Quincy A. Shaw - Very Rich Guy

Richards, L.J. 1899

The Shaw estate is at the top of the map along Perkins street.



I don't suppose that Quincy Shaw spent much time on Centre street. He did, however, reverse the pattern of wealthy businessmen who built summer homes on Jamaica Pond. He spent the winter at his Jamaica Plain estate, and summered at Prides Crossing. A couple of years after his death, it was revealed that his executors had underreported an inventory of his estate by half, to the tune of $7,000,000. giving a total of $21,000,000. As a result, a tax of $420,000 was paid to the city of Boston. The property was later owned by the Cabots, and finally shared the fate of so many three-deckers, becoming condos. The location of the property, along the Brookline side of Perkins street, is shown in this map. The story of the Calument & Hecla copper mines that brought Shaw his wealth is told here.


Boston Daily Globe June 13, 1908


Quincy A. Shaw Passes Away

Head of Noted Family Was 83 Years Old.

Gave Large Sums of Money for Philanthropic Purposes.

Heaviest Individual Taxpayer in the State.


Quincy A. Shaw, the heaviest individual taxpayer in Massachusetts, the largest individual owner of Calumet & Hecla stock in the state, and the head of the family whose members in various ways have done much to promote the educational and commercial interests of Boston, died yesterday morning at his home, 241 Perkins st, Jamaica Plain, aged 83 years. He had been in poor health since last fall.

Mr Shaw was born in Boston, Feb 8, 1825. His parents were Robert Gould Shaw of Gouldsboro, Me, and Elizabeth Willard Parkman of Boston. He graduated from Harvard in the class of '45, in the company with the late Justice Horace Gray of the U.S. Supreme court; A.P. Merrill, one-time minister to Belgium; Thomas Russell, who represented this country in Venezuela, Dr John P. Raynolds of Boston and many other distinguished men.

The foundation of Mr Shaw's wealth was a few thousand dollars which he inherited from his father, who was the representative of one of the oldest and most influential families in Boston. Mr Shaw married on Nov 30, 1860, Miss Pauline Agassiz, the daughter of Prof Louis Agassiz, the famous Swiss naturalist. She survives him, as do four children, Mrs L. Carteret Fenno of Boston, Mrs Harry Pratt McKean of Philadelphia, Quincy A. Shaw Jr and Robert Gould Shaw 2d, also of Boston.

Quincy A. Shaw Jr is second vice president of the Calumet & Hecla company, though his father retired from active connection with his mining interests some years ago.

Mr Shaw became interested in Caulmet & Hecla with Maj Henry L. Higganson, who also married a daughter of Prof Agassiz. The property had been prospected by Prof Agassiz, and his son Alexander was trying to develop it. Mr Higginson and Mr Shaw shared the tremendous efforts that were made before the mine became a dividend payer, and it is said that Mr Shaw put in nearly all the money he had before this happened. He picked up all he could afford to buy, even when it was selling at $1 a share.

The public will never know how large a proportion of the Shaw wealth has been dispensed in philanthropic enterprises. In all of them Mr Shaw, the giver, has kept in the background, the active work being done by Mrs Quincy A. Shaw. She is known as the foster-mother of the Kindergarten system of Boston; she has been the main prop of the North Bennett-st school; she it was who placed on a sound financial footing the civic Service house in Salem st and many of the day nurseries in the city, and scores and scores of men and women live in Boston today who have been helped to better things by the Shaw money and influence, in 1870 the Shaws opened the first public kindergarten in this country. Later, at their own expense, they opened two classes for the summer months, one in Jamaica Plain and the other in Brookline; the following year two more were opened, Mrs Shaw presiding over each for the first few weeks.

Mr and Mrs Shaw kept up this work until 1887, when they induced the Boston school committee to take it over; today there are more than 6000 children in that department.

They next turned their attention to day nurseries, establishing several in various parts of the city. And no charitable enterprise has been undertaken in Boston for the last 30 years that has not had Mrs Shaw as a willing subscriber.

Mr Shaw refused to move into Boston for the winter. He preferred to stay in the interesting mansion on the border of the parkway, where he had one of the best collections of Millet's paintings in America. He maintained, however, a summer home at Prides Crossing, known as the Commons, where the family has gone early in the season for a number of years.

Boston's Oldest Wheelman

When browsing obituaries I often come across an interesting person who only came to live in Jamaica Plain near the end of their lives - usually with their grown children. In most cases, I decide not to post their stories, because there just isn't enough local interest to make them relevant to this site. In this case, I think Mr Edwin Brown deserves our interest. For all our modern medical miracles, we don't make 'em any better that him.

It's not history, but it must have been quite a sight when he rode up Centre street.



Boston Daily Globe October 25, 1901


Boston's Oldest Wheelman Dead.

Edwin Brown of Jamaica Plain Passed Away at the Age of 96 -- Rode a Tricycle Up to Last Summer.


Edwin Brown, Jamaica Plain's oldest resident and Boston's oldest wheelman, died yesterday afternoon at the residence of his daughter, Mrs S.E. Barnard, 7 Eliot st, Jamaica Plain, at the age of 96. Mr Brown had been in excellent health up to a short time ago and was frequently seen riding around the streets of the section on his tricycle.

