Dorchester Illustration 2367 Charles Manoog Samuelian

Posted on August 26, 2018 by earltaylor

2367 Charles Manoog Samuelian

Dorchester Illustration no. 2367        Charles Manoog Samuelian

Vivian Portner has been following our World War I servicemen blog posts and contacted us about her great uncle, Charles, who was a Dorchester resident and veteran of World War I. Charles’s brothers, Yeghia and Michael, were founders of Dorchester’s Seymours Ice Cream Company which produced ice cream and novelties for corner stores and supermarkets – including Popsicles, Dixie cups and Nutty Buddies. We are honored to have another serviceman to feature in our exhibit with a connection to such a treasured part of Dorchester’s history.

CHARLES SAMUELIAN

Charles Manoog Samuelian was born in Mezereh, Armenia, on June 15, 1886 to parents Almas and Manoog Samuelian. According to his naturalization papers, Charles immigrated to the United States in 1907 and arrived in New York City sometime in November 1907 aboard the ship “La Lorraine,” which had set sail from Havre, France. Charles was naturalized on October 29, 1913.

The Samuelian brothers got involved in the retail business when they came to the United States. Their business card states, “Samuelian Brothers, manufacturers of ice cream and fancy ices, dealers in fruit, confectionary, cigars, tobacco, and stationary.” Their stores were located at 1051 and 1375 Dorchester Avenue – both in the Fields Corner neighborhood of Dorchester. Charles and his brothers, Yeghia, Avedis, and Michael, all lived together near their stores on Dorchester Avenue. By 1913, their mother, Almas, was also living with them.

Charles registered for the draft on June 5, 1917. He was still living in Dorchester and his occupation wais listed as “fruit dealer.” His draft card described him as a single, thirty year old man of 5’ 11”, stout, with brown eyes and black hair. He was inducted into the United States Army on April 28, 1918 in Boston. He first served as a private in the 25th Company, 7th Battalion, 151st Depot Brigade at Fort Devens until May 1918. Subsequently, he was transferred to Company E, 301st Infantry until July of 1918 during which time he was deployed overseas. While overseas, he was transferred to Company C, 163rd Infantry until August 1918 and then finally transferred to Company D, 168th Infantry which he served in until his discharge. While in Europe, Charles was a part of several engagements, including the offensive at St. Mihiel, Meuse-Argonne and the defensive sectors at Essey-Pannes. His service card indicates that he was “slightly” injured in October of 1918. He returned from Europe in January 1919 and was honorably discharged from Camp Devens on February 13, 1919.

After the war, Charles returned home to Dorchester and continued to work with his brothers. According to the 1920 census, he was back living on Dorchester Avenue with his mother, Almas, his brother Michael and his wife, and his brother Yeghia, Yeghia’s wife and their four children. The brothers’ occupations are all listed as “confectioners.”

Sadly, Charles died later that year, at the U.S. Parker Hill Hospital (present day Jamaica Plain VA Hospital), on December 8, 1920; he was only 34 years old. According to his family, Charles suffered the effects of mustard gas attacks during his time in the Army which contributed to his early death. He is buried in the family plot in Cambridge Cemetery. In 1921, the Boston City Council submitted an order, signed by Mayor Andrew Peters, naming a Hero Square in his honor at the corner of Dorchester Avenue and King Street.

Sources:

Ancestry.com. 1920 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2010.

Ancestry.com. Massachusetts, Death Index, 1901-1980 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2013.

Ancestry.com. Massachusetts, Naturalization Records – Originals, 1906-1929 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2012.

Ancestry.com. U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2011.

Ancestry.com. U.S., World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2005.

“Samuelian” obituary, Boston Globe, 11 Dec 1920.

Military, Compiled Service Records. World War I. Carded Records. Records of the Military Division of the Adjutant General’s Office, Massachusetts National Guard.

