Walpole Town (part 3 of 3)

The upper mill was It was rebuilt by Eli Bonney, Leavitt Kingsbury, and David Rug- In 1820, Hall J. Howe and James Richardson formed a copartnership, and com-= menced manufacturing broadcloths and cassimeres. About 1825 the Hon. Truman Clarke and wife, daughter of Timothy Mann, came in possession of the property, and commenced a successful career in the manufacturing of woolen goods, broadcloths, and cassimeres. The lower mill was burned about this time and never rebuilt. The high reputation of his goods and his character as an honest business man secured for him a widespread acquaintance, and soon placed him in affluent stable, converted a part of it into a boot- and shoeshop, and the remainder to a dwelling. The connection continued twelve years with success, at which

Mr. Clarke, and continued the same until the extensive fire of Boston curtailed his means. He affirmed that the business had increased from fifty thousand to one hundred and fifty thousand dollars a year. His reputation for making a first-class calf boot was not excelled. In 1851, Henry 8S. Clarke, son of Truman Clarke, formed a copartnership with Naaman Welmarth, styled Clarke & Welmarth, who leased Truman Clarke's factory, and made stocking yarn. In 1862, N. B. Welmarth retired. Henry S. Clarke continued until his death, in 1881. His widow and The eldest, W. H. Clarke, aqueduct to irrigate his land. rucaduc, which gave the privilege that name. still later date, which we cannot name, no record can be found, Daniel Smith and Elbridge Smith bought manufacturing of cotton-thread. veyed it to James Ogden, who used it for a shoddy- In 1877, James Ogden conveyed this privilege to the Alden Feb. 23, 1881, by an act of Legislature, the name was changed to Walpole Emery-Mill.

Extensive additions have A railroad track connects it with the Old Colony Railroad, adding convenience, ete. Mr. John Way is the present superintendent.

The fourth water-power privilege, a seven-feet fall, Previous to 1806, Aaron Blake obtained a right to flow the meadows about one mile above the centre of Walpole; built a In 1806, Samuel Nason and Jason Boyden ran the saw-mill, and also had a erist-mill on another dam a short distance below, with a fall of twelve feet. June 11, 1811, John Blackburn, a manufacturer from Medway, purchased the two privileges, and soon after erected a building for the manufacturing machinery. In the upper part of that machine-shop the renowned George Blackburn, in company with his father, John Blackburn, commenced his career in manufacturing cotton yarn. They continued until the building was burned down. George Blackburn afterwards became the owner of several factories, - one in Mansfield, one in Ashland, and another in Fitchburg, where the noted cotton sail duck ten and seven-twelfths feet wide was made. His father for several years after was engaged in the business of farming. 1846, John Henry Blackburn, son of John Blackburn, in company with Ollis Clap, bought the foundry of Deacon Everett Stetson, situated on the bank of Stetson mill-pond, and removed the personal property to its present situation on the Blackburn privilege, and there engaged in casting all kinds of light work, - stoves, machinery, fire-frames, ete. The copartnership continued one year. Mr. Blackburn carried gn the same business seven years, at which time (about 1840) Lewis and Erastus Robbins took the business and carried it on one year and ahalf. J. H. Blackburn gave up manufacturing and commenced farming. He had previously introduced a grist-mill and a shingle-mill, which are now in running order and in his possession. In a part of this building William Hart and Stephen Sanford engaged for two or three years in the manufacture of cotton warps for satinets. Five hundred feet below this dam is an old building which goes by the name of the Old Mill, built by John Blackburn, which at one time was used by Hart & Sanford in manufacturing batting. Asa Whitman manufactured lamp-wicks there. Ephraim Shepard occupied it, sawing wood-work for carriages.

