as much as possible official preferment, he has held strong political opinions, and was a pronounced Whig and Republican. He has been called on to serve as counselor in the city government of Taunton, is now director in Taunton Brick Company, and also stockholder in various corporations and institutions.

Mr. Williams is the largest manufacturer of bricks (outside the Taunton Brick Company) in this section, so noted for its production of this building material, kee])ing himself the leader in this direction. He started the Taunton Brick Company in the summer of 1868, and organized the Williams Brick Company in 1872. This business has attained enormous proportions, and his son, Capt. George F. Williams, has been connected with him in this company since 1873. Their production of brick in 1882 was two million nine hundred thousand. In 1880, Mr. Williams contracted with the Conant Thread Company of Pawtucket, R. I., to furnish them five million brick. This he filled, and also furnished them with quite a quantity beside which they needed to complete their i work. This was, beyond question, the largest contract for brick ever taken.

Mr. Williams is in possession of about ninety acres of the more than one hundred which constituted the homestead farm of Richard Williams. This historic place is highly valued by him, and affords him a beautiful and comfortable home. It used to be in early times the principal fording-piace of the people, and was noted for the shallowness of the river. Mr. Williams married, Jan. 16, 1851, Jane Knight King. She was daughter of Dr. Dan King and Cynthia Pride, his wife. She was born in Charlestown, R. I., June 4, 1826. Their children are: (1) George F., who is book-keeper, overseer, and general business manager of the Williams Brick Company. He was chosen captain of Company G, Taunton

Light Guards, Massachusetts States Militia. He married Adella, daughter of Shubael Bliss, of Taunton, and has one daughter, Emma; (2) Cynthia P., born June 18, 1856, who resides with her parents. Mr. Williams is of fine personal appearance, tall and well proportioned, of light complexion, showing strong Saxon characteristics, and is social and genial by nature, and although careful in financial matters, is at the same time generous and hospitable. He enjoys the confidence and esteem of a large circle for his solid worth and many good qualities.

A. K. WILLIAMS. Abiathar King Williams, the subject of this sketch, is descended from Richard Williams', the first settler of Cohannet, now Taunton, Mass. This memorable pioneer was from Glamorganshire, Wales, and settled at Cohftnnet in 1637. Two /ears later he was one of the founders of Taunton. His wife, Frances Dighton, was from Somersetshire, England. Their third son, Joseph-, and wife Elizabeth, had a .son Richard', who had a son. Col. George Williams', who resided at South Raynham, and was the father of Abiathar Williams". The latter was born in Raynham, and married Naucy Dean. They had eleven children, of whom our subject was the seventh in the order of birth. (See history of the Williams family, Taunton.) Abiathar Williams was known as " Capt. Williams." He ran a sloop from Taunton to New York from the time he was thirteen years of age till he was fifty-five. He was a stfecessful and influential citizen, represented his town in the General Court, and held various local ofiices. He died in June, 1850, and his wife in 1858.

A. K. Williams, son of Abiathar and Nancy (Dean) Williams, was born in Taunton, Mass., March 11, 1815. He received his education at fhe common schools, and at an academy in his native town. In 1828 his father began the lumber business in partnership with D. W. G. Cobb (firm of Williams & Co.), and in connection with this interest young A. K. was brought up, and in 1849 was received by his father as a partner in the firm, which then became A. Williams & Son. It remained under this style till about 185.3, at which time the firm-name was changed to A. K. Williams & Co., the company being George B. Williams, and so remained till A. K. AVilliams retired in 1877.

He married Sarah G. Andrews, daughter of Henry R. and Sarah Parker (Hill) Andrews, of Boston, Mass., Dec. 17, 1857. Their only son, Everett A., died at the age of seven years.

Sylvanus Nelson Staples

Sylvanus Nelson Staples, son of Sylvanus Staples, was born in Taunton, Mass., Aug. 2, 1811. His father was born in the same town Nov. 24, 1783, and married, Aug. 25, 1805, Sally, daughter of Capt. Jacob Phillips. She was born June 25, 1783, in Taunton, Mass. Of this union eleven children were born, viz., (1) Asenath (deceased), married Robert Abell; (2) Sally A. (deceased), married Jabez Irish; (3) Rebecca A., married Albert Carpenter ; (4) Sylvanus N. ; (5) Eliza N., married Adam Reed ; (6) Abiathar I. (deceased), married Esther Jones; (7) Hopy T. (deceased), married George Edgar; (8) Tila Ann, married Nathan Maker; (9) Deborah (deceased), married Abel Reed; (10) Henry, died unmarried ; and (11) John, who was drowned at the age of nine.

