History of Worcester and Its People by Charles Nutt; Volume 4

Ellery Bicknell Crane page 508

Former State Senator, for many years librarian of the Worcester Society of Antiquity, was born in Colebrook, Coos County, N.H., Nov. 12, 1836, son of Robert Prudden and Almira P. (Bicknell) Crane. His parents removed to Beloit, Wisconsin, when he was an infant, and he attended public and private schools there, the Beloit Academy, the preparatory department of Beloit College, and then pursued a course at a commercial school. He began his business career as bookkeeper in the office of a lumber and grain merchant in Beloit. In 1860 he went to California by the overland route, with private teams, starting on May 4 and reaching Sacramento Oct. 12, after a trip made interesting and exciting by the hostility of the Indians at that time. He remained in Calif. and Oregon until the winter of 1862, returning East by way of the Isthmus of Panama. He secured a position as bookkeeper in Boston in a wholesale and retail lumber concern and remained for 4 years.

He came to Worcester in 1867 and started in business on his own account in the lumber trade with a yard and office on Madison Street, near Southbridge, in partnership with Jonathan C. French, but within 3 months he bought the interests of his partner, and during most of the succeeding 34 years conducted the business under his own name as sole proprietor. His stock and buildings were destroyed by fire, July 8, 1900, and as a change in the building laws prevented the erection of wooden buildings on this location, he decided to retire. Since then he has devoted his time to historical and genealogical work. He was one of the early members of the Society of Antiquity and for many years its president, also its librarian. Through his personal efforts, large accessions have been made to the library. He was supervising editor of the great 4--volume work entitled "Historic Homes and Institutions and Genealogical and Personal Memoirs of Worcester County." (1906) He is the author of "The Rawson Family Memorial" and "The Crane Family Genealogy" (2 volumes). He has written a large number of historical papers published in the proceedings of the Society of Antiquity. He is one of the advisory board of this work. He has been one of the board of editors of various genealogical and historical works of the Lewis Historical Company.

For many years Mr. Crane was prominent in the Republican party and municipal affairs. He has served in the Common Council and Board of Aldermen; as representative in the General Court two terms and State Senator two terms. In the House he was a member of the committee on constitutional amendments and election laws, and in the Senate a member of the committees on election laws, street railways and taxation, the latter of which he was chairman, and he was also chairman of the committee on parishes and religious societies. He was for several years a director of the Builder's Exchange; for several years president of the Worcester County Mechanics Assoc. in 1890 and 91, and for many years a trustee of the Worcester County Institution for Savings.

Mr. Crane married in 1859, Salona A. Rawson, daughter of George and Lois (Aldrich) Rawson, a descendant of Edward Rawson, secretary of the Mass. Bay Colony. They had one son, Martin Rawson Crane. Mrs. Crane died April 4, 1900, of heart failure following an attack of the grip.

Robert Prudden Crane, father of Ellery B. Crane, was born in Colebrook, April 17, 1807, died in Florida, Nov. 3, 1882; active in the settlement of Beloit, Wisconsin, 1836-37; married Almira Bicknell, daughter of Capt. John W. and Keziah (Paine) Bicknell. She died in Beloit, Jan 6, 1854. Eleazer Crane, father of Robert P. Crane, was born Dec. 28,1773, died in Beloit, June 14, 1839; married Dec. 9, 1798, Anna Prudden, daughter of Fletcher and Sarah (Treat) Prudden. He settled at Colebrook, NH, and built a saw mill there; removed to Beloit in 1836. The Crane line of ancestry is: Ellery B.(7), Robert . (6), Eleazer (5), Robert G. (4), Silas (3), Henry (2), Henry (1). The pioneer, Henry Crane was born in England, settled with his brother Benjamin in Wethersfield, Conn., where they engaged in tanning. Henry Crane removed to Guilford before 1660, and later to Killingworth in what is now Clinton, Conn. He was the schoolmaster and captain of the trainband. Henry(2) Crane was one of the founders of Durham, Conn.; deacon of the church; captain; deputy of the General Assembly.

Silas Crane served in the French and Indian War, and was prominent in town and church.

THE END

History of Worcester and Its People by Charles Nutt; Volume 4

Hannibal Halen Houghton page 513

Inventor, and manufacturer, was born in North Paris, Maine, April 5, 1827, died in Worcester Sept. 21, 1898, son of Richard W. Houghton. Needless to say, he was named for a vice president of the U.S., Hannibal Hamlin, who was attorney for Richard W. Houghton in a vexatious suit at law and won the case.

The family moved to Steep Falls, Norway, Maine, when Hannibal was 4 years old, and his father built a factory there and engaged in the manufacture of firearms. By the time te son was 15 he had made a gun complete in every detail. He had a common school education, but preferred the work in his father's factory and the experiments that he began as a boy. When he was 16 he worked in Boston for a short time, putting in place the iron sash, doors and shutters on the new Customs House. Upon returning to his home, he bought his time of his father for $220, and came to Worcester, Jan. 11, 1846, finding employment in the shop of I.S. Chapman in the old Court Mills. The business of Mr. Chapman was bought, April 1, 1846, by A. & S. Thayer and Mr. Houghton worked for this firm for several years, developing inventions and perfecting machinery. He went to the shop of Goddard, Rice & Company to perfect a crude sewing machine for the market. There he devised the rough-surface feed for the sewing machine, a device that made the machine practical, and for the completed machine he was awarded a silver medal at the Worcester County Mechanics Assoc. Fair in the Fall. At this point his employers were threatened with a lawsuit by Elias Howe and they left the field, but a year later Singer applied Houghton's rough surface feed to his machine, defying Howe and ignoring Houghton's rights. Dr. Russel L. Hawes, who had employed Houghton to perfect the sewing machine, gave him the plans for the envelope machine, and Houghton built the mechanism on the 4th floor of the shop of Goddard, Rice & Company on Union Street, opposite the fire department headquarters. A third invention of Dr. Hawes, perfected by Houghton, was a machine for making paper bags. Mr. Houghton then engaged in business as a partner in the firm of A. & S. Thayer at the time Sewall Thayer retired. Thanks to the financial aid of Isaac L. Wadleigh, then a locomotive engineer, Mr. Houghton took his share in the new firm of Thayer, Houghton & Company. E.C. Cleveland was the third member of this firm, which was engaged in manufacturing machinist's tools. After an auspicious beginning, the firm met with a total loss of its property in the Merrifield fire, June 14, 1854.

Business was resumed at once in a new location. In 1857 Mr. Cleveland retired from the firm. During the Civil War the business was sold to the Stover Machine Company, later known as the New York Steam Engine Company. Mr. Houghton retired from active business.

Mr. Houghton was one of the founders of the Worcester Safe Deposit & Trust Company ( now the Worcester Bank & Trust Company). He served 4 years in the Board of Aldermen. He was for many years a director of the Worcester Safe Deposit & Trust Comp., the Protective Union and the Worcester County Mechanics Assoc. He invested in real estate in the city, and among other buildings that he erected was "The Evans", an apartment house, at the corner of Main and Hamilton Streets.

Mr. Houghton married (1st) Mary Harrington Flagg, a widow, by whom he had 1 son, Charles Evans, born July 23, 1855, who died Aug. 29, 1866. He married (2ND), Anstis Houghton, daughter of Samuel H. Houghton. She was born Aug. 5, 1835 and died June 9, 1907, without issue.

