History of Worcester and Its People by Charles Nutt; Volume 3 page 151

George Clarkson Whitney

Valentine manufacturer, founder of the George C. Whitney Company, was born in Westminster, Mass., Sept. 19, 1842, died in Worcester, Nov. 7, 1915, son of John and Lydia (Allen) Whitney. He attended the public schools of his native town and of Worcester, and in 1856 became a student in the Worcester Academy.

He enlisted as a private in Company F, Captain John S. Baldwin, of the 51st Regiment, Mass. Volunteers, Colonel A.B.R. Sprague, Nov. 1862, serving until the regiment was mustered out, July 27, 1863. During part of the time he was a clerk in the Provost Marshall's office under Major Harkness at Beaufort, NC.

He started in business in a small house in East Rutland, after he returned from the service, in partnership with his brother, Sumner A. Whitney. After a short time the business was transferred to a small cottage house, at No. 86 Elm Street, near the corner of Fruit Street.

In 1866 Sumner A. Whitney retired and another brother, Edward Whitney came into the business, and continued in partnership about 3 years. During the next few years George C. Whitney continued to make valentines at 3 different locations- one over Rawson's cigar store, near the corner of Main and Mechanic Streets; the second in the upper floors of the R.C. Taylor block, formerly occupied by the Clark-Sawyer Company, Main Street, and later at No. 184 Front Street.

Before 1888 Mr. Whitney bought out at least 10 competitors in the valentine business in this section of the country. The most important of these competitors was Ester Howland, a graduate of Mt. Holyoke, 1847. She had a business amounting to $100,000 a year when he bought it. J.W. Taft, of Worcester; the Bullard Art Publishing Company, and the A.J. Fisher Company of New York were other concerns purchased by Mr. Whitney. In 1869 he bought the business of Berlin & Jones, the largest manufacturer of valentines in New York.

In 1876 he added various other departments to the valentine business, such as Christmas cards, books and booklets. Post cards were made later, calendars and calendar pads, and an infinite variety of cards and novelities for gifts and other purposes for Halloween, New Year and Easter.

In 1898 the present building on Union Street was occupied. Additions have been made from time to time. The busines was incorporated as the George C. Whitney Company with these officers: George C. Whitney, president; William H. Cook, treasurer; Edgar Whidden, secretary.

At the tme of Mr. Whitney's death there were 450 hands employed in the works. The quality and quanity of goods made in the Whitney factory have been unsurpassed here or aboard. He was active in business until about 2 years before he died.

Mr. Whitney was active in various charitable organizations. He was a member from 1864 and president of the YMCA 1872 to 1873 and 1885 to 1886; member of the building comittee; and was a trustee at the time of his death. For 25 years he was superintendent of the First Baptist Church Sunday School and deacon of the church or many years. For more than 50 years he was a member of that church. He was a member of the International Sunday School Committee from 1879 to 1883; served on the state executive committee of the YMCA from 1876 to 1883; was a charter member of the Worcester Baptist City Mission Board and its president for many years. He was a trustee of the Worcester Academy, secretary of the board and a member of the executive committee of the American Baptist Foreign Missionary Society; president of the Baptist Social Union. His relations with his employees were especially inspiring. Always kind-hearted he never failed to speak a pleasant word to his subordinates, personally interesting himself in their welfare. On two occasions the employees testified their appreciation of his kindness with birthday gifts. He was a Reublican in politics, deeply interested in municipal affairs, conscientiously opposed to the saloon and active in various temperance movements. He was a member of the Common Council in 1883 and 1884 and represented Ward 8 in the Board of Aldermen in 1888 and 1889. He was a trustee of the City Hospital and of the Home for Aged Women. Mr. Whitney married in 1870,to Amy Ellen Whidden, who was born in Calais, Maine, May 22, 1846, a daughter of Hon. Charles R. Whidden, who was born at St. George, New Brunswick, May 22, 1822, the son of General Rendol Whidden. Her mother was Mila Frances (Smith) Whidden, daughter of Hon. Noah Smith, of Providence, RI, descendant of various founders of Rhode Island. They had 3 children: 1) Mila Frances, born April 6, 1871 2) Florence Allen, born Sept. 4, 1878, married Rev. Harry Emerson Fosdick, professor in the Union Theological Seminary. 3) Warren Appleton, see biography Mrs. Whitney resides at No. 12 Trowbridge Road, Worcester, and has a summer residence in Westminster. She is a member of the Woman's Club.