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Dorchester Illustration 2366 Elsmere Hotel

Posted on August 19, 2018 by earltaylor

2366 3 Mill Street Humphrey House Elsmere House

Dorchester Illustration no. 2366        Elsmere Hotel

On April 19, 2018, Anita Danker shared her memories of the house at 3 Mill Street in an article “My First Home: Life in the Big House.” Her story is about her family’s experience in the 20th century.

http://realestate.boston.com/my-first-home/2018/04/19/my-first-home-life-in-the-big-house/

The property was later sold for re-development; a fire destroyed the house; and now there are townhouses on the site.

Here is the back story:

Luther Briggs Jr. designed the home in the Italianate style with a mansard roof and cupola for Francis J. Humphrey.   Francis had purchased the property from Benjamin and Anna Cushing on May 6, 1857 (Norfolk Registry of Deeds Book 255, Page 81).  The house was built in the late 1860s; it appears on a list of buildings Brigg published Dec. 31, 1869.

The 1868 Dorchester Directory (available on Ancestry.com) shows Francis J. Humphrey on Mill Street.  The 1870 Boston Directory has Francis J. Humphrey with home address Everett, cor. Mill, wd. 16.  The Directory does not show a profession for him.  The house outline appears on the map of Commercial Point and Neponset in the 1874 atlas.  The property ran from Commercial Street (now Freeport) to Everett Street Mill Street, and the house sat in the middle of the property facing Mill Street.

Francis was married to Susan R. D. Charter on May 24, 1852, but she lived in the new home for only a few years.  She died July 5, 1875.  Susan appears to have been the first woman to operate a commercial photographic studio in Boston and probably in Massachusetts, beginning in 1844 prior to her marriage.  Her daguerrian gallery became the seventh operating in the city during that year.

The 1880 census notes that Francis was a retired merchant.  He died in 1882.

The property was obtained by the Gleason family, but they owned the property only a short time.  The next owner of the house was Esther D. Robbins who appears in the 1889 map.  She turned the house into a seaside hotel.  The 1894 map shows she was still the owner along with the caption Elsmere House.  There was an out-building serving as a meeting hall called Elsmere Hall.  The Dorchester Yacht Club was located across Commercial Street next to the bay .

The 1898 map shows the owner at that time was James L. Simonds still with the caption Elsmere House.  Simonds was listed in the 1899 Boston Directory as being in real estate on Shawmut Avenue while living on Everett Street, Dorchester.  The hotel continued even after Simonds’ death, and the 1910 atlas shows it was owned by his heirs.  The 1918 map shows the house was owned by Grazio DePino and others, but the lot had been subdivided for 4 house lots to the right next to Freeport Street and 6 house lots to the left facing Everett and Mill Streets. There is no indication that the house was still a hotel.  However the 1933 map shows the house labeled Elsmere House with owner Michael C. Sarnie.

Sources:

Ancestry.com

Polito, Ron.  “One and the Same?  Miss S.R. Charter, Boston’s First Female Daguerrotypist 1844-1849; & Susan R.D. (Charter) Humphrey, Patrician’s Wife.”  The Daguerreian Annual (2005)  p. 27-85.

 

 

 

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Dorchester Illustration 2365 Wilber Herbert Morrill

Posted on August 12, 2018 by earltaylor

2365 Wilbur Morrill

Dorchester Illustration no. 2365        Wilber Herbert Morrill

At the Dorchester Historical Society, we are in the process of a year-long project to commemorate the 100th anniversary of World War I. Using a collection of photographs we have of WWI Dorchester residents, we will be featuring servicemen in a number of short biographies throughout the year. At the culmination of the project, we hope to produce an online exhibit which highlights these men and their service to our country.

Our next biography features: Wilber Herbert Morrill

The photograph of Wilber was taken by Frederick Andrew Frizell, a photographer with a studio in Lower Mills.

