Williamsburg Massachusetts

Biography of James Foster Wells

JAMES FOSTER WELLS – In the Vaux, or Bank, or Bayeux, or de Vallibus family of France originated the De Welles family of Lincolnshire, barons by summons to Parliament. It is one of the most illustrious families known to history. The derivation is traced to the year 794, from which period its members held the highest rank personally and by royal intermarriages. It was founded in England after the Conquest by Harold de Vaux (a near connection of William the Conqueror) and his three sacs, Barons Hubert, Ranulph and Robert, who were all surnamed de Vallibus. The descent is through … Read more

Biography of Allen Churchill Warner

ALLEN CHURCHILL WARNER-Away back in the days when Britain was a savage country the name Warner appears. In these days there were some tribes who lived in the southwestern part of what is now England, and who were more cultured than the savage races who surrounded them. These civilized peoples had to be constantly on the alert against the barbarians, and it was necessary for them to have outposts to guard against sudden attack These outposts, selected for their quick mentality and physical ability, were called “warners.” Since then the name has been well known in England and America, and … Read more

Biography of William Edward Cooney

WILLIAM EDWARD COONEY – Both the hotel and the general real estate interests of Northampton have benefited very materially during the past forty years through Mr. Cooney’s association with a development and management of both departments of activity, as his capable methods have been such as to bring substantial results to the community. In earlier years, an all-round printer of widely recognized ability, Mr. Cooney also observed and shared in the growth and advancement of this part of the State through the newspaper and publishing field, and his family have always been known for thorough workmanship in all their undertakings. … Read more

Biography of Edward Thomas O’Neil

EDWARD THOMAS O’NEIL-Following in the steps of his father and grandfather, Edward Thomas O’Neil, of Williamsburg, Massachusetts, is well known throughout the vicinity as a skillful and prosperous farmer. He has always lived and worked on the old O’Neil homestead, which he manages in an up-to-date manner, specializing in dairying and orcharding. The O’Neil family is of Irish extraction. (I) Michael O’Neil, the grandfather of Edward Thomas O’Neil, was born in Kilkenny, Ireland, in 18×5, and died in Williamsburg, Massachusetts, June 16, 1872 He came to America about 1840, and for a number of years lived in New York State; … Read more

Biographical Sketch of James Albion Perkins

Treasurer of the Perkins Appliance Company, Inc., of Springfield, Massachusetts, and one of Springfield’s representative business men, he is a brother of Julian L. Perkins. James Albion Perkins engaged in the lumbering business when his school days were over, and operated sawmills in Blanford, Williamsburg, and Goshen, Massachusetts. When he attained his majority, however, James Albion decided to make a change and went to Hartford, Connecticut, where for a time he was engaged in photo-engraving. He came to Springfield and entered the employ of the Springfield Photo-Engraving Company; but after a time he transferred his association to the Phelps Publishing … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Clement L. Lawley

CLEMENT L. LAWLEY-A noteworthy figure in the present-day advance of Florence, Massachusetts, is Clement L. Lawley, who has been active in this community for many years, and, in fact, has spent his entire career thus far in the local postal service. Mr. Lawley is interested in various branches of fraternal and community advance, and commands the esteem and confidence of all. He is a son of George M. and Silvia M. (Stockwell) Lawley. Clement L Lawley was born in Williamsburg, Massachusetts, February 21, 1887. The family removing to Florence in his childhood, he first attended the local schools, then covered … Read more

Biography of Arthur Berkmere Richards

ARTHUR BERKMERE RICHARDS, inheritor of a vast meat trade, and in later years a dairy farmer at Amherst, Massachusetts, was born in Cummington, Connecticut, May 23, 1864. The name he bears is one of the names of Welsh origin widely known and prominent in the United States, which originated in making a surname from the possessive form of the father’s name. It signifies Richard’s son. At least seventeen different coats-of-arms belong to the different branches of the family. A manor at Caernwyck, Marioneth County, Wales, was inherited by Sir Richard Richards, president of the House of Lords, and Lord Chief … Read more

Biography of Frebun Elwin White

FREBUN ELWIN WHITE – The immigrant ancestor of this family, Captain Thomas White, is believed to have come to America with Captain Gorges, in 1623 as the latter came to Weymouth, Massachusetts, in that year. Captain Thomas White was born in England and died in Weymouth, Massachusetts, in 1679. He was admitted a freeman March 3, 1635, and lived in Weymouth the rest of his life. He was deputy to the General Court from 1637 to 1657, and again in 1671, and held other offices of trust and responsibility. His children, born at Weymouth: Joseph, Hannah, Samuel, Thomas, Ebenezer, of … Read more