CANDIDATE FOR SENATORIAL HONORS IN SECOND NORFOLK DISTRICT
Sketch of his Career as a Public ServantPositions Filled with Honor and Dignity.
The recognition and appreciation of the services of a faithful public servant is not always made so apparent as has been repeatedly shown in the ease of the gentleman whose picture we present herewith, and whose record of service we briefly sketch.
These well-known features, familiar to everyone in Norwood, and to many throughout the state, carry with them the stamp of true manliness, for they depict a face affable and kindly, honest and straightforward; every line indicative of deep intensity of purpose, of strength of mind, and of ability to perform. That these characteristics form a part of the gentleman in question, no one who knows him thoroughly can doubt for a moment, and now that he has consented to stand for the office of Senator from the second Norfolk District, he comes to the position with a wider experience, a stronger grasp on public affairs, a larger and more useful fund of knowledge, and a completer survey of the needs and demands of his constituents.
In asking the suffrages of the voters of the district, Mr. Fales does so with the assurance that his past record in all matters pertaining to “the public welfare can but add prestige to his claim as one well qualified to fill the position with honor and dignity, and as a true son of Norfolk County, upheld the illustrious name it bears in the grand old commonwealth.
So well and favorably known by the townspeople, being identified with the town of Norwood in a business and public way for so many years, it is with pardonable pride that we briefly sketch his career and present his name for honors at the hands of an intelligent electorate.
Frank A. Fales comes from a good ancestry. Eight generations ago, about the year 1635, shortly after the Mayflower bore the Pilgrim Fathers across the Atlantic, the first to bear the family name in this country settled at Dedham, coming from Cheshire, England. Capt. Fales, an ancestor our townsman, commanded a company of Dedham men at the siege and capture of Louisburg in July, 1758. He was commended by his superior officer for bravery and ability. From this sturdy stock have spread the descendants, all of whom have given evidence of honesty of character.
The subject of this sketch was born in South Dedham (now Norwood) in 1848, and he has lived amongst the people all his life, receiving in the public schools of the place his early education. Leaving school he learned the carpenter’s trade, and for a number of years -worked at it; but a man of his characteristics and ability is bound to make his mark in the history of the town, so before many years he embarked in a business enterprise by establishing a steam mill for grinding grain, which business he has conducted with profit for some seventeen years. Being interested in the progress and welfare of Ilie town, he was a candidate for many positions, and as selectman, assessor, overseer of the poor, and surveyor of highways, he has continuously served the people with faithful and conscientious service for fourteen years.
In 1886 the field of his usefulness was extended by his election as Representative to the Legislature, representing the towns of Dedham and Norwood. For three years he served in this capacity, rendering signal service as a legislator. He served on several important committees, and in 1888, as House Chairman of the State House Committee, he reported and was successful in having enacted the bill for the purchase of the land for the present State House extension. He was on the Hoosac Tunnel committee, the printing and election committee, and his ability was recognized in many ways by his associates in the House. lie married in 1SS8, and resides on Winter Street.
As a citizen Mr.Frales has ever been prominent and active in all that makes for good citizenship. He served on the committee appointed by the town to put in the waterworks. Here is knowledge and business ability was useful, and his work valuable.
He belongs to three fraternal societies, having been the first Noble Grand of Tiot Lodge, I O. O. F., and also District Deputy Grand Master of District 68. He was the first Sachem of Nahatan Tribe of Red Men, and he is a member of Orient Lodge, A. F., and A. M.
In politics he has always been a consistent Republican. From his large and extended knowledge of men and affairs, his prominence in the Legislature, his honorable record as a public servant, and his uprightness of character, he is eminently fitted to fill any public trust, and we hope the electors of the second Norfolk ‘District will still further recognize and appreciate his talents by according him their votes for Senator.
(All articles originally appeared in the Norwood Messenger unless otherwise noted)