~MARLBOROUGH'S MAYORS - INFORMATION ~ SIMON HERBERT HOWE, MAYOR ~ 1891
Son of Samuel and Charlotte (Howe) Howe was a cooper and carried on that business until he retired in 1842. He graduated from High School at age 20, he learned the trade of shoe making while working for John W. Stevens. He eventually entered into business with his brother Lewis Howe and purchased a shop at the corner of Pleasant and Elm Streets. In the great snow storm of 1857, he had a note due on the business in a Boston Bank. Two or three days of the grace period had past when he decided he could wait no longer, so he walked throught the drifts to Cordaville, six miles distance, where the road had just been opened to Boston. He eventually reached his destination, however he was a trifle late. The cashier at the bank admired him for his effort and accepted the payment.
The shoe business he started increased in business and was known as the S. H. Howe Shoe. He had connections with two other shoe shops, Diamond F and Diamond O. His shops eventually turned out 2,500,000 pairs of shoes annually. He was voted into the office of the Mayor as Marlboroughs first Mayor on December 2, 1890 and took office January 5, 1891.
Source: EllaBigelow's book
The first Mayor of Marlborough, SimonH.Howe, was a Republican. One of his accomplishments was to see that the new City seal contained a picture of his own shoe factory.
Source: The Marlborough Enterprise
George A. Howe, the second Mayor of Marlborough, who died the 7th of November 1909 at the age of 60 years, was no exception in the list of chief executives who have rendered valuable service to the city. While he was mayor during one of the most tempestuous years of our municipal life, his conduct during that time was animated by an honesty and devotion to duty that marked his character as a man. Mr. Howe's chief characteristic was his unyielding opposition to wrong. This he showed not only in his political life, but also in his business and every day life. Withdrawing from politics after his term as mayor, Mr. Howe devoted himself exclusively to business, and that he was fitted for this is shown by the success which greeted his ventures. Whether as a leader, a citizen, a business man, family man or neighbor, Mr. Howe possessed those qualities that make the world better for having lived in it.
He received his education in the Marlborough public schools, supplementing this by a course in an academy in Lancaster. Mr. Howe served in the 5th Mass. regiment during the Civil War and was the youngest member of Rawlins Post when he died. Mr. Hove was a member of the Board of Selectmen when Marlborough passed from town to cityhood. He was a member of the first city government, serving as alderman from Ward 5. During the year that he was Mayor, Marlborough was in the no license column. He was a strong believer in the majesty of the law, and the moral sense of the community was not as stringent as it is today, so he had a more difficult task than would have been the case today. He never wavered, however, and carried out his plan unaltered to the end. Mr. Howe was a member of the Board of Trade, and was president and treasurer of the Howe Lumber Co. and operated the box mill and lumber yard on Florence street. He also had large lumber interests in New Hampshire and elsewhere.
He believed thoroughly in the right and was of the opinion that it would sooner or later prevail. He loved his native city and always worked for its advancement and welfare.Source: EllaBigelow's book
George Howe, a Republican, was the owner of the "Howe Lumber Co.".
Source: The Marlborough Enterprise
A native of Ireland, was also a Republican. He devised a plan whereby discounts were given to taxpayers who paid their assessments early. He owned a shoe company.
Source: The Marlborough Enterprise
WILLIAM N. DAVENPORT, MAYOR ~ 1894 - 95
Son of William J. and Louisa (Howard) Davenport, was born in Boylston, Massachussetts, November 3, 1856. He attended district school until he was eleven years of age, when he was thrown upon his own resources for his support and went to work in the Boylston cotton mill, from there going to Hudson, Massachusetts, and securing work in a shoe factory. In 1872 he came to Marlborough, working in the shoe factory of Clapp & Billings for nine years, when he decided to commence the study of law. He entered the law school at Ann Arbor, Michigan, and was admitted to the bar of that state the same year. Returning to Marlborough, he was admitted to the bar of Middlesex County, June, 1883. The first public office he held was clerk of the Police Court from its organization, to 1884. The same year he was elected Representative to the General Court of Massachusetts, 1885, and elected for a second term. He had represented his constituency so well in the House, that he was elected to the State Senate in 1889 and 1890, where he discharged his duties in a satisfactory and intelligent manner. He was a member of the United Bretharen Lodge A. F. & A. M., the Order of Red Men, and has served for two years as Grand Commander of the American Legion of Honor, and one year as Grand Leader of the.Home Circle. He married Lizzie M. Kendall of Boylston. (Politically, professionally and socially, Mr. Davenport occupies a front rank in the esteem of his fellowmen.) He was a member of the State Board of Publication from 1902 to 1908 inclusive, Secretary of the Metropolitan Water Board from July, 1895, to March, 1901, Secretary of the Metropolitan Water and Sewerage Board from March, 1901, to the present time.
