Franklin County MA

Biography of James Campbell

James Campbell, a notable figure in Western Massachusetts, serves as both treasurer and manager of the Connecticut Valley Onion Company in South Deerfield. His lineage traces back to John Campbell, a Scottish army veteran who settled in Nova Scotia. James’s father, John McRae Campbell, was a farmer and butcher, active in local affairs. Educated in Nova Scotia, James moved to the U.S. at sixteen, eventually developing a successful produce business, including onions and tobacco, while actively participating in community and fraternal organizations. He married Florence A. Lincoln and has two children.

Biography of Marc Joseph Tetreault

Marc Joseph Tetreault, born June 26, 1869, in Quebec, Canada, epitomizes perseverance and industriousness throughout his diverse career. After emigrating to the United States in 1885, he worked various jobs before settling in Greenfield, Massachusetts, where he established a successful horse mart and later expanded into real estate. His dedication to hard work and fair dealings earned him significant recognition. Tetreault, married to Delia Mary Peon, raised a family while actively contributing to his community through organizations like the St. Jean Baptiste Society and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

Biography of Raymond C. Harris

Raymond C. Harris, born on November 24, 1884, in Lawrence, Massachusetts, exemplifies dedication and loyalty in his professional life. After a lengthy tenure at the Rodney Hunt Manufacturing Company, he founded the Textile Roll and Supply Company in 1919, where he serves as president. An independent in politics and a Congregational Church member, Harris also engages in fraternal activities with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He married Florence Killam in 1903, and they have ten children, reflecting a rich family life alongside his successful career.

Biography of Howard Brown Gibbs

Howard Brown Gibbs, born in Marathon, New York, in 1875, founded Eaglebrook Lodge in Deerfield, a school for boys aged eight to sixteen. He attended Cortland Normal School and graduated from Amherst College before teaching at various institutions, including Worcester Academy and Deerfield Academy. His vision for Eaglebrook Lodge emphasized character development alongside academics, leading to its rapid growth and reputation. Gibbs, active in professional and fraternal organizations, married Judith Hemenway in 1923, and they have one son, Julian.

Biography of Charles Jerome King

Charles Jerome King, born February 14, 1875, in Wynantskill, New York, was a prominent postmaster and merchant in South Amherst, Massachusetts. His lineage traces back to early English settlers, with roots in Suffield, Connecticut. His family included notable figures such as Colonel Jabez King, a successful businessman and public servant. Charles served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Boxer Rebellion, later holding various roles in his community, including park commissioner and justice of the peace. He married Grace Shaw and had four children.

Biography of Frank Leslie Foss

Frank Leslie Foss, a significant figure in Greenfield, emerged from a line of Norwegian nobility and a resilient American family. Born on February 10, 1881, in Strafford, New Hampshire, he was educated locally and took up farming before venturing into tool making and later electrical work. By 1924, he advanced to the roles of purchasing agent and corporation clerk at the Greenfield Electric Light and Power Company. A dedicated civic participant, he served as town clerk for three years and engaged actively in various fraternal organizations.

Biography of Isaac Burrows Snow

Isaac Burrows Snow, a retired insurance professional with 40 years of experience, played a significant role in the railroads of the West before transitioning to the Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company. Born in 1850, he contributed to early railroad operations and managed insurance agencies across various states. A direct descendant of Mayflower passengers, he held memberships in several historical societies and Masonic organizations. Married to Jeannie Knight, they had two children, including Dr. Morton Snow. Isaac passed a life of service and achievement, deeply rooted in American history and community.

Biography of George Guy Ross

George Guy Ross, born January 16, 1868, in Underhill, Vermont, comes from a lineage that includes King Charles I of Scotland. His father, John Ross, a farmer, moved to Greenfield in 1885, where George initially pursued a printing career before shifting to railroading. After returning to Greenfield, he spent 17 years in a dry goods store before establishing a successful sporting goods business. Ross is also associated with the local Masonic Lodge. He married Frances G. Yetter in 1897, and they have three children.

Biography of Marvin Whitman Ray

Marvin Whitman Ray, a key figure in the Durkee Ray Corporation, exemplifies civic engagement and community service. A sixth-generation descendant of early American pioneers, he has cultivated a successful career in the mercantile sector after graduating from Brown University. His leadership roles extend into various fraternal and civic organizations, reflecting his commitment to public welfare. Married to Gladys Gordon, he has three children and has made significant contributions to both his business and the social fabric of his community.

Biography of Andrew Shepardson

Andrew Shepardson, born on March 9, 1842, in Warwick, Massachusetts, was a respected figure in his community, known for his integrity and hard work. The fourth of seven children, he spent his life driving teams and actively participating in local affairs. Married to Elmira Hammond, with whom he had one daughter, Flora, he remained dedicated to Warwick until his death on April 23, 1920. His legacy is marked by a deep commitment to his family and community.

