The Dexters

William Henry Dexter was born in Charlton, MA on January 11, 1823 to John Bradford and Lucinda (McIntire) Dexter. His wife, Eliza Adeline Foss, was born in Winthrop, ME on August 3, 1824. Her parents were Phineas and Dorothy (Junkins) Foss.

The couple was married around 1850 according to the Census records. They had one child, a daughter named Carrie E. She died of dysentery in 1852 at the age of four months.

Mr. Dexter was a flour and grain merchant for the first half of his life. He founded the first national fire insurance company, and changed his career to real estate and was very successful. He also served on the board of trustees at Worcester Academy.

Not having any heirs, the Dexters chose to spend their money on philanthropy. They gave money to Worcester Academy, First Baptist Church in Worcester, and the town of Charlton. Charlton used the money to build a memorial hall and a soldiers monument.

Mrs. Dexter died of senility at their home at 3 Charlton Street in Worcester on January 20, 1907. Mr. Dexter passed exactly five years later of pneumonia on January 20, 1912.

William and Eliza are buried with Carrie in the family lot at Worcester's Rural Cemetery.