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History of Worcester and Its People by Charles Nutt; Volume 3 page 151

Warren Appleton Whitney

President and treasurer of the George C. Whitney Company, was born in Worcester, April 16, 1883, son of George Clarkson and Amy Ellen (Whidden) Whitney.

He received his early education in the public schools of Worcester and in the Worcester Academy, from which he graduated in the class of 1901. He was afterward a student in Brown University, but left college in 1902 to become associated in business with his father.

After mastering the details of the busness in all departments, he was elected vice president of the company in 1908, and since 1911 he has been general manager. After the death of his father in 1915, he became president and treasurer.

Mr. Whitney is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, the Commonwealth Club, the Worcester Rotary Club, the Economic Club, the Sons of Brown, the Worcester Country Club. In politics he is a Republican. He has been a member of the First Baptist Church from early youth and is a deacon.

Mr. Whitney married at Beverly, Mass., April 22, 1909, to Eleanor Hinkley Brown, who was born in Beverly, June 9, 1883, a daughter of George P. and Mary (Hinkley) Brown. They have 2 children: George Clarkson, born Sept. 28, 1910; and Virginia, born Feb. 22, 1912.

Mrs. Whitney is a member of the College Club, the Smith College Club and the Worcester Country Club.

Their home is at No. 15 Trowbridge Road.

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History of Worcester and Its People by Charles Nutt; Volume 3 page 374

Walter Washington Fiske

Mechanical dentist, was born in Worcester, Oct. 30, 1879, son of George Washington and Ellen Maria (Maynard) Fiske. George W. Fiske was a carpenter by trade. He served in the Civil War, in the 51st Mass. Regiment.

Walter W. Fiske attended the public schools here and at the end of his second year in the English High School left to begin the study of dentistry in the office of Dr. George E. Savage. After 5 years he began to practice, buying the Worcester Dental Laboratory and conducting it for 4 years.

He then took charge of the Johnston Dental Laboratory at Richmond, Virginia, but after 18 months there returned to Worcester to become manager of the Worcester Dental Laboratory and has continued in the position to the present time. His offices are in the Slater building. He resides at No. 152 Coburn Avenue. In politics he is a Republican. He attends Piedmont Congregational Church, of which his wife is a member.

Mr. Fiske married in Worcester, June 3, 1902, to Bessie Armour Wilson, daughter of James and Martha (Kelso) Wilson. They have 1 child: Virginia Helen, born March 15, 1903.

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History of Worcester and Its People by Charles Nutt; Volume 3 page 300

Arthur J. Bassett

President of the Worcester County Msical Association, music teacher and piano soloist, was born in Worcester, June 29, 1868, son of Joseph Massa and Elizabeth (Kennan) Bassett. Arthur J. Bassett attended the public schools and graduated from the Classical High School in 1887. But his talents were all musical, and he began to cultivate them when but 10 years old. At first he was a pupil of E.B. Story in this city, later of H.G. Tucker and B.J. Lang, of Boston, and Edward MacDowell, of Boston and New York City. Having had the best instructors in America at that time, Mr. Bassett went abroad and studied under Leopold Godowsky in Berlin. He began his career as a teacher in 1887 and has had pupils regularly since that time. He has taught both piano and vocal culture. He went abroad in 1906-07 for a period of study in Berlin, and he has made several foreign trips for pleasure and recreation. His pupils give evidence of his thoroughness and technique. From time to time he has given recitals in which his pupils have assisted, and there have been events of interest to all lovers of music in the city. Mr. Bassett has for many years stood foremost as a pianist and teacher. He has conducted various musical clubs and organizatons, and is at present leader of the Worcester Male Singers, a choral club. From 1896 to 1914, inclusive, he was the pianist for the Worcester Music Festival. In December 1914, he was elected president of the Worcester County Musical Association, which conducts the festivals, and he has been re-elected annually since that time. He was a member of the board of government in 1912. Mr. Bassett's studio is at No. 518 Main Street, and his home is at No. 28 Ripley Street. He is a member of the Worcester Club, the Tatnuck Country Club, and the Bohemian Club. In politics he is a Republican. Mr. Bassett married, July 22, 1897, to Mary E. Burleigh, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles H. Burleigh. Mrs. Bassett is a member of the Tatnuck Country Club.