THE END

History of Worcester and Its People by Charles Nutt; Volume 4

Daniel Edward Denny pages 602, 603

Senator, councillor, was born in Worcester, July 14, 1845, son of Edwards Whipple and Elizabeth D. (Stone) Denny. Edwards Whipple Denny was born in Hardwick, Vermont. He was a deaf mute, but notwithstanding this handicap was very successful in business. He was educated in the American Asylum at Hartford, Conn. He married Elizabeth D. Stone, who was also a deaf mute. They were both pupils of the famous Rev. Thomas Gallaudit, who accomplished so much for the deaf and dumb during his lifetime. Mr. Denny came to Worcester when it was a small village and bought a large estate on Highland Street, which has grown very valuable since. The residence of Daniel E. Denny on West Street stands on a portion of the old place. His line of ancestry is as follows: Isaac, Colonel Samuel; Daniel, who was the immigrant ancestor, born in Combs, England, came to America in 1715, to Boston; Thomas; Edmund; Edmund; Edmund; Robert; to whom the line of Daniel Edward Denny has been traced, was born in England about 1590. He was buried at Combs, Suffolk Co., England, Feb. 1, 1624. Colonel Samuel Denny, great-grandfather, was an officer at the Battle of Bunker Hill. His grandfather, Isaac Denny, enlisted at the age of 15 in the Revolution.

Daniel E. Denny attended the public schools of Worcester and Worcester Academy. He learned the trade of machinist in the shops of Lucius W. Pond and worked for 20 years at his trade, principally for Mr. Pond and at the Washburn shops of the Worcester Polytechnic Institute. He was a skillful mechanic, and perhaps should be cited in a history of Worcester as a fine example of the combination of brains and mechanical skill in the workshops of Worcester that have built up the city and attracted new enterprises here. After 20 years of labor at the lathe and drill, Mr. Denny accepted a position in the railway mail service. He was promoted step-by-step until he was "clerk -in- charge". He retired at the end of 20 years to enter the real estate, fire and accident insurance business. Since 1902, when Mr. Denny went into business for himself, he has been in public life and has served the city creditably in several capacities.

He served the city in the Common Council in 1904 and 1905. He was elected from Ward 1 for a 2 year term. In his second year he was elected President of the Board, one of the highest honors in the city government. Some matters of great importance have been acted upon since

Mr. Denny has been in the City Council. He has been on the committees on streets, sewers and in military affairs. The making of a boulevard out of Shrewsbury Street from the railroad station to Lake Quinsigamond has been carried into effect. The Greenwood Street Park has been acquired and the magnificent Green Hill Estate has been acquired at a nominal figure from the heirs. The water works have been extended along the Asnebumskit Brook in Paxton. The city has been redistricted, making 10 Wards instead of 8. He was a member of the redistricting committee. Mr. Denny has been an active and efficient councilman. His good record in the city government was recognized by his constituents, and by a flattering vote he was elected to the General Court for 1906, from Ward 1, the 15th district. He was re-elected from year to year, serving until 1910, taking an influential part in legislation and serving on the most important committee. In 1910-1912 he was State Senator and he continued a most efficient legislator. In 1913 to 1915 he was a member of the Governor's Executive Council. He is a trustee of the Soldier's Home, Chelsea, Mass. He served on the State Committee at the dedication of the Soldiers Monuments at Winchester, VA; New Bern, NC, and Baton Rouge, LA, and Petersburg, VA. He has been Captain of the Worcester Continentals; was president of the Worcester Mechanics Assoc., and the County Republican Club. Mr. Denny is best known from his brilliant Grand Army career. He entered the service at the age of 18 in Company E, 42nd Regiment, Mass. Volunteer Militia. He joined the Worcester Grand Army Post in 1869, and has since then been an active member and held various offices from time to time. He was the Commander in 1904 and 1905, and during those 2 years this post made a remarkable gain in membership.

Forty years after the Civil War and over forty after the military service of the most of the men began, this Post added to its membership 126 members, bringing the total to 768 and putting the Post in the first place in the country in point of numbers. Those who know the men believe this Post stands at the head also in character and standing of its members, in their records as soldiers and as citizens. Mr. Denny was Commander of Department Massachusetts, Grand Army of the Republic, 1917 and 1918. Mr. Denny is known all over the State among the Knights of Pythias. He was a charter member of Regulus Lodge of Worcester, No. 71, and was first Master-at-Arms of that body. He was admitted to the Grand Lodge the year following under the administration of Charles B. Newton and was appointed Grand Master-at-Arms. In 1891 he was elected Grand Prelate by a handsome vote. The year following he was chosen Grand vice-chancellor, and in 1893 was given a unanimous election as the 22nd Grand Chancellor of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. Mr. Denny is a Free Mason of high standing. He belongs to Morning Star Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; Eureka Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Hiram Council, Royal and Selected Masters, and to Worcester County Commandery, Knights Templar. He was formerly a member of the Royal Arcanum. He has attended Central Church since a young boy.

Mr. Denny married, April 17, 1867, Martha Alice Fisher, daughter of Robert D. and Alice (Russell) Fisher. She was born in Northbridge, Mass., Oct. 8, 1844. Their childrn are:

1) Frank Edward, born Sept. 9, 1869, died May 16, 1872

2) Alice Elizabeth, born March 27, 1871, graduate of the Worcester Classical High School, 1890, and afterwards a teacher there for 4 years, married Peter Robinson Culbert, who is a news dealer at No. 334 Main Street, Worcester, Jan. 11, 1900; they have 1 child, Janet Denny Culbert, born Dec. 7, 1904

3) Edward Arthur, born in Worcester, Dec. 16, 1872, graduate of the Worcester Classical H.S., 1892, married Bertha J. Griswold, Sept. 17, 1901, at Worcester; he had been with the State Mutual Life Assurance Company for 10 years and is at present cashier.

4) Florence Isabel, born Nov. 11, 1881, graduate of the Worcester Classical H.S., class of 1900, now employed at the Worcester County Registry of Deeds.

THE END

History of Worcester and Its People by Charles Nutt; Volume 4 pages 783, 784

THE BIGELOW LINE and Daniel Bigelow

Bigelow is a name found in New England at a very early date, and has been well represented both as to numbers and in character of citizenship throughout the Union. The Worcester family in this branch trace to David Bigelow, a prominent patriot of Independence days, a brother of Colonel Timothy Bigelow, a brave officer of the Revolution. They were descendants of John Bigelow, baptized in England, Feb. 16, 1617, died in Watertown, Mass., July 14, 1703. He married (1st) in Watertown, Oct. 30, 1642, Mary Warren, also of English birth, who died Oct. 19, 1691. He married (2nd) in 1694, Sarah Bemis. He had 6 sons and 6 daughters, and was the ancestor of numerous Bigelow families in New England. His sons were: John, Jonathan, Daniel, Samuel, Joshua, and James. The line of descent is through Joshua Bigelow, born in Watertown, Nov. 5, 1655, lived in Watertown most of his life, but at the age of 86 removed with his son Eleazer, in 1742, to land granted them in Narragansett, now Westminster. He died there, Feb. 1, 1745, his the first adult death in the town. He served in Captain Ting's Company in King Philip's War, was engaged in conflict and received wounds. Joshua Bigelow married Elizabeth Flagg. They were the parents of sons:

History of Worcester and Its People by Charles Nutt; Volume 4

Oreste Claudio Sabino Ziroli pages 886, 887

Through his recent election to the directorate and vice presidency of the Samuel H. Pitcher Company Inc., civil engineer and architect of Worcester, Mr. Ziroli came prominently into the public eye as an architect of recognized ability, as he is in charge of that branch of the company's business dealing with the design and construction of buildings. For the past 10 years the Samuel H. Pitcher Company has devoted itself to civil and municipal engineering, generally, but with the addition of Mr. Ziroli, with his extensive following, the new department prospered from its beginning. Mr. Ziroli prior to his entering the firm has designed many buildings in Worcester, including the Worcester market house, the Christian Science Church, and the Packard service station on Shrewsbury Street.