Wilber Morill was born on November 18, 1891, to Gregory and Olive (Isnor) Morrill.  In 1900 the family was living at 2266 Dorchester Avenue, in 1910 they were living at 1144 Adams Street, and in 1920 they were on Bearse Avenue.  In 1900 Gregory was employed in a dining saloon, and Olive was a dining mistress.  By 1910, Gregory worked as a mill hand in a chocolate mill, presumably the Walter Baker company.  In 1910 the family had Gregory’s step-brother living with them along with a board and a lodger.  In 1920, Wilber’s wife Marie had moved in, and the family had 3 lodgers.

Wilber attended the Gilbert Stuart Grammar School, graduating in 1906; he went on to the High School of Commerce and graduated in 1910.  The 1910 US Census shows Wilber was a laborer in a wholesale grocery company, and in 1916 he graduated from the Philadelphia Dental College.

Wilber’s draft registration card for World War 1 showed that he was living at 1166 Adams Street, and he worked as a self-employed dentist  at 219 Essex Street in Salem, MA.  He was described as tall, of medium build with brown eyes and brown hair.  Wilber was commissioned 1st Lt in June 1917; was at Camp Lee, Sept. 12, 1917;  went overseas May 1918 on the ship Duke Degli Abruzzi and was with the 315th machine gun battalion A.E.F. as part of the medical detachment. According to this service record, he was involved with the engagement at St. Mihiel and Meuse-Argonne. He served overseas until May 27, 1919 during which time, he was promoted to Captain. He was honorably discharged shortly after on June 17, 1919.

While he was in the military, Wilber met and married his wife, Marie Grossman in Chesterfield, Virginia (the bride’s hometown), on February 23, 1918. After his service, Wilber returned to Massachusetts where he began a dental practice on Washington Street in Lower Mills. The 1920 census shows him and Marie living on Bearse Avenue with his parents but a few years later, Wilber and Marie moved to Eliot Street in Milton. He continued as a dentist with his office on Washington Street in Lower Mills at least until the late 1950s. According to Virginia newspapers, the Morrills frequently traveled to Petersburg, Virginia and even had a “winter home” there. By 1942, not much as changed, Wilber’s draft registration card for World War II described him as 50 years old, employed at 1177 Washington Street, Dorchester ,  5′ 10″, 150 lbs, brown eyes, gray hair, ruddy complexion; Greek letter tattoo on left upper arm.

At some point in his retirement, Wilber and Marie permanently moved to Petersburg, Virginia but spent their summers on Cape Cod. Marie died in July 1981 and Wilbur died only a few months later on October 19, 1981 at the age of 89 years old. He is buried in the Grossman family plot at the Blandford Cemetery in Petersburg, Virginia.

Do you know more about Wilber Herbert Morrill? We would love to hear from you! All material has been researched by volunteers  at the Dorchester Historical Society, so please let us know if we got something wrong or you think a piece of the story is missing!

REFERENCES:

Ancestry.com Birth Records

Ancestry.com US Census, 1900, 1910, 1920, 1930

Ancestry.com  Boston Directories

Ancestry.com World War I and II registration cards

Ancestry.com  Ancestry US Army Transport Service Passenger Lists

Newspapers.com

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Dorchester Illustration 2364 Henry and Roger Rush

Posted on August 5, 2018 by earltaylor

2364 Henry and Roger Rush

Dorchester Illustration no. 2364        Henry and Roger Rush

At the Dorchester Historical Society, we are in the process of a year-long project to commemorate the 100 year anniversary of World War I. Using a collection of photographs we have of World War I Dorchester residents, we will be featuring soldiers in a number of short biographies throughout the year. At the culmination of the project, we hope to produce an online exhibit which highlights these men and their service to our country.

Our next biography features a pair of brothers: Roger and Henry Rush –

Henry Francis Rush was born August 16, 1895 to parents Roger and Elizabeth (Dolly) Rush, both of whom were Irish immigrants. At the time, his parents were living on Sturbridge Street in the Lower Mills section of Dorchester. Three years later, his brother, Roger Rush, Jr. was born on February 16, 1898. They also had three other siblings – Annie, born in 1900, did not live past infancy, Ann – born in 1902, and Edward – born in 1904. By the 1910 census, the family had moved to nearby Sanford Street. Roger was working as a “fireman” at the chocolate factory (most likely, the Walter Baker Chocolate Factory) and Elizabeth was home with the children.

