davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1898-12-03
G. E. WIRE, N. D., L. L. B.,
Librarian of Worcester County Law
Library, County Court House.

There are in the official life of Wor-
cester county many positions of trust
and influence, but among them all there
is none requiring a more thorough ed
ucatioh or the possession of a higher
degree of natural adaptability than the
office of Librarian Of Worcester County
Law Library, for the duties are not
only onerous, but require research and
years of experience in order to transact
the affairs of the office successfully.
The present incumbent of the office, G.
g. Wire, M. D, LII. B., certainly fills
these requirements, for he has spent
many years of his life as professional
librarian, FIVE years having been passed
in this position at the Evanston Free
Public Library, two and a quarter
years in the Northwestern University.
Evanston, ILL.,, two and a half years in
Columbia College Library New York.
five and a half years in Newberry Lii
brary, Chicago, Ill, and two and a
half years in expert work, assuming
charge of the Worcester County Law
Library August Sd, 1898. Dr. Wire was
born in the village Of Dryden, New
York state, in 1853, his parents remov-
ing to Evanston, Ill, IN 1870. He at
bStLNlEh Eilc GtlloOlo anu dtlNtIilN u lIlG
Northwestern University in that city,
later going to the Northwestern Uni
versity Medical School of Chicago.
graduating from there in the class of
1883, later from the New York State
Library School in 1889, and from the
Kent College Of Law Of Chicago in 1895.
During all these years he had made
study of the one subject mis- life work.
and is now an acknowledged authority
on all matters pertaining to law libra
ries, his duties in his present office re-
During him TO put the law library in
good shape, filling up gaps in sets and
| to compile catalogue, also TO give
advice about building, and, Of course, to
assist lawyers i'm the use OF the books.
He has made many friends among the
members Of the bench and bar of many
states, his high scholarly attachments
securing for him instant recognition
among members Of the various profess
sons.
The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1898-12-03
HARVEY B. WILDER.
Register Of Deeds, County Court House.

Register of Deeds, County g'oy,,t E1,..-.
Tn No ,ro1i, iA""Se'
val of 70 NV d4h oI ne does the ''survi-
tencV th l9 i ~ hol9 with more po-
&C. IA poItlcal or official life.
oor1itin,, a. aoiHty mas ready rec
and ' t,I,e al ~ me NAMES OF the publio,
The civ nf W. ~ seluoln unreWarded.
,t, ile c'Iy OF worcester has many men
, 1i,a's f success mas been thus earned
tba mi 4tioIl IRE petter examples Of
~ G il man Mf' Harvey B. Wilder
oft 5io - me present occupant of the
&C., o. oo, Itgls,er OF deeds for Wor-
poIH IN worcester in October
t?2o' ana received his educa-
6 ~ III me schools of this city
IiI aisnl,s tneln by years study at
49, YER academy, He then entered
y uGFt' d GoIlllieGclaI career engaging
w, W IL, Alckllof d Fields book store.
T W. re ne remained a year and a half.
m 1896 he became head clerk for his
The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1898-12-03

A prominent member of the Worces-
ter county bar, whose name is familiar
to nearly every resident of the county,
is Arthur p. Rugg, Esq, the present
city solicitor. Through long associa-
ton with the affairs of the city in
which he has so long been prominent,
Mr. Rugg has naturally gained a very
firm foothold in the affections of his
fellow-citizens, who regard his life
work as more or less linked with the
community in which he lives. Mr..
Rugg was born in Sterling
Mass. in August, 1852, receiving his
early education in Lancaster. Mass,
where he prepared to enter Amherst
College, which he attended four years,
graduating in the class of 49, He
then began the study of law at the Bos-
ton University Law School from which
he graduated with the degree of LII. b,
IN 1885 being the class orator. In the
same year he was admitted to the bar
Of Suffolk county, and in September Of
that year came to Worcester and began
practicing law, continuing since ne
now being associated with John r.
Thayer Esq, their Offices being rooms
81 and 81, State Mutual building. In
july, 1897, he was elected to his present
office, to ill the uneXpired term caused
by the resignation Of Col. W. S. B. Hop
htIlS' ana upon It's completion, he was
reelected in January, 1898. He has
given to the city clear administration
Of the affairs of his office. He sus-
tanned the city in the Quinsigamond
Lake bridge case. and it was decided in
the supreme court, the position of the
city was sustained to uphold the ac-
tion of the city council. Mr.. Rugg was
assistant district attorney pro tempore
IN May, 1898 and in May and August,
1894, and permanently from April 1895.
until August, 1891 He has also served
the city in council, 1894, and was
president Of that body in 1895. Mr..
Rugg is a well-known citizen, proni-
nent alike in official and political af-
fairs. He has always had the undi-
yided support of his party, it strongly
rallying.to support his standard show
ing its appreciation of his ability ana
merits. He has always manifested an
active interest in the affairs Of the city.
and has assisted numerous enterprises
calculated to insure for it greater de
gree of prosperity.
The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1898-12-03