Mr. Staples was a brick-maker by trade, and a Democrat in politics. Both Mr. and Mrs. Staples were members of the Baptist Church at Pawtucket, R. I., whither they had gone to live in 1830, and where their two youngest children were born. Mrs. Staples died Sept. 25, 1851, aged sixty-eight years and three months, and Mr. Staples died Feb. 24, 1852, aged sixty-eight years and three months also.

Sylvanus Staples, father of Sylvanus, and grandfather of Sylvanus N., was a native of Taunton, married a Miss Peirce, and had four sons and two daugliters, of.,whom Sylvanus, father of Sylvanus N., was the eldest son. He was a farmer by occupation, and died at a ripe old age. Sylvanus Nelson Staples traces his maternal history back through Sally Phillips and Capt. Jacob Phillips, a soldier in the Revolutionary war. He was several times taken prisoner, and succeeded in escaping twice at great peril of his life. He was master of vessels, and for many years was engaged in the coasting trade between Taunton, New York, Boston, and many Southern ports. He died at seventy-six years of age.

SYLVANU.S N. Staples received a common school education, working with his grandfather, Capt. Jacob Phillips, summers, and attending school winters. He commenced a seafaring life as a cabin-boy when not more than ten years of age, and gradually rose through the various grades till he became master of a sloop at the early age of eighteen. He continued in the coasting trade, visiting the West Indies and the Gulf of Mexico till he was twenty-eight. In the mean time he had several vessels built for his trade. In 1836 he commenced dealing in wholesale and retail commission flour and grocery business with Francis D. Williams as partner, under the firm-title of F. D. Williams & Co. After a few years Mr. Staples purchased his partner's interest, and the business was carried on under the title of S. N. Staples & Co., Hiram Burt, a brother-in-law, being the company, though not actively engaged in the business, as he was constantly at sea. After several years Mr. Staples bought his partner's interest, and associated with him Messrs. James M. and Horatio Williams. They had places of business at this place (Weir, Mass.), S. N. Staples & Co. ; at New Bedford, James M. Williams & Co. ; and at Norfolk, Va., under the firm-name of Williams, Staples & Williams. Their business was extended to the West Indies and all along the Atlantic seaboard. Their West India enterprise did not prove altogether successful, and in 1850 the partnership was dissolved.

Mr. Staples began life again at the bottom of the ladder, and by the friendly aid of his friends, built a vessel called the " William Mason," named after William Mason, one of Taunton's most enterprising and wealthy citizens. Mr. Staples ran her a few years, was successful, and gave her to his brother, Abiathar, who ran her until she was sunk in a collision with the " Queen of the West," ofl^ Tortugas, in 1861. She was laden with a cargo of sugar, and was the last vessel that left Louisiana at the breaking out of the civil war. Mr. Staples began commercial business, dealing in iron, coal, lime, and the general freighting business with William H. Phillips in 1857, under firm-title of [ Staples & Phillips. They have been very successful in their business, selling three thousand tons of coal the first year, which has steadily increased, till now (188.3) they sell more than one hundred and sixty thousand tons annually. The iron trade has increased also. They are also extensively engaged in the shipping trade, and are large owners in a great many vessels and steamers. Mr. Staples Ls also interested in various manufacturing enterprises, in all of which he has been successful. He is a director in the Bristol County National Bank, trustee of the Taunton Savings- Bank, president and dii-eetor of the Dighton Furnace Company, director in Taunton Cracker Company, director in Taunton Iron-Works, and AValliston Foundry, near Boston, president and director of Globe Coal Company, F.tII River, president and director of Forest Hill Garden, Fall River, director of Park Mills, Taunton, director of Taunton Cotton Machine Company, and president and director of Empire State Steamboat Company.

In politics he is a Republican. He has held some local ofiices, but never aspired to ofiicial honors, preferring to attend to his own business.

He is a member of the Unitarian Church at Taunton, and one of its liberal supporters. He married. May 22, 1835, D. Adeline Hood, daughter of Nathaniel and Fanny Hood, of Taunton. They have children, viz., (1) Elizabeth A. (deceased), married Stephen A. Jenks, of Pawtucket; (2) Adeline N., married Lewis Williams ; (.3) Edwin S. (deceased), married Cora F. Cook ; (4) Herbert M., married Alice M. Presbrey ; (5) HarrietF. (deceased) ; (6) AdellL., resides at home.