The fifth water-power privilege, eighteen and a half feet fall, is known as Union Factory. Here, in 1812, according to the memory of our oldest residents now living, who inform us that Samuel Fales, a manufac- turer of snuff, was located. Thaddeus Clap and Samuel Fuller had a tan-yard. Eliphalet Clap owned a forge, and manufactured wrought iron and nails. Daniel Ellis was a clothier. In 1813, Oliver Clap, Warren Clap, Daniel Ellis, Daniel Payson, and Kdward G. Cundal, styled Oliver Clap & Co., bought the land (on which the factory was built) of Ebenezer Clap, also the right to convey the water through his land, giving to said EH. Clap an_ obligation, binding each jointly and severally forever to build the fence around the land and protect against injury by washing, or gullying, or injuring the land in any way. The Walpole Union Manufactory (cotton and woolen), Oliver Clap, president; Warren Clap, treasurer ; Oliver Eldridge, proprietors' clerk. It was a fine edifice, sixty by forty feet, four storigs and a half, erly end surmounted with a musical bell, which pealed forth its daily notes for over sixty-seven years, except during periodical depressions, which all factory interests have at times been obliged to pass through. Not one in Walpole but what have been obliged to stand

Whitman became the owner of the twenty-four shares in Diamond Factory, and April 11, 1842, deeded that property to his son. (See history of Diamond Fac-

Banks, E. W. Clap, and the Manufacturers' Insurance Company deeded each one-eighth part of Union Factory to Amory Warren, who deeded to W. R. Butterworth, who manufactured cotton cloth for a considerable length of time. In 1847, Mr. Cook, from order, manufactured cashmirettes, using a part of Hon. Truman Clark's factory in finishing them. Dee. 15, 1848, Charles F. Tilinghist deeded the property

Messrs. Gerish & Glover have leased this property to Stephen Pember, since which time (September, 1881) it was burned down, and a flat-roof, one-story building erected thereon. Mr. Pemberton hired a small factory on the banks of Union Dam, owned by Mr. J. B. Cram, in 1881, and in a few days that was burned to the ground, since which Mr. Cram has rebuilt, and is now manufacturing ticking.

In 1812, Daniel Clap, clothier, was located here (how long he had been there the historian is unable to say), and continued several years afterwards. In 1821, Harlow Lawrence, who had been an employé in the Union Factory, purchased this privilege, and

| built a fine building two and a half stories, sixty by besides the basement, with a bell-tower on the southforty feet, with a bell-tower surmounted with a bell, and fitted it with machinery for the manufacturing of cotton thread, and continued successfully until he died. After his death it stood idle for a while.

Feb. 21, 1863, Deacon Willard Lewis purchased of the heirs of Harlow Lawrence this factory, waterpower, and privilege, and commenced to manufacture government lint for the army, and also list carpeting, calking, and cotton percolator, used for straining rosin at the South.

Mr. William Hart built a machine-slop near the old Lawrence Factory. He was an accomplished mechanic, employed at one time quite a large number batting and wicking until July, 1872. The copartnership was then dissolved, and the property came into the possession of Jerome B. Cram. thirds, Henry R. Glover one-third.

aged man. His machine-shop was after a while connected with the Lawrence Factory, previous tothe purchase of Willard Lewis. That factory has been burned down since his purchase, and a two and a half story brick building stands on the old site. Messrs. Willard Lewis & Son now continue manufacturing. The Stetson water-power, twelve feet fall, is owned by Edward P. Stetson. In 1795, Ebenezer Hartshorn was the owner, and had a grist-mill, acting in In 1796, Joshua Stetson bought the privilege, and commenced

His mechanical skill and upright manner of doing business soon brought him to the notice of the trading community, who soon gave him the credit of manufacturing