continuance of old ones, the acceptance
of plans and care of them during con-
struction of dams. the examination and
approval of all bills against the county,
the care of all county property, includ-
ing district courts, jails, houses OF cor
reCtion, asylums, homes and county
property generally. In an article of this
kind we have not the space at our dis
posal to even give an adequate concep-
ton of the many enterprises, organlz-
atoms and improvements which owe
their origin and success to the energy
and ability Of Commissioner Taft while
holding his present office, suffice it to
say, however, that every enterprise ad-
vancing Worcester county's interests in
any possible manner will always find
in him most earnest advocate and re-
ceive his hearty cooperation and able
advice. He has very frequently acted
as a commissioner on the abolition Of
grade crossings for different towns and
railroads, his knowledge on this sub
ject having been attained through years
of experience.
The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1898-12-03
GITY 80 coUNTY oFFECIALS.

complicated questions which are o.
casionally presented to nm Ioi SUI
he Construction of all city buildings,
Win Win a few exceptions, also inspecting
buiidings erected by other parties In
the city, and has done much to raise
he Standard of public buildings since
assuming charge OF the Office, in each
instance seeing that the best Of mater
ials were used lie has indeed proven
a most capable officer, fact illustrated
bv his continued reelection to the OF
fee. Mr.. Peck has a happy knack OF
making friends and keeping them, ana
is a man of broad views ana llpeial
culture a man Of whom any community
might we'll feel proud to honor
The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1898-12-03
Comfy Commissioner

Mr.. George w. Cook, who holds the
position of county commissioner is a
member of that class of men, who
commenced life's battle at any early
age and by patient and courageous
elIort has attained heights which 9th
ers have striven for through the course
or their entire lifetime He was born
IN Petefsham, Mass, March 22d, 1858,
ana received his education in the
schools of his native town, later at
tending Highland Institute Deciding
upon commercial career. he went to
Barre, Mass, "A years ago, securing
employment as clerk in a. general store,
later puylng out the store and taking
a partner, the firm being known as Fol
lansby & Cook, changing later to Cook
d Slmons then to Cook Simons & Ba.-
con. and in 1889 Mr. Cook sold out his
interest, and entered the insurance
business, in which he is now sod,
ne pelng q member Of the firm Of DAVIS
d Cook. Although well known in poll
tlcal lite, Mr.. Cook never endeavored
70 fill any office until 1892 when his
IHends persuaded him to accept the
nomination as candidate for county
commissioner, he having already served
lhfee Years rs a special commissioner
previous to that time. He was elect
ca, and that he has filled the Office with
credit to himself and his constituents
IS atsested by the fact that he was re
erected twice, his last election taking
place November Z. 1898 the term being
LOT three years. He has certainly prov
en- an efficient officer, giving to the af-
Ialfs or The position a clean and active
administration. He has served as as
SCISSOR Tor two years, and holds the POI
''2S or secretary of the Worcester
west Agricultural Society, and is also
on ., the board Of trustees of the Barre
-alI
The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1898-12-03
County Commissioner.