Henry registered for the draft on June 5, 1917 at the age of 21. He was still living with his parents on Sanford Street and working at the Walter Baker Chocolate Factory. He was described as being of medium height and build, with blue eyes and brown hair. Unfortunately, we don’t know much else about Henry’s experience during World War I. Henry’s brother Roger also entered the service and we have a bit more information about him. Roger enrolled at the Recruiting Station in Boston on July 15, 1918. His service card lists him as being 20 years and 5 months old and living with his parents on Sanford Street. Although Roger was on active duty, it appears that he did not go far. He went to the Naval Training Camp in Hingham, MA on August 20, 1918, and, from there, went to the District Supply Office on September 10, 1918, where he served as a “storekeeper, 3rd class” until November 11, 1918. He was relieved from active duty on August 8, 1919 and honorably discharged on July 15, 1920. When he was discharged, he was listed as “storekeeper, 2nd class.”

After the war, both boys are still found living at home with their family. In 1920, at age 24, Henry is listed as a policeman for the City of Boston. Roger is listed as a bookkeeper for the United States Government. However, in 1922, Roger moved out when he married his new bride, Georgene Watson. They appear to have moved to Hyde Park Avenue in Roslindale. On April 20, 1924, Henry married Violet Urquhart and moved a few blocks away to West Selden Street in Mattapan. He is still working as a police officer, and according to city directories, working in Station 11.

By 1930, both brothers are now fathers. Henry, still a police officer, is living on Caton Street in Mattapan with his wife Violet and his twin, two year old children: Henry and Dorothy. His brother, Roger, is also living in Mattapan, on Harmon Street, with wife, Georgene, and his daughter, Frances. Roger is working as a shipper at a chocolate factory (again, we think the Walter Baker Chocolate factory).

In 1940, Henry is still a police officer, now at Station 6 in South Boston. He is living with his family on Beaufield Street, in the Cedar Grove neighborhood of Dorchester. Roger is also still living in Mattapan with his family, now on Greenfield Road, and still working at the chocolate factory as a shipper. However, now he is a father of two; his daughter Anne Marie was born in 1935.

Throughout the years, Henry and Roger both stayed in Boston, raising their families. At some point after his retirement, Henry and Violet moved to Florida; the city directories giving an address in Boca Raton. Henry died on April 18, 1971 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida at the age of 75. His obituary states that he was a retired Boston Police Detective, first grade, from Station 6 in South Boston and a veteran of World War I. Henry’s funeral was held at Saint Gerard Majella Church in Canton, MA. Roger, on the other hand, stayed in Boston for his whole life, and we believe in Mattapan for a majority of it. He died in Mattapan, on July 24, 1995 at the age of 97. His obituary states that he was a widower, and a grandfather of 7 and great grandfather to several great grandchildren. In addition, he was a Navy veteran of World War I and a member of American Legion Post #65 in Dorchester. His funeral was held at Saint Angela’s Church in Mattapan and he is buried at New Calvary Cemetery in Roslindale.

Do you know more about the Rush brothers? We would love to hear from you! All material has been researched by volunteers at the Dorchester Historical Society, so please let us know if we got something wrong or if you think a piece of the story is missing!

Sources:

Ancestry.com. 1900 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2010.

Ancestry.com. 1910 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2010.

Ancestry.com. 1920 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2010.

Ancestry.com. 1930 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2002.

Ancestry.com. 1940 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2012.

Ancestry.com. Florida Death Index, 1877-1998 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2004.

Ancestry.com. Massachusetts, Birth Records, 1840-1915 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2013.

Ancestry.com. Massachusetts, Marriage Records, 1840-1915 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2013.

Ancestry.com. U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2011.

Ancestry.com. U.S., World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2005.

Dr. Perkins World War I collection, Dorchester Historical Society, Boston, MA.