He is a son of Nicholas A. Ziroli, born in Montenero, Italy, a sculptor, now residing at Fall River, Mass. His mother, Marcia C. (Di Fiorre) Ziroli, was born in Scapoli, Italy. They are the parents of 8 children:

1) Genevieve G., married Vincent Ciaburri, and resides in New Bedford, Mass.

2) Oreste C.S., of further mention

3) Sylvester A.S., of Leicester, Mass., engineer with the East Bridge Construction Company

4) Luigina, married Faustino Caroselli, and resides at Fall River

5) Louis, died in infancy

6) Lillian, married Antonio Del Pozzo, ad died in New Bedford in 1918

7) Theresa, died aged 5 years

8) Humbert W., a lieutenant of the senior grade, U.S. Navy, a graduate of Annapolis United States Academy, class of 1912; he sailed with the first American fleet to leave for the seat of the great World War, being assigned to the flagship of that division for 19 months, he was on active sea duty; he is now (1919) supervising the construction of the destroyer "Hopewell", at Newport News.

Oreste C.S. Ziroli was born in Scapoli, Italy, Sept. 24, 1881, and there the first 9 years of his life were passed. In 1890 his parents came to the U.S. and located at Fall River, there the father opening a studio and engaging in his art as a sculptor. At Fall River, the boy Oreste C.S., passed the grammar school grade of the public school, finishing in 1897. After leaving school he was with several building firms of Fall River, and took special courses in the study of architecture. In 1902 he came to Worcester, there securing a position as draughtsman with J.W. Bishop, a general contractor, and for 6 years he continued in Mr. Bishop's employ, becoming skilled in draughting and advancing in rank as a designing architect and superintendent of construction.

He then resigned his position with Mr. Bishop and opened an office in Worcester, offering his services to the public as an architect. He gained a strong position in the business, and until the entrance of the U.S. into the World War he was very successful in his profession. He then closed up his business and entered the government service at Muscle Shoals, Alabama, where he was in charge of the draughting and scheduling departments at the plant of the U.S. Air Nitrate Corporation, which was being built by the government. This was the first large nitrate plant built in the U.S., covering several square miles, employing 5,000 operatives, and costing $30 million. The plant began operations just before the signing of the armistice which put a stop to further construction work, Mr. Ziroli returning to Worcester.

Shortly afterward he formed an association with the Samuel H. Pitcher Company, and in January 1917, was elected a director and vice president of the company, his special field the newly created department of architecture. In politics Mr. Ziroli is a Republican. He is a past Sachem of Wampus Tribe, Improved Order of Red Men; member of the Worcester Rifle Club; Worcester County Fish and Game Assoc.; Newbury Grange; Worcester Commonwealth and Country Club; and Leicester Club of Leicester, Conn. While living at Fall River he was fond of military drill and discipline, belonging to Company M. of the Mass. Heavy Coast Artillery, and was one of the experts of the range finding corps. He was also a qualified sharpshooter, one of the best in the Company. He continued his military life until removing from the State, and from under the jurisdiction of the Regiment. He was honorably discharged and mustered out, his comrades parting from him with regret. Hunting, fishing and golf are favored recreations with him, and he misses no opportunity to enjoy the sports of the open air.

Mr. Ziroli married, at Fall River, Mass., April 30, 1905, Rose Anna Plante, born at Fall River, died in Leicester, Conn., Dec. 31, 1918, daughter of Alfred and Mary (DeMontigny) Plante, both now residents of Fall River. Mr. and Mrs. Ziroli were the parents of 5 children:

1) Elena A.

2) Oresta C.

3) Nicholas E.

4) Alfred E.

5) Silvia L.

THE END

History of Worcester and Its People by Charles Nutt; Volume 4

William Hart page 726

Real estate, was born in Boston, Mass., Feb. 25, 1842, the son of Andrew and Ellen (Lawton) Hart.

His early educational training was begun in the public schools of Andover, Maas., where his parents removed when he was 3 years old. Subsequently he entered Philips Academy, of Andover, while a student at the academy, the Civil War broke out, and he enlisted for service in Company H, 14th Mass. Infantry, and with his company went to Fort Warren. The following year this company became the 1st Mass. Heavy Artillery, and with this battery he served for 3 years, being wounded in the Battle of Gettysburg. Upon being honorably discharged from the service, he entered the employ of a firm of file makers in Ballardsvale, Andover, where he continued for a time, finally going into business in Boston, on his own account. In 1866 he sold out his business in Boston and came to Worcester, locating at Washington Square. For many years Mr. Hart did the largest business in hand cut files of any factory in New England, having in addition to his plant in this city, another in Springfield, Mass.

He continued, engaged in the file making industry until appointed special sheriff of Worcester County by Sheriff S.D. Nye. After serving in this capacity for several years he then entered the real estate business in which he has since continued with success.

Mr. Hart has taken a prominent and active part in the affairs of the city. He was one of the incorporators of the Bay State Savings Bank, and served as president of the same for a period of 18 years. He was a member of the grade crossing commission, appointed by Mayor Rufus B. Dodge, and also served for 7 years as a member of the Park commission. He was for a number of years a member of the Board of Trade, now the Chamber of Commerce, and has served on the boards of a number of charitable organizations. He is an active member of the George H. Ward Post, No. 10, Grand Army of the Republic, in which he has held various offices, and has served as aid-de-camp on the staff of several of the National Commanders-in Chief of the G.A.R.

In political faith Mr Hart is a staunch Democrat, having given valued service to the party as a member of the city committee, of which he was at one time Chairman. Mr. Hart and his family are prominent in the Catholic Church and social circles, being members of the Roman Catholic Church of the Blessed Sacrament, of Worcester.

On Jan. 28, 1865, Mr. Hart was united in marriage in St. Mary's Church, Lawrence, Mass., to Julia Ann Keating, who was born Sept. 9, 1845, the daughter of Thomas Keating, and this union bessed them with 7 children; 2 surviving infancy, namely:

1) Adelaide, now Mrs. Edmund S. McGrail, of Worcester, and they have 9 children

2) Mina, who resides at home with her parents Mr. and Mrs. Hart celebrated their 50th Anniversary of their marriage on Jan. 28, 1919, at their home No. 26 Lenox Street

THE END

History of Worcester and Its People by Charles Nutt; Volume 4 page 530

Charles Hill Morgan

President of the Morgan Construction Company, the Morgan Spring Company and the Heald Machine Company, was born in Worcester, May 7, 1869, son of Charles Hill and Rebecca Ann (Beagary) Morgan. He attended the public schools of his native city, and Worcester Academy, from which he graduated in the class of 1887, and entered the Worcester Polytechnic Institute, from which he was graduated in the class of 1890. He then went abroad to study the iron and steel industry and took a special course in metallurgy and chemistry in the Royal School of Mines at Stockholm, Sweden. He also gained some practical experience in the celebrated Munkfors Works of the Uddeholm Company in Sweden. Returning to Worcester, he became associated in business with his father, whom he succeeded as president of the Morgan Construction Company and the Morgan Spring Company. Under his management the business of both companies have been greatly extended and various additions made to the building and plant. He is also president of the Heald Machine Company. He stands second to none among the younger heads of industry in Worcester. From 1904 until the consolidation in 1917, Mr. Morgan was a director of the Worcester National Bank, and is now director of the Worcester Trust Company. He is also a trustee of the People's Savings Bank and of the Memorial Hospital of Worcester. As president of the Worcester County Musical Assoc., he has been active in promoting the high reputation of its annual festival. He is a member of Plymouth Congregational Church, the YMCA, and the Congregational Club; trustee of the Worcester Academy and president of the board of trustees since 1910. He has been president of the Alumni Assoc. of the Worcester Polytechnic Institute, and vice president of the Alumni of Worcester Academy.

