Biography of Roderick H. Tait

Roderick H. Tait, born on March 31, 1866, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, became a prominent mechanical engineer and president of Tait Nordmeyer Engineering Company in St. Louis. Apprenticed as a machinist, he pursued mechanical engineering and established his firm, noted for refrigeration and mechanical engineering. Married to Cora B. Smith, they have two sons who served in World War I. A staunch Republican, Tait is active in Masonic organizations and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, achieving success through his dedication and hard work.

Biography of Harry Joshua Tait

Harry Joshua Tait, born on August 27, 1867, in Chicopee, Massachusetts, became the president of Tait Brothers, a prominent ice cream manufacturing company. After a brief stint in farming and market gardening, he joined his brother George in the family’s milk business. Expanding the enterprise, they ventured into ice cream production in 1898, establishing multiple plants and delivery routes across New England. Tait oversaw significant growth, employing over 250 people, and played a pivotal role in the firm’s incorporation in 1922. He was married to Susan Blanche Hare and had five children.

Biography of George Gibert Tait

George Gibert Tait, born on November 5, 1872, in Chicopee, Massachusetts, is the vice-president of Tait Brothers, a prominent Springfield dairy business. He began his career under his uncle in the milk industry, advancing through various roles. A dedicated Republican, he actively participated in political and community affairs, serving on the board of licensed commissioners until 1924. Tait was also involved in several fraternal organizations. He married Julia W. Dowd in 1921, who passed away in 1923, leaving him with cherished family ties.

Biography of Frank Decatur Tait

Frank D. Tait, born in 1871 in Chicopee, Massachusetts, played a significant role in establishing the Tait Brothers milk business alongside his brother George. His family, descending from Scottish immigrants, has been integral to Springfield’s economic growth. Tait’s early career began at the Springfield Street Railway, but he later ventured into real estate before co-founding the successful dairy firm in 1893. Under his leadership, Tait Brothers expanded to become a renowned producer of milk and ice cream in New England. He married Pauline Julia Heubisch and had six children.

Rough Riders

Rough Riders

The compiled military service records of 1,235 Rough Riders, including Theodore Roosevelt, have been digitized. Each record features individual jackets detailing the soldier’s name, organization, rank, and medical records. The records also contain personal information and documentation descriptions. Discharges occurred for various reasons, such as age, ability, discipline issues, or hardship. This initiative provides significant insights into the personnel of the 1st U.S. Volunteer Cavalry during the Spanish-American War.