The Earle family : Ralph Earle and his descendants

252 THE EARLE FAMILY [SEVENTH
For 58 years he has been a resident of Fall River, for nearly half a
century a professor of religion, and for the last 40 years a deacon in
the Central Congregational Church. He has held many offices of
trust and responsibility in town and city, discharging their duties
with conscientious fidelity, and receiving therefor the oft-repeated
approval of his fellow-citizens.
In 1826 he entered the office of the Fall River Monitor as an
apprentice, was employed there nearly three years when he bought
the establishment, and on the 1st of July, 1829, began the publica-
tion of that paper as proprietor. He continued its publication until
March, 1838, when he sold to other parties. In 1836 he purchased
a book and stationery store, and was the principal trader in that line
for many years. His entire stock was destroyed in the " great fire"
of 1843, and he lost the insurance upon it in consequence of the
failure of the insuring company. Of late years a circulating library
and other assimilating branches have been added to his business.
He held the office of Town Clerk from 1836 to 1846, a period of
ten years. In the winter of 1846-47, he was a representative in the
State legislature, and for the next three years a member of the
Board of Selectmen and Overseers of the Poor. In 1849, una"er the
administration of President Taylor, he was appointed Deputy Collec-
tor, Inspector, Weigher, Treasurer and Gauger of the Collecting
District of Fall River, and—by courtesy of Mr. S. L. Thaxter
Collector, which position he held four years. He assisted in fram-
ing the City Charter, was President of the Common Council in 185S,
an Alderman in 1859, Auditor and Collector of Taxes from 1862 to
1867, inclusive, and a member of the School Committee for the three
next following years. He was on the Board of Trustees of the Fall
River Savings Bank forty years, a member of its Board of Investment
thirty years, and its Treasurer four years.
Simple in his habits, modest, methodical in business, upright and
downright, prudent, a man of integrity and trust, he has done his work
well as an excellent neighbor, a true friend, a judicious counsellor, a
worthy citizen, a beloved husband, a kind father, and a consistent
Christian. Gentle in manner, he had the flavor of the old Pilgrim
stock, which gave him that vital strength of his undertakings, which
was so eminently characteristic of the man. While his vigor
remained he was as punctual as the clock. He was a useful citizen
and most trustworthy. He not only believed in doing things well,
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