CHAUNCEY H. PIERCE, a prominent insurance agent and real estate dealer of Northampton, was born in Amherst, Mass., May 16, 1848, son of Chauncey and Florilla Cooley Pierce. Some of the best blood of the early Puritans of New England courses through his veins. He is a descendant of John Pierce, a weaver, who emigrated from England in 1654, and settled in Watertown, Mass.

Chauncey Pierce, father of Mr. Pierce, was a native of Amherst, born in 1816. He was a well-known carriage-maker, and died in 1849. His wife, who was a native of Sunderland, bore her husband four children, as follows: Jane W., who died when thirteen years old; Edwin H., who married, located in Springfield, and died in 1886, aged forty-five years; Ellen M., the wife of Ira A. Harvey, of Northampton; and Chauncey H., the subject of this article, and with whom the mother, a bright and intelligent woman of eighty-eight years, makes her home.

Chauncey H. Pierce began his career as a self-supporting member of society when twelve years old, entering Marsh's book store as a clerk, and remaining five years. He was next employed as a salesman in Merritt Clark's clothing store, and was afterward engaged in the insurance office of Allen & Pratt for six months. Becoming familiar with the insurance business, he became general agent for the Union Mutual Life Insurance Company, giving his entire attention to that business for a year. Mr. Pierce was then offered by A. Perry Peck a half interest in his fire insurance agency, which he accepted. They began business in 1871, under the firm name of Peck & Pierce. After ten years Mr. Peck retired, leaving Mr. Pierce to conduct the business alone. Mr. Pierce has dealt extensively in mortgages, besides being largely interested in various monetary enterprises. With A. McCallum he organized the Northampton Electric Light Company, and for several years was its Manager and Treasurer. He holds the office of Treasurer still. He is also one of the Directors of the Northampton National Bank, a Trustee of the Academy of Music, was a member of the last Board of Selectmen of the old town, a President of the Common Council of the new city for three years, and is now one of the Committee of Trust Funds.

Mr. Pierce was married October 13, 1870, to Isabella D. Lewis, of this city, a daughter of Lucius and Arabella (Warner) Lewis, both natives of Suffield, Conn. Mr. and Mrs. Pierce have two children: Mabel A., born October 16, 1872, who is an accomplished pianist, having graduated under the private instruction of the eminent Professor Blodgett; and Alvin L., born January 15, 1880, who is a pupil of Williston Seminary. Mr. Pierce has gained a high standing in the community.

JOHN N. PITMAN, a prominent citizen of Pelham, who owns and cultivates a fine farm in that town, was born in South Kingston, R.I., May 19, 1828, son of George B. and Abigail (Nichols) Pitman, the former a native of Newport, born July 5, 1788, the latter of South Kingston, born September 13, 1792. George Pitman was a hatter by trade, but spent the greater part of his life in agricultural occupations. He moved to Pelham in 1830, and settled on the farm where his son now resides. His steady and judicious labor upon it greatly enhanced its value for his son. He died April 28, 1861. He was married March 5, 1820, to Abigail Nichols, who died March 27, 1845. She was the mother of five children, only one of whom - the subject of this sketch - is now living.

John N. Pitman grew to manhood in Pelham, receiving a good common-school education in that town. He became familiar with agricultural life on the home farm; and when a young man, he learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked at intervals during his after life. He purchased many years ago the land which he now cultivates, and has spent many a busy day in the labors of husbandry. His estate comprises forty acres of land, which is devoted to general farming; and Mr. Pitman also has some fine live stock. In politics he is independent. On religious subjects he holds liberal views. He is well endowed with the goods of this world, which he acquired by his own untiring labor, and is one of the oldest, as he is one of the most respected, residents of Pelham. Mr. Pitman is unmarried.

SUMNER O. POLLEY, who is successfully engaged in and owns a prosperous tobacco store in the town of Amherst, was born in New Salem, Mass., July 12, 1825, and is a son of Amos and Jerusha (Sawyer) Polley.

Amos Polley, who originally came from Ashburnham, Mass., conducted a grist-mill for a time, and in connection therewith he also engaged in the trade of a cooper, which he had followed for some time in North New Salem. He next turned his attention to getting out palm leaf for hats, at which he was employed in Mossville for about four years. Later he purchased a farm in Pelham, on which the last years of his life were calmly spent in the cultivation of the soil. He was liberal in religious matters, and in politics a Democrat. He died in Pelham at fifty-nine years of age, while his wife lived to eighty-five years of age. They were the parents of nine children, as follows: Annie, Amos, Hiram, Abbie, Jerusha, Sumner O., George, James, and Adeline.

Sumner O. Polley, who is now the only child living, spent his early years in the towns of Pelham and New Salem. He lived on the old farm until he was seventeen years of age, when he went to Northampton and obtained employment in a palm-leaf shop. After giving three years to that business he tried his fortune in several places, but finally, in 1844, settled in Amherst. Here he carried on a restaurant at first; then he started his present business, that of tobacco, cigars, and smokers' articles. The stand he occupies has been his for many years, during which time his property has been twice destroyed by fire, first on March 13, 1876, and next on March 13, 1888.

