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- His general education was acquired in common and private schools, which he attended until he reached the age of eighteen years, and he graduated from the Boston Dental College March 17, 1870. From 18 to 25 years of age he was engaged in machine shop work and the manufacturing of pegging awls, but ill health obliged him to change his occupation and the three years following were devoted to the study of medicine and dentistry. He began the practice of dentistry in 1854, and for nearly fifty-five years followed the profession actively, mainly in North Bridgewater, which afterwards became Brocton. Since 1858 he has been engaged in life and fire insurance business, and now (1915) represents a number of the old-line companies of England and America. This business in connection real estate in time almost entirely replaces this profession. Dr. Puffer is a great reader, and for over sixty years has devoted and average of five hours in twenty-four to reading.
Quite early in life Dr. Puffer became a copious correspondent for various newspapers, and later was editor of the Brockton Advance for one year, and editor and proprietor of the Brocton Eagle in 1885-85. Other literary work, especially in historical and biographical lines, has widened his reputation. In 1871-72 he was adjunct professor of operative and clinical dentistry in the Boston Dental College, and professor in the institute of the Old Colony Dental Association and was a frequent essayist at its meetings. He has at two periods during his residence in North Bridgewater, or Brockton, been a member of the school committee (1875 -1885); and for over a third of the century he has been one of the trustees of the public library, of which he is known as the "father" having served as president of the board. He was one of the number of citizens who originally purchased the library, and some years later gave it to the town. He was appointed a justice of the peace in 1885, and is now holding a commission, one of the oldest in the State; in 1883 he was appointed a notary public, and also holds a commission to perform marriages in Brockton. Since its incorporation he has been a trustee of the Brock ton Savings Bank.
Originally and anti-slavery man, he was among the first to help from the Republican party, and has been steadfastly devoted to its cause. Outspoken and frank with tongue and pen, he is counted one the most efficient, honorable and successful political workers in MA. He has been on the Republican city committee of Brockton for many years, and has served as chairman.
The Brocton Eagle is given credit for presenting Benjamin Harrison as a candidate for president in a very appreciative article, Feb. 6, 1885, when Dr. Puffer was the editor. This article was reprinted in an IA newspaper, the editor of which was afterward appointed private secretary by President Harrison.
Dr. Puffer had a personal friendship through political and lyceum work with Lowell, Whittier, Sumner, John D. Long, and cherishes many interest ng letters from famous men of his acquaintance.
In 1856 he became an active member of the Plymouth County Agricultural Society; was trustee for many years, and has been vice-president. In 1860 Dr. Puffer built the first greenhouse ever constructed in North Bridgewater; and from that date to the present he has been an ardent horticulturist, florist and frequent contributor to agricultural, horticultural and floricultural publications. Dr. Puffer was one of the active originators of the Brockton Agricultural Society founded in 1874, which was a success from the start. Its opening exhibition, held in a tent for ten days, received an income of $7,400; and now it's annual income exceeds $100,000.
He is also a member of the New England Historic Genealogical Society; of the Natural History Society of Boston; of the Old Bridgewater Historical Society, of which he has served as president, and now president-emeritus; of the Stoughton Historical Society, of which he is a trustee; of the Old Colony Historical Society (honorary member), of Taunton; and of the MA and Suburban Press Association; and a charter member of Paul Revere Lodge, A.F.&A.M. and of Satucket Chapter, R.A.M. of Brockton.
A Plymouth County editor wrote: "Loring W. Puffer's long life has been one of useful activity along many lines. As a town and city official he instituted reforms and progressive ideas in the health and school departments and public library. As a write on political and civic subjects h e has been vigorous and outspoken. Always a busy worker upon whom his private concerns mad large demands he never hesitated to give his time and talents freely to further any community cause that appealed to him as being right and worthy. A keen and kindly observer, his periods of recreation or travel have been made to add to his knowledge of men, matters and manners. His remarkable memory, has been a storehouse of things worth while, and a wide acquaintance among people of note and achievement has be fostered by his fondness for the now too uncommon art of personal correspondence. Rich in historical and genealogical lore, he has been a recognized authority, a voluminous writer and a frequent public speaker along these lines, and his estimates of his fellowmen have be en characterized by a spirit of broad charity and of appreciation of the best that was in them.
While never hesitating to let it be known where he stood on any public issue, to assail a worn or champion a right in plain and unmistakable English, Dr. Puffer has loved friendships, flowers and all the finer things of life that blossom and bloom in the sunshine of the passing years. " A.J.H.R.
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Puffer Genealogy
1828 - 1918 (89 years)
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