He was born in West Fitchburg, June 19, 1805. His maternal grandfather was in the battle of Bunker Hill, and when a young man Mr Brown himself was captain of a militia company in this city. For the greater part of his life he was identified with the piano business, having been a member of the firm of Woodward & Brown.

When a young man he came to Boston from Fitchburg to learn the cabinetmaker's trade. He was employed by the Chickerings. He devoted considerable time to improvements in construction of pianos. In the rear of his house is a workshop where after retiring from active business he passed many pleasant hours.

For the past 18 years he resided with his daughter. He had a large circle of friends in the section. He always took a keen interest in public affairs.

Not the least interesting feature concerning the old gentleman was his riding of a tricycle up the last summer.

Two years ago the Globe representative visited Mr Brown and had a pleasant chat with him. In the course of his talk he said:

"How long have I been a wheelman? Let me see -- about 15 years. My wheel, I think, keeps me in first-class health. I believe cycling to be an excellent recreation, providing the rider does not over-exert."

That Mr Brown had great faith in his ability on a wheel was shown by a little incident happening when he was 92 years of age. He had been riding around on his tricycle and had stopped in the midst of a crowd of spectators gathered to see such an aged man on a wheel. One of the young men wagered him $10 that he could not ride up a certain steep hill in Jamaica Plain. Mr Brown would not bet, but just to show what he could do he got on his wheel and rode up the hill without difficulty.

Mr Brown was a firm believer in Spiritualism.

Obituary #10

Boston Daily Globe February 15, 1914


Dr A.H. Tompkins Dead.

Jamaica Plain Physician Graduated From the Boston University School in 1875.


Dr Albert H. Tompkins, one of the most widely known homeopathic physicians of this city, died at his home, 20 Seaverns av, Jamaica Plain, yesterday morning, following a short illenss, aged 70.

He was born in Little Compton, R.I. He attended a business college in this city and for several years was employed as a bookkeeper.

He graduated from Boston University Medical School in 1875 and took up the practice of medicine in Jamaica Plain, and was in active practice up to the time of his death. Dr Tompkins was a frequent contributor to medical journals and was a member of the homeopathic medical societies of the city, State and Nation.

He leaves his wife, a son, Ernst A. Tompkins, and brother and a sister. The funeral will take place tomorrow at 3 o'clock, at the house.



December 3, 1914




Veteran Patrolman Dead.

William N.H. Knight Had Been Attached to Jamaica Plain Station 20 Years.


William N.H. Knight, for 20 years a patrolman attached to the Jamaica Plain station, who resigned from the police force only a few days ago, died yesterday at his home, 29 Green st, Jamaica Plain, after a two months' illness.

Mr Knight was born in South Boston July 9, 1855, and was educated in the public schools. Nov 4, 1885, he was appointed to the police force, having previously served as a fireman in South Boston, and was assigned to the La grange -st Station.

He went to the Jamaia Plain Station aug 30, 1894, and had been attached to it until Nov 28, when he offered his resignation on grounds of disability. For many year he had driven the station patrol wagon. He was a member of the Police Relief Association.

Mr Knight was unmarried.

Obituary #9

Boston Daily Globe March 11, 1912

Bailey L. Page Dead. Lifelong Resident of Jamaica Plain and Real Estate Agent Was Friend of Gov Foss.




Bailey L. Page, a lifelong resident of Jamaica Plain, died at his residence, 2 Alveston st, at 1 yesterday morning of a complication of diseases.

Mr Page was born on Green st, Jamaica Plain, in 1850, and received his education in the public schools of this city. For 15 years he was connected with the old hardware firm of Cyrus White. He has conducted a real estate and insurance agency in Woolsey sq. Jamaica Plain, for the past 25 years.

He was a pioneer member of Daniel Hersey Lodge, I.O.O.F., and an organizer of the Central Club of Jamaica Plain. He had been for many years a member of the Jamaica Club, a director of the West Robury Cooperative Bank, and a trustee of the Faulkner Hospital. He was also a member of the Economic Club and the Boston Real Estate Exchange. Mr Page was a near neighbor and a personal friend of Gov Foss.

Mr Bailey never married, but lived with his sister, Miss Mary Page, and a brother, Joseph E. Page, who is connected with the Jamaica Plain branch of the Boston Postoffice, both of whom survive him. He is also survived by two other brothers, Rev Hartland Page of Harkwick, Mass, and John A Page of Evanston, Ill.



April 9, 1912


Fiala Funeral Today. Services for Well-Known Boston Musician to be Held at Forest Hills Cemetery Chapel.




The funeral services of Frank J. Fiala of 84 Paul Gore st, Jamaica Plain, one of the most prominent musicians of Greater Boston, will be held at the Forest Hills Cemetery Chapel this afternoon at 2. Delegates from the Theatrical Mechanics Association, the Bohemian C.S.P.C. Society and the National Slavonic Society will attend and conduct the services. Mr Fiala died Saturday of pneumonia. He was born in Bohemia in 1847. During his entire term of service in the Austrian Army he played in the regimental band. He came to this country 34 years ago. For the past 20 years he had lived in Jamaica Plain.

Mr Fiala had played in almost every theatrical orchestra in the city. He was a member of the Boston Festival Orchestra, the Handel and Hayden Society and other organizations.