J. F. Wheeler

representative of this active, industrious, and enterprising race. His father, Russell, was eighth child in the family of twelve children, and was son of Jeremiah and Betsey Wheeler. He married Mary Davis, daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Mason. She was oldest in a family of fifteen children. He was for many years a manufacturer of cotton with his brother Nathaniel, a noted manufacturer, in Dighton, and was of esteemed worth and a useful citizen. He had eight children, - Elizabeth Troop, Joseph Russell, Mary Davis, Ann Mason, Jeremiah F., Submit Anthony, Augustus Mason, and William Mason. J. F. Wheeler studied civil engineering and mechanics, and became a machinist. He went to New Orleans as a civil engineer, and took charge of the construction of the canal leading to Lake Pontchartrain, where he employed over two hundred men. He afterwards established an iron foundry and machinesliop, in connection with others, and for nearly forty yeai-s devoted himself strictly and closely to his business. He was senior partner of the well-known house of Wheeler, Geddes & Co., which did an extensive business in the manufacture of steam-engines, sugarmills, and .all kinds of machinery and iron-work at 208 Girod Street, New Orleans. He amassed a Large property, and retired about 1869. He died Jan. 4, 1864, aged fitty-three years. He owned a large estate in New Orleans.

He married, first, Martha Marshall, of Tennessee, who died in 1850, leaving one son, Albert W., who married Mary Manders, and died, leaving one son, also Albert. Dec. 12, 1853, Mr. Wheeler married Louisa, daughter of Ebenezer and Betsey (Crane) Hathaway. The Hathaway family of the entire section of New England traces its origin to Arthur and John Hathaway, who came to America in 1630, from one of the Welsh counties of England. Arthur settled in Plymouth, had a son, Arthur, who married Sarah, daughter of John Cooke, one of the large land-owners of Dartmouth, Nov. 20, 1652; lived first in Duxbury, then in Dartmouth, and died in 1712. He had sons, John, Thomas, Jonathan, and numerous daughters. John, his son, lived on the New Bedford side of the river, and had sixteen children. John Hathaway, the emigrant, in 16.38 was a landholder in Taunton (now Berkley), where he died. His son Jo/t«'^ had two wives and several children, among them John^. He settled in Freetown, had wife Christian and ten children. Isaac (fourth generation) married Sarah Makepeace, and had eight children. Nicholas (fifth generation), his second son (born 1722, died 1800), married Rebecca Myrick, and had numerous children, among them Stephen (sixth generation), who was born 1745, died 1819, married Hope Pierce, FelD. 12, 1767, and had twelve children. His son Ebenezer (seventh generation), born Aug. 21, 1779, married Betsey Crane, daughter of Ebenezer and Silence (Pitts), Sept. 22, 1805. She was born March 15, 1786, and died June 7, 1853. Mr. Hathaway died

Mr. Wheeler's only surviving child by his second marriage is Eleanor B., who lives with her mother, And resembles in personal appearance her father.

Mr. Wheeler was of erect and dignified bearing, fine-looking, commanding presence, and an aristocratic mien. He said few words, but no one ever misunderstood him, and under this reserve he carried a warm and kindly nature. He was one of the best types of "self-made" men, of acknowledged probity and integrity and sterling worth. He had a large circle of friends. Since June, 1864, Mrs. Wheeler has made her home in Taunton. She carries her years lightly, and is an agreeable social companion.

Perley Ide Perrin was born in Seekonk, Bristol Co., Mass., March 1, 1812. He is a lineal descendant in the seventh generation from John Perryn, who came from London in the ship " Safety," Aug. 10, 1635, and settled in Braintree or Weymouth, Mass. His wife's name was Ann. They had five children, of whom Mary, born in Braintree, Dec. 22, 1640, was probably the oldest. She is the only one whose birth is recorded in the Braintree records. The family soon after removed to Rehoboth, Mass., where John Perryn was buried, Sept. 13, 1674, and his widow, Ann, March 11, 1688. The line of descent from John Perryn to the subject of this sketch is/as follows: John', John, Jr.-, Daniel', Daniel, Jr.*, David', John", Parley Ide'.