He was married on October 20, 1847, to Miss Marah Brown, who was born in Conway, Franklin County, Mass., on February 21, 1830, and is a daughter of Erastus Brown, of that place. She has borne her husband two children, Gorham F. and Marah P. Mr. Polley is a Democrat. He is not a believer in any particular religious creed. His wife, however, is a communicant of the Congregational church. Mr. Polley is one of the oldest business men of Amherst; and, as he has always lived in that vicinity, he has a large circle of friends and acquaintances. The family reside in a comfortable home which is Mr. Polley's property.

WILLIAM CLAPP POMEROY, of Northampton, pattern-maker for the Norwood Engineering Company of Florence, was born at Williamsburg, July 4, 1835. He is a son of William H. and Nancy (Pomeroy) Clapp, his father having been a native of Northampton, while his mother was a daughter of William Pomeroy, of Williamsburg. He was the eldest son and second-born of six children. All are living except one son, Sidney S., who was a volunteer in the Thirty-first Massachusetts Regiment during the Civil War, and who, after serving for a period of two years, returned home and died of consumption at the age of twenty-three years. Mr. Pomeroy and his brother, Frank Clark Clapp, were also volunteers, having enlisted in the Fifty-second Regiment for nine months, and saw one year of active service during the memorable struggle. Mr. Pomeroy's sisters, Ellen A., wife of Frank H. Strong, and Caroline L., wife of Samuel A. Clark, reside at the old Pomeroy homestead. The property was first taken possession of by their great-grandfather. Their grandfather, who had six daughters, but no male heir, left it to William Pomeroy Clapp, who, on that account, by a special act of the legislature in 1849, changed his name to William Clapp Pomeroy. His grand-father's wife before her marriage was Rachel Edwards, of Chesterfield, Mass. They were both members of the Congregational church, of which he was for many years a Deacon. He died at the age of eighty-two years, and his wife at seventy-five.

Mr. Pomeroy's parents resided near the old homestead during their entire married life. His father died there at the age of sixty-one years, and his mother at about the same age, four years later. Of his paternal ancestors, grandfather Sereno Clapp, a native of Northampton, was a blacksmith by trade. By his marriage with Lydia Patterson, of Rhode Island, he had three sons and one daughter, and died at the age of sixty-one years.

Mr. Pomeroy received his education in the common schools of Williamsburg. At the age of fifteen he engaged in farm labor both at Sunderland and Westfield for about two years. He then served an apprenticeship at Holyoke to the machinist's trade for three years. After this, in company with a friend, he started West, working his way to Ohio, thence through Michigan and Wisconsin to Oronoco, Minn. Here he worked as carpenter until 1859, when he returned to his home.

On January I, 1861, he was united in marriage to Miss Susan A. Newcomb, of Leyden, daughter of Charles W. Newcomb. Of their five sons, three are still living. William Newcomb, a salesman, passed to spirit life May 29, 1887, at the age of twenty-five; and Charles S., a mechanic, on January 19, 1888, in his twenty-fourth year. Henry W. Pomeroy is a pattern-maker at Florence; Frank S. also follows the business of his father; and Edward S., who is a thorough mechanic and an able draughtsman, is in the employ of the Norwood Company.

Mr. Pomeroy has advanced in Masonry to the Commandery. He is also Past Master of Jerusalem Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and a Past High Priest of Northampton Chapter, Royal Arch Masons. He was the first Commander of William L. Baker Post, Grand Army of the Republic, for a period of four years, and served upon the staff of Commander-in-chief William Warner. The family are Spiritualists, his late son, Charles S., having had the reputation of being a wonderful seer among the brethren. The family occupy a very pleasant residence at 102 Crescent Street, Northampton, which Mr. Pomeroy erected in 1888.

JONATHAN E. PORTER, of Hatfield, Mass., manufacturer of the Porter lathe, was born in this town on November 22, 1849, in the house where C. Bardwell now lives. He is a son of Moses C. and Emily (Porter) Porter.

This branch of the Porter family traces its ancestral line to John Porter, who came to this country from_ England more than two hundred and fifty years ago, and settled in Windsor, Conn., in 1639. His will, dated April 20, 1648, and which is copied in the Colonial Records of Connecticut, vol. i., makes bequests to eight children; namely, John, James, Samuel, Nathaniel, Rebecca, Rose, Mary, Anna. Samuel, the third son, who was born in 1639 and died in 1689, was one of the first settlers in Hadley, Mass. He and his wife reared a family of ten children; namely, Samuel, Thomas, Hezekiah, John, Hannah, Mehitabel, Experience, Ichabod, Nathaniel, and Thomas. Ichabod, son of Samuel, was born June 17, 1678. He married, settled in Hatfield, and became the father of seven children: Dorcas, Mehitabel, Ichabod, Hannah, Mary, James, and Sarah. James Porter, younger son of Ichabod, was born in Hatfield, September 19, 1714. With the exception of his service in the war of the Revolution, his life was spent in agricultural pursuits. He married Miss Eunice Belden, who bore him five children: Hannah, Jonathan, Submit, David, and Silas.

