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James John Howard Gregory sold seeds via catalogues and was known as the seed king of Marblehead, Massachusetts. He was also a philanthropist[1] and served in local political offices.[2] He grew various vegetables and was one of the leading seed sellers in the United States.[3]
Before getting into the seed business he was an educator and graduated from Amherst College.[3]
He donated books to some 50 southern colleges for African Americans.[2] He married several times, each wife died. He adopted eight children with them.[3] He wrote poems and collected Native American artifacts.[3]
A photograph of the Gregory Seed House girls at a luncheon is extant.[4] The "Squash House", a fish warehouse later used by his company, is at 59 Elm Street.[5]
He funded Gregory Normal School, which was renamed for him,[6] In his will, Gregory established a fund in Marblehead that would provide payment to new mothers of twins born within the year.[7]
References
- ^ Peterson, Pam. "J.J.H. Gregory, Marblehead's 'Seed King'". Wicked Local.
- ^ a b "Marblehead Magazine James Gregory Article". www.legendinc.com.
- ^ a b c d McAllister, Essex County ChroniclesJim (June 4, 2012). "Essex County Chronicles: Marblehead's 'Seed King' liked to spread his wealth around". Salem News.
- ^ "1961-002-03233 - Print, Photographic | Town of Marblehead Historical Commission". marbleheadhistory.pastperfectonline.com.
- ^ "James J. H. Gregory -- SaveSeeds.org". www.saveseeds.org.
- ^ "Gregory Normal Institute | NCpedia". www.ncpedia.org.
- ^ "$1,000 TO MOTHERS OF TWINS; James J.H. Gregory Makes Unique Bequest for Women of Marblehead". The New York Times. 1910-03-08. Retrieved 2023-10-15.