the co-partnership known as Norcross Brothers was formed, and was continued until the year 1897. Their first ventures were in and about Salem, which was then their home, but in looking for a more extended field in which to operate, Worcester was selected, and from this outlook their life work, with brilliant results, has been given direction. Beginning in an unpretentious way, the firm of Norcross Brothers, contractors and and builders, gradually, through years of practical tests in almost every conceivable form within their line of work, became one of the most prominent construction companies of their class doing business in the United States. And the reputation of this firm for performing its work promptly and in a thoroughly skillful manner has for many years been a most enviable one. There was no contract too large or too intricate or difficult for that company to undertake, and when once undertaken there was no question but that it would be successfully accomplished. There is scarcely a city of any magnitude within the eastern and middle states of this Union that does not contain a monument to their handiwork.

Mr. James Norcross was of a quiet, rather reserved disposition, perhaps conservative in his methods and judgments, considerable of a reader, and a deep thinker. Although his advantages for an early education were cut short by the necessity of his assuming the task of daily toil at the trade of a carpenter to help support the family, he, by the assistance of a well-balanced mind, reinforced with a desire for knowledge, mastered a good, practical education.

Mr. Norcross was not a man to neglect business obligations for the purpose of social enjoyments, but during leisure moments he was a most companionable person socially. His family ties were, however, the chief comfort of his life. His family and home received his constant attention. Never was he more happy than when aiding in

relieving the burdens of his family, which, until the year 1883, included his widowed mother, who deceased that year at his home in Worcester. He married Mary Ellen Pinkham, who survives him, and was indeed a helpmeet throughout his life.

The first home of the subject of this sketch in Worcester was located on Silver Street, and after a few years of successful business a fine brownstone residence on Claremont Street became the family home until after his retirement from active business in 1897, when he completed his mansion on May Street, which he named "Fairlawn," where, after more than thirty-three years of close application to business, he hoped to enjoy a much needed rest.

During those thirty or more years our subject, being the eldest of the brothers, naturally assumed charge of the financial part of the business in which they were engaged, and for many years attended to the clerical part as well. But with the largely increasing cares it soon became necessary to employ a number of clerks to attend to the office work, which was for so many years performed under the eye of Mr. Norcross.

Before the family were so comfortably installed at "Fairlawn," Mr. Norcross, in company with his wife, made a tour of the United States, visiting many of the principal cities, especially those containing specimens of his company's handiwork. They also made an extended trip to Europe, passing considerable time in England, France, Holland and Italy, he profiting greatly by the relief from a burden of cares laid aside and the educational advantages in sight-seeing in those old, interesting countries.

By nature he was generous and sympathetic; although no effort was made to publish his generosity and acts of benevolence, there are very many persons, as well as many worthy institutions, that have been benefited by various substantial gifts from his hand.

In his religious associations Mr.

Norcross was a

Unitarian, and attended the South Unitarian Church, to the support of which he was a generous contributor. When that society was first formed, he took an active interest in its welfare; he and his family were prominent among the helpers that assisted in nurturing and carrying forward the organization and erecting for it an attractive, convenient, substantial edifice to be called its home.

January 5, 1892, he became a member of this Society. Although not a regular attendant at our meetings, he was occasionally present, always expressing an interest in the work being carried on by the Society.

HON. ELIJAH BRIGHAM STODDARD.

Hon. Elijah Brigham Stoddard died at his home in Worcester, Mass., Sept. 27, 1903, aged 77 years. He was son of Col. Elijah and Zilpah (Nelson) Stoddard, and born in Upton, Mass., June 5, 1826. His grandfather, Ezekiel Stoddard, and Isaac Nelson, the father of his mother, were both soldiers in the Revolutionary War. Colonel Elijah Stoddard, father of the subject of this sketch, was a farmer, merchant and manufacturer, being at one time a partner with William Knowlton in the manufacture of straw hats, bonnets, etc., in Upton. His family consisted of six children, four girls and two boys, Hon. Elijah Brigham being the youngest child. His only brother, Isaac Nelson Stoddard, was a graduate of Amherst College, making teaching his occupation for several years, and while at the head of the high school in Plymouth, Mass., was in 1841 appointed collector of that port, relinquishing that position to accept the cashiership of the Plymouth bank in 1845, later succeeding to the presidency of that institution. Elijah Brigham, not wishing to be far behind his only brother in fitting for the battles of life, also prepared for college,