Descendants of John Spence of Rockland, MA

John Spence, who during his lifetime was a well-known citizen and successful business man of Rockland, Mass., was a native of Ireland, born there Dec. 12, 1834, son of James and Mary (Coffey) Spence. Mr. Spence left his native home for America in 1848, in his fourteenth year. He located in Massachusetts and learned the trade of shoemaker, at which he worked in a factory in East Abington, now Rockland, where he continued until 1875. He then started in business for himself, manufacturing heels, being a pioneer in that business. At this he continued for a number of years, and then in 1885 he started in the leather business, opening a store on South street, Boston, and a branch house in Chicago. In 1895 he established the Brockton Leather Company, which he conducted with great success until his death. He was also interested in other enterprises, being one of the promoters of the Rockland & Abington street railway, and serving as vice president and a director of the company during its existence. He was also a stockholder and director of the Abington & Rockland Electric Light & Power Company, and was a trustee of the Rockland Savings Bank until his death. He took quite a prominent and active part in the public affairs of Rockland, was a member of the board of water commissioners, and a member of the Commercial Club. Through his industry and thrift he built up a successful business and gained a considerable fortune. He was a consistent member of the Roman Catholic Church.

Biographical Sketch of William J. Cashman

Cashman, William J.; lawyer; born, Montpelier, Vt., Oct. 14, 1872; son of John and Jane Byrne Cashman; educated, St. Mary’s College, A. B., 1893; Catholic University of America, LL. B.; 1896, Catholic University of America; LL. M., 1897; St. Mary’s College, LL. D., 1912; married, Cleveland, Jan. 25, 1889, Aloise Grasselli; issue, William, Eugene, Aloise and Frances; admitted to the bar, Boston, Mass., May 25, 1898, Cleveland, 1901; Brady & Cashman; 1905, The Grasselli Chemical Co., legal dept.; director The Grasselli Chemical Co.; member Knights of Columbus, Athletic, Mayfield, University, and Chemists’ Clubs, Chamber of Commerce. Recreation: Golf.

1918 Warren County Farmers’ Directory – C Surnames

Abbreviations Used in this Directory a–Acres; Ch — Children; O–Owner; T–Tenant or Renter; R –Rural Route; Sec-Section; Maiden name of wife follows directory name in parentheses (); figures at end of information–year became resident of county. Star (*) indicates children not at home. Name of farm follows names of children in quotations marks. In case of a tenant, the farm owner’s name follows the figures giving size of farm. Example: ABBEY, William L. (Lena Riggs) Martha and Cora Abbey, Mother and Sister; Kirkwood R1 Tompking Sec8-5 T80a H.M. Abbey Est. (1886) Tel. Farmers’ Line Kirkwood MEANS ABBEY, William L. – … Read more