Jonathan, son of James, born in 1752, married Ruth Chapin; and they reared the following children: Reuben, Eunice, Elizabeth, Ruth, Jonathan, Samuel, Chester, and Anna. Jonathan Porter, Jr., whose birth occurred in January, 1789, started in life as a poor boy. He eventually became the owner of the place known as the E. Billings farm, and by industry and good business management he acquired a good amount of property. He was a leader in town affairs, and also took great interest in religious matters, being a member of the Congregational church. He served in the War of 1812, in which he held the rank of Major. He married in 1818 Electa Allis; and their union was blessed by the birth of five children, as follows: Moses Chapin, Henry Smith, Sophia Allis, Jonathan Dwight, and James. He died in 1864, at the age of seventy-five years, and his wife in 1855, at sixty-three years of age.

Moses C. Porter, son of Jonathan and Electa (Allis) Porter, was born December 30, 1819. Like his predecessors, he turned his attention to agriculture, purchasing the S. Bardwell place, where he engaged in farming with good results, and became a progressive and enterprising citizen of the town. In 1876 he moved to Amherst, and there lived practically retired from active business. His first wife, Emily Porter, died at thirty-seven years of age, leaving three children: Augusta A., who married Myron Graves; Jonathan E.: and Moses, who died at nine years of age. The father married for his second wife Miss Louisa B. Bridgman, who is still living. He was sixty-eight years old at the time of his death. Jonathan E. Porter received his education in Hatfield and at Powers Institute. At twenty years of age he went West, hoping to find there a more desirable place for his life work; but, his expectations not being realized, he returned home, and entered into partnership with the Prescott Pistol Company, with which he was associated for seven years. He then purchased a water-power and foundry of H. Porter. In 1876 the foundry burned down, and soon after he sold the north side and one-half of the water-power to C. S. Shattuck; and still later he sold the other side. He hired the upper story of Mr. Shattuck's factory, and began the manufacture of the well-known Porter lathe. In the present factory, which was erected in 1884, seventy-five hands are employed; and they turn out about thirty-five machines per month. Mr. Porter does the selling, and travels as far West as Denver, Col., to which point he makes four trips yearly. Mr. Porter also rents and runs a grist-mill, where he does custom grinding, and deals in grain and hay.

Miss Mary D. Smith, who became the wife of Mr. Porter on December 13, 1871, was born February 7, 1850, and is a daughter of Silas and Eliza (Williams) Smith. Mrs. Porter's grandfather served in the Revolutionary War. Her father was a farmer throughout his life. She was one of a family of seven children; namely, Emma E., George Y., Mary D., Frank H., Alice W., Fred L., and Kittie L. Mr. and Mrs. Porter's union has been blessed by the birth of two children: Mary E., who was born July 3, 1877, and died on October 4 of that year; and Helen L., who was born June 27, 1878.

EDWARD CLARK POTTER, a prominent resident of Enfield and one of America's most noted sculptors, was born in New London, Conn., November 26, 1857, son of Nathan D. and Mary (Clark) Potter, respectively natives of Warren, Mass., and South Hadley.

Nathan D. Potter was a pioneer of the town of Hancock, Mich. He was distinguished for his energy and perseverance, and died in Enfield in 1879. His wife became the mother of two children, namely: Clara J., who is now the wife of Charles C. Hopkins, of Lansing, Mich. ; and Edward Clark Potter, the subject of this sketch. Mrs. Nathan D. Potter, who still survives, is now residing with her son in Enfield.

Edward Clark Potter prepared for his collegiate course at the Williston Seminary, and subsequently became a student at Amherst College. In 1880 he commenced his art studies at the Boston School of the Fine Arts, and later continued them with D. C. French, of Concord, Mass. He has also had the advantage of European study, under such masters as Mercie and Fremiet, of Paris. His knowledge of arts has been greatly enhanced by much experience and observation while visiting the principal art centers. His first notable achievement was a bust of the Rev. Dorus Clark, which he completed in 1882. Among his succeeding works was a sleeping fawn with rabbit, completed in 1888, which is now in the Art Institute in Chicago. His bust of President Wheeler, which he executed for the Senate Chamber in Washington, was finished in 1889. In collaboration with Mr. French, his old master, he executed the large horses, bulls, and quad Riga which ornamented the grounds of the World's Fair in Chicago, together with other fine specimens of sculpture which were seen at the great exposition. He seems to particularly excel in the delineation of large animal figures. He has already completed the horse which is to form a part of the equestrian statue of General Grant, to be placed in Fairmount Park, Philadelphia, the statue proper of the General being now in process of completion by Mr. French. This figure, which was commenced in 1893, Mr. Potter considers to be his finest achievement. His latest work is a bronze statue of Robert Fulton, which is to ornament the new Congressional Library in Washington. His works have successfully withstood the crucial test of able, critical judgment; and they are in the first rank of American art.

