Oliver, Francis J. (1777 - 1858).per

Oliver, Francis J. (1777 - 1858).per

North Tonawanda's "Oliver Street" is named for Francis J. Oliver, a Harvard grad and freemason born in 1777. It's unknown if he ever set foot here, but he had business interests here: In 1833 he is a member of the East Boston Timber Company. The firm (led by Stephen White from his Tonawanda Island headquarters) purchases the majestic, ancient white oak of Grand Island to be used in building ships in New England.

The street first appears in this 1837 map: more than fifty years before the Avenues were laid out.

Early Life and Education

• Born: October 10, 1777, in Boston.
• Education: Graduated from Harvard College in 1795 at the age of 18.
• Background: Descendant of the Huguenot tradition, great-grandson of Antoine Oliver who fled from France under Louis XIV's persecutions.

Career

• Real Estate: He was a principal stockholder in the East Boston Timber Co., incorporated on March 28, 1834. The company's purpose was to saw and prepare timber in East Boston. The headquarters were on Tonawanda Island, North Tonawanda. Streets in Tonawanda and Whitehaven were named after members of the timber company, including Oliver Street (See 1837 map). One of the original purchasers of Noddle's Island.
• Mount Auburn Cemetery: One of the originators of this notable cemetery.
• Business: Entered the shipping and commission business with various partners, including Oliver and Proctor, and later Cornelius Coolidge. His ventures included international trade covering ports in France, Portugal, the West Indies, and the Spanish Main.
• War of 1812: Notably manned a boat with armed men to recapture a brig from an American privateer.
• Insurance: Co-founded the American Insurance Company, serving as its president for 18 years.
• Banking: Became an agent for the English banking house, Morrison and Cryder, in 1836.

Public Service

• City and State Roles: President of the Boston Common Council, state representative, and held various municipal offices.
• Military: Ensign and later lieutenant in the Boston Light Infantry, organized on President Adams' recommendation.

Freemasonry

• Membership: Initiated into St. John's Lodge, Boston.
• Leadership: Served in multiple roles, including Junior Grand Warden, Senior Grand Warden, Deputy Grand Master, and Grand Master (1817-1819). He laid the cornerstone of the Massachusetts General Hospital during his tenure.
• Contributions: Played a key role in drafting and reviewing the by-laws of the Grand Lodge and organizing Masonic activities.

Later Life

• Retirement: Retired to Middletown, Connecticut, where he lived for the last 18 years of his life.
• Death: Passed away on August 21, 1858.

Legacy

• Memorials: His contributions were honored through various memorial addresses and resolutions recognizing his steadfast support and dedication to Masonry and public service. His portrait is preserved by the Grand Lodge.

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