Capt. Joshua Stetson died Feb. 14, 1863. Joshua Stetson, Jr., was proprietor of a cotton-factory on this privilege from 1850 to 1867. tion of making the best ticking in the market. <A copartnership, Stetson & Bullard, 1844 (see Diamond Factory report). Deacon Everett Stetson, in 1846, sold to J. H. Blackburn and Ollis Clap a foundry of which he had previously been the proprietor. They removed the personal property to the Blackburn privilege. He had also been the owner of a card-clothing factory, situated near his dwelling-house, at which time (1855) he bought the entire Stetson privilege, and removed his factory to its present position near the dam, and continued the same until 1867, when he was succeeded by his son, Edward P. Stetson, who still continues the business. Here are running machines the inventor of which, Eleazer Smith, who lived and died here, and was buried within sight of this factory, the world ought to honor, - Eleazer Smith, who invented a machine for pricking the leather, cutting, crooking, and setting card-teeth, all in one operation, also a machine for cutting and heading nails, etc. The present proprietor of this card-clothing factory has made extensive additions and improvements, which in appearance and convenience does him credit. His business is extensive.

Mr. Iva Gill, the oldest living manufacturer in town, began the manufacturing of fur-napped hats in 1823, changed later to fur-felts. He has occupied buildings on this privilege since 1855. He was the successor of Rand & Hooper, hatters. They were the successors of a Mr. Roberts, a hatter.

Park Sterns and Blackburn deeded, Aug. 29, 1844, the lower privilege to Deacon Henry Plimpton, who manufactured satinets and hosiery yarn a short time, then, in connection with his upper privilege, continued the manufactory of hoes, steel springs, ete. 1835, O. W. Allen & Co., Henry Plimpton, O. W. Allen, and Jeremiah Allen manufactured twine on the lower privilege. Everett Stetson manufactured wadding there. In 1848, C. G. & H. M. Plimpton (Calvin G. Plimpton), sons of Deacon Henry Plimpton, formed a copartnership, and continued the forge, steel spring, axle, and numerous other kinds of tools and implements used in farming and machinery, filling quite extensive orders from California until 1865, at which time they sold the property to the Linden Spring and Axle Company, of which Hubbard W. Tilton was a large owner and agent.

The ninth water-power privilege is a fifteen-feet fall, of which Hon. F. W. Bird is proprietor. In the year 1817 or 1818, Eliphalet Rhoads carried on a gristmill here. Dean Sales & Co. manufactured cotton cloth, known as Neponset Manufacturing Company. They, in 1835, sold to Silas Smith and others, who formed a copartnership known as the Neponset Paper- Mill Company, and manufactured printing paper. Dec. 20, 1836, the Neponset Paper-Mill Company sold the property to Jabez Coney, Jr., of Dedham. He continued the business until Nov. 8, 1838, at which time the Hon. Francis W. Bird purchased the entire property of him. For a few months Mr. Bird ran the mill on news-printing paper, after which he made coarse paper for hardware, sugar, and other various uses, and has continued increasing the variety of paper of that class until the business has increased five or sixfold. F. W. Bird & Son are now owners of the mill.

Tenth privilege, Bird's lower mill, twelve feet water-fall, paper-mill, was built by George Bird, father of F. W. Bird, in 1817-18. Run by Bird & Son, George and Josiah N. Bird, afterwards by Josiah N. Bird, who sold it to F. W. Bird, April 1, 1833. They made the same kinds of paper as the upper mill. Hon. F. W. Bird, a part of the time with partners, owned it until March, 1882, when he sold it to Hollingsworth & Vose. Of late years the mill has been confined to first-class manilla paper.

proved machinery, and running night and day in order to fill orders. Mr. Bird's business career has been long and noted, meriting the respect of the community at large, public-spirited in the full sense of the word, a free giver to many charitable purposes, often filling offices of responsibility in his own town, Massachusetts Legislature, and Senate.