His interest has been in evidence, not only in religious, educational, charitable, musical, financial and social organizations, but in every movement designed to make for progress and public welfare. He is an honorary member of George H. Ward Post, G.A.R.; a member of the Sons of the American Revolution; of the Worcester Club, the Quinsigamond Boat Club, the Tatnuck Country Club, and the Engineers Club of New York. In politics he is a Republican. His home is at No. 21 Cedar Street, Worcester.

Mr. Morgan married June 15, 1893, at Worcester, Lessie Louise Maynard, daughter of William and Mary (Adams) Maynard, of Worcester. Their children were:

1) Philip Maynard, born April 13, 1896

2) Charles Hill, born Sept. 19, 1902

3) Paul Beagary Jr., born June 11, 1904

4) Vincent, born Feb. 2, 1906

5) Elizabeth, born July 2, 1909

THE END

John Fay History of Worcester and Its people by Charles Nutt; Volume 4 page 529

Manufacturer, founder of the Morgan Construction Company and other Worcester industries, was born in Rochester, New York, Jan. 8, 1831, died in Worcester, Jan. 10, 1911, son of Hiram and Clarissa Lucina (Rich) Morgan. He was a descendant in the 8TH generation of Miles Morgan, who came from Bristol, England, in 1636, to Boston, and shared the honor of founding the town of Springfield with William Pynchon. A statue in his honor was erected in Court Square, Springfield, in 1879, just 200 years after his death.

Deacon David Morgan, son of David Morgan, and grandson of Sgt. Miles Morgan, came from his native town of Brimfield, and was town clerk there in 1731. Sgt. Joseph Morgan, son of David Morgan, was born in Springfield, Aug. 19, 1705, and went to Brimfield with his father; served in the expedition against Louisburg in 1758, and at the age of 70 years marched with his company in response to the Lexington Alarm, April 19, 1775. Sgt. Aaron Morgan, son of Joseph Morgan, was one of the foremost men of Brimfield for many years, serving the town repeatedly as moderator, selectman, assessor ad town clerk, and was a soldier of the Revolution. Calvin Morgan, of Brimfield, son of Aaron Morgan, was father of Hiram Morgan, and grandfather of Charles Hill Morgan. Hiram Morgan lived in Brimfield, Rochester, NY, and finally in Clinton, Mass., where he died June 29, 1866. In all his other lines of ancestry Mr. Morgan was descended from the pioneer English stock. Among his ancestors were the Clarks, Coltons, Coopers, Cooleys, Wolcotts, Shermans, Stones, and many others prominent in the Bay Colony, and especially so in Springfield and vicinity.

Charles Hill Morgan received his early education in the public schools of Clinton and at Lancaster Academy. At the age of 15 he went into the shop of his uncle and soon developed skill in mechanical drawing. In 1852, when he was but 21 years old, he was placed in charge of the dye house of the Clinton mills, a position for which he had fitted himself by studying chemistry during his spare time. He returned to mechanics, however, and was employed for some time in the office of the Lawrence Machine Company and by Erastus P. Bigelow. When with the Lawrence Machine Comp. he was sent to Worcester to install the steam engine in the Merrifield building, on Union Street, and made his first acquaintances in the city where the best part of his life was spent. In 1860 he joined his brother in a manufacturing enterprise in Philadelphia, but remained there only a short time. In 1864 he came to Worcester as general superintendent of the Washburn and Moen Wire Works; a position he held for more than 23 years, and for 11 years he was also a director of the corporation. During this time he designed the first hydraulic elevator introduced in New England.

He made many trips to Europe to study the steel and wire mills of England, Belgium, Germany, France and Sweden, and he kept the Washburn & Moen mills in the front rank among similar industries of the world. He introduced a reel operated by steam power, and from time to time designed other improvements in methods and machinery. He designed a new mill to supersede the Bedson mill. In 1886 he received patents on automatic reels. In 1887 he was called to Cleveland, Ohio, to become consulting engineer of the American Wire Company and there he continued to produce inventions improving the processes for making wire. In 1889 he completed and placed in operation at Dollar Bay, Michigan, a large copper mill at the Tamarack mine. His career as manufacturer on his own account began in 1888, when he established the business which was incorporated 3 years later as the Morgan Construction Company. He manufactures rolling mill machinery at first, and afterward wire drawing and hydraulic machinery. From the outset he was successful, and within a few years had taken his place among the leading manufacturers of the city. He also established the Morgan Spring Company in 1881 and was president and principal owner. He began to make springs in the plant of the Morgan Construction Company, Lincoln Street. In 1896 the extensive plant of the Morgan Spring Company was erected at Greendale. To Mr. Morgan more than any other man is due the credit for the successful development of the Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Mr. Ichabod Washburn died before the Washburn shops at the institute were completed, and Mr. Morgan had charge of the construction and equipment of these shops which have proved a vital part of the institution to which they were given through the important period when the shops were an experiment in education, he guided them to a profitable basis and made them models for the technical schools of the entire country to copy. He was director of the First National Bank. He was one of the founders of Plymouth Congregational Church and one of its first deacons, a director of the YMCA, and a member of the Congregational Club of Worcester. He was a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the American Institute of Mining Engineers, and the British Iron and Steel Institute.

Mr. Morgan married (1st), June 8, 1852, Harriet C. Plympton, born Nov. 8, 1831, died July 28, 1862. He married (2nd), Aug. 4, 1863, Rebecca Ann Beagary, of Philadelphia, Penn. Children by (1st) wife:

1) Charles Henry, born Feb. 1, 1854, resides in Worcester

2) Hiram Plympton, born and died 1862

By (2nd) wife:

3) Harriet L., born June 9, 1864, married Dr. Winthrop D. Mitchell, of East Orange, NJ

4) Charlotte, born July 10, 1866, married Frederick M. McFadden, of Philadelphia

5) Paul Beagary, already mentioned

6) Ralph Landers, born Sept. 5, 1872, consulting engineer of Worcester; married Alice, daughter of William H. Sawyer, of Worcester

THE END

John Fay History of Worcester and Its People by Charles Nutt; Volume 4 page 464

Undertaker and founder of the business now conducted as Fay Brothers, was born in Waterford County, Ireland, and died in Worcester, Sept. 1, 1880. He came with the tide of emigration to this country and was among the first to locate in Worcester. He was educated in his native land, and after coming to America, worked for a time as cook in the Bay State House. He acquired a practical knowledge of the undertaking business, as conducted at that time; and in 1870 established himself in that profession in a building on Winter Street on the site of the present St. John's Parochial School. As he made headway in business, he sought better quarters at No. 19 Temple Street, living next door to his place of business. At this location he and his sons continued in the undertaking business with substantial success for 44 years. Then the present offices and quarters at No. 22a Trumbull Street were occupied by Fay Brothers. Besides the undertaking establishment, Mr. Fay was a dealer in newspapers, and his office was a sort of headquarters of the neighborhood, to which his friends resorted for daily exchange of news and discussions, an interesting forum for many years. He was one of the first communicants of St. John's Roman Catholic Church, and a charter member of the Father Matthew Total Abstinence Society.