Source: EllaBigelow's book
William Davenport, a Republican, was the first Mayor to serve more than one term.
Source: The Marlborough Enterprise
CHARLES L. BARTLETT, MAYOR ~ 1896 - 97
Charles L. Bartlett was born on a farm at Norwich, near Dartmouth College, in the Green Mountain State. Ile was educated in the public schools and while still a boy, came in 1869 to Marlborough and entered the employ of K. D. Child", and labored in his baking establishment for some ten years. He removed to Milford for four years and then returned to Marlborough and established himself in the bakery business. His business methods were always marked by a strict integrity and honesty and his word was really recognized as good as his bond. He accomplished much in aiding the poor and distressed of the city without ostentation and parade, and many a load of supplies from his bakery has been delivered where want and hunger were present and the only payment received or expected was the gratitude of the recipients. In 1890 he was elected to the Common Council, and during 1891, served on many committees connected with city affairs. In 1895 he was elected Alderman, and in December of the same year was elected Mayor. He was a member of the United Bretheren lodge, A. F. & A. M., being advanced to Houghton R. A. C., and to Trinity Commandery, K. T. He was a member of the Union Club, Mizpah Chapter, O. E. S., O. U. A. M., Ockoocangansett Tribe, I. O. R. M., and the Merchants' Protective Association. In 1875 he married Miss Emily A. Chadwick of Framingham. They had two sons Fred W., and C. Lester. He died April 8, 1898. It was during his term of office that the plot of ground near the Catholic church was made into a pretty park on which a fountain was generously erected and donated the gift to the city by Mrs. A. E. Golbert. The park was named Bartlett Park in his honor.
Source: EllaBigelow's book
The park named after him, is located at the corner of Prospect St. and Main St. and still exists today.
Eugene G. Hoitt was the sixth Mayor of Marlborough and was the first chief executive to be elected on by the Democratic party. His administration was marked by conservative, prudent action. He was born in Manchester, New Hampshire, April 12, 1850, son of Samuel L. and Ann J. Hoitt. His parents removed to Northfield, Vermont, when he was three years old and remained there four years when they removed to Port Jervis, N. Y. He spent his boyhood days in the latter place, graduating from the Port Jervis academy in 186 7. He worked at the jewelry business for a short time, after which he entered Buffalo University where he remained four years and graduated second in his class from that institution in 1881. He then came to Marlborough, where he remained, and where he has established an enviable reputation as a physician and surgeon. While in college he was president of the I. C. A., a college society, and first assistant to the professor in physiology. He is a member of the Massachusetts State Medical League, is Medical Examiner for the ninth district, member of the Medico-legal Society, American Medical Association, President of Middlesex County Medical Society, 1900 and 1902, member of Mayor's Club of Massachusetts, Cons1ilting Surgeon to Framingliam hospital, member of surgical staff of Marlborough hospital. He enjoyed the confidence and esteem of the leaders of both political parties on account of his unswerving adherance to his opinions of correct prineiple and methods. He is former president of the Union Club of Marlborough and a 3d degree Mason, also an Odd Fellow. He married in 1873, Sarah Frances, daughter of Dr. Simon T. and Rachel H. Barrett.
Source: EllaBigelow's book
Dr. Eugene Hoitt was the first Democrat to be elected Mayor.
Source: The Marlborough Enterprise
EDWARD J. PLUNKETT, MAYOR ~ 1899-1900.