Biography of Edward Newton Frary

Edward Newton Frary, born on July 29, 1865, in Oak Orchard, New York, became a significant figure in Northampton, Massachusetts. After working as a farmer, he entered the plumbing business with his brother before pioneering in the acetylene gas industry, developing lighting systems used widely in vehicles and public buildings. Later, he founded the Northampton Tobacco Company, overseeing extensive tobacco cultivation. Married to Elsie Estella Elder, they had two children. A dedicated community member, Frary’s contributions spanned multiple industries and positions of leadership.

Biography of Morris Edward Sullivan, D.D.S.

Dr. Morris Edward Sullivan, a native of Turners Falls, Massachusetts, has established himself as a respected dentist in his community after graduating with a D.D.S. from the University of Louisville in 1922. Since opening his practice that same year, he has garnered a loyal clientele, benefiting from his local roots and strong community ties. Born on May 16, 1898, to Timothy W. and Margaret Sullivan, he is actively involved in professional organizations and is also a parishioner of St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church. He married Marie Catherine Conley in 1922.

Biography of George Henry Fletcher

George Henry Fletcher, born on October 28, 1876, in Greenfield, Massachusetts, comes from a lineage of civic-minded individuals. His grandfather, Pelatiah Fletcher, was a farmer and active in local governance. George pursued a machinist trade before venturing into various business roles, including working as a clerk and assistant postmaster in Russell. In 1922, he partnered in the Greenfield Market Company. He married Mary Isabelle McMaster in 1895, and they had one daughter, Marian. George remains committed to community welfare, attending the Unitarian Church.

Biography of Orland Jonas Brown, M.D.

Dr. Orland Jonas Brown, born on February 2, 1848, in Whitingham, Vermont, has been a prominent physician in North Adams since 1870. Educated in medicine at Bellevue Hospital Medical College and the University of Vermont, he has made significant contributions to his community through various roles, including health officer, state legislator, and militia surgeon, retiring as lieutenant-colonel. Active in local civic life, he has held numerous positions within medical and community organizations, while also serving in the Universalist Church. Brown’s legacy includes three marriages and several children, highlighting both personal and professional commitments.

Biography of Samuel Partridge Billings

Samuel Partridge Billings, born January 18, 1867, in Brooklyn, New York, was raised in Deerfield, Massachusetts. His lineage traces back to Richard Billings of 17th-century Hartford. Billings has devoted much of his life to public service, including a long tenure as a deputy collector of internal revenue and significant roles within the local government. He married Minnie Evelyn Harris in 1894, and they had four children. A member of the Orthodox Congregational Church, Billings is well-regarded in his community.

Biography of Edward Parsons Swan

Edward Parsons Swan, born in 1873 in Southampton, Massachusetts, is a prominent figure in the manufacturing sector of Western Massachusetts. A descendant of a distinguished New England family, he honed his business acumen after education at Deerfield Academy and Childs Business College. Swan established the E. P. Swan Company, specializing in pickles, with a keen focus on quality and sanitation. He was also involved in real estate and various local organizations, marrying Anna B. Black in 1908 and raising three children together.

Biography of Henry Hill Couillard

Henry Hill Couillard, born in 1828 in Exeter, Maine, led a life filled with adventure and change. His experiences spanned the Mexican War, the African slave trade, and gold mining in California, before transitioning to a successful career in the hotel industry and farming. Starting with humble beginnings, he owned over twenty-five hotels across New England and became a prominent cattle raiser. Couillard’s remarkable journey from impoverished youth to esteemed entrepreneur earned him widespread respect and admiration. He passed away in 1905.

Biography of James Neild

James Neild, born on March 3, 1884, in Albion, New York, was the son of Thomas Neild, an immigrant from Yorkshire. After schooling in Holley, he trained in wool grading in England before returning to work at various mills. Neild settled in Greenfield, Massachusetts, where he cultivated a ten-acre farm and contributed to local organizations, including the Masons and his church. He married Sadie Lucinda Smead in 1905, whose family had historical ties to the region, enhancing the Neild legacy in their community.

Biography of Ansel Clark Ernest Stimson

Ansel Clark Ernest Stimson, born in Northfield, Massachusetts, in 1858, was the son of Lucius Stimson and Lucia Ann Clark. After being educated in local schools, he engaged in farming, lumbering, and shoemaking before becoming a foreman in a shoe factory. In 1898, he established a successful insurance business in Greenfield, which was incorporated in 1924. Active in civic and political life, Stimson was involved in various community organizations. He married Julia Marie Chapin, and they had one son, Myron Chapin Stimson, who later joined him in business.