On December 31, 1890, Mr. Potter was united in marriage to May Dumont, at Washington, D.C. ; and they have two children : Nathan D. and Hazel D. He is a Congregationalist in his religious belief and a Republican in politics.

Mr. Potter is still young and ambitious, and it is certain that under his pure conception and skilful technique American art will rise to a still higher standard of perfection.

LYMAN D. POTTER, a retired farmer and the chairman of the Board of Selectmen of Enfield, was born in that town, May 31, 1832, son of Benjamin F. and Lydia (Day) Potter.

Mr. Potter's father was born in North Brookfield, Mass., September 7, 1791. He learned the trade of a brick mason, an occupation which he followed in early manhood. Later he engaged in agriculture, becoming a prosperous farmer, and continuing in that calling for the remainder of his life. He settled in Enfield in 1823, and purchased a farm of one hundred and twenty-five acres, which he cultivated successfully. He was also a horse dealer, making a specialty of buying and selling good horses. Another source of profit were his investments in outlying land. By industry and careful judgment he acquired through these means a comfortable competency. He was a Democrat in politics, was prominent in local public affairs, and served as a Selectman for two terms, besides holding other important offices. He died in Enfield, November 29, 1843. His wife, who was born in Holliston, Mass., in 1790, became the mother of five children. Two of them died young, three reached maturity, and one survives. The survivor is Lyman D., the subject of this sketch, who was the youngest. Those deceased were: Appleton, who died aged two years; Nathan, who died at the age of fifty-five; Henry M., who died aged sixty-two; and a child who died in infancy. The mother died in Enfield, August 10, 1868.

Lyman D. Potter received his elementary education in the common schools of his native town, and completed his studies at the Easthampton and Monson Academies. When eighteen years old, he engaged in general farming at the homestead. This property he inherited at his father's death, and he continued to reside there for nearly forty years. He devoted much attention to dairying, with the most gratifying results, and became exceedingly proficient in that branch of agriculture. In 1879 he sold his farm property, and, retiring from agricultural pursuits, moved to his present home in the village, where he has since passed his time in managing his private affairs and attending to his official duties. In politics he is a supporter of the Republican party, and is a leading spirit in public affairs. For the past seventeen years he has been a member of the Hoard of Assessors; and for the past twelve years he has been in the Board of Selectmen, of which latter body at the present time he is the chairman. In 1884 he was elected to represent his district in the legislature, and performed his duties with marked ability.

Mr. Potter has been twice married. On October 25, 1855, he was first married to Jane F. Shearer, of Enfield. She died December 27, 1861, leaving two children, namely: Albert H., who died in 1863; and Charles F., who died in 1892. On March 24, 1863, he wedded for his second wife Mary J. Gleason, who was born in West Brookfield, Mass., March 29, 1834. Mr. Potter has been a stirring, industrious, and successful farmer, and is an intelligent and useful citizen. He is well known and highly esteemed by his fellow-townsmen both for his distinguished public services and his many amiable qualities. He resides in one of the most charming and picturesque locations in the beautiful village of Enfield. He is a member of the Congregational church, and has served as a member of the parish committee for the past twelve years.

CHARLES N. POWERS, a well-known farmer of Greenwich and formerly a prominent builder, was born in that town, December 10, 1821, son of Stephen and Rebecca (Manley) Powers. Mr. Powers's great-grandfather was one of the first ancestors of the family to locate in Hampshire County; and his son Stephen, Mr. Powers's grand-father, was an early settler in New Salem. Stephen Powers, Sr., served as a Lieutenant in the Revolutionary War; and, after re-tiring from the service, he resided upon a farm within the territory now covered by the town of Prescott. He was a sturdy, industrious farmer, a prominent man of his day; and he died at the age of about eighty years. He married Elizabeth Hines, who lived to reach an advanced age. Their family consisted of six children, who severally became the heads of families, and of whom Stephen Powers, Jr., Mr. Powers's father, was the second-born. Stephen Powers, Jr., was born in New Salem, now Prescott, in 1790. He was reared to agriculture; and, when a young man, he settled upon a large farm in the northern part of Greenwich. He was a stirring, energetic man, and attained a position of comfort and prosperity. He died at the age of sixty-nine years. His wife, Rebecca Manley before marriage, who was born in 1789, became the mother of five children, as follows: Catherine M. Turtelotte, who died aged seventy years; Chandler M., who resides in Greenwich; Otis A., who resides in Westfield, Mass.; Philenia E., a resident of Worcester; and Charles N., the subject of this sketch. She died at the age of. eighty-three. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Charles N. Powers, commencing his education in the schools of Greenwich, completed his studies at the select school in Prescott. He taught school for two terms, and then learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed as an occupation in connection with farming for many years. In the course of time he became a master builder, and erected many fine residences in Greenwich and the adjacent towns, which are still standing to bear testimony as to the excellence of his work. He succeeded to the ownership of the old homestead, where he resided for over sixty years; and he successfully conducted the farm until 1884, when he moved to his present home. He still retains possession of a greater part of the older property, which originally contained one hundred and fifty acres. He is a Republican in politics, and has served with ability in various positions of responsibility and trust. He has been a member of the Board of Selectmen for several terms, was Assessor, Overseer of the Poor, and a member of the School Committee, and is at the present time serving as Town Auditor.