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History of Worcester and Its People by Charles Nutt; Volume 3 page 71

George Massa Bassett

Managing director of Johnson & Bassett, manufacturers of wool spinning machinery,was born in Worcester, Nov. 3, 1864, son of Joseph Massa and Elizabeth Alden (Kennan) Bassett. His ancestry was of old Pilgrim and Puritan stock, on both sides of the family.

William Bassett, the first of the family in this country, on his father's side, was born in England, and married in Leyden, Holland, Aug. 13, 1611, to Margaret Oldham. He came to Plymouth in 1621 on the ship "Fortune", afterward living in Duxbury and Sandwich, and finally at Bridgewater, a gunsmith by trade. He died at Bridgewater in 1667. He was prominent in the colonial life, serving as deputy to the General Court. On his mother's side, Mr. Bassett is a direct descendant of John Alden.

Mr. Bassett was educated in private and public schools in Worcester, graduating from the Worcester High School, in the class of 1882. He entered Amherst in 1882, completing his course in 1886, and immediately became associated in business with his father, and in 1893 was admitted to partnership in the firm of Johnson & Bassett. His father retired in 1898, and since that time George M. Bassett has been managing director of the business.

Mr. Bassett is a director in te Mechanics National Bank, vice president and member of board of investment of the Mechanics Savings Bank. He is a stockholder and director in various other industries.

He is a member of the Worcester Club; the Tatnuck Country Club; the Quinsigamond Boat Club; and the Commonwealth Club of Worcester; the Brookline Country Club, of Brookline, Mass.; and the New York Club, of NY City. In politics he is a Republican.

Mr. Bassett married in Worcester, Nov. 7, 1888, to Cora Louise Richards, born in Worcester, daughter of Seth and Louise Todd Richards. They had 1 son, Paul Richards Bassett, who died in infancy. Their home is at No. 15 Ripley Street, Worcester.

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History of Worcester and Its People by Charles Nutt; Volume 3 page 71

Joseph Massa Bassett

Of Johnson & Bassett, manufacturers of wool spinning machinery, was born in Eden, Vermont, Aug. 31, 1834, and died in Paris, France, Sept. 10, 1906, son of George Bassett. Joseph M. Bassett received his education in the district schools of his native town, and when not in school worked with his father on the farm. In April 1851, when he was 16 years old, he came to Worcester and found employment in the Court Mills. Six moths later, on account of illness, he returned to his home and remained there for 2 years, working most of the time as clerk in a general store. In March 1854, he returned to Worcester, where he spent the remainder of his life. He was employed for a time in a lumber yard. For 8 years he was bookkeeper in a factory making woolen machinery. He resigned to become a partner in the firm of E.C. Cleveland & Company, but after 4 years he sold his interests to his partner. During the following year he was a partner in the firm of Bassett & Hobbs in the wool business, returning again to the manufacture of woolen machinery in partnership with Mr. Cleveland, under the firm name of Cleveland & Bassett. Two years later the firm was dissolved. In July 1870, the firm of Johnson & Bassett was formed for the manufacture of wool spinning machinery and continued until the death of Mr. Johnson in March 1880. Mr. Bassett then purchased from the heirs of his partner their interests and continued the business under the same name until his death. The business was located in a spacious factory on Foster Street and the product of the factory found a way to the spinning mills in al parts of the country. Mr. Bassett became one of the leading manufacturers of the city and highly prosperous. Mr. Bassett was fond of travel and enjoyed the business trips that took him to all parts of this country and Europe. He traveled much for pleasure in later years. In politics he was a Republican and for 6 years served on the school committee of this city. Mr. Bassett married, April 16, 1857, to Elizabeth Alden Kennan, who was born in Vermont, and they had 5 children, 3 sons and 2 daughters, but 2 of whom grew to maturity: George M. and Arthur J., a music teacher of note, living in Worcester. THE END

History of Worcester and Its People by Charles Nutt; Volume 3 page 53

Corydon C. Whitcomb

Retired boot and shoe manufacturer, was born in Sharon, Vermont, Dec. 31, 1846. He came to Shrewsbury with the family when he was 12 years old and lived with his sister, attending the public schools of that town.