Military, Compiled Service Records. World War I. Carded Records. Records of the Military Division of the Adjutant General’s Office, Massachusetts National Guard.

“Rush.” Boston Globe, April 20, 1971:  41.

“Rush.” Boston Globe, July 26, 1995: 79.

Do you know more about the Rushbrothers? We would love to hear from you! All material has been researched by volunteers at the Dorchester Historical Society, so please let us know if we got something wrong or if you think a piece of the story is missing!

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Dorchester Illustration 2363 Richard A. Dana

Posted on July 29, 2018 by earltaylor

2363 Richard A Dana

Dorchester Illustration no. 2363        Richard A. Dana

 

Richard A. Dana

At the Dorchester Historical Society, we are in the process of a year-long project to commemorate the 100th anniversary of World War I. Using a collection of photographs we have of WWI Dorchester residents, we will be featuring servicemen in a number of short biographies throughout the year. At the culmination of the project, we hope to produce an online exhibit which highlights these men and their service to our country.

Our next biography features: Richard A. Dana.

Richard A. Dana enlisted in Ambulance Co. 1 of the National Guard, Allston, Massachusetts, March 21, 1916, at the age of 18. He later transferred to Headquartesr troop of the 26th Division.  He served overseas from September 17, 1917 to April 7, 1919, and was in all the battles with the 26th Division including engagements: Defensive: Champagne-Marne; Offensive: Aisne-Marne; St. Mihiel; Meuse-Argonne; Defensive sectors: Chemin de Dames (Ile de France); Toul-Boucq (Lorraine) Pas Fni (Ile de France; Rupt/ (Lorraine); Troyon (Lorraine).  He mustered out July 30, 1917 as a Private.

Richard was born in Dorchester, March 13, 1898. His father William was a coachman and later proprietor of a garage, and his mother Sarah was a housewife. They lived at 2260 Dorchester Avenue.

After his discharge in 1917, Richard continued with his parents and siblings, now at 2141 Dorchester Avenue, and worked as a fur salesman.  In the early 1920s the family moved to 7 Guild Row, and Richard continued as a salesman.   In 1925 Richard married Loretta Donovan, and was soon living at 833 Dorchester Avenue with his new wife and in-laws.

In 1930, Richard’ occupation was listed as Inspector, Moving Pictures.   From 1935 to 1944 they lived at 12 Harvest Street.  For the next 6 years we don’t know where they lived, but by 1951, he and his wife Loretta and daughters Geraldine, 21, and Dana, 24, were back living at 833 Dorchester Avenue.  Richard was a postal clerk, and Loretta was a telephone operator.   By 1963 he was retired.  Their daughter Elizabeth, aged 35, was living at 833 with her parents at that time.  In 1965 Loretta was listed as a housewife, presumably retired from her telephone operator job.

Richard died on January 20, 1965. The undertaker was the John C. Mulry Funeral Home at the corner of King Street and Dorchester Avenue.  His Requiem Mass was at St. Margaret’s Church, and he was buried in the Brookdale Cemetery in Dedham.

Resources:

1910, 1920, 1930 Census through Ancestry.com

Boston Directories through Ancestry.com

Boston resident lists for Ward 7 online at the Boston Public Library

Boston Globe Archives

 

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Dorchester Illustration 2362 The Duke of Dorchester

Posted on July 22, 2018 by earltaylor

2362 Pete Doherty Duke of Dorchester

The Duke of Dorchester

from Wikipedia

Pete Doherty is a retired professional wrestler known by his ring name The Duke of Dorchester.

Doherty began his career in the 1970s, wrestling for Vince McMahon Sr. in the World Wide Wrestling Foundation (WWWF).  At the time, McMahon’s territory consisted of only the Northeast states, and Doherty wrestled all over in small and large venues. Doherty wrestled under the name, “The Duke of Dorchester” paying homage to his hometown of Dorchester. The Duke was generally relegated to undercard status either wrestling against the stars of his era or against other undercard “jobbers.” The Duke had a short lived run as a masked wrestler named The Golden Terror and was managed by Captain Lou Albano.