His son, William J. Fay, was admitted to partnership in 1872, and from that time the firm name has been Fay Brothers, and from 1880 to 1894, when James E. Fay died, these two were partners; after 1894 until 1916, William J. Fay was sole proprietor and manager of the business. He was well known, popular and successful in business. He died in Worcester, Dec. 1, 1916, much lamented by hundreds of families to whom he had been a friend and counselor in time of need.

John Fay married Mary Quinn, a native of Ireland, then living at Putnam, Conn. Their children were:

1) Mary, wife of Morris Cunningham

2) William J.

3) Catherine, wife of J.T. Cahill

4) Bridget, wife of T.J. McCarty

5) Ellen, wife of Charles T. Thompson

6) Edward T.

7) James E.

THE END

James E Fay History of Worcester and Its People by Charles Nutt; Volume 4 page 464

Son of John Fay, and for many years a partner in the firm of Fay Brothers, undertakers, was born in Worcester, Feb. 13, 1853, died there May 1894. He was educated in the public schools of Worcester. After leaving school he tried a variety of occupations before choosing to enter the business in which his father and uncle were occupied, but finally became a partner and one of the most gifted of the family in the delicate duties of his profession, a skillful embalmer, acknowledged to be one of the best funeral directors in the section. Naturally kind and courteous, thoughtful and generous in dealing with the unfortunate, he accomplished much in life. His heart was big, his ideals high and all men came to love him. After the death of his father in 1880 he was in partnership with his uncle, William J. Fay, who survived him. He was a communicant of St. John's Church. In politics he was a Democrat. He was a member of Washington Social Club.

Mr. Fay married (1st) Mary McGrath, of Worcester, born 1852, died 1885, daughter of Michael McGrath, who was a general contractor. He excavated the cellar for St. Paul's Church. He married (2nd) Mary Kelly, of Worcester, born in 1856, daughter of Patrick and Susan Kelly. Mr. Fay had 3 sons:

1) John T.,

2) Dr. William, now a physician practicing in Hartford, Conn.

3) James E. Jr., born April 9, 1891, educated at public and high school of Worcester, who succeeded with his brother to the ownership of Fay Brothers business in 1916; he married in Sept. 1915, Anne McDonough, and they have 1 son, William J.

THE END

Dr John P Fay History of Worcester and Its People by Charles Nutt; Volume 4 page 464

Undertaker and funeral director, partner in the firm of Fay Brothers, was born in Worcester, Sept. 23, 1883, son of James E. ad Mary (McGrath) Fay. He was educated in the public schools of his native city, and Classical High School, studying medicine for 3 years in the Baltimore College of Physicians and Surgeons, and taking his senior year in the Louisville Medical School at Louisville, Kentucky, graduating there in July 1904, with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. For 2 years afterward, from Sept. 1904 to 1906, he was house physician in St. James Hospital, Newark, NJ. At the time he graduated his uncle was alone in the business and needed assistance, so he abandoned practice for a time and entered the firm that his grandfather had established. Since 1916 the firm has consisted of he and his brother, James E. Fay. The opportunity for him to leave the firm and practice medicine has not yet arrived. In politics Dr. Fay is a Democrat; in religion, a Roman Catholic, a member of Sacred Heart Parish.

Dr. Fay married June 1912, Nora C. Sullivan, of Worcester, daughter of John and Catherine Sullivan.

Their home is at No. 9 Montrose Street

THE END

John P Fay History of Worcester and Its People by Charles Nutt; Volume 4 page 495

Late of Worcester, Mass., where his death occurred June 15, 1916, at the age of 65 years, was a well known figure in the life of this city, to which he came as a youth of but 18 years old. He was born in 1851 at Lancaster, Mass., where his childhood and early youth were passed and where he secured his education at the local public schools. As soon as he had reached an age to shift for himself, Mr. Fay left his native town and came to Worcester, where he started to learn the trade of wheelwright and worked with Mr. Atkinson in this business for a number of years. Mr. Atkinson proved an excellent teacher, and after serving his apprenticeship with him, Mr. Fay engaged in business on his own account, opening an establishment on Walker Street, where he remained for a time. Later, however, he worked in the North Wire Mill, and it was during this time that he made the acquaintance of Mr. Chadwick, with whom he shortly afterwards formed a partnership. The two young men engaged in the trucking business, at first in small way, but later Mr. Fay bought out Mr. Chadwick's interest and continued in the same line, under the name of J.P. Fay, and eventually built up a large and prosperous business. He continued very actively engaged in this line until his death, and the establishment which he built up is still operated under the old name by his son.

Mr. Fay did contract work for heavy hauling and his trade extended all throughout the city. At first horses were used as the motive power, but since the introduction of motor vehicles the old trucks have been replaced by automobile trucks and these are now well known up on the streets of Worcester. Mr. Fay built large stables and barns on Fay Street, and afterwards erected there his handsome 3-story dwelling, where he made his home until his death.

Besides his business activities, Mr. Fay was also well known in the public life of the community and he always felt a keen interest in the various departments of the municipality. He was particularly interested in the fire department, which he joined, and was a member thereof for nearly a quarter of a century during the time when they had the call men. Mr. Fay also was a member of the Light Infantry for 3 years. Politically he was affiliated with the Democratic Party and took a very active part in political work in Worcester. He was elected to the City Council and continued a member of this body for 4 years, during which time he was very prominent in the government of the city. In his religious belief, Mr. Fay was a Roman Catholic and for many years was a member of St. Paul's Church of this denomination in Worcester, and took a conspicuous part in the work of his parish.

John J. Fay was united in marriage, April 22, 1875, at Worcester, with May Power, a daughter of Lawrence and Bridget (Power) Power, of Worcester. Of this union 5 children were born:

1) Peter J., an engineer on the Boston & Aroostook Railway, and member of the City Fire Dept., up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1916.

2) Edward L., who is at the present time carrying on his father's business.

3) John J., resides in Worcester

4) Paul R., member of the 69th Regiment of the New York National Guard, now the 165th of the U.S. Army, serving in France

5) Ella M., wife of T.J. Sammon, of Worcester

THE END

P Walter Fay History of Worcester and Its People by Charles Nutt; Volume 4 page 748

Ireland, Aug. 10, 1882, son of Paul and Helen (Fahey) Fay. He came to this country in childhood with his mother and sister Delia in 1888. The family located in this city and he attended the public school in 1896. Afterward he attended the Quinsigamond evening school for 2 years, and the Hinman Business College for 2 years. He was for 9 year in the employ of the American Steel & Wire Company in the wire mills of Worcester. His career in the automobile business began on June 1, 1906, when he entered the employ of the first garage established in this city, known as the Pond Automobile Station, and he has been in the garage business since that time. He became associated with the Warren Garage Company in 1910 and since then has been its treasurer and manager. The place of business is at No. 12 Vine Street. He is also the owner and manager of the garage at Lake Ave. and Belmont Street.