Mr Fiala was employed by many of the publishing houses and musical directors as an arranger and copyist of music. He was the official copyist for the Conservatory of Music, and was one of the most competent arranger of music in the country. He is survived by a wife and one daughter, Mrs H.L. Morand.


September 15, 1913

George W. Maloy Dead. Jamaica Plain Resident and Widely Known as an Expert in Shoe Machinery.




George W. Maloy, for more than 20 years a resident of Jamaica Plain, died yesterday morning at his home, 54 Carolina av, Jamaica Plain, after an illness of seven weeks from heart trouble. His early years were spent in East Boston and he was a member of the Catholic Lyceum and the Columbia Rowing Association.

He was a graduate of the English High School and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, class of '73. After leaving Tech eh was in the shoe machinery business for many years. At the time of his death he as assistant treasurer and European manager of the Boylston Manufacturing company. Mr Maloy was one of the best informed men in the world on shoe machine matters, and had travelled very extensively in this country and Europe.

He is survived by his wife, Mrs Gertrude B. Maloy, one brother, James D. Maloy, and two sisters, Miss Mary E. Maloy and Mrs A.S. Murphy.

Obituary #8

Boston Daily Globe May 3, 1911


Dies Calling Doctor.

Mrs Grace A. Bradshaw, a Clerk in the Service of the U.S. District Court, Falls at Telephone.


While telephoning for a doctor, Mrs Grace A. Bradshaw, one of the trusted clerks in the service of the U.S. district court, dropped dead yesterday at her home, 17 Seaverns av, Jamaica Plain.

Mrs Bradshaw was born in Nashua, N.H. about 48 years ago. She was the widow of Edward H. Bradshaw. Upon the passage of the bankruptcy act in 1898 she was appointed a clerk in the U.S. district court, where she has since served. She is survived by her father and mother, Mr and Mrs John F. Benson, with whom she made her home.



June 23, 1911


Dr E. Peabody Gerry Dead.

Expires Suddenly at His Farm in Phillipston -- Long Prominent In Civic Affairs.


Dr E. Peabody Gerry of Jamaica Plain, alderman in 1900 and 1901, and republican candidate for the mayoralty nomination in 1903, died suddenly yesterday on his farm in Phillipston, where he had gone a few days ago in excellent health.

He was born in Standish Me, in 1846, son of a Unitarian minister, spent his early boyhood in New York city and his youth and later life in this city. He went to the Eliot and Mayhew schools, won a Franklin medal, went to Boston Latin and graduated at Dartmouth in 1869.

He taught school and was master of the high school at Hudson for a year,then entered Harvard medical school, graduating in 1874. Not long afterward he settled in Jamaica Plain. He was a Mason and for years took an active part in all movements for the civic improvement of the district in which he lived. During Mayor Hibbard's administration Dr Gerry investigated the milk situation.

The funeral will be held Saturday at 1:30 p.m. at the home, 2 Everett st, Jamaica Plain, where the body was brought late yesterday.



July 21, 1911


Funeral Of T.C. McCarthy


Lodge Delegations Attend Services for Jamaica Plain Man in Church of Our Lady of Lourdes.


A large company of friends and relatives from near and far, including representatives of several fraternal organizations, attended the funeral of Timothy c. McCarthy of Jamaica Plain yesterday at the church of Our Lady of Lourdes.


Rev Fr O'Riordan officiated, assisted by Rev frs Golden and Curry. The bearers were Eugene O'Neil, John O'Neil, Cornelius Clifford,and Michael Sullivan. Burial was at St Joseph's cemetery.

Mr McCarthy, who died Tuesday aged 38, was a native of Ireland and had lived in Jamaica Plain about 25 years. He leaves two sisters, three brothers and a mother, who still lives in Ireland. He was a member of the Foresters, aerie 45, Fraternal Order of Eagles, local 77, A.F. of L., and Boston nest of Owls.

Obituary #7

Boston Daily Globe


November 2, 1910


Mrs M.E. Gallivan Dead.

Married Less Than a Year Ago She Passes Away of Typhoid Fever at Home in Jamaica Plain.


Mary E. Gallivan, wife of Timothy A. Gallivan, President of Adams, Taylor & Co., 191 State st, died at her home, 290 South st, Jamaica Plain, last evening after a short illness of typhoid fever.

Mrs Gallivan, who was married to Mr Gallivan, brother of Street Commissioner James A. Gallivan, a little less than one year ago, was born in Marlboro, and after attending the public schools of that city removed with her parents, Mr and Mrs David Nugent, to Dorchester, where she became engaged in social and church work. She was a graduate of the Marlboro high schol and the Framingham normal school.

The funeral will be held tomorrow morning with a requium high mass at St Thomas' church, Jamaica Plain, at 9. The burial, which will be in Marlboro, will be private.



January 16, 1911


F.L. Hitchcock Dead.

Letter carrier at Jamaica Plain Post-Office for More That a Score of Years.


Frank L. Hitchcock, for more than a score of years a carrier at the Jamaica Plain postoffice, died this morning at his home, 12 Thomas st. Although Mr Hitchcock had been in poor health for the past two years, the immediate cause of his death was pneumonia. The funeral services will be held Wednesday.

Mr Hancock was born April 19, 1858, in the old Gov Eustis mansion in Robury. He received his education in the public schools, and shortly after his graduation entered a Boston business house. When a young man he went to the Pacific coast, and there was married to Miss Cora Hale of Port Madison, Wash.