The eleventh water-power privilege, a fifteen-feet fall, is the Diamond Factory, situated on Spring Brook, which rises from Moose Hill and the springs at its base in Sharon, taking a northwesterly direction and emptying into the Neponset River at the centre of Walpole, near the factories of Bradford Lewis & Son. This factory is situated about three-quarters of amile above. Aug. 20, 1814, Jonathan Wilde and wife deeded this privilege to Samuel Hartshorn and Daniel Kingsbury, with dam, fifteen-feet water-fall, and a factory to be built thereon by said Jonathan Wilde. A company of farmers, mechanics, capitalists, and traders formed a copartnership and owned this factory and privilege. As no record of it can be found, and no one that I have been able to find knows who they all were, will give the names of those who I have heard were stockholders. Josiah Hill, Daniel Kingsbury, Nathaniel Guild, Herman Guild, James Guild, Ebenezer Hartshorn, Samuel Allen, Robert Robertson, one of the proprietors, Daniel Kingsbury, agent, and manufactured cotton cloth several years. Hartshorn &

Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Diamond Manufacturing Company was incorporated ; number of shares, twenty-four. 'Twelve shares signed over to Smith Gray by Daniel Carpenter, of Foxborough, identified him as interested there. March 14, 1842, Asa Whitman, who had been a manufacturer of cotton cloth for a term of years, signed by deed this property to and William Bullard - for five years this Diamond Manufacturing Company's property. In 1858, Simeon Clap was the owner of this factory. manufacturer of straw bonnets from 1842 until 1850; a manufacturer of lamp-wicking and twine until he purchased this privilege, after which he manufactured stocking-yarn, twine thread, and Java canvas. Mr. Clap died in 1881, since which time this property has been conveyed to Bradford Lewis & Son, and is used for burring wool.

The Royal Smith Machine-Shop is situated onequarter of a mile above Diamond Factory, on Spring Brook. Oct. 3, 1840, Royal Smith erected a machine-shop, and carried on the manufacturing of cotton and woolen machinery about six years. It was, after lying idle a term of time, used for the purpose of cleansing waste. About the year 1860 it took fire About four years ago (1880), Nathan Clark bought the privilege and built a sawmill, rebuilt the dam, and within the past year has built an additional building in which he has a planingmill, gig-saw, and a shingle-mill. His son, Alton N. Clark, is the owner and proprietor.

In old times, eighty years or more, there were two furniture manufacturers in Walpole, - Josiah Hill and Horace Guild. Josiah Hill, on Hast Street near where now stands Catholic Church ; Horace Guild, on Walpole plain.

Bradford Lewis & Son, manufacturers and dealers in cotton waste for cleaning machinery. In 1872, Bradford Lewis built a factory on Neponset River, where Spring Brook empties into that river, in which he has continued the manufacture of cotton waste for cleaning machinery to the present time.

Mr. Lewis had, previous to building these two buildings, been engaged at intervals of time in manufacturing. In 1864 at South Walpole, in 1868 with his brother, and also at G. P. Morey's mill privilege,

Deacon Jeremiah Allen seems to have been the first, or at least one of' the first, manufacturers of twine here. In 1832 he began the business in the Allen In 1866 he formed a copartnership with Samuel Allen, Jr. They

Samuel Allen, Jr., then purchased the interest belonging to him, and has continued the same, lately associating with himself his son, now Samuel Allen & Son. They manufacture several hundred kinds, in different lengths, size, color, etc., confining the manufactory to one building, leasing the other to Aaron K. Clap, who is engaged in manufacturing jewelers' Samuel Gilbert, who had been for many years a manufacturer in Walpole, died Dec. 26, 1883, aged eighty-three years and four months.

More than fifty years ago he built a shop, and employed quite a number of girls there, and a large number about town, manufacturing straw bonnets. He was associated, in company with Horace Plimpton, for several years, after which he continued, until quite late in life, manufacturing for D. D. Curtis, Medfield, who pays him a handsome tribute of respect: "For twelve years or more he has manufactured for me without a fault. He was honest and true. He died honored and respected." Horace Plimpton was engaged in the manufacture of hoopskirts from 1859 until 1869. Prince & Woodward succeeded them a short time. John Blackburn suc- J. B. Hannahs & Barney manufactured hoop-skirts a short time. J. B. Hannahs, in 1841, commenced manufacturing carriages Billings Ellis commenced the manuceeded him a short season.

for a season. facture of carriages, wagons, and sleighs in 1849, and has continued the same business to the present day. Ephraim Shepard began the manufacture of carriages in 1822, and continued it quite extensively, at one Mr. Nathaniel Bird came to Walpole in 1801, engaged in the manufactime for thirty years or more.

