Willis H. Crowell, 1867-
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
WILLIS H. CROWELL, one of the leading grocers of Dorchester, is carrying on a prosperous business at Field’s Corner, his establishment being the centre of trade in that locality. He was born April 28, 1867, in West Dennis, Mass., which was likewise the birthplace of his father, John F. Crowell. His paternal grandfather, Ezekiel Crowell, for many years an influential citizen of West Dennis, married Mary Hallett, daughter of John Hallett.
John F. Crowell was born in October, 1821, and during the earlier years of his active career was engaged in mercantile business, being in the south at the time of the Civil War. On returning to West Dennis at the close of the war, he turned his attention to mechanical pursuits, in which he was subsequently engaged. He married Mary H. Baker, daughter of Captain Atherton Baker, of West Dennis. He died in October, 1887, aged fifty-eight years. Of their union six children were born, namely: Genevra F., wife of Whitfield A. Robbins, of West Dennis; Everett H., of Taunton, Mass.; Mercy, who died at the age of thirty-four years; Mattie K. Wife of W. Raymond, of Harwich, Mass.; Atherton B., of Dorchester; and Willis H. The special subject of this sketch.
Willis H. Crowell was educated in the public schools of his native town, and there also obtained his first knowledge of mercantile affairs by working for three years in a general merchandise store.
At the age of seventeen he went to Philadelphia, Pa., where he remained a year and a half as a clerk in a grocery store. Returning then to Massachusetts, he worked for a while in Quincy, then came to Boston to enter the employ of Snow Brothers, grocers, with whom he was connected three years. Desiring then to establish himself in business permanently, he formed a copartnership with his brother, Atherton B. Crowell, and purchased the store at Field’s Corner, of which in 1893, having bought his brother’s interest in the business, he became the sole proprietor. A man of upright principles, obliging and courteous, he has won the confidence of the community and built up a lucrative trade.
In July, 1892, Mr. Crowell was married to Miss Nettie R. Stackpole, daughter of Nathaniel R. Stackpole, of Dorchester. Mr. and Mrs. Crowell have two children — Ruth and Ralph Nathaniel. Mr. Crowell is a member of various fraternal organizations, including the I.O.O.F.,* the N.Y.M., and the Pilgrim Fathers.
*I.O.O.F. Independent Order of the Odd Fellows.