The Press., 1909-06-23

John R. Washburn, SS. died at hi home in West Stafford last week Fri day evening after an illness of severa weeks of a complication of diseases MT. Washburn had been one of thu towns foremost citizens for many years and was highly respected. Int Washburns have been Q prominent family in this vicinity for several decades, and the deceased was 8 soL of Mir and Mrs. John Ellithorpe Washburn. John R Washburn was born in this town January 2. 1891 He received his early education in the schools of Stafford. supplemented by a course at the high school Centre Ville, N. Y. His first business Ven- ture was, when at the gae of 24. with Moses B. Harvey as partner, in the establishment of 8 machine shop un- der the firm name of Moses B. Harvey & Go. After two years Mir. Wash burn moved to West Stafford and es- tablished 8 shop of his own to manu- faoture ohucks. Later he was associ ated with Edward F. Whiton in the same line Six years later MT Wash burn purchased the business, changing the name to the J. R. Washburn Machine company, and continued thus until 1865. He sold out in 1865 and engaged in the wOolen business for a short time at Hanover. In 1868 | I, ,Eo 1f chucks, and continued until 1891. MT. Washburn was 8 figure in the industrial world for many years, and owed his prominence as much to his inventive genius as to his executive skill. The modern chuck is the out growth of his original invention. It is not alone industriRlly that MT. Washburn was recognized, but during his long life he WAS in close touch with public affairs. He served in the state legislature seven times 1850, 1857. 1858. 1866. 1869, 1875 and 1895 In 1862 he served the 2Oth district in the state senate His legislative work was characterized by the same thoroughness that distin- guished his efforts in other lines, and he served on various important com mittees He was honored by every local office that he cared to accept, and had served as seleotman, justice of the peace, registrar of voters and member of the board of relief. He served on
 
 and was secretary of the board over ten years. Mir. Washburn married Miss Adelaide Fairman in May. 1 SAT, and she died some years ago. Two daughters and son survive him Mrs. Belva Wilbur, who resided with her father, Mrs. May Andrews of New London and Franklin R. Wash burn of Springfield. He also leaves a brother, Avery Washburn, of Topeka, Kan. He was the oldest member of Ionic lodge of Masons, and a valued member of the Universalist church. The funeral was held from his late home Monday afternoon at 9 3O Rev. H. A. Hersey offioiated, assisted by Rev. John BalIantine. Music was by the choir of the Universalist church. The bearers were John A. Foster, L. A. Aborn, Anthony Adams and George Eaton. He was buried with Masonic honors.
 Mrs. D. o. Bradbury is visiting in OhioOpee, Mass.
 John and Wm. Rafftery are in OollinsVille, the guests of Rev. J. K. Clark.
 Miss Agnes Gary of Blackstone, R. l., is the guest of Mir. and Mrs. James Hurley.
 Mr. and Mrs. George Gordon and children of Hazardville were with Mir. and Mrs. W. G. Ellis Sunday.
 Miss Etta Bidwell of VIneland. N. J., Is substituting at the Rhode Island office in place of Miss Leona Robbins. who is taking 8 vacation.
 The infant son of MT. and Mrs. Nicholas Ash died Monday after a short illness of maasimilation. The funeral was held yesterday, with burial in St. Edwards cemetery.
 There Is now 8 parlor car service on the New London northern division of the Central Vermont. The car is attached to the II. 30 train for the north and on the evening train for the south. Connections are made at Brattleboro with the express for Mon. treal and Canandian points.
 An excellent program, under the direction of Miss Mabel Kingsbury, teacher, was fully enjoyed at the Methodist church Friday night, when the following pupils graduated from the grammar school: Harry James Armstrong, Louise Foote Beckwith, Gordon Alonzo Charter, Daniel Brad ford Demond, Wilfred Agard Eaton. Florence Louise GaFvais. Ethel May Gold, Annie Winifred Herring, Mar jorie lone Morse, Gertrude Evelyn Pease and Edward Walter Roberts. Louise F. Beckwith ranked first in scholarship and Harry J. Armstrong second. In addition to the honor pupils on the program, the name of Gordon A. Charter should have been mentioned. The school chorus sang two selections. and with Q trio by three members of the class. essays, deolamations and recitatiOns, a praise. worthy program was presented. Principal W. T. Williams awarded the diplomas. The invocation and benediction were by Rev. H. A. Blake.