They have been farmers throughout their generationS. David* married Abigail, daughter of Thomas Cooper, of Attleborough, Mass., and had twelve children, of whom John, the father of our subject, was one. David died Feb. 15, 1825, aged eighty-five years, three months, and twenty-three days. His wife, Abigail, died Feb. 3, 1830, aged eighty-five years, three months, and twenty-five days. John", son of David, was born Feb. 6, 1786 ; married Huldah, daughter of Capt. Jacob Ide, of Attleborough, Mass., and had two sons, - Anso-n E. and Perley Ide. He married for his second wife Widow Hannah W. Bucklin, daughter of Ephraim Walker, of Seekonk, Mass. He was a Republican in politics and a member of the Congregational Church. He died at about seventy-eight years of age, July 1, 1864, and was buried in East Proviflence Cemetery.

The subject of this sketch received a common school education, and has always been a thoughtful reader and a close observer. He is therefore well informed on all the current events and questions of the day. His mother died when he was about two years old, and he was cared for by his aunt, Sarah

Kent, and his grandmother, Perrin. At nineteen he left home for Pawtucket, R. I., where he spent three years in learning the trade of a machinist, when he went to Bridgewater, jNIass., and at the expiration of one year to Lowell, and thence to Newark, N. J. In Lowell he had worked at locomotive building, and this was also his occupation in Newark, where he was among the first employes of Seth Boyden. After several years he returned to Pawtucket, R, I., where he worked on the farm and in the shop until he went to Philadelphia and worked a while on stationary engines, returning again to Pawtucket, where he established a small shop in the spring of 1841. He, however, conducted this business only about a year, when he was called to his native town to take care of his uncle David, a larmer and bachelor. After his uncle's death he married Eunice Kent, daughter of Seba and Abigail Kent, Oct. 10, 1843. She was born in Seekonk, May 27, 1812. Their children are Emily Frances, born July 28, 1844 ; Huldah Ide, born Dec. 16, 1846, married Everett D. Crodfrey Oct. 7, 1868, and has two children, Edith I. and Chester S.

Mr. Perrin remained on the farm some two years after his marriage, and then went to Providence, R. I., where he again embarked in the business of a machinist, remaining till June, 1846, at which time he removed to Taunton in the employ of the Taunton Locomotive Manufacturing Company as foreman and draughtsman. He next became general superintendent, and succeeded to the position of agent and treasurer in 1877. After a few years he became interested in the business, and is now one of the stockholders of the company. For five years Mr. Perrin served efficiently as an alderman, in the City Council, and for six years was president of the board of directors of the Taunton Water-Works. He is one of the trustees of the Taunton Savings-Bank, and a liberal supporter of the Baptist Church, of which he is a member.

One of the strongest personal traits of Mr. Perrin is energy of character, and this is guided by good sense and sound judgment. Few men are more highly esteemed, and few enjoy more fully the comforts of a happy home.

Eli H. Eldridge

ELI H. ELDRIDGE. Eli H. Eldridge, senior partner in the firm of Eldridge & Co., was born in Taunton, Mass., May 26, 1828. He is the son of Eli and Charlotte (Curtis) Eldridge, of Barnstable County, Mass., where the ancestors have for several generations resided. Like most young men of his day in that part of the country where he was brought up, Mr. Eldridge had but limited educational advantages. About three mouths of each year at the public school of his town (Harwich) was the most he could hope for, and after his fifteenth year even that was denied him. His early boyhood was spent on the farm ; at about fourteen years of age he sought and obtained employment in the britannia-works of Reed & Barton, at Taunton, as a general employe, learning the different branches of the trade. Here he continued till seventeen years old, when he went to Dorchester, Mass., and obtained employment with Roswell Gleason, in whose shop Eli Eldridge, Sr., was superintendent. Here he spent the next three years, when both he and his father returned to Taunton and began, in a small way, the manufacture of various small articles in britannia. In 1860 they began making a specialty of coffinplates, which to the present time has been one of the leading features of their business. Upon the decease of 51r. Eldridge's father, in September, 1875, he took his son John H. into partnership with him. They operate under the firm-name of Eldridge & Co., and manufacture coffin-plates, hinges, lining-tacks, etc. They employ a number of hands, and their trade reaches all through the Eastern, Middle, and Western States to California. They have the latest improved machinery adapted for their particular kind of work, and are continually adding to and increasing their facilities. They do first-class work only. Mr. Eldridge married, May 2, 1850, Lydia A., daughter of John and Deborah Thrasher. They have two children living, one deceased, - John H., born Jan. 7, 1853; Alice B. (deceased) ; Albert S., born Nov. 15, 1859. Both of the sons are married, and are connected with their father in the manufacturing business. Mr. Eldridge is a Republican in politics, and an ardeni temperance man.