Mr. Powers married Rebecca W. Wood, a native of Prescott and daughter of Ira and Lydia Wood, whose ancestors were early settlers in that town. Mr. and Mrs. Powers have one son living - namely, C. A.- and an adopted daughter, Ella L. C. A. Powers is an enterprising business man of Greenwich, who has succeeded his father in the management of the farm. He is station agent, and also deals in coal, wood, hay, etc. He married Sarah Scott, and has four children, three of whom are living; namely, Harry A., Marion K., and Clara A. Ella L. Powers is now the wife of C. A. Wheeler, and resides in Athol, Mass. Mrs. Powers is now deceased; and Mr. Powers has retired from active occupation in favor of his son, and is now resting from the cares of a busy and useful life.

FRANKLIN C. POWERS, a well-to-do farmer of Greenwich, was born in that town, December 3, 1838, son of Cyrus and Hannah B. (Cone) Powers. Mr. Powers is a descendant of Walter Powers, who settled in Concord, Mass., previous to 1694; while the first of the family to locate in Greenwich was Abijah Powers. His son, Abijah, Jr., Mr. Powers's grandfather, who was born March 13, 1761, was a carpenter and builder, an occupation which he followed in addition to farming in Greenwich. He owned and occupied the present farm of his grandson, and was an industrious and successful man. He died in Greenwich, November 1, 1814. He married Eunice Alden, who was born November 13, 1766, and they had six children; namely, John, Sally, Benjamin, Horace, Alvah, and Cyrus. The mother died May 17, 1854. Mr. Powers's grandparents were members of the Congregational church.

Cyrus Powers, father of Mr. Powers, was born at the old homestead in Greenwich, December 16, 1804. He was a brush-maker, an occupation which he followed together with farming for the greater part of his life. A good, practical farmer, his agricultural ventures generally yielded a satisfactory profit. He was liberal in his religious views and a Democrat in politics. He died February 24, 1877, aged seventy-two years. His wife, Hannah B. Cone before marriage, whom he married May 21, 1828, made him the father of six children, as follows: John, who was born February 25, 1829, and died in the hospital at Rome, Ga., October 30, 1865, from injuries received during the Civil War; Sarah C, born November 6, 1830, and now the wife of Isaiah Merrill, of Athol, Mass.; Lovina C, born November 26, 1832, residing at home; Franklin C, the subject of this sketch; Walter 0., born February 21, 1841, who died October 12, 1842; and Austin H., born August 11, 1849, Is now a resident of Orange, Mass. The mother, who still survives, resides at the old homestead. Franklin C. Powers received his education in the district schools of Greenwich, and grew up familiarized with farm work upon the old Powers farm. He also learned the trade of a carpenter and builder, and has followed that occupation as well as general farming. He owns two hundred acres of well-improved land, which he cultivates with gratifying success. Mr. Powers is one of our representative farmers. He is a Democrat in politics, comes of a good family, and has the reputation of an industrious, conscientious, and liberal-minded man.

CHARLES S. PRATT, a retired architect and builder, living at Northampton, was born in that town, February 16, 1822, son of Thomas and Eunice (Parsons) Pratt. Thomas Pratt was born in East Boston, Mass., in 1784, and was one of the most competent architects and builders of his time. He had excellent taste, great skill, and was a workman of superior merit. He was a soldier in the War of 1812. In that year he settled in Northampton; and his third wife, now a widow eighty-seven years of age, still resides there. In 1813 he married for his first wife Eunice Parsons, a native of this place. They had seven sons and one daughter, all of whom except one son grew to adult life, and reared families. Three of them are still living, namely: William F., an architect in Northampton ; Levi L., an editor in Watertown, N.Y., aged eighty-one years; and Charles S., of this notice. The father followed his profession during his years of activity. Many of the present dwellings and public buildings of this and other cities were planned and built by him. Mount Holyoke College, Easthampton church, and a magnificent mansion just outside of the city of Baltimore, Md., which he was two years in completing, are fair samples of his work. He was proficient in every branch of his business, from the turning of the grindstone to the most exacting demands of architecture. With his fine mental qualities he possessed great physical strength and endurance, and was blessed with robust health, retaining all his teeth in a sound condition throughout his life. He was very prominent in public affairs, and twice represented his district in the legislature. His second wife was before marriage Pamelia Parsons, no relative of his first wife. No children were born of this or of his last marriage.

