Page:One of a thousand.djvu/106

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page needs to be proofread.

BURNETT. BUSH. He was a member of the United States Naval Board to award prizes for the de- signs of cruisers and battle ships in 1887, and in 1888 he was appointed permanent chairman on the board of life-saving appli- ances in the United States Life Saving Service. But his most distinguished service, which a grateful country will ever hold in re- membrance, was the timely and successful work in designing the Puritan, the May- flower and the Volunteer — the three illus- trious defenders of the " America's Cup " in the international yacht races of 1S85- '86-'87. Mr. Burgess was also the designer of the well-known racers, Sachem, Titania, Pappoose, Baboon, Nymph, Wraith, Sprite, Saracen, Rosalind, Chiquita, Marguerite, and many others — over one hundred in all, including the steam yachts Shearwater, Sapphire, Unquowa, Jathniel, etc., and the well-known " flying fishermen," Carrie E. Phillips, Nellie Dixon and Fredonia. BURNETT, EDWARD, son of Joseph and Josephine Cutter Burnett, was born in Boston, March 16, 1849. His foundation studies were pursued in St. Paul's School, Concord, N. H. Fitting for Harvard College, he passed the full course and was graduated in 187 1. His tastes inclining towards rural life, he chose the vocation of farmer, and lo- cated in Southborough, where he resides, surrounded by a loved and loving family, an esteemed member of the community. Mr. Burnett was elected member of the 50th Congress, as a Democrat, from the 9th district, and served one term, being appointed upon the committee on agricul- ture, labor, and mileage. He was married in Cambridge, April 4, 1872, to Mabel, only child of James Russell Lowell. Of this union are three sons and two daughters : James R. L., Joseph, Francis L., Esther L., and Lois 1 >. Burnett. BURR, HEMAN MERRICK, son of Isaac Tucker and Ann Frances (Hardon) Burr, was born in Newton, Middlesex county, July 28, 1S56. He attended the public schools of New- ton, was prepared for college, entered Harvard in 1873, and was graduated in the class of 1877. He pursued his legal studies in Harvard law school, and was admitted to the practice of law in June, 1884. He is now a practicing attorney in Boston, with residence in Newton. Mr. Burr was married in Boston, Novem- ber 29, 18S1, to Mary Frances, daughter of Samuel T. and Mary Hartwell (Barr) Ames. Of this union are two children : Roger Ames and Hardon Burr. Mr. Burr was a member of Newton common council 1887 and '88 — its presi- dent the latter year. In 1889 he was elected mayor. He is prominently identified with the Republican party in Newton, and, although a young man, bids fair to follow rapidly in the honorable and successful steps of his father, so long and well known in the business and financial circles of the city of Boston. BURT, GEORGE L., son of Holland and Nancy (Watkins) Burt, was born in Walpole, Cheshire county, N. H., November 3, 1829. He received his education in the public schools and academy of his native town. Mr. Burt began business as contractor and builder, in 1850, in company with his brother, John H, and one year later they associated with them another brother, Sumner A., who remained with them until his decease in 1886. Mr. Burt was married in Walpole, N. H., August 8, 1852, to Ellen Augusta, daugh-' ter of Steven and Mary A. (Jennings) Darby. Of this union were two children: Waldo Cushing and Ceorge Edward Burt. Mr. Burt was a' member of the Boston common council, 1870, '71, '72 and '73; trustee of Mt. Hope Cemetery ten years; member of House of Representatives, 18S0, '81 and '82; member of state Senate, 1884 anil '85, and trustee of Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Association, 1888 and '89. Mattapan, Ward 24, Boston, where he has resided since his marriage, is his pres- ent address. Mr. Burt is the youngest of four brothers, all of whom have been successful in main- taining the family prestige, and who have been honored by their fellow-townsmen by repeated elections to positions of honor and trust. BUSH, JOHN L., son of Eleazer B. and Sarah (Howe) Bush, was born in North Brookfield, Worcester county, October 21, 1S19. He received a common school education, attending the district schools until he was fifteen years of age. Time not spent in school or on the farm was utilized in mak- ing shoes for the old firm of T. & E. Batcheller, at starvation prices. When Mr. Bush became of age, in 1840, being fond of horses, he went to Boston and entered the employ of a livery-stable keeper, at twelve dollars per month. He