April 11, 1825, Squire M. Fales was proprietor of a foundry in the west part of Walpole. Gen. Leach, of Easton, purchased the works, and changed into a blast-forge, melted the ore, and manufactured ma- He continued the business until 1845, at which time he sold

Brook, about half a mile westerly of the town house. Mill Brook takes its rise in Dover, runs southerly through the east corner of Medfield, and empties into

The land occupied by this privilege lying on the south side of this brook was formerly a part of Parson Morey's farm, that part lying on the north side was the property of William Robbins in 1860. In the year 1840, Lewis W. and Hrastus Robbins built

Hon. George Morey, of Boston. In 1863 it was transferred to Palmer Morey, and in 1868 it was transferred to George P. Morey, its present owner. Lewis W. Robbins and John P. Holmes leased the machine-shop and continued the axle and machinery manufacture until 1858.

A saw-mill and shingle manufactory had been established for quite a length of time, which, together with the machine-shop and privilege, was let to Bradford Lewis, 1868, and used for manufacturing cotton waste, who ran the saw- and shingle-mill a few years. In 1873, E. Frank Lewis hired the whole privilege, ran the saw- and shingle-mill until 1876, at which time they were sold.

In 1873, Mr. Lewis commenced the business of wool-scouring, which has increased, and now, with a full supply of water, is enabled to scour two hundred thousand pounds per week. He has also extensive ice-houses.

Walpole Dye and Chemical Works, Henry D. Dupee, proprietor, is situated at the junction of the New York and New England and Old Colony Railroads, and was incorporated in March, 1872. Seven buildings, inclosed in an area of about three acres ; manufacture colors and mordants used in print-works.

Bleaching establishment, R. 8. Gray, proprietor. About fifty years ago, Smith Gray commenced the bleaching and coloring business on the now known

| Deacon Willard Lewis privilege, afterwards discovering the beautiful clear spring water in abundance, where now the present proprietor, Robert S. Gray, is doing business.

Town Clerks

List of Representatives.' - Previous to the year 1740 there seems to have been no action of the town as to the choice of a representative. From the year 1740 to 1767 the town voted each year not to choose a representative.

Benjamin Kingsbury was chosen, July 10, 1775, to represent the town at the Great and General Court to be held at Watertown the 21st day of said July.

In 1857 Representative District No. 11, Norfolk County, was formed, consisting of the towns of Milton, Sharon, Canton, and Walpole, and no representative was chosen from Walpole from 1857 to 1861, inclusive. '

No representative was chosen in 1869, 1870, and 1871. Willard Lewis was chosen representative in 1872 and 1873. Samuel Allen was chosen representative in 1874.

"The citizens of Walpole, honoring the faithful services of their sons in aiding to suppress Rebellion, and maintain the integrity of the Nation, have erected these tablets.

Henry L. Godbold, 1st lieut. 1st Penn. Artillery. Silas E. Stone, asst. surgeon, 23d Mass. Regt. Samuel N. Piper, q.-m. sergt., 23d Mass. Regt. James W. Bacon, sergt., 33d Mass. Regt. Jason Lewis, sergt. 46th Mass. Regt.

H. B. Hartshorn. John A. Nudd. George W. Nickerson. Edwin B. Ridge. Charles I. Rhoades. Francis A. Tisdale. Henry A. Thomas. James A. Lewis. Josiah Fowler. Horace A. Spear. Elisha Morse. Patrick Kinlehan.

Morten Personlius. Michael Robinson. Norman A. Sackett. George A. Russell. Alexander T. Rummall. Martin Thomas. Frederick Lumber. William Spain."