A year or two later he returned to Boston and entered the postal service. For a while he was at the central office, and then was shifted to station A. He remained there only a short time, however, being sent to the Jamaica Plain station, where he has been ever since. That was just 21 years ago this month

Mr Hitchcock was a member of Daniel Hersey lodge, I.O.O.F., and was actively connected with the letter carriers' association.

He leaves his wife and seven children, Frederick, William, Susan, Henry, Francis, Wesley and Alice, the latter just 4 years old. He has two sisters, Mrs Carrie Benson of Bernard, Me, and Mrs Susan Benson of West Somerville. His brother is Fred Hitchcock of Newton.


April 16, 1911


John L. McKenzie Dead.

Was Employe(sic) of the Globe for 30 Years and Held Many Positions of Trust.


John Liberty McKenzie, one of the oldest employes of the Globe composing room died at 3:30 yesterday afternoon at his home, 155 Amory st, Jamaica Plain, after an illness of about one year.

Mr McKenzie was born in Chicago 54 years ago, and came to Boston about 1881, going to work for the Globe, where he has remained ever since. He was a skillful and conscientious workman, and not only was he true to every trust that was reposed in him, but his judgement was so superior, and his charity was so genuine and well placed, that his fellow-workmen looked to him for frequent counsel and reposed in him many of the greater responsibilities.

Mr McKenzie was a member of Boston typographical union 18, Franklin typographical society, Boston Globe relief society, Hobab lodge, I.O.O.F., of Dorchester; Mendell brotherhood of Boylston Congregational church of Jamaica Plain, and the Globe savings fund and loan association, of which he was for many years treasurer. He took especial delight in his connection with the Boston singing club and with the church choir.

He leaves a wife and daughter, to both of whom he was greatly devoted. His mother, MRs Marie Soboda, and a younger brother of Cedar Rapids, Ia, also survive him.

Funeral from residence, 155 Amory st, Jamaica Plain, at 2 p.m. Monday. Services at Boylston Congregational church, corner Boylston and Amory sts at 2:30.

Capt Robert B. Forbes

Robert Forbes began life in Jamaica Plain, but apparently he didn't stay for long. As was common in his day, he entered the working world at an early age, under the auspices of his uncles, the Perkins brothers. After serving in the family company, he went on to an illustrious career in public service, being responsible for setting up coast guard lifeboats along the coast and lakes. His method for rigging sails became standard in the industry, and his role in bringing food to Ireland during the potato famine - see here - was celebrated in his day. The story of the Perkins brother's enterprise deserves its own entry, soon to come.

You can visit the Forbes House in Milton - formerly the China Trade Museum.


New York Times November 24, 1889


Robert B. Forbes Dead.


Capt Robert B. Forbes, who died yesterday at his residence in Milton, Mass., was one of the old merchants of Boston, and was closely identified with the shipping interests of days gone by. He was born at Jamaica Plain in 1804, and began his career on the sea at an early age, making a voyage to Europe in a little topsail schooner when only six years old. The vessel was captured by a British frigate. At the age of thirteen Capt Forbes went to sea before the mast, having been for a time in the store of his uncles, James and Thomas H. Perkins of Foster's Wharf, and he made his first voyage to China.

At the age of twenty he was Captain of one of his Uncle's ships, and the next year, 1825, he went to San Francisco, where not a house could be seen on the beach. During the first ten years of his seagoing life he was not on shore more than six months. His connection with the China trade was a leading feature of his experience, and when about thirty years old he retired from the sea and became a merchant. After retiring from his roving sea life he settled down and married, and for the next four years he lived on Temple-place, Boston, having for his next-door neighbor his uncle, Thomas H. Perkins.

Capt Forbes met with heavy reverses in the crisis of 1837, and to retrieve his fortunes again went to China. He arrived at Hong-Kong when the affairs of foreign merchants were in a serious condition, and shortly after his arrival he and his associates were imprisoned for five weeks. He was finally released, and carried on his business at Canton when the English merchants shut up their factories, exchanging goods for tea. When it was seen that the British Government was likely to blockade Canton and bring the Chinese to terms, Capt. Forbes and his partners in the firm, Russell & Co., of which he was a member, pushed their business and secured handsome profits.

In 1840 Capt. Forbes went back to Boston with a large fortune. The next year he visited Europe, and on returning home again, for the nine years following engaged in commerce at home. In 1849 he went to China again, and on the voyage saved several lives, for which he was presented with a medal by the Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society. Lloyd's Shipwreck Society of London, and the Massachusetts Humane Society. One of his conspicuous acts was his aid to the sufferers of the Irish famine of 1846-7, when the United States Government sent him out in command of the frigate Jamestown. In 1858 he went on a Government expedition to the Pacific ocean. In the civil war he organized the coast guard. He was one of the founders of the Sailor's Snub Harbor and was the inventor of the "Forbes Rig." He wrote many articles on sea-faring matters.

Henry D. Morse, Diamond Man

The Boston Directory of 1885 tells us that Henry D. Morse lived at the corner of Pond and Myrtle streets in Jamaica Plain, and an 1874 fire insurance map locates the house at number 44 Pond street.

New York Times January 4, 1888


The Pioneer Lapidary.