Elbridge G. Dean

Elbridge G. Dean, son of AbeP and Mehitable Dean, was born in Taunton, Mass., Dec. 9, 1811. His father was only son of Abel' Dean, a farmer and shoemaker, and a worthy member of the Baptist Church, who was son of Ezra Dean. Thus for several generations has this branch of the Dean family been among the reputable citizens of Taunton. Abel Dean' served as a private soldier in the Mexican war, and married Mehitable, daughter of Elkanah Dean, and was a carpenter by trade. Elbridge had limited common school education. He was early taught to labor, and being of robust frame enjoyed it, and followed brickmaking until he was nineteen, when, in company with Joseph A. Hall, he began the manufacture of brick. This partnership continued two years. Mr. Dean then for thirteen consecutive years followed this laborious avocation, becoming practically familiar with every department, and shrinking from none even the heaviest labor. Since then he has coupled other departments of business which his shrewd practicality could see would be remunerative. He has been a farmer, conducted milk business, and dealt largely in real estate. He now owns numerous houses in Taunton, and several farms in different parts of the county. He is one of the money-making, practical i men of Taunton to-day, and can and does perform a hard day's work with greater ease than many men much his junior in years. He is conservative and cautious,

Source changes here: from A History of Bristol County, Massachusetts (Vol. 1), by Hutt, Frank Wolcott, published 1924; 2,360 words in this source stream.

Introductory 13

population of 136,300, total consumption 11,858,000 gallons; Fall River, estimated population 132,800, total consumption 7,556,000 gallons; Taunton, estimated population 40,000, total consumption 3,756,000 gallons.

Because of her dominant manufacturing interests, Massachusetts is rightly considered an industrial rather than an agricultural State, writes George H. Gilbert, director of Bristol County Agricultural School. And what is true for the State as a whole is similarly true for Bristol county. Yet this is not so much because of the meagerness of her agriculture as because of the wealth of her manufactures. There is somewhat over a quarter of a billion of dollars of capital invested in agriculture in Massachusetts, yielding an annual return of more than $50,000,000 in created wealth. Among the counties, Bristol ranks but third or fourth in agriculture, outranked only by such large counties as Worcester, Middlesex, and by the intensive farming in the county of Essex. The exact figures of the latest census are not at hand as I write, but the investment in farming in this county is between fifteen and twenty million dollars, with an annual income from agriculture of about one-third that sum. Bristol enjoys the rather unique distinction of being the only county of the State in which the dairying industry has shown an increase during the past decade. Poultry husbandry within the county has shown like development. But the possibilities for production of poultry products, of small fruits and orchard fruits for the special market, and of vegetable gardening, have hardly been touched. Until recent years the county has supplied its own whole milk, but of late some milk is being shipped in from distant farms; yet there is no good reason why Bristol county should not largely supply its own food and help supply the large cities just beyond its borders.

The markets are at our very doors, and the roads to market and transportation facilities are nowhere better. Home conditions for those on the farm can, in many sections of the county, be made equal to those in the village or city. The best educational opportunities are available for the farmer's family wherever he may live in the county, on a par with those for the children of the city. There are considerable areas of land well suited to farming in the county that are not being farmed, or are only partially developed. The soil is often poor, but is of a type that will respond quickly to right handling. What, then, is lacking? Why is farming in such ill repute with the vast majority of people who are residents of the county? There are several reasons. One has already been mentioned - that agriculture is overshadowed by the wealth of city industries. Another very potent factor is that farming in this section very rightly lost prestige in an earlier day, when the Massachusetts farmer could not compete with the free, rich lands of the Middle West, and, consequently, few able young men went into this as a life work. Those conditions have changed, and we shall see steadily increasing numbers of capable young fellows taking to farming in Bristol county. Farming has lagged behind all other industries, almost, in organizing to rightly sell the products of the farm, with the result that a fair price at the farm has been the exception rather than the tule. In this, also, a very rapid improvement is already well under way. The California Fruit Growers worked out their own salvation, and have pointed the way to others. The movement among farmers for codperative selling and effectively handling their products to their own advantage has, during the last few years, spread to the South and East, and to every line of farm products. Selling organizations have thus far not come to pass among the farmers of this county, except in a limited way among the duck growers, the market gardeners and the dairymen; but it will come, and in the meantime those farmers of the county who rightly grade and put up their products will profit measureably by the effect of selling organizations elsewhere in the better prices that result from standardizing the product and stabilizing the market. This sketch would hardly be complete without some word in regard to the forestry of Bristol county. We have stripped our timber lands bare. There are thousands of acres that must be replanted - land that is suitable for growing fine timber, but of little value for anything else. Here, again, a movement is now well under way that promises to do much to replace our wasted resources and add tremendously to the natural wealth of the county. The readiness with which those who hold lands have responded to the first call for reforesting, insures a steady improvement in this direction also, contingent on one condition only, namely, that the public generally protect our forests by suitable precautions against devastating fires.