The Duke was known in the ring for his long blond hair, missing teeth and wild mannerisms. The Duke’s constant in ring banter and screaming could be heard in the last row of the arena. His signature “move” was getting stuck in a full nelson and then placing his legs on the top rope in order for his opponent to have to break the hold. The end result was that the opponent would release and The Duke would land on his head.

In 1985, The Duke appeared on the premier of the WWF’s Saturday Night’s Main Event. The Duke lost a match to the Junkyard Dog. In 1987, The Duke had a short feud with King Kong Dundy. In addition to feuding with Bundy, The Duke had several grudge matches against the likes of S.D. Jones, Lanny Poffo and Scott Casey. In fact, his feud with Jones came about due to him getting a fluke win after a losing streak the announcers alleged had crossed the 300 mark.
In the late 1980s, Doherty tried his hand at broadcasting, announcing several WWF event in Boston as a heel commentator. The Duke’s biggest win came over Haku. The Duke retired from wrestling in 1997 making occasional appearances at local events including the WWF’s final event at the old Boston Garden.

In April 2010, Doherty was inducted into the New England Wrestling Hall of Fame.

The following is from The Boston Globe
Jack Encarnacao.  “Local boy made bad, to much delight. Boston wrestler knew how to lose.”
Boston Globe, September 26, 2004

He was raised in a Dorchester triple-decker on South Munroe Terrace, where he was captivated by wrestling on television. After graduating from Hyde Park High School and serving three years in the Army, he worked as a cable puller at General Dynamics in Quincy. He got into wrestling after he met grapplers working out at a Combat Zone gym, and sought training in the ways of the ring. He hooked up with Vince McMahon Sr.’s World Wide Wrestling Federation outfit and had his first match in a Saugus skating rink in 1971.

After he wrestled short stints in Georgia, Florida, Canada, and Kuwait in the early ’70s, Doherty resolved to stay rooted in Boston. He also wanted the pension that came with full-time work at General Dynamics, so wrestled in locations only within driving distance from Boston.
By his own account, he’d often put in a day of wiring at General Dynamics from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., then push 100 miles per hour in his 1971 LP convertible on the Mass Pike at night en route to wrestling bookings as far away as Philadelphia and Baltimore. He often arrived late, and once was tardy at a wrestling event in Albany, N.Y., where he was greeted sarcastically by wrestling great Chief Jay Strongbow.

“Strongbow says to me, in front of all the boys, ‘Look who’s here — the freakin’ Duke of Dorchester,’ ” Doherty said. “So it stuck.”

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Dorchester Illustration 2316 James R. Moore

Posted on July 15, 2018 by earltaylor

2361 James R Moore

 

Dorchester Illustration no. 2361        James R. Moore

At the Dorchester Historical Society, we are in the process of a year-long project to commemorate the 100th anniversary of World War I. Using a collection of photographs we have of WWI Dorchester residents, we will be featuring servicemen in a number of short biographies throughout the year. At the culmination of the project, we hope to produce an online exhibit which highlights these men and their service to our country.

Our next biography features: James R. Moore, 1924.0001.064

James Roland Moore was born in Canada on July 12, 1898 to Edwin A. Moore of Massachusetts and Ruby M. (Easson) Moore of Canada. They immigrated in 1901 and in 1910 were living at 73 Pleasant Street, Milton. James’ father worked as a timekeeper at the chocolate mill and James had 2 younger sisters, Eloise and Florence.

James, a machinist,and living at 1108 Adams Street, Dorchester, enlisted on June 18, 1918 in the Canadian Expeditionary Forcesat the Canadian Engineering Training Depot. By June 20, he was at Camp St. Jean in Quebec. He trained there for four weeks and was then sent to Seaford, Sussex County, England. On October 10, he was sent to France. His address was C.E.R.D. British Expeditionary Force.