Death Of H.D. Morse, The Well-Known Dealer In Diamonds.




Boston, Jan. 3. -- Henry D. Morse, the pioneer of the diamond cutting industry in this country, died at his home at Jamaica Plain, Boston, Sunday, at the age of 62. In early life, he learned the engraver's trade, and afterward became a jeweler. He turned his attention to diamond cutting in 1861, shortly after the great yield of the South African diamond fields had been disclosed. Mr B.S. Pray of this city was then engaged in the African trade, and brought some rough stones to this country with the idea of competing with foreign countries. Mr Morse became associated with Mr Pray, and with the former's skill and the latter's money the business of diamond cutting was a reality in America before the year was ended. The undertaking was a bold one, and the importers and dealers in precious stones all over the country looked upon the experimental industry with distrust and alarm. The business was started under the name of the Morse Diamond Cutting Company, Mr Morse superintending all the work. It was necessary to employ dutch experts at first in the work of cutting and polishing and whenever they were secured they maintained the same secrecy respecting their art as in their own country, and the same dictatorial spirit toward their employers and the world in general. Mr Morse learned the secrets of the art and taught it to American boys surreptitiously in an adjoining suburb, and when the foreigners struck Mr Morse was ready to fill their places with hands who together with himself were enabled to continue the business without any serious interruption.

In the year 1869 Mr Morse established his fame as the great diamond cutter of his time by his skill in the case of a 50-carat stone found in Manchester, nearly opposite Richmond, va. Lapidaries who worked at it in the rough expressed the opinion that it would be almost impossible to obtain a first-water stone of any size whatever from the original gem, but that it would be better to cut it into smaller fragmentary crystals. Mr Morse was interested with the work of cutting it, and by skillful and adroit manipulation and study of the las of light and geometrical relations he produced one of the most brilliant 12-carat diamonds. It was owned by John Morrissey when he died and subsequently it into the posession of the late Alvin Adams of the Adams Express compnay. Mr Morse also invented a cutting and polishing machine, which did away in a great measure with the tediousnes and inaccuracy of the old manual process. The firm of crosby, Morse & Foss, jewelers and diamond cutters, was formed, but in 1875 the firm dissolved, and Mr Morse established himself a dealer in diamonds and gems and diamond cutter. Last year Mr Morse engaged in busines again with his old partner, Mr C.D. Foss, under the firm name of H.D. Morse & C.D. Foss.

Obituary #6

Boston Daily Globe May 5, 1909

His Death Shocks Friends. Thomas Mayo Had Been in the Hardware Business at Jamaica Plain for 52 Years.


The sudden death of Thomas Mayo, Jamaica Plain's oldest business man, who had conducted a hardware business in that section for 52 years, was a great shock to his many business associates and friends. Mr Mayo had been suffering from acute indigestion and died from an attack Monday afternoon.

He was born at Brewster, Feb 19, 1832, the son of Elnathan(?) Mayo, and lived in that town until he as a young man. Coming to South Boston, he learned the tinsmith trade, and in May, 1857, went to Jamaica Plain where he opened business for himself at the corner of Centre st and Seaverns av. Later he became associated with the late Cyrus White, under the firm name of White and Mayo, which concern existed for some years on Centre st.

For a time he was associated with S.D. Balkam, under the firm name of Mayo & Balkam, but for some years he had been alone, being assisted in business by his son, Francis G. Mayo.

Mr Mayo married, May 8, 1854, Miss Emma Houghton, daughter of the late Isaac Houghton of Dorchester. He is survived by a son, Francis G. Mayo, and a nephew, Herbert Mayo.

The funeral will be held at his residence, 7 Everett st, Jamaica Plain, this afternoon at 2:30 o'clock.


February 22, 1910


Patrick Corrigan Dead. Was Engaged in Business in Jamaica Plain for 30 Years.


Patrick Corrigan, an old-time resident of Jamaica Plain, died yesterday at the home of his daughter, Mrs J.J. Hickey, 36 Aldrich st, Roslindale. He was 72 years old. He leaves a son, Frank W.Corrigan, and a daughter, Mrs J.J. Hickey of Roslindale.

Mr Corrigan was born in Ireland March 17, 1837, and came to this country when a youth. He was highly respected in Jamaica Plain, where he had been engaged in the livery stable business for 30 years, retiring about five years ago. Until removing to Roslindale, he had been for many years a communicant at St Thomas' Catholic church, Jamaica Plain.


May 14, 1910


Old Musician Buried. Services for Benjanin Cutter Held at Jamaica Plain.


Rev James de Normandie conducted the funeral services for Benjamin Cutter, for 25 years an instructor at the New England conservatory of music, well-known composer and talented violinist, which were held yesterday afternoon at the family home, 6 Brown pl, Jamaica Plain.

A profusion of floral offerings surrounded the coffin, among them being tributes from musical organizations to which he belonged, the faculty of the New England conservatory of music, fraternal bodies, firms that had publishied his compositions and text books and from relatives and friends. Burial was in the family lot in Rural cemetery, Walpole.



September 9, 1910

Dies at Gerrish Island. Mrs Mary E.W. Goodwin, Aged 83, of Jamaica Plain, Ill a Few Days at Summer Home.