Proposed Waterway. - For more than one hundred years the question of the canalization of Taunton river fora barge-way between Weir Village at Taunton and Massachusetts Bay has been frequently presented to the State Department of Public Works. The county as a whole has its leading interest in the project from its north bounds to Narragansett Bay. Should the plans of the Atlantic Inland Waterways Commission meet with their expectations, they would bring about a solution to a large proportion of transportation problems that have always confronted the county.

The earliest recorded survey of an inland waterway from Boston harbor to Narragansett Bay was that shown in a map by Benjamin F. Baldwin in February, 1808, and it included two routes: The one beginning at Weymouth Back river, and passing through Weymouth, a corner of Hingham, Abington and East Bridgewater, to the Taunton river at Titicut bridge, about ten miles above Taunton; the other route began at Weymouth Fore river, and passed through Braintree, Randolph, North Bridgewater (Brockton), West Bridgewater, Bridgewater and Raynham, to the Taunton river near the easterly line of Taunton. The water supply was considered at the time, and it was decided to be sufficient.

A survey and report were made in 1902 of the cost of a canal 130 feet wide on the bottom, and 25 feet deep, extending from the deep water in the Taunton river at Somerset to deep water in Boston harbor, at the mouth of the Weymouth Fore river. The length of this structure would be about three and one-half miles between the outer faces of the terminal locks at each end of the canal. The summit level would be fourteen locks, sixty feet wide and 550 feet long, with intermediate gates. The amount of water required for the canal was so great that there was no source of supply which could be used, nearer than the Blackstone river; and this could only be used by destroying the water power of the river. It was also found that water could be pumped from the ocean cheaper than it could be secured from the Blackstone river, and the estimates were based on installing pumps for furnishing this water. The total was estimated at that time as $57,618,358. At the present time, the cost would doubtless be at least double that amount. Surveys were made in 1910 and 1911, when four routes were planned under the direction of a special board of United States Army engineers. Both routes started from Taunton river, one terminating in Hingham bay and Boston harbor, the other in Plymouth harbor, thirty miles south of Boston harbor. These surveys were found to be superior to all the others that had been considered, including the route surveyed in 1902, and the Cape Cod canal route.

In 1915, the Harbor and Land Commissioners were authorized to make surveys from Weir Village to Brockton, and they reported two routes: One along the Matfield river, at an estimated cost of $8,861,960; the other along the Town river, at an estimated cost of $9,026,531. The summit level of the canal would be sixty-nine feet above tide-water in the Taunton river; and the distance from Weir bridge by the Town river route 25.85 miles, and by the Matfield river route 25.45 miles, the summit level being the same in both cases. In 1916 the Board of Harbor and Land Commissioners were authorized to make further surveys for the construction of a canal from Taunton river to Massachusetts Bay, by the construction of a canal from Taunton river to North river, and the canalization of various rivers to Boston harbor. No final report was made, as none was called for by the resolve for the survey.

It is evident that the cost of a ship canal from Taunton river to Boston harbor would be prohibitive, but the only solution of the problem would be a canal of barge dimensions. The report of Colonel John Mills, of the United States Army Corps of Engineers, upon the improvement of Taunton river from Fall River to Weir Village, submitted June 30, 1916, gives the sum of $1,301,746.60 as the total cost of a channel which would have a minimum width of one hundred feet and a minimum depth of eighteen feet at mean low water.