The career of Henry G. Taft, who OF
present holds the Office of county com
missioner, is a splendid exemplifcation
OF the force of merit winning it's way
on the golden road of success. Mr..
TAFT was born in JFXbridge in
1882, on the same place owned
by his father and grandfather,
and in fact several other generations
OF his family. He received his educa-
uon in the public schools of ITxbridge
ana Leicester Academy. Jrpon the
completion Of his scholastic career he
entered commercial life, and was en-
gagged in the retail hardware business
in UXbridge until 1885, In 1875 he was
elected to the Office of a county COM
missioner, serving until 1884. when he
was retired. -Four years later he was
again elected to fill the vacancy caused
by the death of Mr.. Barker of Mil
ford, who died in 1888 having served
but one year of his second term. He
has since then been continuously re-
elected. the term being for three years,
his present one expiring inJanuarY 1906.
He has during his many years SER
vice held the position Of chairman of
the board for eight years. Many people
have a very vague and indistinct idea
OF the duties of a county commissioner.
but the office is far from sinecure. for
among other duties they must perform
are the laying out Of new roads and dis
The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1898-12-03

There are in the city Of Worcester
probably few men who are more popu-
lar than Harrison G. Otis. chairman Of
assessors Of pleasing address, cOurte-
Gus in bearing, his circle of acquaint-
anCes and friends is very extensive. MI
Otis began life with no other capital
than his own natural ability and deter
mination to succeed. and has not only
been successful in political, but mer-
camille life as well. Mr. Otis was born
in Worcester, December IS 1885, and
was educated in the public schools, at
forwards attending and graduating
from Worcester Academy. He entered
upon commercial career upon the
completion Of his school studies engag-
ing with Fitch g. Otis, then going with
Smythe Brothers, and later with c.. H
Fitch & Co.. being employed by these
different firms in their factories and as
travelling salesman, he filling the latter
position for % years leaving Fitch d
Co to accept his present Office, filing it
since 1887 with credit and honor-one
Of the most exacting official positions in
our municipal government. Under his
management many reforms have been
inaugurated. Mr.. Otis was one Of the
founders of the State Association Of
Massachusetts Assessors, and was pres
ident of it for four years, resigning from
that office, he having been the second
president Of the association During
the nine years of its existence he has
been chairman of the legislative COM
mittee. The idea Of this association is
to create more uniform system Of tax
alton throughout the state. 1t will
therefore be at once seen that he would
naturally be a very influential, Wen
Informed and instructed man in regard
to the values Of property and the entire
workings Of his office. He is now serv-
ing his fourth term, which expires in
1899, having been chairman of the board
each term. Nh Otis is well versed in
the principles Of good government and
his direction Of the affairs of his office
bear excellent testimony to his euick-
ness and soundness Of Judgment upon
questions concerning the welfare of our
people.
The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1898-12-03

one Of the most capable officers Of
Worcester county is Emerson Stone,
who holds the office of chairman of the
board Of county commissioners TO
which he was appointed by his brother
commissioners Il months aSo, ne nav
ing been elected as a commissioner In
1883. So creditably has Mr.. stone per
formed the duties Of his office, that ne
has been reelected at the expiration of
each term, having held the office con-
tinuously since first elected. He was
born in Alabama in 1870, moving to
New York when he was but Is months
old, remaining there until he was 10
years Of age, when they again moved,
this time to Spencer, Mass. lie has
lived there ever since, with the eXcep-
ton Of three years and eight months.
during which time he fought in the war,
serving in all the positions from private
to captain. At the close Of the war,
Mr. Stone Travelled returning to accept
the office of United states revenue Off
Ger, a position he held from 1857 to 1872.
He has held many local Offices among
them town clerk road commissioner.
and was postmaster of Spencer for 20
years. The duties of his present office
are executive, judicial and administra-
tive the commissioners having charge
of the erection Of county buildings, lay
ing out of roads, and nearly all mat
terS of this character pertaining to the
county. He has proven very eff
cient officer. rendering faithful service,
administering the affairs under his
charge in such a. manner as to receive
the general appreciation of all his
brother officials and the entire comnu
nifty. Mr.. Stone is very well knoWn
and popular man, taking decided in
terest in all matters relating to the flu
ture welfare of Worcester. 1t has been
said of him that no man could render
more honorable and conscientious ser
vice to the county, in the performance
Of his duties, than he, for they are not
only eXacting, but require constant at
tendance
The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1898-12-03