He returned home to 1108 Adams Street after the war, worked as a salesman and chocolate maker and married Ellen G. Bjurling on July 15, 1922. They lived briefly at 68 Wrentham Street and then they moved in with her parents at 887 Adams Street. During that time, he was a manager at 756 Adams Street, a factory clerk, stock clerk and gas station attendant. From 1931 to 1942, he was a member of the Algonquin Lodge of the Masons.

In 1938, James and Ellen lived briefly at 885 Adams Street, while James was a clerk in a machine shop and she was a telephone operator. By the 1940s, they lived at 1120 Adams Street and he was a clerk for Allis-Chalmers Manufacturing Company.

By 1953, they are again living at 887 Adams Street, but by 1957, they have moved to Hull, Massachusetts, on 12 Arthur Street, where James was a chauffeur for Allis-Chalmers Mfg. Co.

He died in Hull on April 16, 1966 and was survived by his wife and 2 sisters. Services were held at the Granstrom Funeral Home on Cummins Highway, near Mattapan Square.

Do you know more aboutJames R. Moore? We would love to hear from you! All material has been researched by volunteers  at the Dorchester Historical Society, so please let us know if we got something wrong or you think a piece of the story is missing!

REFERENCES:

Census Records, Federal, 1930, FamilySearch.org

Census Records, Federal, 1910, 1940, Ancestry.com

Death Record, Vital Statistics, Mt. Vernon St., Dorchester

Death notice, Boston Globe

Dr. Perkins’ notes

Family Tree Facts, James Roland Moore, Ancestry

Marriage Record, State Archives, Massachusetts

Mason Membership Card, James Rolland Moore, Ancestry.com

U.S. City Directories, Ancestry.com

U.S. Residents Serving in C.E.F., Ancestry.com

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Dorchester Illustration 2360 Arthur Francis Williams

Posted on July 8, 2018 by earltaylor

2360 Arthur Franics Williams

Dorchester Illustration no. 2360   Arthur Francis Williams

At the Dorchester Historical Society, we are in the process of a year-long project to commemorate the 100th anniversary of World War I. Using a collection of photographs we have of WWI Dorchester residents, we will be featuring servicemen in a number of short biographies throughout the year. At the culmination of the project, we hope to produce an online exhibit which highlights these men and their service to our country.

Our next biography features: ARTHUR FRANCIS WILLIAMS, 1924.0001.075

Arthur Francis Williams was born in New Haven, Connecticut, March 3, 1900, to Francis and Rose A. (McArdle) Williams. Francis was born in England and Rose was born in Connecticut. Her parents were from Northern Ireland. Francis was a Railroad Car Trimmer.

By 1910, the family of 3 was living at 341 Norfolk Street, Dorchester and the father was a Foreman in a Railroad Shop.

Arthur, of 19 Elmhurst Street, Dorchester, registered for the draft on September 12, 1918 at the local board for Division 21, 1169 Washington Street, Dorchester. He was a steamfitter’s helper employed by W.B. Shannon, Readville Repair Shops. He was of medium height and build with gray eyes and brown hair. He enlisted in the R.A. N.G. E.R.C. (Regular Army National Guard Enlisted Reserve Corps) and was inducted at Dorchester on October 31, 1918. He was assigned to 1st Co CAC (Coast Artillery Corps), Ft. Adams, Newport, R.I. through November 6, 1918, and then Co D 59th Ammunition Train until honorably discharged on December 21, 1918 at Ft. Adams, R.I. The photo shows A.F. Williams on the left. He was a member of the Overseas Outfit Awaiting Sailing Orders.

On back of the photo/postcard that was addressed to “Local board for Division 21, 1169 Washington Street, Dorchester, MA, and postmarked Nov 25, 1918, Newport, R.I., A. F. Williams wrote “Tough luck. I guess we must stay here at that. Did my best to get across.”

By 1920, the family is together again at 19 Elmhurst Street and Arthur is a Foreman, Railroad Car Shipper. In 1923, Arthur is listed as a student, but by 1930, his mother Rose was widowed and she had taken in a boarder. Arthur was no longer listed as living at home and no marriage record was found.