Mrs Mary Evert Wendell Goodwin, aged 83, widow of William H. Goodwin of Jamaica Plain, died suddenly yesterday at her summer home, "Darrington," Gerrish island, Kittery Point, Me. She leaves three daughters, Miss Frances Goodwin, Mrs Arthur Phillips Nazro, wife of Rear Admiral Arthur P. Nazro, USN retired, and Mrs David S. Greenough of Jamaica Plain.

Mrs Goodwin was stricken with pneumonia a few days ago and died suddenly as a result of the disease. She had resided most of her life in Jamaica Plain, the family home being at 925 Centre st.

The body will be brought to Jamaica Plain Saturday morning, and funeral services will be held at the family residence Saturday afternoon at 2:30.

Obituary #5

Boston Daily Globe May 17, 1909


Old Architect Dead.

Harris M. Stephenson of Jamaica Plain Planned Many Buildings and Residences.


Harris Marshall Stephenson, aged 64, a prominent architect of this city and an old resident of Jamaica Plain, died yesterday morning at his home, 236 Chestnut av.

Mr Stephenson was born in this city Jan 18, 1845, the son of Benjamin T. and Nancy K. Stephenson. He attended the public schools and after leaving school spent several years in foreign travel. Returning to Boston, he entered the office of his uncle, a member of the firm of S.C. Bugbee & Son, architects, and took up the study of his profession.

On the removal in 1861 of his uncle's firm to California Mr Stephenson entered the office of Nathaniel J. Bradlee, architects. About 1870 he entered business for himself, associating with the late Daniel Appleton, with offices at 10 Pemberton sq, and remaining there for nearly 20 years.

Mr Stephenson furnished the plans for a number of large buildings, some of the most prominent being St John's Episcopal church of Jamaica Plain, St John's Episcopal church of Keokuk, In, the Murdock hospital, Huntington av, this city, and the Henry Nevins home for incurables at Methuen.

He prepared plans for more than 60 residences in Boston and its suburbs and a large number in other parts of the country, including California, New York, New Jersey, Maine and New Hampshire, as well as seashore hotels and summer residences on cape Cod and elsewhere. Turk's Head inn, cape Ann, being a particular example of his skill.

He is survided by one son, H. Walter Stephenson, by three brothers and one sister. The funeral services will be conducted by Rev Sumner M. Shearman, pastor emeritus of St John's Episcopal church, Jamaica Plain, at 2 Tuesday afternoon at his late home, 236 Chestnut av. The interment will be in the family lot at Forest Hills cemetery.

Obituary #4

Canadian immigrant, war veteran, policeman and tuberculosis victim - there's a lot to think about there. After the Irish and Germans, Canadians were the most next most common immigrants to Jamaica Plain around the turn of the century. Tuberculosis was a disease of the time - we've been able to forget about it since the middle of the 20th Century. I've read that the NO SPITTING signs that used to adorn subway stations were put there to stop the transmission of TB. This shows that even a young man like patrolman Fraser could succumb.



Boston Daily Globe November 4, 1907


Spanish War Veteran.

Patrolman Austin A. Fraser, Popular Jamaica Plain Officer, Dies of Tuberculosis.




Patrolman Austin A. Fraser of division 13, Jamaica Plain, died yesterday morning in his home, 24 Walkhill st, Forest Hills, of tuberculosis. He was 32 years old and leaves a widow and infant son. Funeral services will be held Wednesday morning at 9 in St Thomas church, Jamaica Plain. Burial will be in Mr Benedict cemetery.

Patrolman Fraser was one of the most popular officers at station 13, and the esteem in which he was held has been shown in a substantial manner during his illness of a number of months.

He was born at Antigonish, N.S. Jan 9, 1875, the son of John and Mary Fraser. He was appointed to the police force of this city Oct 5, 1900, and assigned to duty at division 5. Two years later he was made a regular patrolman. He was absent on sick leave from Oct 15, 1902 until May 1, 1903. On June 3, 1903, he was transferred to division 13, Jamaica Plain, where he had remained until incapacitated from duty last May.

He was a veteran of the Spanish war, enlisting in Co L, heavy artillery, MVM, May 2, 1898. He did duty at fort Slocum, N.Y. and later was assistant to the paymaster of the U.S. Army and twice visited Cuba with that official.

On Oct 28, 1906, he was married to Miss Agnes L. Harney of Jamaica Plain.

He was a member of Roger Wolcott camp, Spanish war veterans; Jamaica Plain council, Knights of Columbus, and Clan McNeil of Malden.

Obituary #3

You know that Rev Ellis Mendell was highly respected in the neighborhood of Boylston station - they got the city to name a school after him.


Boston Daily Globe May 23, 1903


He Had Many Friends

Funeral Services for Rev Ellis Mendell at Boylston Station.


The funeral services fo Rev Ellis Mendell, for 15 years pastor of the Boylston Congregational church, corner of Boylston and Amory sts, Boylston Station, were held yesterday afternoon at the church over which he had so long presided. The church was crowded.

The floral tributes covered the platform, and the pulpit was draped with black. The services were conducted by Rev A.H. Plumb, pastor of the Walnut-av congregational church, Roxbury, assisted by Rev Charles L. Morgan, pastor of the Central Congregational church, Jamaica Plain; Rev William B. Campbell, pastor of the Highland church, and Rev Dr Bushnell, a college classmate of Mr Mendell's. Previous to the church service, prayers were conducted at the house, 38 Atherton st, Egleston Square, by Dr Noble of Chicago.

