Charles E. Eddy, 1869-
From American Series of Popular Biographies. Massachusetts Edition. This Volume Contains Biographical Sketches of Representative Citizens of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Boston: Graves & Steinbarger, 1891.
Charles E. Eddy, member of the Boston Common Council from the Dorchester district in 1898 and 1899, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, July 9, 1869, son of Forace M. And Esther A. (Randall) Eddy. His father was born in Taunton Mass., in 1834, son of Laban Eddy, also a native of that town. His original American ancestor was Samuel Eddy, who with his brother John, came over from England in 1630 on the “Handmaid,” arriving at Plymouth on October 29, old style.
John Eddy, second, son of Samuel, born in Plymouth in 1637, a blacksmith by trade, was doubtless the first of the family in Taunton, where he is said to have lived in 1669, being one of the proprietors. Laban Eddy, above named, a descendant of Samuel several generations removed, was connected with the iron industries of Taunton.
Horace M. Eddy, son of Laban and father of the subject of this sketch, learned the trade of a machinist, and while still a young man was engaged in the foundry business. In 1856 he went to Cincinnati, where he followed his trade until the beginning of the Civil War. Through the war he served as Quartermaster of a Kentucky regiment, United States army, and after the close of hostilities was stationed for a time in Michigan. Resuming his former occupation in Cincinnati, he remained there until 1872, when he returned to Taunton, where he has ever since followed his trade. He was formerly quite active in public affairs and served two years in the Taunton city government. He is a member of the Masonic order. His wife, Esther A. whom he married at Cincinnati in 1866, was born in Rhode Island, daughter of Esther Randall, and went from her native State to Dunkirk, Ind. Of this union there are two sons: Leace W., of Dorchester; and Charles E., the subject of this sketch.
Charles E. Eddy was educated in the common schools and the high school of Taunton. After working at various occupations he learned the carpenter’s trade; and in 1895 he became associated in business with his brother at 283 Quincy Street, Dorchester, under the firm name of L. W. Eddy & Co. They carry on an extensive jobbing business, and are widely known as able and reliable workmen.
Some years ago Mr. Eddy evinced a lively interest in local political affairs, and, being chosen a member of the Republican Committee of old Ward Twenty (now Ward Sixteen), was its treasurer for the years 1897 and 1898. In the Common Council in 1898 and 1899 he served with ability upon the Committees on Buildings, Printing, Assessment, Bath-houses, Weights and Measures, Fourth of July Celebration, and others of equal importance. Mr. Eddy is a member of the North Dorchester Club.