Edward J. Plunkett, son of George and Margaret (Lynch) was born in Marlborough January 7, 18 7 0. After leaving school he entered the employ of Murphy & Conway, shoe dealers in Corey block. He had a natural love for horses which was probably inherited from his father who was an expert horseman, and when his father and brother died, he took over the Windsor stables which he conducted for a number of years. He served in the common council in 1894, 1895 and 1896, and on July 7, the same year, he was elected alderman to fill a vacancy in that body. He was re-elected the following year. He served as Mayor 1899 and 1900, being the youngest chief executive the city has had. His first year as mayor was beset with many difficulties on account of the general labor troubles in the shoe business throughout the city, but by firmness and diplomacy he so won the confidence of the people that he had the distinguished honor of receiving both Democratic and Republican nominations for mayor his second year. He died March 13, 1902.
Source: EllaBigelow's book
Edward Plunkett, a Democrat, was the youngest Mayor to be elected to this office. He was a shoe salesman and stable operator. He died at age 32 of "consumption" what is known today as tuberculosis.
Source: The Marlborough Enterprise
WALTER B. MORSE, MAYOR ~ 1901 - 02 - 03.
Walter B. Morse was born in Marlborough June 26, 1864. His education was received in the public schools, supplemented by a business college course. He has been connected with the Wheeler Express Co., doing business between Marlborough and Boston ever since he was a boy. He was the first newsboy in Marlborough, selling nothing but the Marlborough Times, a weekly publication, issued formerly by his uncle., Charles F. Morse. For some time he has been president of the company issuing the only daily paper in the city, The Enterprise. He was prominently connected with the Masonic fraternity of Marlborough, was a Mystic Shriner, a member of the Odd Fellows lodge, Royal Arcanum and Ancient Order of United Workmen, also of the Union Club. In a business way he was equally prominent, being President of the First National Bank and a trustee of the Marlborough Savings Bank. He had been a member of the Common Council three years and elected Mayor in 1900, 1902, 1903.
Source: EllaBigelow's book
Walter B. Morse, a Republican, and was the owner of the "Wheeler Express Co." and president of the "Marlboro Enterprise".
Source: The Marlborough Enterprise
FREDERICK R. S. MILDON, MAYOR ~ 1905 - 06 -08 - 09.
Frederick R. S. Mildon was born in Weymouth, Nova Scotia, November 1852. In 1873 he married Miss Abbie C.. Travis and coming to this country in 1880, settled in Marlborough in 1892. He was a member of the Board of Aldermen in 1902, elected Mayor in 1904, chairman of building committee that erected City Hall in 1904 and 1905, also member of Building Committee that built the new Fire and Police Station in 1909, trustee of the Marlborough Hospital, and is at present engaged in the real estate and insurance business He is a Democrat in politics and a strong advocate of no-license. He haD three children, Reginald C., civil engineer, graduate of Cornell, Eleanor M. and Alice E.
Source: EllaBigelow's book
Frederick Mildon, a Democrat, was a real estate broker and the second foreign born Mayor being a native of Nova Scotia.
Source: The Marlborough Enterprise
HENRY PARSONS, MAYOR ~ 1905 - 06 - 08 - 09.
General Parsons is chiefly- known through his military record in the Civil War and in the Mass Vol. Militia since the war. When the Southern States declared war against the Federal government, he was a young man living in the town of Waterloo, New York, where he was employed as an apprentice in a machine shop, learning the business in which he was later to become so successful. With thousands of other boys he volunteered his services to President Lincoln that the union of the States might not be dissolved, enlisting as a private in the 148th Regt., N. Y. Vols. on August 2d, 1862. He was mustered into the United States service at Geneva, N. Y., on August 6, 1862, and started with his regiment for Washington on August 12th.
Source: EllaBigelow's book
General Henry Parson, a Republican, was the first Mayor to serve four different terms.
Source: The Marlborough Enterprise
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EDWARD F. BROWN, MAYOR ~ 190 7.
Edward F. .Brown, son of James and Mary (O 'Malley) was born in Waltham, in 1865. His parents moved to Marlborough the year following his birth. After leaving school he worked in the shoe shops for a number of years, then took a position as salesman in a clothing store, eventually becoming proprietor of a clothiNg store of his own in the Corey building.
He served as Alderman in 1897, was a member of the High School Building Commission. He was a member of the School Committee, 1899, 1900, 1901 and 1902, serving as chairman of the board the latter year. He was also chairman of the mercantile committee of the Board of Trade and on the Board of Incorporation of the Marlborough hospital. Mr. Brown was a man of courteous manners and has ever been found of strict probity in his dealings as well as energy and excellent business ability. He married, July 10, 1907, M. Louise Graham, of Dorchester, daughter of John T. and Jane F. (Fallon.)
