The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1883-09-04
MASSACHUSETTS.


BosToN, Sept. 3-Mr. William Brockett
Stearhs, President OF the Fuchburg Railroad,
died yesterday at his summer residence, Cliff
ION House Grounds, Marblehead. Mr.. Stearns,
who was at the time of his death aged Sc yearsr
IL months and days, was native of Charles
town and was the SON of Mr.. Joshua b. Stearns
II Salem. He lived in Charlestown for many
years, where he began business life as civil en-
gineer. 1t was in that capacity that he first
became connected with the Fitchburg Rail-
road, more than thirty years ago, having been
engaged to execute plans at the request of the
directors. A few years later he was chosen su-
perintendent of the road. He was the fourth
TO II that office, his predecessors in the order
of time having been Superintendent FELTON,,
Tllton and Bigelow. This position he hela
until about seventeen years ago, when be was
elected president Since that time he devoted
himself closely to the business of the Fitch
burg Railroad, earning the reputation among
the directors and others acquainted with his
work of being one of the most safe and saga
cious railroad men in the State, leaving moth
iAg unqOne TO protect the interests of the
stockholders and promote the business of the
corporation. While naturally conservative and
circumspect IN policy, he was an important
factor IN the development of the road which
has taken place within his presidency. iBclud-
ing the contracts incidental to the leasing of
the Vermont q Massachusetts Railroad, the
Hoossc Tunnel traffic, and the Hoosac Dock
and Elevator Company. The latter enterprise
Was Que TO him more than to any other person.
The last important project in which he was ill.,
terested was the proposed establishment of
consolidated line which it was intended should
include the Ftchburg Railroad, the Vermont
q Massachusetts, the Troy & Greenfield, the
Hoosac Tunnel and either the Troy & Boston
or The Boston, Hoosac Tunnel & Western Rail-
roads. Though not the originator Of the pro-
lect. his interest was enlisted shortly after its
inception and his approval was given to the
bill brought before the railroad committee at
the last session of the Legislature, when it was
announced that illness then prevented his at
tendance In all his relations in life nc less
than In railroad matters, he secured the esteem
OF those with whom he was brought in contact
for his personal as we'll as his executive quail
ties. he attended the Episcopal church in
CbarlestowD, and was member of the Ma
sonic order, having for some years been sfiliat-
cd with the King Solomon Lodge. Since the
early part of last winter his health had caused
considerable uneasiness TO his friends, and at
the instance of the directors of the road be
was Induced to take an ex tended vacation, in
tending TO resume business this month Dur.
ing the past three weeks be had been entirely
incapacltated for business by Bright's disease
Of the kidneys, of which he died. The de.
ceased leaves widow and four children.
ADeafh which will be Investigated.
PLYMOUTH, Sept. 3.-Information received
this morning that Harvey 2. Raymond died
suddenly at place outside of the town kept by
one Key, yesterday. Medical Examiner Brew
ster took charge of the body and will make an
autopsy this afternoon. Tomorrow Judge
Davis of the District Court will hold an ill-
quest. Raymond went to Keys place Satur-
day night in his usual health.
Petitioner i'm InsoIvency.
SPRINGFIELD, Sept 3.-John f. Morris is
petitioner iu insolvency with liabilities of about
$25 600 and assets, consisting of real estate and
patsnt rights. The heaviest creditors are w.
b. Stone, trustee, of this city, 800, secured
by mortgage, and A. M. Daniels, of Hartford,
$4,000.