Mr. Fay graduated from the Military Training School, of Worcester, June 6, 1915. He is a member of Worcester Lodge, Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks; the Worcester Chamber of Commerce; the Boston City Club. His hobbies are baseball and football. He was formerly catcher of the Maxwell Athletic Baseball Club of Worcester. He has been a Justice of the Peace since Aug. 11, 1911, when he was appointed by Governor Foss. His father, Paul Fay, was born in Galway, Ireland, and was killed in an accident when Paul Walter was an infant. He was a farmer. Helen (Fahey) Fay was also born in Galway; she is now living in this city; she married (2nd) in Worcester to Frank H. Buckley, a contractor. Paul and Helen Fay had but 2 children: P. Walter, mentioned above; and Delia, married George M. Doyle, now of Providence, RI, and has 4 children. By her (2nd) marriage, Helen (Fahey-Fay) Buckley had 2 children: Dennis Buckley, now in the U.S. Navy and Margaret Buckley.

THE END

Leon Jefferson Barrett History of Worcester and Its People by Charles Nutt; Volume 4 page 608

Of Barrett & Snow, general agents of the State Mutual Assurance Company, was born in Ilion, New York, Jan. 12, 1877, son of John Bunyan and Adella Arthermise (Clough) Barrett. He attended the public schools, and the private school of Joseph Gile, of New Haven, Conn. He entered the employ of the Winchester Repeating Arms Company as a machinist's apprentice, after he left school, at the age of 15, and he followed his trade, and in 1902 he became mechanician in the Sheffield Scientific School of Yale University. This proved his opportunity, as it opened a way to obtain more education, and his associates also were of great benefit to him. In 1905 he decided to change his occupation and started upon his career in the insurance business, as district manager of the John Hancock Life Insurance Company at New Haven. A year later he became the agency director of the Underwriter's Agency Company in New Haven, a prosperous corporation, of which F.C. Bushnell and R. S. Woodruff (the latter then Governor of Conn.) were his backers. A year later he resigned his position, but remained on the Board of Directors, and he accepted a more lucrative offer of the general agency of the Conn. Mutual Life Insurance Company, with headquarters at Bridgeport, Conn. A year and a half later he was elected inspector of agencies of the Home Life Insurance Comp. of New York. In this office his duties required him to travel extensively, and he made a wide acquaintance among insurance men. In June 1909 he entered into partnership with Benjamin Bigelow Snow, under the firm name of Barrett & Snow, as general agents of the State Mutual Life Assurance Company of Worcester, Mass. The firm is one of the largest in New England, and the business has steadily grown each year. His hobby is his machinist trade, in which he has always kept up to date.

He was one of the incorporators and vice president and treasurer of John Bath & Company, Inc. of Worcester, manufacturers of precision tools, gauges and grinding machinery. He is a past master of Corinthian Lodge, No. 103, Free and Accepted Masons, Northfield, Conn., and a member of all the Masonic bodies incuding Pulaski Chapter, No. 26, of New Haven, Conn.; Jerusalem Council, of Bridgeport, Conn.; Hamilton Commandery, No. 5, Knights Templar, of Bridgeport, Worcester Lodge of Perfection, 14th degree; Goddard Council, Princes of Jerusalem, 16th degree; Lawrence Chapter Rose Croix, 18th degree; Worcester, Mass. Consistory, 32nd Degree, Boston; Palestine Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of Providence, RI; Alethein Grotto, No. 13, of Worcester. He is a member of the Adams Square Congregational Church, and the Congregational Club of Worcester; and the economic Club. In politics he is an independent. He is a member of the Commonwealth Club, Worcester Automobile Club, Worcester Country Club, Chamber of Commerce, and Worcester County Mechanics Association.

Mr. Barrett married May 26, 1896, Martha Sackett Hyde, born at North Haven, Conn., Jan. 13, 1877, daughter of Lyman Munson and Elizabeth Gertrude Hyde (adopted, name prior to adoption was Givens). Children:

1) Ellen Elizabeth, born May 19, 1898, at Westville, New Haven, Conn., now at Wellesley

2) Virginia Bernice, born March 17, 1900, at North Haven, Conn.

3) Leone Martha, born at North Haven, Conn., Sept. 7, 1903

THE END

Edwin Grant Barrett History of Worcester and Its People by Charles Nutt; Volume 4 page 609

Lieutenant Colonel, deputy, sheriff, merchant, was born June 29, 1860, in Springfield, son of Joseph and Alvina (Spencer) Barrett. He died in Worcester, June 3, 1917.

He received his education in the public schools. For many years he was a retail shoe dealer with a store at No. 171 Main Street. In later years he was a deputy sheriff with offices in the Slater building. He enlisted in 1888 in the City Guards and at the end of 3 years held the rank of 1st Sergeant. His promotion to 2ND Lieutenant, Lieutenant, and Captain followed soon afterward. He was commissioned Captain, April 5, 1894, with the rank of Lt. Colonel. He was the first commander of Colonel E.R. Shumway Camp, United Spanish War Veterans, in 1901, and in 1907 was made head of the department of Massachusetts in this organization. He was at one time active in municipal politics and was president of the board of Aldermen. He was defeated for the nomination for mayor by Walter H. Blodgett. In politics he was a Republican. Mr. Barrett married Florence G. Pond, daughter of Frank and Elizabeth (Bond) Pond, of Worcester, and they hd 1 son: Franklin Elliott, born Dec. 24, 1896, who served in the U.S. Marines during the World War.

His home was at No. 5 Norton Street.

THE END

Charles Elroy Burbank History of Worcester and Its People by Charles Nutt; Volume 4 page 680

Principal of the North High School, is a thorough student of English and American literature and a man of scholarly pen and speech. His is a personality of balance between the love of rigid mental exercise and the keen enjoyment of outdoor sport. These characteristics make him indubitably popular not only among the students of North H.S., but among men of mature years with whom he is thrown in contact by his many affiliations with various organizations.

Charles Elroy Burbank was born March 6, 1866, in Fitzwilliam, NH, the son of Daniel and Anna (White) Burbank, both natives of that place. He was educated in the public schools of Fitzwilliam and later in the Belmont Street Grammar School of Worcester. He then attended the Worcester Classical H.S. The year following graduation he attended the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He then entered Amherst College, from which he received the degree of Bachelor of Arts, in 1892. In 1897 he received the degree of Master of Arts at Amherst College. Prior to this, however, he had spent some time teaching school. From 1885 to 1888 he taught in the grammar schools at Leicester and Rutland, Mass. From 1892 to 1895 he taught in the Worcester English High School. He then became principal of the Clinton Liberal Institute and Military Academy at Fort Plain, New York, which position he held for 2 years. He then taught in the Worcester Classical H.S. until 1911,when he was appointed principal of the North H.S., which position he now holds (1917). Outside of the ordinary routine schoolwork Mr. Burbank has edited and published study pamphlets of Milton's "Minor Poems" and Shakespeare's "Macbeth". He also edited Hawthorne's "Mosses From an Old Manse", pocket edition, for MacMillian Company. He gave the address at the dedication of the memorial tablet to the memory of Jonas Rice, founder of Worcester.