Henry A. Knight, who now holds the
position of superintendent of street
lights, was born in this city, August
21st, 1853. He received his early educa-
ton in the local schools, and upon the
completion Of his school life, entered
the milk business, remaining in it for
four years, at the same time showing
his prOgressiveness by reading law He
then started in the coal business, con-
tinuing in this line until 1891, when he
was elected to his present office, being
the first one to hold it. He has held
the Office ever since, his reelection tax
ing place yearly Mr.. Knight is a man
Of liberal views, tolerant and enter
.prising, possessing more than ordiu-
airy force and character and has al
ways been q most respected leader of
his party serving on many boards.
commissions and other capacities. He
has everything in the way Of street
lighting under his control. There are
under his charge 1890 gasoline lights,
which are owned and operated com
pletely by the city; $50 Welsbach lights,
owned and operated by the Wesbach
Street Lighting Association of Phila-
delphia. and 600 arc lights, owned and
maintained by the Worcester Electric
Light Co. Mr. Knight takes a great in
terest in the city's welfare, and has
many times on public occasions called
attention to our advantages as a man
ufacturing location, trying by every
means in his power to induce manufac-
turers to locate here thereby securing
that which is sure to bring success to
any community, a diversity of manu-
featuring interests He is a prominent
and wen known citizen, who has secur-
ed for his office the name of having
been at all times carefully and pro-
gressively administered.
The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1898-12-03
city Clerk. Room 1G, city Hall.

Mr. Enoch II. Towne, The present in
cumbent of the office Of city clerk. was
born in Easton Mass. in 1885, and at
tended the public schools there. He
came to Worcester in December. 1888.
and entered upon commercial life,
conducting a grocery from 1851 TO 1875.
In 1879 he was elected to the house Of
representatives, and was also an as
SCISSOR part of 1875 and all Of 1876. There
have been but three city clerks since
the town government was abandoned
in l84S, Charles Hamilton serving un-
til 1853, Samuel Smith until 1877 end
Mr.. ToWne, who was elected in 1877. and
reelected each year since then. This
office has the custody of all the records
issues licenses for most purposes, re
cords mortgages of personal property
and assignments of wages. registers
births, marriages and deaths. etc. the
duties requiring not alone all the time
of the city clerk, but of four assist
ants. Mr.. Towne belongs to the Ma
sonic organization, and has attained
his present standing in The communi-
ty by strict, honorable and careful al
tention to business and the affairs OF
his office. While yet in the prime Of
life, he has reached that coveted goal
which many men far older are yet
striving to attain.
The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1898-12-03

For nearly thirty years Robert H.
Chamberlain has filed with success and
ability many public positions, and has
during that time been continuously ac-
tive in the public life of our city. He
has not, however, been an ordinary pol
itician, content to hold Office ana man
age caucuses, but has constantly agi-
tated for reforms that would, as he
conceived be of public benefit As a
public man his career has been an ideal
one and his example shows the posi-
bility of maintaining purity Of life and
elevation of character while engaged in
the struggle of politics. He was born
in this city June IS, 1885, and was edu-
Gated in the public schools, attending
Worcester Academy after leaving the
high school. Upon the completion of his
studies he learned the trade of a ma
chinist at Bail & Billiards. shops. AS
soon as the war broke out he deter
mined TO enlist, and went out as ser
geant Of Co a, 5ist Massachusetts vol
unteers, serving through his term He
afterwards raised a company, and was
captain Of Co. F. 60th Massachusetts
volunteers, serving out his term of
service again. After the war he con-
| tinued in the militia service of the state
as major and bugadier general, and
was for seven years commander of the
Sd brigade, M. v NJ. Mr.. Chamberlain
served the city as superintendent Of
sewers for Is years, then receiving the
appointment OF master Of the house of
correction and keeper of jail holding
these positions for about four years. he
at that time or in 1882 having been
elected to his present office Of high
sheriff of Worcester county. he at the
present time filing his second term,
(which expires Jan. 1st, 1899. Gen. Cham
berlain has been prominent in advocat-
ing all the improvements that have con
tributed so much to the growth and de-
Velopment of our city. He is possessed
of that quality Of mind which carries
success in whatever he may undertake
70 accomplish and there is no citizen of
worcester who is more enterprsing and
public spirited than he
The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1898-12-03