Biographical Sketches Everett Stetson

The ancestor of the Stetson family in America was Robert Stetson, who came from the county of Kent, England, and settled in Scituate in the year 1634. He was one of the most noted and valuable men in responsibility. Everett Stetson, seventh in descent from Robert, was the son of Capt. Joshua and Nabby (Everett) Stetson. His father was extensively engaged in the manufacture of agricultural implements.

Stetson's hoes were famed far and wide. He was an active, energetic business man, and a captain in the militia, by which title he was universally known. He had two sons, Joshua and Everett, the younger of which is the subject of this sketch. Everett Stetson was born in Walpole July 31, 1803, and died in the same town Nov. 9, 1870. He married, Oct. 6, 1825,

Mr. Stetson received a common-school and academic education. He learned his father's trade, and was engaged in that business from 1827 until 1830. He then entered the foundry business, in which he continued till 1845, when, finding that it could not be carried on successfully without removal to a larger centre, he started the manufacture of machine card clothing for cotton and woolen machinery. This was not an easy undertaking, and for success required perseverance, energy, and untiring industry, which characteristics Mr. Stetson possessed in a large degree. This business he established on a firm basis, and after carrying it on for more than twenty years (from 1845 to 1867) he retired with a competency, Everett Stetson was an influential member of the Congregational Church at Walpole for many years. He held charities or public benefactions, but gave liberally. He was a man of strict integrity and many virtues, and one whose life well merited the confidence and esteem which he received.

Ebenezer Stone, M.D.

EBENEZER STONE, M.D. Dr. Ebenezer Stone was born at Sherborn, Mass., He was of old New England Puritan ancestry, being of the seventh generation in lineal descent from Gregory Stone, who emigrated to New

Gregory Stone (1) married at Nayland, July 30, 1617, Margaret Garrad. She died Aug. 4, 1626, and he married as his second wife the widow Lydia

Cooper, of Dedham, Essex Co., England, who accompanied him to New England. He took the freeman's oath May 25, 1636. Church at Cambridge, and was the last survivor of its

The eldest son of Gregory Stone (1), by his first wife, Margaret Garrad, was John Stone (2), born at Nayland, England, and baptized there, according to the parish records, July 31, 1618. He came to New England with his father, and in 1638, while still under age, settled at Sudbury, Mass., but after his father's death he inherited the homestead at Cambridge, and resided there during the remainder of his life. He was a deacon of the church at Sudbury, and ruling elder of the church at Cambridge, and representative to the General Assembly in 1682 and 1683. He married in 1639, Anne Howe, daughter of Elder Edward Howe, of Watertown, Mass., and died at Cambridge, May 5, 1683.

The fourth and youngest son of John (2) and Anne (Howe) Stone, was Nathaniel Stone (3), born at Sudbury, May 11, 1660. He married, April 25, 1684, Sarah Waite, daughter of Capt. John Waite, of Malden, Mass., and died at Framingham, Mass., October, 1732.

The second son of Nathaniel (3) and Sarah (Waite) Stone, was Ebenezer Stone (4). He was born at Framingham, Mass., April 16, 1688; married May 10, 1721, Prudence Pratt, daughter of Joseph Pratt, of Framingham, and died at Framingham in 1739.

Silas Stone (5), the fourth son of Ebenezer (4) and Prudence (Pratt) Stone, was born at Framingham, April 29,1728. He married, Jan. 25, 1750, Hlizabeth Russell, daughter of Deacon Jonathan Russell, of Sherborn, Mass. About 1763 he removed to Duplin, N. H., being one of the first settlers of that town, and he died there in 1777.