He was First Captain of the Wellington Rifles and is now Captain of E Company, 19th Regiment, Mass. State Guards. He is president of the Worcester Congregational Club; a member of the Worcester Economic Club; the Worcester Schoolmaster's Club; the Mass. Schoolmaster's Club; the Amherst Alumni Assoc.; the Worcester Society of Antiquity; he is past vice president of the Worcester County Mechanics Assoc.; deacon of the West Boylston Congregational Church, and chairman of the public safety committee of West Boylston. He is a member of the Chapter at Amherst of the Chi Phi fraternity. In politics he i a Republican. He owns the old Burbank farms in New Hampshire and has devoted his spare hours during the last few years in bringing them back to a profitable state of cultivation. He is an enthusiastic tennis player and keenly enjoys sailing and motoring.

Mr. Burbank married June 25, 1896, Alice Greene Arnold, who was born in Worcester, June 24, 1868. Their children are:

1) Alice Lydia, born March 24, 1897, now a senior at Wellesley College

2) Harold Addison, born Jan. 29, 1899, now a freshman at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

THE END

George Alexander McKenzie History of Worcester and Its People b Charles Nutt; Volume 4 page 739

As the author of that widely read story of theatrical life, "The Stage Baby", and as an amateur photographer Mr. McKenzie is widely known and appreciated. His reputation far exceeds local limits, and his service as a skilled Graflex (camera) operator were asked for by the U.S. Government. Mr. McKenzie is a son of Kenneth McKenzie, who was born in Prince Edward Island, and grandson of Duncan McKenzie, who came from Scotland to the Maritime Provinces. Kenneth McKenzie was a contractor all his active years, and died in St. John, New Brunswick, aged 70 years. He married Malinda Porter, who died in 1882. They were the parents of 4 children:

1) Ida, married (?) and died at he age of 43 years, leaving 2 sons, Harry and Stanley

2) William, of Sussex New Brunswick, Canada, a farmer

3) Laura, married Henry Matherson, of St. John and they are the parents of 9 children

4) George A.

George Alexander McKenzie, eldest son of Kenneth and Malinda (Porter) McKenzie, was born in St. John, the commercial metropolis of the Province of New Brunswick, Canada. After the death of his mother, in 1882, he went to Bangor, Maine, and there attended school, also beginning his business life as a printer in that city. In 1888 he left Bangor and came to Worcester where he was in the employ of various printing houses until 1902, when he established a business for himself. He has occupied his present location, No. 554 Main Street, since 1906. His business, music, amateur photography and his home fills his measure of life and enjoyment to the brim, and he has no club, society nor political connections. He is an accomplished cornetist and a member of the Worcester Brass Band and the 18TH Regiment Band. Both he and his wife are communicants of Old South Cong. Church and members of the church choir.

Mr. McKenzie married in St. Andrews, New Brunswick, Sept. 4, 1902, Anna Louise Crawford, born in St. John, New Brunswick, Feb. 12, 1871, daughter of William Wallace and Charlotte Mary (Brown) Crawford, both deceased, her father dying at Gagetown, New Brunswick, aged 86 years, he the son of the Crawford emigrant from Scotland. Mrs. McKenzie learned the printing trade with her husband and has been his business partner ever since. The family home is at No. 6 Glendale Street, a house recently purchased by them.

THE END

Calvin Farnsworth History of Worcester and Its People by Charles Nutt; Volume 4 page 614

Founder and proprietor of the baggage transfer and carriage service, and the baggage checking service at the Union Railroad Station, was born at Lunenburg, Mass., Nov. 20, 1831, son of Calvin and Pluma (Adams) Farnsworth. His father was born in Shirley, 1799, and died in 1879; for many years a manufacturer of band boxes; inventor of machinery for making the material for his business. Jesse Farnsworth, father of Calvin Farnsworth Sr., married Sarah Sawtell, whose father, Obadiah Sawtell, was a soldier in the Revolution, town clerk, selectman, delegate to the Provincial Congress and the first Constitutional Convention of Mass. Joseph Farnsworth, father of Jesse Farnsworth, a native of Groton, was selectman; he was a son of Jonathan Farnsworth, grandson of Jonathan Farnsworth Sr., and great-grandson of Matthias Farnsworth, the pioneer, who was born in England and came to Lynn, Mass., about 1650, a weaver by trade.

Calvin Farnsworth attended the district schools of his native town, and at the age of 17 began his career as a driver of the stage between Lunenburg railroad station and the village. Soon afterward he went to Fitchburg, where he worked for a year in a restaurant. In spite of his youth he persuaded President Phillips of the Fitchburg Railroad, to give him a trial as a baggage man on the train between this city and Fitchburg. He proved competent and afterward became a conductor, a position he held for 4 years. When he left the service of the railroad company, President Phillips made him a present of a silver pitcher and salver as a token of his appreciation of his faithfulness and tendered him a dinner. He then became a brakeman on the Boston and Albany Railroad and soon became a conductor again. For several years after, he had the contract for carrying the mail between the railroad station and post office in Worcester. After 6 years he took charge of a Drawing-room Car line from Fall River to the White Mountains, but this venture proved a failure and the service was discontinued.

What seemed at the time a misfortune proved eventually a boon to Mr. Farnsworth. At that time he evolved the idea of a parcel room where packages could be left safely in railroad stations. When he proposed his idea to President Lincoln it was rejected, but his successor permitted a contract between the company and Mr. Farnsworth to give the parcel room a trial. At the end of 3 months the trial proved the idea was sound and the rental was fixed in accordance with the volume of business. He was a pioneer in this field, his example being followed elsewhere. Soon after he established the parcel room he added the baggage transfer business, at first losing money, but later making it an important part of his business. He added a hack service and before the day of taxis used 40 horses in this department alone. He now has taxis, but retains one horse for the few who prefer the hack to the automobile. At the age of 87 he is still in active business. His stables are at No. 9 Piedmont Street; his residence for many years has been at No. 3 Benefit Street. He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce; the Old South Cong. Church, of which he was formerly a member of the music committee. In politics he is a Republican.

Mr. Farnsworth married, April 12, 1854, Martha A. Hayward, born at Bedford, Mass., April 16, 1834, daughter of Ebenezer and Ann T. (Bingham) Hayward. Her father was a railroad man. She died Oct. 23, 1915, after more than 61 years in wedlock. They had 3 children: Caroline H.; Josephine M.; and George B.

THE END

George Bartlett Farnsworth History of Worcester and Its People by Charles Nutt; Volume 4 page 614

Proprietor of the School Street Storage Warehouse, was born in Worcester, May 17, 1865, son of Calvin and Martha A. (Hayward) Farnsworth.

He received his education in the public schools of Worcester, and in Hinman's Business College, from which he was graduated. For many years he was associated in business with his father. In 1913 he purchased the School St. Storage warehouse of George T. Atchison, and has conducted this business since that time with offices at No. 44 School St. His home is at No. 68 Moore Ave. He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce; the Kiwanis Club; and the Economic Club. He is a member of the Old South Church of Worcester. In politics he is a Republican.

Mr. Farnsworth married Oct. 5, 1899, at Keswick Ridge, New Brunswick, Canada, to Phebe Sykes, born Aug. 17, 1871, daughter of Rev. Simeon and Hannah Sykes, both natives of England. Her father had pastorates in Congregational churches at Economy, Pleasant River and Keswick Ridge in New Brunswick. Mr. and Mrs. Farnsworth have 2 children: Calvin, born March 16, 1901 and Thornton A., born Nov. 19, 1902.