He learned the trade of shoemaker in the shop of Joseph Walker, and afterward was for 3 years foreman in the shoe factory of Alba Houghton in this city.

In 1871 he became partner in the firm of Whitcomb, Dadman, and Stowe, manufacturing boots and shoes on Southbridge Street. The firm prospered and in the course of 3 years came to employ 150 hands. After 3 years the business was moved to West Boylston. Two years later, Mr. Whitcomb bought out the other interests and admitted to partnership his brother, Charles H. Whitcomb, returning at that time to this city to a factory on Mechanic Street. The new firm was known as Whitcomb Brothers.

Three years later the business was moved to the Smith block and 4 years later the firm was again changed, Charles H. Whitcomb retiring and E.B. Miles becoming a partner under the firm name of Whitcomb & Miles. The business extended rapidly and the firm leased the Bigelow block adjoining. From time to time the firm added modern machnery.

In 1898 the factory was on Shrewsbury Street and in that year the business was discontinued, the firm being dissolved.

Since 1889, Mr. Whitcomb has devoted his attention to real estate, in which he has invested extensively. He spent 3 years in Chicago, developing residential property.

He is a prominent Free Mason of Athelstan Lodge; Eureka Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Hiram Council, Royal and Select Masters; Worcester County Commandery, Knights Templar; the Mass. Consistory of Boston. He is also a life member of the Mechanics Assoc., and a member of the First Universalist Church. In politics he is a Republican.

Mr. Whitcomb married (1st) in Worcester, 1868, to Lottie Stowe, who died in 1870. He married (2nd) in Worcester, 1872, to Alice Albee, who died in 1879. Married (3rd), Feb. 10, 1881, to Clara C. Taylor, daughter of Samuel Taylor, a prominent business man of Worcester. He had no children. He resides at 30 Shaffner Street, Worcester.

Samuel Taylor was born in Manchester, England. At the age of 21, after the death of his (1st) wife, Sarah (Tougue) Taylor, he located first in Lowell and the in Worcester. He was a mechanic, and was associated for years with William Cary, manufacturer of firearms. He was a member of the Laurel Street Methodist Episcopal Church. He marrried (2nd) in Lowell, to Adeline Rollins, native of Haverhill, NH, and they had 9 children, 4 of whom are now living. Mr. Taylor died in Worcester, 1904.

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History of Worcester and Its People by Charles Nutt; Volume 3 page 14

Tryphosa Duncan (Bates) Batcheller

Author and vocal soloist, only child of Theodore Cornelius and Emma Frances (Duncan) Bates, and wife of Francis Batcheller, a retired manufacturer of North Brookfield, has been accorded more honors by the sovereigns and nobility abroad than any other American woman.

Her voice, trained by the best teachers of this country, and by Madame Marchesi and other of the best teachers of Europe, won her way both in this country, and abroad in the highest circles of society. She has devoted her talents to charity in accordance with the wishes of her parents and following the example of her mother.

Mrs. Batcheller was born in North Brookfield, April 14, 1876, and was prepared for college under private tutors, entering Radcliffe, from which she was graduated in 1899. She studied for 3 years in Paris under Madame Marchesi, with Bimboni, Florence, Giraudet, Lang, Henschel and others. She was presented at the Court of England in 1904. She was given a special musicale by President and Mrs. Roosevelt at the White House in 1904.

She has sung before members of the Royal Family at large charity concerts for the League of Mercy, of which she was elected a vice president, for which she was decorated by the King. She sang by invitation at the Figaro Five O'Clock Concerts in Paris. In 1906 she was presented at the Court of Italy and received by Her Majesty Queen Helena in private audience and presented with an autographed portrait. The Queen graciously accepted the dedication of Mrs. Batcheller's book written afterward, " Glimpses of Italian Court Life".