Charles S. Pratt received but a limited common-school education, having begun, when only fifteen years old, to learn the carpenter's trade. He followed this occupation continuously for some forty-five years, erecting many of the fine buildings and residences of his native city and winning the reputation of a first-class workman. He has inherited the physical constitution as well as the mental characteristics of his father. Now, at the age of seventy-three years, he is a finely preserved man. He is held in high consideration by his neighbors and friends.

In 1847 Mr. Pratt was united in wedlock with Rachel M. Stickney, a native of South Hadley and daughter of Walter Stickney. After a happy wedded life of more than two-score years she died in 1890, in the sixty-ninth year of her age. She bore her husband four children, as follows: Mary Ann, who died in infancy; Charles S., Jr., unmarried, an architect of this city and the superintendent of the fire alarm; George S., who went West, supposed to be deceased, as he has never been heard from since; and Hattie Howard, living at home, who has been a successful teacher in the grammar school for the past ten or more years. Mr. Pratt has devoted much of his time to Free Masonry, being one of the oldest Knights Templars of Northampton and a member of the Chapter. Politically, he has been a lifelong Democrat. He has served the city in the capacities of Assistant and Chief Engineer for twenty years, during which period he proved himself an efficient and trustworthy officer in every respect. His residence, which is one of the most substantial in the city, was built by his father about eighty-three years ago.

WILLIAM FENNO PRATT, at one time a leading architect of Northampton, now living in retirement was born here January 15, 1814, the son of Thomas and Eunice (Parsons) Pratt. His father was born October 22, 1784, in Weymouth, Mass., son of Nehemiah and Ruth (Torrey) Pratt. Preceding Nehemiah was a Levi L. Pratt, of whom it is related that he was impressed by the British into their naval service and taken to a distant island. Nehemiah, grandfather of William Fenno Pratt, was a farmer in Weymouth. He and his wife had several children, of whom three daughters married wealthy men; namely, John Fenno, David Pulsifer, and Mr. Cutting.

Thomas Pratt was a well known and famous architect and builder of this city. He erected many of its finest dwellings, some of which are: the Blodgett mansion, of Grecian Ionic architecture; the Dewey House, of Smith College; the John Hopkins house, now occupied by Father Rainsville; and the Whitney house, near by. He was a useful citizen, and represented his town in the State legislature.

His first wife had seven sons and one daughter, as follows: Seth Parsons, who died in childhood; Thomas, a carpenter, who died in middle life, leaving a wife and two daughters, all of whom are deceased; Levi, superannuated editor of the Watertown Times, of Watertown, N. Y., who has a wife; Wales P., who died at the age of twenty-six years; Charles S., a resident of Northampton; Horace, who was a soldier in a Connecticut regiment, and died from the effects of army life; Mary Ann, who married Morris Thayer, and died leaving one son, Wales P. Thayer; and William Fenno, the subject of this notice.

William Fenno Pratt attended the public schools until he was sixteen years old, when he began to assist his father at the carpenter's trade. He aided in building the Blodgett house; and subsequently he drew the plans for the Easthampton church, one of his earliest architectural works. The plans for St. Mary's Parochial School were also his. Mr. Pratt continued in the business after his father's death, and in the course of time accumulated a competency. Being one of the foremost men in his line of business in this section of the county, Mr. Pratt was always busy, his services being in demand by any one requiring fine and substantial workmanship.

On February 18, 1835, Mr. Pratt was united in marriage at St. James Church, in Greenfield, to Elizabeth Clapp, of Northampton, a daughter of Thomas and Nancy (Blackman) Clapp, and the grand-daughter, on her mother's side, of David Strong, who well remembered many of the thrilling incidents of the Revolution, and died in 1857, at the advanced age of ninety-seven years. After enjoying nearly a half-century of happy wedded life, Mrs. Pratt died in 1884, in the sixty-ninth year of her age. She bore him eleven children, two of whom died in infancy. The others attained maturity, and were as follows: Harriet Fenno, wife of Robert Whitehouse, who died at the early age of twenty-one years, leaving one son; Henry, who was a soldier in the late Civil War, serving from 1862 until 1863 in the Twenty-seventh Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, and died at the age of fifty years, leaving a wife and three children, of whom one is now living; Elizabeth Blackman, unmarried, who lives at home; Caroline A., the wife of S. B. Curtis, of Hartford, Conn., and mother of one son, who stands at the head of his classes in college; Anna L., wife of E. I. Clapp, City Clerk; Julia Amy, an invalid, who lives at home; Sarah A., who died September 30, 1874, aged twenty-five years; William Fenno Pratt, Jr., an architect, who is unmarried and resides with his father, and is a man of unusual intelligence, with a phenomenal gift of memorizing, especially as regards dates; and Jennie C, Assistant City Clerk. Mr. Pratt is a strong adherent of the Democratic party, though in his younger years he was a Whig. Religiously, he is an esteemed member of the Episcopalian church, in which he has served as Vestryman, and in which he was the organist from 1832 until 1855. He has the distinction of being one of the oldest native born citizens of Northampton ; and, notwithstanding that he has passed the allotted threescore and ten years of life by a full decade, he has retained the mental and physical vigor of his youth to a remarkable degree, even retaining his natural teeth as firm and sound as in his youthful days. Throughout his long life Mr. Pratt has fulfilled his obligations as a loyal citizen in a most faithful manner, and is everywhere accorded the respect due him for his sterling integrity and upright manhood.