THE END

John Ames Sherman History of Worcester and Its People by Charles Nutt; Volume 4 pages 757, 758

President and treasurer of the Sherman Envelope Company, of which he was the founder, born in Brimfield, Mass., June 6, 1852, son of John and Sophia (Prince) Sherman. Mr. Sherman descends from a long line of ancestry, tracing his family back to the middle of the 13th Century. While in this country his branch of the Sherman family is traced in direct line to Edmund Sherman, the emigrant ancestor, who came to America from Dedham, Essex County, England, and settled at Watertown, Mass., about 1632,of which town he was one of the early settlers and founders.

Mr. Sherman attended the public schools of his native town and the Hitchcock School, from which he was graduated in 1869. At the age of 16 years he came to Worcester, where he worked at the State Insane Asylum, on Summer Street, but at the end of 3 months left there to again attend school. For a few months he was engaged in the slate-roofing business in Worcester, when he became a clerk in a grocery store at Northbridge, Mass., where he continued for 7 years. Returning to Worcester, in 1877, for a period of 5 years he was employed by the Ames Plow Company. In 1882 he went to Boston, where he was employed by the Norton Door Check and Spring Company, the 1st manufacturers of an automatic door check, remaining with the concern for about 2 years. On March 17, 1884, Mr. Sherman returned to Worcester to accept the position of bookkeeper for the Whitcomb Envelope Company, which was incorporated Jan. 1, 1884, and for which he got the first balance sheet.

Being possessed of a natural born mechanical ability, he rapidly acquired a thorough knowedge of the details of the envelope manufacturing business in all its branches, and during the 15 years that he continued with this company, of which for several years he was superintendent, he had invented new machinery and improved the old, taking out patents on his various inventions.

On July 31, 1898, the U.S. Envelope Company was formed, of which the Whitcomb Envelope Company became a part on Nov. 3, 1898, when Mr. Sherman resigned, and immediately began to prepare to engage in the envelope manufacturing business on his own account.

In Dec. 1898, he began to construct the machiney for his own plant, which began operations on Feb. 1, 1899. The offices ad factory were located on Winona Street, corner of Nebraska Street. The Sherman Envelope Company was incorporated in 1899, with Mr. Sherman as president and treasurer; Josiah H. Clark, the dry goods merchant, vice president; and Francis H. Bigelow, secretary.

Mr. Sherman built 7 machines of his own invention, with which he began work, later adding 13 machines of the same pattern.

The first quarters were outgrown in 1 year, and on Feb. 1, 1900, the business removed to Nos. 73 & 75 School Street, in the Paine building where 3 floors in the rear of the building were occupied. The business developed and expanded rapidly, and in 5 years larger quarters were again required, and the present brick building, located at No. 60 Prescott Street, was erected and occupied in 1905.

Mr. Sherman raised the original company in 3 weeks, getting subscriptions for $65,000. The original capital was $50,000, was increased to $75,000 at the time the present factory was erected. The Sherman Envelope Company at present has 80,000 feet of floor space, and owns land adjoining, upon which it is planned to erect another brick building of equal dimensions. The improvement in envelope machinery in less than 20 years is best shown by the fact that Sherman machines make 90,000 envelopes a day each, whereas the best machines at the time Mr. Sherman was superintendent of the Whitcomb factory made a maximum of 37,000 a day. The Sherman machines are universally used by other makers of envelopes.

The Mercantile Manufacturing Company of Dayton, Ohio now holds the contract for printing the stamped envelopes for the U.S. Government, have in operation 47 of these Sherman machines. Mr. Sherman has developed this great business practically alone, and now employs a regular force of about 225 hands. The present officers of the Sherman Envelope Company are; John A. Sherman, president and treasurer; Walter H. Davis, vice president; J. Edward Sherman, clerk; John T. Moore, of Bellows Falls, Vermont, and Benjamin Taft, of Ayer, Mass., directors.

Mr. Sherman is also the inventor of a oil burner which is capable of burning oil in an ordinary house heater. The system is so perfected that one may go away and close his house for a week or more and have it heated to any desired temperature while he is gone. He can set a small thermostat arrangement so that the burner will automatically increase the temperature to the desired degree of heat a few hours before he expects to return home. The whole system is very simple, and yet its success and importance promise to become international, an important feature of the invention being that the burner does not burn steadily, but is automatically lighted and turned off as the temperature of the house falls or increases.

Mr. Sherman is a director of the Park Trust Company, Worcester; treasurer of the Combination Orchard Company, of Winona, Texas, with offices in Boston; treasurer of the Mutual Rubber Production Company, of Mexico; and treasurer of the Excelsior Gold Mining Company, of California.

He has been especially active in religious work, having been for a number of years a member and active worker in the Union Congregational Church, of which he has served on the standing committee as a member of the board of trustees, and as a deacon. He is also a member of the board of directors of the Memorial Church of Worcester. He was instrumental in establishing 3 Sunday schools in the city, which have since become churches, namely, the Belmont Cong. Church, the Bethany Church, and the People's Church at Greendale.

He is a member of the Congregational Club; the Worcester Federated Church Brotherhood; the Worcester Mechanics Assoc. of which he was president during the 50th anniversary of this organization. He is also a member of and vice president of the Worcester City Missionary Society. He is a valued member of the YMCA, of which he was director for several years.

Of the Masonic fraternity, having attained the 32nd Degree in that organization, holding membership in Athelstan Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons; Eureka Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Worcester County Commandery, No. 5, Knights Templar; and the Mass. Consistory. He is also a member of the Worcester Society of Antiquity; the Economic Club; and the Worcester County Manufacturers Assoc. In political faith he is a Republican. He has taken a keen and active interest in all forms of modern welfare work, and has kept the pace with the foremost in providing modern methods and conviences in his factory, where the utmost harmony among his employees has prevailed.

Mr. Sherman married Nov. 27, 1873, to Helen E. Greene, of Northbridge Center, Mass., daughter of Emerson and Eliza Greene. To Mr. and Mrs. Sherman have been born 2 sons:

1) John Edward

2) Marvel Taft, who died in infancy

For a number of years Mr. Sherman has resided at No. 24 Dean Street.

THE END

John Edward Sherman History of Worcester and Its People by Charles Nutt; Volume 4 page 758

Clerk of the Sherman Envelope Company, was born Oct. 2, 1874, at Northbridge Center, Mass., son of John Ames and Helen E. (Greene) Sherman. He acquired his educational training in the public schools of his native town, the English High School, and Hinman's Business College, Worcester. After leaving school he became associated with his father in the offices of the Whitcomb Envelope Company, and upon the incorporation of the Sherman Envelope Company, in 1899, he became indentified with the latter corporation, of which he is now clerk, and has been active in the management of the business.

Like his father, he is an active member of the Masons fraternity, in which he has also attained the 32nd Degree, holding membership in Boylston Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons; Worcester Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Worcester County Commandery, No. 5, Knights Templar; and the Mass. Consistory. He is also a member of th Economic Club; the Congregational Club; the Worcester Mechanics Assoc., of which he has served on the board of directors; and the YMCA. He has served as supply surgeon of Company E, 19th Regiment, Mass. State Guard. He is a member of the First Congregational Church of West Boylston.

Mr. Sherman married (1st) Hattie Peacock; and (2nd) Emma Adams, daughter of Dr. Edson Adams of Worcester. Mrs. Sherman is a member of the Worcester Woman's Club, and the West Boylston Reading Club. Both Mr. and Mrs. Sherman are members of the Baldwinville Cottages Association. Their home is at Wet Boylston, Mass.