History of Springfield, (Hampden County) Massachusetts United States of America

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Biographies:

Thomas Spencer Childs, clergyman, was born in Springfield, Mass., Jan. 19, 1825; son of Joshua and Susan (King) Childs. He was graduated at the University of the city of New York in 1847, and at the Princeton theological seminary in 1850; in the same year he was licensed by the presbytery of New York. In the following year he organized the First Presbyterian church of Hartford, Conn., and he continued its pastor until 1866, when he was elected pastor of the First church at Norwalk, Conn., where he remained until 1870. From 1871 until 1879 he was professor of Bible and ecclesiastical history in the theological seminary. of Hartford, Conn.; from 1880 to 1882, professor of mental and moral science in the University of Wooster, Ohio; and from that time until 1890, acting pastor in Washington, D. C. He served as commissioner to the general Presbyterian assembly. In 1890 he united with the Protestant Episcopal church, and became associate rector of Trinity church, Washington, D. C. In 1888 he was appointed by President Cleveland a commissioner to negotiate with the southern Ute Indians in regard to a change in their reservation. He received the degree D.D. from the University of the City of New York in 1862, and became arch-deacon of Washington in 1895. He is the author of The Heritage of Peace (republished in England); The Lost Faith and Difficulties of the Scriptures tested by the laws of Evidence (1888).

From: Twentieth Century Biographical Dictionary of Notable Americans, Johnson, Rossiter, editor

Thomas Beaven, R.C. bishop, was born in Springfield, Mass., March 1, 1851. He received his primary education in the common schools of his native town, and subsequently pursued his classical course in the college of the Holy Cross, Worcester, Mass., being graduated from this institution in 1870 with high honors. He was professor at Loyola college, Baltimore, for the following two years, and in 1872 entered the Montreal college for his ecclesiastical course. On Dec. 18, 1875, Mr. Beaven was ordained a priest and placed himself at the disposal of Bishop O'Reilly. He was first appointed assistant to Rev. J. Carson at Spencer, Mass., filling this position until July, 1879, when he succeeded to the pastorate. Soon after he became pastor, he decided to erect a magnificent new church, but active operations were not begun until May 10, 1882, when he was enabled to lay the cornerstone. In 1887 the handsome edifice, St. Mary's of Spencer, was dedicated, Bishop O'Reilly officiating. Father Beaven remained at Spencer for thirteen years, and the good effects of his ministry have left an indelible stamp upon the place and people. In October, 1889, he was appointed to take charge of the church of the Holy Rosary at Holyoke, Mass., and served there until he received his appointment to the bishopric of Springfield. He was consecrated with imposing ceremonies on Oct. 18, 1892, at St. Michael's cathedral, Springfield, Mass. Bishop Beaven became noted for his scholarly attainments and executive ability. As a lover of free institutions he publicly proclaimed his devotion to the American republic on all suitable occasions. He received the degree of D.D. from Georgetown college.

From: Twentieth Century Biographical Dictionary of Notable Americans, Johnson, Rossiter, editor

George Dimmock, naturalist, was born in Springfield, Mass., May 17, 1852; son of George Monroe and Elizabeth (Learned), grandson of Benjamin and Eliza (Olney), great-grandson of Jeduthan and Polly (Forbush), and a direct descendant of Thomas Dimmock of Dorchester, Mass., 1635, and of Barnstable, 1639. He was graduated at Harvard in 1877 and after taking a post-graduate course in natural sciences he studied zo?logy in the University of Leipzig, receiving the degrees of A.M. and Ph.D. from that institution in 1881. On his return to the United States in 1882 he made his home in Cambridge, Mass., where he became publishing editor of Psyche, a journal of entomology. He was married in 1878 to Alma Katherina, daughter of Ernst Hofmann of Cambridge, Mass., and a native of Spaech, Baden. Besides many contributions to scientific periodicals he is the author of: The Anatomy of the Mouthparts and of the Sucking Apparatus of Some Diptera (1881); and in 1899 was engaged in compiling Genealogy of the Dimmock Family in America.

From: Twentieth Century Biographical Dictionary of Notable Americans, Johnson, Rossiter, editor

Arthur Macarthur, soldier, was born in Springfield, Mass., June 1, 1845; son of Judge Arthur MacArthur . In 1849 he went with his father to Milwaukee, Wis., and there attended school until Aug. 4, 1862, when he was appointed by Governor Salomon 1st lieutenant and adjutant of the 24th Wisconsin volunteers. His first battle was Perryville, Ky., Oct. 8, 1862, in the 37th brigade, 11th division, 3d army corps. At Stone's river, Tenn., Dec. 30-31, 1862, his regiment was part of the 1st brigade, Sheridan's 3d division, McCook's right wing, Army of the Cumberland. He was second in command during the engagement, the regiment being commanded by Major Hibbard, and He was commended for bravery in the official report of the commander of the brigade. At Chickamauga he was again second in command, and at Chattanooga he gained a medal of honor for conspicuous bravery in action Nov. 25, 1863, while serving as 1st lieutenant and adjutant of the 24th Wisconsin infantry. He was promoted major Jan. 25, 1864, and commanded the regiment at Kenesaw Mountain, June 27, 1864. At the battle of Franklin, Tenn., Nov. 30, 1864, he commanded his regiment in Opdyke's brigade, Stanley's division, and General Stanley gave the 24th Wisconsin credit for doing "a large part" in saving the day. He was severely wounded and could not take part in the battle of Nashville. He was promoted lieutenant-colonel May 18, 1865, and was mustered out June 10, 1865. He was brevetted lieutenant-colonel of volunteers for Perryville, Stone's river, Missionary Ridge and Dandridge, Tenn., and colonel of volunteers for services at the battle of Franklin, Tenn., and in the Atlanta campaign, March 13, 1865. On Feb. 23, 1866, he was commissioned 2d lieutenant in the 17th infantry and the same day was promoted 1st lieutenant. He accepted the commission April 30, 1866, was promoted captain of the 36th infantry July 28, 1866; major and assistant adjutant-general July 1, 1889; lieutenant-colonel May 26, 1896; brigadier-general Jan. 2, 1900, and major-general Feb. 5, 1901. He re-entered the volunteer army as brigadier-general May 27, 1898, and was promoted major-general of volunteers Aug. 13, 1898. He succeeded Gen. Elwell S. Otis in command of the Division of the Philippines, Feb. 5, 1901, and on June 15, 1901, issued a proclamation of amnesty to the natives. He assumed command of the Department of the Lakes, March 25, 1902.

From: Twentieth Century Biographical Dictionary of Notable Americans, Johnson, Rossiter, editor