In 1940 census, there is an Arthur F. Williams, age 40, born New Haven, CT, single, who is a resident (“inmate”) of at least 5 years, of the Veterans Administrative Facility, Bedford, MA. His mother was still living at 19 Elmhurst Street with her sister. His mother died in 1950 and was buried in New Haven. The informant was not her son, but her nephew.

No death record of A.F. Williams was found.

Do you know more about Arthur Francis Williams? We would love to hear from you! All material has been researched by volunteers  at the Dorchester Historical Society, so please let us know if we got something wrong or you think a piece of the story is missing!

REFERENCES:

Death Record, 1950, Vital Records, Mt. Vernon St., Dorchester

Dr. Perkins’ Notes

Draft registration, FamilySearch.org

Federal Census, 1900, 1920, Ancestry.com

Federal Census, 1910, 1930, 1940, FamilySearch.com

Service Record; The Adjutant General Office, Archives-Museum Branch, Concord, MA

U.S. City Directories, Boston 1923, Ancestry.com

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Dorchester Illustration 2359 Dorchester Anti-Slavery Society July 4, 1835

Posted on July 1, 2018 by earltaylor

2359 program of 1835 anti slavery meeting with William Lloyd Garrison

Dorchester Illustration no. 2359   July 4, 1835 Dorchester Anti-Slavery

On June 20, 1835, the newspaper The Liberator published the announcement below.  Today’s illustration is a copy of the program for the July 4th event.

Fourth of July Celebration

A public meeting of the Dorchester Anti-Slavery Society will be held on the 4th day of July next, at the Rev. Dr. Codman’s meeting-house, at half past 3 o’clock, P.M., On which occasion, Wm. Lloyd Garrison, of Boston, will deliver an Oration, and it is expected that the Declaration of Independence will be read by Rev. E. M. P. Wells, with suitable comments.  There will also be other exercises adapted to the occasion.  Ladies and Gentlemen of Dorchester and vicinity are respectfully invited to attend. Orin P. Bacon, Rec. Soc. Dor. A. S. Society

Dr. Codman’s meeting house was Second Church in Codman Square. Eleazer Mather Porter Wells was an Episcopal minister. Wells served as superintendent for the Farm School, which moved to Thompson Island in 1835.  Wells bought the 140-acre-island from the town of Dorchester in November 1832 for $6,000,and commissioned Charles Bulfinch to design the building.  The city of Boston acquired title to Thompson Island in 1834, but the school remained. (Peter C. Holloran. Boston’s Wayward Children: Social Services for Homeless Children, 1830-1920.  Cranbury, N.J. 1989, 39)

 

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Dorchester Illustration 2358 Fowler Clark Epstein Farm

Posted on June 24, 2018 by earltaylor

2358 Fowler Clark Farm 2018

Dorchester Illustration no. 2358   Fowler Clark Epstein Farm

Fowler Clark Epstein Farm, 487 Norfolk Street, Mattapan

Tomorrow evening, June 25, 2018, from 5 to 8 pm, Historic Boston Inc., North Bennett Street School, The Trust for Public Land, and the urban Farming Institute of Boston open the newly-restored Fowler Clark Epstein Farm.  The $3.6 million renewal of the farm creates a new headquarters for the Urban Farming Institute of Boston and supports farmer training, public education programs, a farmers market and demonstration kitchen.

The property has had only five owners over 240 years.  The house’s first owner and presumably its builder was Samuel Fowler who farmed 11 acres in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries.  In 1895, the property was subdivided into house lots, leaving the mansion house and barn on the smaller home lot of a little over half an acre.

The property was designated a Boston Landmark in 2005.  The Boston Landmarks Commission Landmark Designation calls the property “a rare remaining, highly intact agricultural setting the typified the vernacular landscape of pre-Civil War Boston.”  The designation also says, “The Fowler-Clark farmhouse is one of just four farmhouses that date to between 1786 and 1806 identified in Boston, and may be the oldest of the four.”

 

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