She was invited to sing before Her Majesty Queen Margherita, who presented her with a diamond pendant and her autographed portrait. She was received in special audience by Pope Pius X. In 1914 she was decorated by King George in recognition of her service of song in behalf of charity. She was also decorated by Queen Margherita of Italy for her singing. She has been elected a dictress of the Industrio Femminili, the charity organization of Italy, of which the Queen is the head.

Mrs. Batcheller has been presented at more courts in Europe and received in more court circles than any other American woman. She is a member of the Incorporated Auchery of Authors, Society of Physical Research, Alliance-Franco-Britanique (London), Amercan Society for Physical Research, Alliance Francaise, Arcolo Italiano, Salon Francaise, McDowell Medical Club, and Daughters of the American Revolution (Boston).

Mr. and Mrs. Batcheller have spent most of their time abroad for many years, but have retained their residence at North Brookfield. Mrs. Batcheller is well known in social circles in this city. She is also a remarkable linguist for an American, speaking seven different languages.

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History of Worcester and Its People by Charles Nutt; Volume 3 page 442

Samuel H. Pitcher

President of the Samuel H. Pitcher Company, civil engineers, was born at Barbados, in the British West Indies, Nov. 19, 1863, son of Samuel H. and Mary Elizabeth Pitcher. His father was born in 1824, and died at Barbados in 1885, and his mother, born in 1832, is living in Barbados. Of the 10 children born to his parents, 9 are living. He is of English ancestry and his lineage has been traced to the 17th century.

Mr. Pitcher received his early education in the schools of his native island, and at Harrison College in Barbados. In 1881 he entered McGill University, Montreal, Canada, and pursued a course in civil engineering.

He started upon his career as a civil engineer in the employ of the Canadian-Pacific Railroad Company in Canada. In 1888 he came to New York City and soon afterward shipped as purser on the steamship "Bermuda", of the Quebec Steamship Company, plying between New York and South America, making 6 voyages. Upon his return to his profession he entered the employ of the East Jersey Water Company as assistant Engineer on the city of Newark Water Supply, and on completion of the work in 1892 he went as assistant Engineer on the Rumford Falls Power Company development work in Maine.

Since 1896 he has made his home in Worcester. He was employed as an assistant by the City Engineer shortly after coming to Worcester, and he was the engineer in charge of the railroad grade crossing abolition work, under City Engineer F.A. McClure. For a period of 13 years he filled this office gaining valuable experience in every department of municipal engineering, and becoming widely and favorably known in the community.

After resigning his position in the city goverment, he organized the Samuel H. Pitcher Company, for independent civil and hydraulic engineerig, with offices at No. 418 Main Street. He is president of the corporation, William J. Woods, treasurer and Alexander B. Campbell, secretary. The company has already developed an extensive business as civil engineers, making a specialty of municipal works, reinforced concrete construction and mill and bridge construction.

He was engineer for, and had charge of, the construction of the Dwight and Water Street underpasses in Springfield, costing nearly a half million dollars; designed and is now superintending the construction of the bridge at Lake Quinsigamond, one of the largest engineering undertakings of this city, costing the State, County, and City a quarter of a million dollars.

Mr. Pitcher was the engineer in laying out streets, sewers, etc, of the Norton Industrial Village at Greendale, a model of its kind, involving a great outlay of money. Various other important contracts have been executed in Worcester under the supervision of his office. Within a few years the reputation of Mr. Pitcher and his company have been firmly established. He is known throughout New England and his office has been worked to its full capacity for several years.

He is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, the Boston Society of Civil Engineers, the New England Water Works Assoc., and the Mass. Highway Assoc. He was appointed for a first term by Mayor George M. Wright, and again by Mayor Pehr G. Holmes on the Worcester Planning Board. Since he became a citizen of this country, he has been a Republican in politics. He is a communicant of All Saints Protestant Episcopal Chuch.

Mr. Pitcher married, Oct. 21, 1891, to Jenni Van Wagenen Terwilliger, of New York, daughter of Charles and Elizabeth Terwilliger. Mr. and Mrs. Pitcher have 1 child: Marion Elizabeth.

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