ALFRED CLARK PRESCOTT, of the firm of Boyden & Prescott, wholesale and retail dealers in foreign and domestic fruits, produce, and confectionery in Northampton, was born in Holden, Mass., in 1864. His father, William M. Prescott, now a resident of Northampton, was born in 1820 in West Boylston, Mass.

Alfred C. Prescott was graduated from the Clinton High School in 1881, being then seventeen years of age. For the succeeding five years he worked on his father's farm. He then came to this city, where he found employment with his present partner, Charles Henry Boyden. After working for four years here, he was admitted into partnership, under the firm name already mentioned. These gentlemen have one of the finest stores of the kind in Western Massachusetts. Since opening it, on April 1, 1893, they have built up a very large business both in wholesale and retail trade. They are enterprising, very active and progressive, showing in everything the business ability and tact so requisite to success.

CYRUS S. PRESTON, a resident of the village of South Hadley and foreman of the paint shop of Howard Gaylord & Co.'s sash, door, and blind factory, was born in South Hadley, April 6, 1834, son of Joel and Mabel (Smith) Preston. His grandfather, Gardner Preston, was born in South Hadley, September 15, 1749, and was reared to agriculture, which he followed through life. He was also County Surveyor, and made the original survey of Hampshire County when it was laid out. He died at his home in this town, May 26, 1834. Gardner Preston raised a family of four children, as follows (all now deceased): Jerusha, Gardner, Joel, and Calvin.

Joel Preston was born in South Hadley in 1800 He assisted in carrying on the farm, and after the death of his father purchased the interests of the other heirs. He later sold the property, and moved to Licking County, Ohio, where he bought a farm, which he con-ducted for twelve years, and then disposing of it returned to his native State by wagon, making the journey in twenty-one days. He purchased a farm of thirty-three acres in South Hadley, but after carrying it on for ten years sold it, and bought the place now occupied by his son, Cyrus S., with whom he passed the remainder of his life. He died September 19, 1881. Joel Preston was twice married. His first wife, Mr. Preston's mother, was born in Granby, Mass., and was a daughter of Samuel Smith, a farmer and a lifelong resident of Granby, who was a prominent man in the community and a Deacon of the Congregational church. Mr. Smith died at the age of eighty-four years in the house in which he was born. Joel Preston was the father of eight children by his first union, namely: Abigail, who married Alonzo Percival, and is now dead; Cyrus S., the subject of this sketch; Martha, who married E. D. Ingraham, and resides in Worcester, Mass.; Joel, who died in Ohio; Henry Joel, an architect of Boston; Neville, who was killed in the Civil War; Sophia, who married Henry Mansfield, and resides in Newtonville, Mass.; and Lyman, a resident of South Hadley. The mother having died, Joel Preston wedded for his second wife Mrs. Harriet Joslyn, of Granby, who survives him and is now residing with a daughter in South Hadley.

Cyrus S. Preston attended district schools in Ohio, and later was graduated from the high school of South Hadley. He resided with his parents until reaching the age of twenty years, at which time he began to learn the painter's trade; and, after working one year in South Hadley, he went to Springfield, Mass., where he followed his trade for five years. He then returned to South Hadley, and engaged in working by the day until 1861, when as a journeyman painter he entered the employ of Howard Gaylord & Co., with whom he has since remained, at the present time having full charge of their paint shops. On September 24, 1862, Mr. Preston married Lizzie M. Alden, who was born in Hampshire County in 1840. Her father, James Alden, is a resident of South Hadley Falls; and her mother, whose maiden name was Root, is now dead. By this union Mr. Preston has had three children, namely: Carrie, who married Bertram Bowker, and resides in Suffield, Conn.; Nathaniel, a dentist of South Hadley; and Warren, who died at the age of seventeen. Mr. Preston's first wife died May 3, 1870; and in 1872 he wedded Annie M. Hunter, of Enfield, Mass. They have two children, namely: Archie D., who is in business in Scranton, Pa.; and Cyrus Collier, who resides at home.

ORIVILLE W. PROUTY, a well known mechanic of North Hadley and a veteran of the Civil War, was born in Worcester County, Massachusetts, October 5, 1844, and is a son of A. Warren and Hannah H. (Livermore) Prouty. Mr. Prouty's father was a native of Spencer, Mass., and followed the occupations of farmer and shoemaker in his native town until 1860, when he purchased in New Salem a farm which he personally conducted for several years. After his wife died, he relinquished active labor, and resided with his children in Wendell, Mass., until his death. His wife, who was a native of Paxton, Mass., became the mother of eleven children, named as follows: Cleora D., Oriville W., Ariel H., Viola M., Oriana T., Halsey H., Helen A., Clifford H., Chester W., Marion, and Eva.