One of the well-knoWn men in OH
cial circles of the city of Worcester Is
Mr.. Charles H. Benchley who holds the
position of mayors clerk, an Once 20
which he was appointed i'll 1898 by
Mayor Marsh to fill the vacancy caused
by the death of Theodore Bartlett, VINO
was the incumbent at that time. NJ
BenchIey has been reappOinted to the
office by each succeeding mayor ne
having learned the duties Of the once
so thoroughly as to practically MAKE
himself d necessity to an incoming
MAYOR. He was born in Worcester
August 9Th. 1S4S, and began MS edu-
cation in this city When bus six years
of age he moved to Millbury, where
he attended school, leaving Millbury
high school to enlist in the army. Az
the end of the war he returned TO TINS
city and located, afterwards gong TO
Boston, where he remained for TWO
years He then joined the navy, seIN-
ing three years and three aonths, at
the end of that time again returning to
this city, residing here since then
nearly all the time. Mr.. Benchley be-
ing naturally of Industrious habits and
determination, made the most of his
early opportunities to secure a good
education, which he afterwards iin-
proved, and extended by iudicinus
study and reading. Few men in the
city of Worcester are more pubic splr-
tied or interested in the welfare of the
city than he. Mr. Benchley has made
a most capable officer and his continued
appointment to the office is more than
probable, as he has become SO thor
oughly acquainted with it's duties.
The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1898-12-03

Mr.. Charles II. Peck, the present SUI
perintendent Of public buildings. is one
OF the best known men in Worcester,
IN addition to being one OF the most
efficient officials. He is in every respect
q selI-made man. He was born in
Smithlield r. l., and in 1347 came 10
Worcester finishing his scholastic career
at The Millbury Academy. He enga eed
IN various occupations until 1875. when
ne was elected to his present office by
council, IN concurrent vote, and has
held the office since then. his re-eIec-
ton taking place yearly Mr.. Peck
is a building expert, an acknowledged
authority on all matters pertaining to
the proper construction of buildings
ana quality Of material used. His Of
flee is not one Of the sinecures gener-
ally found among the municipal govern
ments of all cities, but requires the
services Of an enterprising man, who
possesses not only a theoretical but
practical knowledge of building con
struction, and is capable OF solving ali
Mohave County miner., 1898-03-12
NOTICE OF FORFEITURE.
To W. s. Wright, his assigns and Ie-
 al representatives.


 You are hereby notified that the under. signed. who is a co owner with you m the GOloonda mining claim, has expended the sum of three hundred dollars in labor and improvements upon the ss d mining claim. the said expenditure and improvement Is being made in the years 1895, 1896 and s97, in compliance with the United States mining laws requiring annual expenditures 10 be made on mining claims. The said Golconda mining claim consists of I5OO feet in l4n tn by 600 feet in width, situate in the Wallapai mining district, Mohave county, Arizona Territory, A record of which IS made in book E, page I06, mining records of Mohave county. And you are hereby further notified that if at the 4x. piration of ninety days from the last pub lication of thi. notice you fail or refuse to pay to us your proportion of the ex. penditure. together with the cost of the publication of this notice, your interest in the said Golconds mining claim will be forfeited and become the property of the undersigned. E. F THOMPSON.
 kineman Ariz Jan. l, Is9s
 First insertion Jancary [, 1898.
Mohave County miner., 1898-03-12
Notice of Forfeiture.
To o. Ii. p. Baxter and Charles F.
 Cast, their assigns or Ie al repre-


 Cast, their assigns or Ie al repre-
 sentatives:
 You are hereby notified that have CT. pended during the years 1896 and 1897 two hundr dollars in labor and improve. ments npon the Rural lode, situate in Min eral Park. in Waliapsi mining district, Mohaye county. Arizona, of whicn the To cation notice is found of record in book H. pages 679 30. in the office of the Re corder of said county. ip order to hold sai1 claim under the provisions of section 2324 Jf the Revised Statutes of ti 6 United States. and the amendment thereto, ap. proved January 22. 1880 concerning an nual labor upon mining claims, being the am mt required to hold said lode for the period ending O.. the 3Ist day of December of said years 1896 and I897. And If, with. in ninety day, from the personal service of this notice, or within ninety days after the publication thereof, you fail or refuse to contribute your proportion of such ex penditure as co owner, your interests in the claim will become the property of the subscriber, your co-owner. who has made the required expenditure by the terms of said section. mRs. J. T. THoMPsos. BinRman, Ariz ,na. Jan. 6, 1898