County Treasurer and Commissioners - The functions of these officers are directed by a group of practical and far-sighted officials who have in their financial charge a number of county institutions, judicial, educational and medical, each of which adds in no small degree to the general excellence of the aggregate of similar institutions throughout the State. It has been the continuous endeavor of these officials to make the institutions paying ones; and the latter are at this hour county foundations that are gradually being freed of debt through their efforts.

A statement made by Chairman John I. Bryant, of the County Commissioners, early in 1923, was to this effect. The county debt twenty-three years ago amounted to $1,250,000. Since that time the commission has built the Registry of Deeds building in Taunton, the Bristol County Tuberculosis Hospital in Attleboro, the Second District Bristol Court building at Fall River, the Third Bristol District Court building at New Bedford, the Registry of Deeds building at New Bedford, and the Agricultural School building at Segreganset (burned in January). With all this improvement to the county, affairs have been so managed that the debt before the school building burned was but $331,500. The records of County Treasurer Edgar L. Crossman show that in the twelve months previous there had been a net reduction of $69,000 in the bonded debt of the county,

The New Bedford district continues to lead all the registries of deeds of the county, as it has for several years past, in the amount of fees from recording real estate transfers. The total receipts there were $23,489.75. The receipts in the Fall River Registry in the same period were $17,432.90, and the Taunton Registry collected $11,475.45. Criminal costs in the superior courts were increasing, the expenses of this branch of the county business during 1922 being $33,716.19, as against $29,227.86 in 1921. The expense of the civil side of the superior court was more than $2,000 less than in 1921. The amount received in fines was $28,632.28, as against $20,068.96 in 1921.

Work at the Bristol County Agricultural School had been making commendable progress, the receipts from produce sold and from other sources outside of the appropriation having been $28,039, as against $22,605.96 in 1921.

In 1922, the county treasury paid out more than $64,000 for improvement of inter-city roads, through more sparsely settled communities, such bills totalling in 1921 only a little over $38,000.

The following was the 1923 inventory of property of the county of Bristol: County Court-house, land and furnishings, Taunton, $385,000; Registry building, land and buildings, Taunton, $100,000; Jail, land and buildings, Taunton, $175,000; Court-house, land and furnishings, New Bedford, $100,000; House of Correction, land and furnishings, New Bedford, $400,000; Registry of Deeds building, New Bedford, $175,000; Third District Court-house, New Bedford, $150,000; Court-house, land and furnishings, Fall River, $260,000; Second District Court-house, Fall River, $100,- 000; Third District Court-house, Attleboro, $100,000; Agricultural School, Dighton, $75,000; Law Libraries, $50,000; Norfolk, Bristol and Plymouth Union Training School, $3,500.

County Landmark - The most famous landmark within the bounds of Bristol county is the "Dighton Writing Rock," at Berkley, that town having originally been a part of Dighton, This noted granite rock within the river margin is eleven and one-half feet long and five feet high. Since the year 1889 it has been the property of the Old Colony Historical Society at Taunton, from a deed of gift of the Royal Society of Northern Antiquaries of Copenhagen. The rock was purchased in 1857 of Thomas T. Dean, of Berkley, by Neil Arnzen, of Fall River, who placed it in the possession of the Copenhagen Society in the belief that the findings of the archeologist were proof positive that the markings were those of Danish explorers.

Up to the present time, and dating from the year 1680, there have been proposed more than twenty distinct theories concerning the origin of the symbol-like drawings and letter-like marks that cover the face of the rock, but all of which traceries are slowly becoming defaced both by tides and weather. The theories of the writings are many and varied, the leading one being that they were originally those of native red men. Professor E.

The Indian Story 17

D. Delabarre, renowned archzologist, whose earlier criticism was that the drawings might have been made by Egyptians, 2000 B.C., has compiled three volumes from the publications of the Colonial Society of Massachusetts on the subject of the rock. His more recent theory is that there are marks on the rock that appear to disclose the name of Miguel Cortereal, Portuguese explorer, and the date 1511. In the realm of ethnology, archeology and cheirology, this monument of great age has been visited and written about by savants of all times and for nearly three centuries. John Fiske and others refute the Norse origin of the writings. Schoolcraft, the explorer, in 1853 decided they were of Indian origin. Yet concerning the source of the writings on the rock, about which a small library has been written, no one is absolutely sure.