Oriville W. Prouty was educated in the public schools, and at the age of fifteen was first employed in farming. He later engaged in shoemaking, an occupation which he followed until 1862, when he enlisted in the Thirty-fourth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. He participated in fifteen different engagements, some of them the most important of the Civil War, and received his discharge in Readville, Mass., July 6, 1865. Mr. Prouty then resumed attendance at a school in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., but was unable to continue owing to his feeble health and he returned to his home. After regaining his health he followed various occupations until the spring of 1867, when he went to Hadley, and for the succeeding two years was employed in a carriage shop. After this he resided for one year in Clarendon, Vt., and then went to Bennington, Vt., where he engaged in manufacturing chairs, and became the owner of some property, which was later destroyed by fire. He subsequently returned to Hadley, and after working again in a carriage shop until 1873, came to North Hadley, where he opened a wagon repair shop upon his own account. In 1876 fire again swept his property away; but he rebuilt and resumed the repairing business, which he continued until visited some ten years later by a third conflagration. He then went to work in a manufactory of broom-maker's tools. He is at present a carpenter and millwright.

Mr. Prouty is a Republican in politics, and has filled with marked ability several offices of public trust. Since 1888 he has been elected to the Board of Selectmen, and he has been chairman of that body since 1893. He was appointed Justice of the Peace in May, 1891, has served as Constable two years, and was a Trustee of the Smith Charities of Northampton for a like period.

On June 14, 1871, Mr. Prouty was united in marriage to Martha A. Hurd, of Hadley, daughter of Thomas D. and Zilpha (Crosier) Hurd, both of whom are now dead. Mr. and Mrs. Prouty are members of the Congregational church, and take an active interest in church work. Mr. Prouty is a Comrade of E. M. Stanton Post, Grand Army of the Republic, of Amherst. He was chairman of the executive committee which perfected the arrangements for the Hooker reunion in Hadley, on May 7, 1895 ; and he delivered the address of welcome on that occasion.

CHARLES A. PUFFER, one of the oldest citizens of Amherst, where he has been for years successfully engaged in farming, was born in Franklin, Norfolk County, Mass., May 27, 1824, son of Stephen and Sally (Fosgate) Puffer, both natives of Berlin, Mass.

Stephen Puffer spent the early part of his life in Norfolk County, working as a tanner, currier, and finisher. He owned the farm now in the possession of Charles A. His last years were passed successively in Belchertown and Amherst. He was an industrious and competent workman, very successful in business, a Republican in politics, and a member of the Congregational society. He died in North Amherst, February 4, 1859. Mrs. Puffer died April 3, 1871, leaving four children, namely: Reuben G., residing in North Amherst; Sarah E., widow of J. C. Hastings, residing in South Amherst; Stephen P., residing in North Amherst; and Charles A. All of these are now over seventy years of age. Charles A. Puffer received the greater part of his education in Amherst. When a boy he became familiar with the duties of farm life, and on attaining manhood took to farming as an occupation. He has a fine estate of fifty acres, on which he has made many improvements, and carries on general farming. His buildings are in good condition, and the whole property bears evidence of thrift and prosperity.

On March 11, 1846, Mr. Puffer was united in marriage with Caroline E., daughter of Earl and Nancy (Oliver) Johnson, a native of Hadley. Mrs. Puffer's grandfather, Silas Johnson, was born in Woodstock, Conn. The greater part of his life was devoted to farming; but for some time he kept a tavern in Dover, Vt. His last years were passed in South Amherst, where he owned a farm that yielded him an ample income. He was a veteran of the Revolution, having enlisted in the Continental army when only sixteen years of age. In politics he was an old-time Whig, and, with his wife, attended the Congregational church. His span of life embraced eighty-six years. His wife, whose maiden name was Clarissa Bugbee, also lived to an advanced age. They had two sons and five daughters, all of whom lived over sixty years.

Earl Johnson, the father of Mrs. Puffer, was the elder of the two sons. He also was engaged in agriculture, owned a good farm in Amherst, and was quite wealthy. He was a stanch Republican, an active and worthy citizen, and lived to the age of seventy-eight years. His wife, whose maiden name was Nancy Oliver, was born in Scotland, and came to America when seven years of age. She and her husband were members of the Congregational church at South Amherst, and she died at the age of sixty-three. Their union was blessed by two daughters and a son. Of these two are now living, namely: Clarissa, wife of Reuben Puffer, of North Amherst; and Silas O., a farmer in Amherst.

Mrs. Puffer, the wife of Charles A. Puffer, died June 12, 1895, aged seventy-one. They had several children, but the father is now the sole survivor of the family. Mr. Puffer cast his first vote in support of the Whigs, and is now a Republican. He is a member of the Congregational Church at South Amherst, which was also attended by his late wife, and is held in the highest esteem by his townsmen.

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