South Deerfield Massachusetts
Biography of Robert James Decker
Robert James Decker, born January 7, 1887, in South Deerfield, Massachusetts, is a prominent figure in the tobacco industry, following in the footsteps of his father, John C. Decker. Educated locally and at the Northampton Commercial School, he became a farmer, packer, and dealer, eventually leading the family business, C. J. and R. J. Decker, Inc. Robert oversees over 150 acres of tobacco and engages in civic duties. He married Nellie Lawlor in 1910 and they have four children, continuing the Decker legacy.
Biography of Clarence Harland Fisher
Clarence Harland Fisher, born on September 21, 1893, in Gardner, Massachusetts, is the son of George Robert and Carrie E. (Whittaker) Fisher. He was educated in Greenfield and Athol and has been deeply involved in the family livery and garage business, working alongside his father in South Deerfield. An accomplished mechanic, Clarence also established a bus service connecting Sunderland, South Deerfield, and Greenfield. He has served as Captain of the South Deerfield Fire Department and is a member of several fraternal organizations. He married Mary E. Young in 1910.
Biography of Joseph Rosenblum
Joseph Rosenblum, born in 1885, is a prominent onion operator whose efforts have significantly shaped the onion market in the United States. Establishing his main operations in South Deerfield, Massachusetts, Rosenblum has expanded his influence across Texas, Indiana, and California, handling thousands of carloads of onions annually. Pioneering marketing techniques, he revolutionized onion distribution, notably by introducing 100-pound sack sales. An active community member and supporter of public causes, Rosenblum’s dedication to his craft and integrity has garnered him respect within agricultural circles.
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 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 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.