Source: EllaBigelow's book
Edward Brown, a Democrat, was the owner of a clothing store; he was married while in office.
JOHN J. SHAUGHNESSY, MAYOR ~ 1910.
John J. Shaughnessy was born in Stow, Massachusetts, December 3, 1857. His parents came from Ireland before they were married and settled in Stow, where they have always lived, and both of them are now living. He attended the public schools in his native town, including the Hale High School which opened in Stow in 1876. After completing his studies at the Hale High School, lie worked at farming three years, and at the age- of twenty he went to work in a Hudson shoe factory. After he had worked there a short time, Mr. F. W. Warren, a prominent citizen of Stow, procured the position for him of driving the express that carried the mail from Stow to South Acton, for the postmaster of Stow, John S. Fletcher, and he worked at that position for two years. It was while thus employed that he decided to proceed further with his studies and he devoted his spare time preparing for college. He entered the Massachusetts Agricultural College at Amherst in the fall of 1883, where he distinguished himself as one of the best mathematicians of his class, of which he was the president during the first year. He remained at that college until his junior year in 1885, when he entered the Harvard Law School, where he remained until 1887. While at the law school he was a member of the Harvard Union, the leading debating society of the university, and he took a prominent part in the debates of the society. He entered the law office of Hon. W. N. Davenport in 1887 and afterwards entered the law office of Gale & McDonald. On motion of W. B. Gale, Esq., he ryas admitted to the bar in 1891, and since that time he has had a lucrative law practice, and as a trial lawyer ranks among the best lawyers of the state.
In 1903 he delivered the oration at the old home week celebration of Stow. He was elected on the board of health when Marlborough was a town in 1889 and served on that board for eleven consecutive years. He has been a trustee of the Marlborough hospital for twenty years. He was married to Ellen L. Maher, a school teacher in Springfield, Massachusetts, August 6, 1895. He has taken an active part in all matters pertaining to the welfare of Marlborough since he became a citizen of the place, and is an active member of the Board of Trade and also belongs to several organizations of the city. He was elected Mayor of Marlborough for the year 1910, and has the happy faculty of pacifically adjusting momentous affairs in the municipal career of our city, whose best interests he has ever at heart.
Source: EllaBigelow's book
John Shaughnessy, a Democrat, was a lawyer.
Source: The Marlborough Enterprise
J. HENRY GLEASON, MAYOR ~ 1912 - 13
Mr. Gleason was a Republican, he was the proprietor of the Gleason Hotel on Main St..
Source: The Marlborough Enterprise
THOMAS H. O'HALLORAN, MAYOR ~ 1914 - 15
Mr. O'Halloran was a Democrat, he was an attorney and had practices in Marlboro and Boston. He appointed the first woman officer in the Marlborough Poice Department. He proposed re-evalution, but it never happened.
Source: The Marlborough Enterprise
Mr. Farley was a Republican, he was born in the province of Quebec. He was a plumbing contractor and he died in office on November 19, 1916.
Source: The Marlborough Enterprise
Mr. Pine was a Republican, he was a grocer by trade and also a native of Nova Scotia. He was resposible for the paving of Maple St. to the Southborough line, the first time it had been done; the cost - $23,000.00.
CHARLES F. McCARTHY, MAYOR ~ 1918 - 19 - 20
Mr. Mcarthy was a Democrat, he distinguished himself by sending a letter to some Marlboro serviceman each day. He was a newspaper man and served in both the Massachusetts House and Senate.
Source: The Marlborough Enterprise
PATRICK A. SULLIVAN, MAYOR ~ 1921
Mr. Sullivan was Democrat, he was a meat dealer by trade. It was during his tenure, that the Fort Meadow causway was made passable for vehicular traffic.
Source: The Marlborough Enterprise
EDWARD T. SIMONEAU, MAYOR ~ 1922 - 23
Mr. Simoneau was a Republican, he was a lawyer and later special Justice at Marlborough Court.
