Was a lineal descendant from the first settlers of Worcester. His influence with his fellow citizens was seldom surpassed. For twelve years, from 1810 to 1830, he was elected one of the selectmen of the town of Worcester. For ten years he represented the town in the Legislature of Massachusetts. He held office under the United States Government in the war of 1812. For many years he was one of the County Commissioners for the county of Worcester, and for many years a deputy sheriff within and for said county. All the duties of these various offices he discharged with kindness and ability. He was a man of strict integrity, upright and honorable in all business transactions, and commanded the respect and esteem of all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance. He was a member of this society for thirty-three years. He died in Worcester, May 4th, 1859, at the age of ninety-three. His daughter now owns and occupies the estate on the west side of Main street, where Mr. Eaton resided most of his lifetime.
Very few men have lived in Worcester who understood the workings of the human mind among the masses better than William Eaton. Hence he never was at loss to know how to approach a man and control him under any circumstances. His gentle and kind manner enabled him to exert a powerful influence over his fellow citizens. This was the secret of his great power among the people.
GEORGE A. TRUMBULL
Was born in Petersham, in 1793. He removed to Worcester and opened a book store on the site on the west side of Main street where the house of Harrison Bliss now stands. His agreeable manners attracted customers to his store, and he had a lucrative business for ten years, till he sold out his stock and store to Clarendon Harris.
He was elected cashier of the Central Bank in 1829, and held the office till 1836, when he resigned, and was chosen cashier of the Citizens Bank. He held this office for eighteen years, when he resigned, and his son-in-law was elected in his place. Mr. Trumbull wrote a beautiful hand, was a good accountant (never any irregularities in his accounts), strictly honest, easy and agreeable in his manners, a gentleman in his deportment, modest and retiring, always declining any public office offered him by his fellow citizens, and always had about him a large circle of warm friends. He was a member of this society for eleven years. Few men have lived in Worcester more respected than George A. Trumbull. He was the father of a large family, and moved in the first society in Worcester, lived in a house situated on what is now called Trumbull Square, and now occupied by Mrs. Trumbull, which was occupied by his father before he came into possession of it.
JOHN W. HUBBARD
Was a relative of Rev. Samuel Austin, D.D., so long the pastor of the Old South Church. Dr. Austin adopted him and gave him his education. In 1811, at the age of seventeen years, he was selected by the Federal Party to deliver a fourth of July oration at Worcester, which was printed. His production was well received and gave him character for talent and ability. He was born in Brookfield, Vermont, in 1794, and graduated at Dartmouth College, in 1814, in the same class with the famous Thaddeus Stevens and Governor Dinsmore; studied law with Governor Van Ness, of Vermont and Samuel M. Burnside, of Worcester, was admitted to the Bar in Worcester County in 1817, and practiced law in Worcester till his death, September 19th, 1825. Mr. Hubbard possessed a well cultivated mind, clear and discriminating, and had an extensive practice. He formed a co-partnership in law with the late Judge Kinnicutt, but lived only a few weeks after the co-partnership was formed. He was a member of this society only four years. Mr. Hubbard owned and occupied an estate on Main street, including some ten or fifteen acres of land on each side of Austin street. He was a gentleman in his manners, upright and honest in business transactions, energetic and persevering in his profession; an able and well read lawyer.
OTIS CORBETT
Was a native of Milford, came to Worcester in the early part of this century, and opened a jewelry store on the west side of Main street, opposite Mechanics Hall, where he acquired a very snug property in his business. He was much respected by his fellow citizens, and was elected a representative to the General Court from Worcester in the years 1824, '26, '27, '28, '30 and '31. He was also chosen one of the selectmen of Worcester in the years 1825, '26 and '29. In May, 1829, he was chosen cashier of the Central Bank, and resigned the office in the autumn of the same year. Mr. Corbett remained an active member of this society for twenty-seven years. He was a man of stern integrity, strictly honest, and commanded the confidence of all who knew him intimately. For many years he was one of the trustees of the Worcester Academy, and took a deep interest in the public schools of Worcester, and was for many years a member of the School Board.
Mr. Corbett owned and occupied a house on Front street, where the meeting house of Dr. Cutler now stands, for twenty years. He then became the owner of the house on High street, where Deacon Upham now lives. Here he lived until his death, February 6th, 1868. Mr. Corbett received his education in the common schools, still he was better educated than many who had received a collegiate education. A man of sound judgment, discreet and honest, kind and courteous, and a wise counsellor.