The services were simple. There were Scripture reading, prayer, a short eulogy by Rev Dr Plumb and a musical selection "The Holy City," by Mrs Morrell of the Norwood Congregational church.

The honorary pallbearers were George W. Fowle, Issac Stone, S.R. Crocker and Charles Dellitt and the actual bearers were Messrs W.S. Archibald, W.W. Baker, William Gunn, Charles Shope, William Mock and William Maiers.

The body was taken to New Bedford for burial.

As a mark of respect for Mr Mendel all the stores in the vicinity closed their doors, and no business was done during the funeral services from 2 o'clock until 3:30.

Obituary #2

The 1885 Boston Directory places George Suck at the corner of Lamartine and Oakdale streets. In 1872 and 1875 he was at Old Harbor in Boston. Still earlier, the 1865 book puts him on Tremont street. That puts him in Jamaica Plain fairly late in life, but he had family there as well, so we'll claim his for JP.


Boston Daily Globe October 31, 1897


George F. Suck Dead.

One of the Leading Violinists of Boston in the Sixties.


The death of George Fred Suck occurred at his home on Lamartine pl, Jamaica Plain yesterday. Mr Suck, who was one of the best-known musicians of the city, was born in Bremen, Germany, in 1820. He lived in that country until 1850, when he came to the United States. While here he became famous as a violinist, and was director of the orchestra in the opera house.

Overwork caused him to take a sea voyage to this country. Landing in Boston, he remained long enough to find employment. He found so much to do that he made up his mind to live here. This was the year that Jenny Lind was in Boston. Mr Suck played all the concerts given by her.

He also gave concerts before the Harvard society. In 63 and 64 he was director of the orchestra at the Boston Theater, then under the management of Wyzeman Marshall. When the New England conservatory of music was opened he was one of the first instructors under Eben Tourgee.

He leaves three brothers and three sisters. The funeral will be held at 2 o'clock Tuesday afternoon, at the residence of his brother-in-law, Arthur P. Schmidt, 21 Pond st, Jamaica Plain.

Obituary #1

I have a series of obituaries to post, running from 1894 to the mid-teens. I only used articles with some information of interest to the, so low income people who were simply listed in a long seriew of names won't show up. I've tried to find some measure of interest in each entry, whether profession, place of birth, or some other nugget that tells us a little about the time. Joel Seaverns makes the grade because he was a Civil War veteran and was active in the community. And he also had a street named after his surname. Bonus points for being the street I was born on.

A couple more things. Dr Seaver was a well-known member of Secret Societies. In the antebellum years, Americans were joiners, filling the roles of Masons, Odd Fellows, Redmen, and a multiplicity of other fraternal groups. Not exactly what we think of as secret, but apparently the handshake and rituals filled the bill. The role of fraternal groups in Jamaica Plain history is outside this entry, but I do want to touch on the Royal Arcanum. I had seem the name many times in previous articles, and this one finally got me to look them up. As it turns out, the Royal Arcanum exists to this day. What I guessed, in my ignorance, was something like the Royal Order of Raccoons, was in fact a life insurance fraternal organization for working men (as explained here). Dr Seaverns' role as medical examiner for the group suddenly makes sense.





Boston Daily Globe March 2, 1894


Dr Joel Seaverns Dead.

Was Well Known Roxbury Physician and Medical Examiner in Chief for the Royal Arcanum.


Dr Joel Seaverns, medical examiner in chief of the Royal Arcanum, died at his home, 2 Dudley pl, yesterday morning.

Joel Seaverns was born at Jamaica Plain May 25, 1828. At the age of 18 he graduated from the Roxbury Latin school.

Leaving college in 1850, he spent one year in teaching, when he entered the Harvard medical school, from which he graduated in 1854.

Commencing private practice then at Jamaica Plain, he continued there until May 25, 1862, when he entered the army as acting assistant surgeon, holding this position until Dec 4, 1863, when he was appointed assistant surgeon of the US volunteers and promoted March 30, 1864, to the rank of surgeon.

In 1865 he was made brevet lieutenant colonel for faithful and meritorious service. This first two commissions were signed by Abraham Lincoln and his last by Andrew Johnson.

During his army life he was surgeon in charge of hospital ship the New World and of steamer De Molay. Before and after that time he was post surgeon at Fort Warren in Boston harbor.

Dr Seaverns had been superintendent of the schools of West Roxbury, was a member of the town council of Boston, and for years one of it school committee. He had practiced medicine in Roxbury continuously since 1866.

His acquintance with secret societies had been rather extensive, as he was a past master of Washington lodge Free and Accepted Mason; past high priest of Mt Vernon Royal Arch chapter; thrice illustrious master of Roxbury council, Royal and Select Masters, and sir knight of Joseph Warren commandery, Knights Templar. He was past grand of Quinobequin lodge, I.O.O.F. and a member of Roxbury lodge, 205, Knights of Honor.

Dr Seaverns was appointed by Supreme Regent Swain as Royal Arcanum state medical examiner for Massachusetts. In May, 1880, Supreme Regent Keyes, recognizing his ability and valuable services as a state examiner, appointed him medical examiner-in-chief for the order.