Source: The Marlborough Enterprise
JAMES M. HURLEY, MAYOR ~ 1924 - 25
Mr. Hurley was the first mayor elected for the "two year" term of office. He lost his second bid for office as a result of his attempt to implement "re-evalution".
Source: The Marlborough Enterprise
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WINFIELD TEMPLE, MAYOR ~ 1926 - 29
Mr. Temple was a lawyer and later a judge.
Source: The Marlborough Enterprise
AMEDEE A. MARTEL, MAYOR ~ 1930 - 31
Mr. Martel was noted for having two elementary schools built during his tenure. This move was upopular in the Depression. He did not seek re-election and every one in City government who sought re-election were defeated with the exception of one Councilor.
Source: The Marlborough Enterprise
CHARLES A.LYONS, MAYOR ~ 1932 - 37
Mr. Lyons was an engineer with the State D.P.W.and a batchelor. He was elected at age 32. During his tenure, part of which was during the depression, he convinced all city employees to take a voluntary ten percent paycut.
Source: The Marlborough Enterprise
LOUIS F. INGALLS, MAYOR ~ 1938 - 40
Mr. Ingalls was a superintendent at the Frye-Corbin Box Co.. He was re-elected for the 1940 and 1941 session, however he did not complete his second term. It was revealed that certain city employees had paid to get appointed to public jobs. He committed suicide in his second term on December 3, 1940. It was though that the embarrassment of this scandal may have caused him to take his life.
Source: The Marlborough Enterprise
MICHAEL P. CRONIN, MAYOR ~ 1941 - 45
Mr. Cronin was a printer at a Framingham company, he filled out the remainder of Mayor Ingal's term and was re-elected for the year 1942 to 1945. He is noted for vetoing of a plan to allow one day off in six for the police. The City Council overode his veto.
Source: The Marlborough Enterprise
CARLTON W. ALLEN, MAYOR ~ 1946 - 51
Mr. Allenwas a forman at the Curtis Shoe Company. The position of Chief of Police was placed under Civil Service during his time of office.
Source: The Marlborough Enterprise
ROMEO J. GADBOISE, MAYOR ~ 1952 - 57
Mr. Gadboise was a printer at the Dennison Manufacturing Company. He formed an Industrial Commission and the Recreation Department during his tenure.
Source: The Marlborough Enterprise
FRANK H. KELLEHER, MAYOR ~ 1958 - 59, 76 - 77
Mr. Kelleher served his first term, the elected not to re-run so as he could operate his insurance business. He later on ran for office andwon.
Source: The Marlborough Enterprise
KUSON J. HADDAD, MAYOR ~ 1960 - 63, 84 - 85
Mr. Haddad was the only Mayortoserve four two-year terms of office, although only three were consecutive. He was a police officer and later an attorney. He welcomed theMayor of Marlborugh, England during the Tercentary Year of 1960. He was noted as having been able to implement a re-evalution program.
Source: The Marlborough Enterprise
FRANK D. WALKER, MAYOR ~ 1966 - 67
Mr. Walker was the president of the Sudbury Laboratories. He was noted for having started negotiations to bring the RCA Computor Division to Marlborough.
Source: The Marlborough Enterprise
FREDERICK COLE, MAYOR ~ 1968 - 71
Mr. Walker was in the food distribution business, and was a former school committeeman.
Source: The Marlborough Enterprise
EDGAR C. GADBOISE, MAYOR ~ 1972 - 75
Mr. Gadboise, son of Mayor Romeo Gadboise, was a school teacher until his election to office.
Source: The Marlborough Enterprise
JOSEPH A. FERRECCHIA, MAYOR ~ 1978 - 83
Mr. Ferrecchia was a retired Army Sergeant Major, he spent a major portion of his life in the military and was rivaled in his service by General Parsons (Mayor 1905 - 06, 1908 - 09) though much of General Parson time was spent in the militia.
Source: The Marlborough Enterprise
CHESTER E. CONARY, MAYOR ~ 1986 - 89
Mr. Conary an insurance broker, also did not seek re-election after his second term.
Source: The Marlborough Enterprise
MICHAEL P. HOGAN, MAYOR ~ 1990
Mr. Hogan was elected at age 29, the same age as Mayor Plunkett (Mayor 1899 - 1900).
Source: The Marlborough Enterprise