April 5, 1755. He accompanied his father to Dublin, N. H., but after his father's death he returned to Massachusetts and settled in Sherborn, where, Jan. 9, 1781, he married Jeanette Twitchell, daughter of Deacon Jonathan Twitchell, of Sherborn. at Sherborn, July 12, 1820.

career. Having pursued his preparatory studies under Rev. Joseph Wheaton, of Holliston, and Charles Train, of Framingham, he entered Brown University, took the second degree of A.M. After graduating from college he began the study of medicine with Dr. John Kitridge, of Framingham. He completed his medical studies at the Harvard Medical School, where Soon after he settled at Walpole, Mass., where the remainder of his life was passed and where he pursued the practice of his profession nearly up to the time of his death. He married at Walpole, Nov. 23, 1831, Elizabeth Holbrook Hawes, daughter of John Holbrook and Achsah (Barber) Hawes. She was born at Roxbury, Mass., May 10, 1809, and died at Walpole, Aug. 18, 1860. sons and two daughters, all of whom, except one daughter, survived their father. Dr. Stone died Aug. 13, 1869, in the seventy-second year of his age. During the later years of his life he was assisted in his practice by his son, Dr. 8. E. Stone, who had also followed the profession of medicine and who succeeded The son still fills at Walpole the place so long held by his father.

The life of a country physician offers few events to add interest to a sketch of the nature of this one. The record of Dr. Stone's life is simply one of arduous duties well and faithfully performed. Outside his professional labors, his chief interest was in the cause of education, and he gave much time and attention to the schools of the town, where his sound learning and scholarly tastes made his advice and assistance of great value. His character is well described in the following extract from a notice of him published at the time of his death :

"He was remarkable for calm, deliberate consideration of questions of importance, and the value of his In consequence of certain peculiarities of habit and manner he did not escape without wounds, but he never failed to win respect for fidelity to his own convictions. Contemplating the inevitable changes of nature and aware of his own diseased physical condition, he looked forward to the approaching close of life with utmost serenity, - as a journey onward to another home, and a reunion with the kindred and He continued the faithful service of his life ' without haste and without rest,' until, after a few days of physical suffering, and in the confidence of Christian faith and hope, he laid down his work on earth and entered on the work and the joys of immortality." children. as early as 1807, at Mill Village, Dedham, and followed that calling till 1835. His death occurred in 1854. When Francis was nine years of age his father removed to East Walpole. attended school about six months of the year, and spent the rest of the time at work in his father's mill. He was then sent to Day's Academy, at Wrentham, and in 1827 entered Brown University, graduating in 1851. about one year he was compelled to desist from all mental labor. Then, with health partially restored, he decided to enter business. On April 1, 1833, he commenced business in a mill hired of and formerly run by his brother, Josiah N. Bird, at East Walpole. This mill he bought in 1854. bought the mill of the Neponset Paper Company, next above him on the same stream, and soon after formed a copartnership with his father and brotherin-law under the firm-name of George Bird & Sons. In 1842, George Bird & Sons failed, and Mr. Bird passed through bankruptcy. After F. W. Bird had been cleared of his legal liabilities he again went to

Mr. Bird has been long and prominently connected with Massachusetts politics. He was first elected as member of the Legislature of 1847. He has since

1877, and 1878. He was a member of the Executive Council in 1852, 1863-65; a member of the Constitutional Convention in 1853, a State senator in 1871, and the Democratic candidate for the Governorship in 1872.

daughter of Benoni Cooke, of Providence. Of this union one daughter was born. Mrs. Bird died in 1835, and the child in 1836. In 1848 he married Abby Frances Newell, daughter of Joseph R. Newell, of Boston. Six children have been born to them, all

_ tics of Massachusetts from 1846 to the present time | (1884). In 1846-48 he was active in the antislavery section of the Whig party, sometimes called '"' Conscience Whigs," then led by Charles F. Adams, Charles Sumner, Stephen C. Phillips, Henry Wilson, John G. Palfrey, and Charles Allen, and, though much younger than most of these gentlemen, was called into their conferences and enjoyed their confi- | dence. He joined the Free-Soil movement in 1848. | From that time until the abolition of slavery in the | United States and the reconstruction of the South on the basis of equal rights, he was one of the most | efficient organizers of the political movement against slavery known as Free-Soil and later Republican, and exercised a marked influence on its policy and nomi- He uniformly attended its conventions, parnations. ticularly the State Conventions ; and his open rooms duri