Mary E. Stuart - Long Time Teacher

Here's a person who deserves to be remembered. Mrs Mary Stuart was born before the Civil War, and began teaching in Jamaica Plain when it was part of the Town of West Roxbury, one year after the end of the war. The "Old Agassiz" school was the Central school at that time, and it was, indeed, at the center of old Jamaica Plain village.


Boston Daily Globe January 18, 1907


Aged Teacher Dead. Mrs Mary E. Stuart of Jamaica Plain. In 41 Years of Service She Taught Children of Former Pupils.


Just as the clocks were striking the noon hour yesterday, and the pupils of the Agassiz grammar school were being dismissed, the death of Mrs Mary E. Stuart, for 41 years a teacher in that school, occurred at her home, 119 Sedgwick st, Jamaica Plain. Mrs Stuart was in her 65th year. She leaves four sisters, Mrs M.G. Rice of West Roxbury, Mrs E.R. Wilson of Dedham, Mrs J.W. Hewins of Medford and Mrs D.J. Chamberlain of Norwood.

Mrs Stuart was probably the oldest teacher in service in the Boston schools and during all of her 41 years of service had taught in the old Agassiz school. She joined the school in January 1866, and worked under the direction of master J. Billings and under the present master, John T. Gibson during his nearly 30 years in the position. She relinquished her duties only three and one-half months ago.

She was held in the highest esteem for her efficiency as a teacher, and during her long years of service had taught upwards of 2000 pupils, and had taught the children of many of her earlier pupils.

As a mark of respect to her memory the flag on the school building on Burroughs st was flown at half-staff yesterday afternoon.

Mrs Stuart was born at Medfield, and was the daughter of Cyrus Steadman and Mary Jordan Steadman. She was educated at the Thetford academy, Thetford, Vt. When 22 years old she was married to John Stuart of Natick, at Medfield, by Rev Andrew Bigelow, but became a widow within a year. Then she became a teacher in the public schools, and her first positions were in the schools of Westboro and Medfield, afterward coming to the Agassiz grammar school here.

Last fall she began the term at the Agassiz school and taught for about three weeks, when she was compelled on account of illness to relinquish teaching. A week ago she was compelled to take to her bed, because of an attack of the heart disease that proved fatal.

For many years she was a member of the Central Congregational church, Jamaica Plain, and was active in the work of that society.

Funeral services will take place at 12:30 Sunday at 119 Sedgwick st. Rev Chauncey J. Hawkins, minister of the Central Congregational church, will conduct the services and the burial will be at Medfield.

Patrick Meehan - RIP

Many people think that they could write a book about their lives. Patrick Meehan seems to have kept himself busy enough to deserve volumes. An immigrant from Ireland, Meehan worked in different businesses, lived in different states and made his fortune in helping to build Jamaica Plain and Boston. Looking at a Jamaica Plain map of his time, you find yourself saying "there's another Patrick Meehan property, and another, and another." He seems to have kept his holdings mostly in one small area, between Washington street and the railroad tracks. Perhaps he liked to keep an eye on all his properties. His home was on Washington street, a stone's throw from B.F. Sturtevant's blower works, the largest factory in the area. Clearly, this was not a man who wanted to take a country estate and live among bankers and lawyers. Someone needs to do some digging and give this man the write-up he deserves.



Boston Daily Globe February 16, 1916


Patrick Meehan Dead. Extensive Real Estate Owner in Jamaica Plain and Formerly Prominent in Politics.


Patrick Meehan, a holder in much real estate in Jamaica Plain, and formerly very prominent in Democratic political circles, died yesterday at his home, 3451 Washington st, after an illness of several weeks.

Mr Meehan was born in County Fermanagh, Ireland, on March 15, 1834, the son of Thomas and Katherine (McMorrow) Meehan. He came to this country in 1846. At first he went to work on a Connecticut farm. After a few years, he entered railroading, and was for a time with the old Boston, Hartford & Erie Road. Later he went to New Orleans and followed steamboating for a number of years.

In 1860 he returned to this State. He made a fortune in the constructing business and settled in Jamaica Plain with his family.

He next turned his attention to real estate and at the time of his death owned much property on Washington st and along the length of Green st. He was one of the original organizers of the Boylston Brewery, later selling out his interests.

He was chariman of the old Democratic Town Committee, when West Roxbury was a town, and he also was chairman of the Democratic Ward Committee for many years after the town's annexation by Boston.

He was married in 1864 to Miss Mary Sheehan, who died about four years ago. Surviving him are two sons, John J. Meehan, who was associated in business with his father; William P. Meehan, Harvard, '94, and Harvard Law School, '96, now a lawyer in this city, and four daughters, Mrs Albert J. Hill of West Roxbury, Mrs Frank I. Johnson of Fitchburg, Mrs Frank M. Flanagan of Brookline and Mrs Ward N. Boylston of Princeton.

The funeral will take place on Thursday morning with a solemn high mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Church at 10 o'clock.






Richards, L.J., 1899. (copyright © 2000 by Cartography Associates.)
David Rumsey Collection

When I first saw this property on Amory Street at Boylston station, I assumed the owner lived here, but the obituary places him on Washington street. Maybe one of the sons lived here.







Count the Patrick Meehan properties.





A strange place for a real estate tycoon's home, no?