USA > Connecticut > New London County > A modern history of New London County, Connecticut, Volume II > Part 30
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63
Elisha (4) Waterman, son of Andrew (3) and Julia Emma (Stark) Waterman, was horn on the home- stead in Goshen, town of Lebanon, Connecticut, September 10, 1875. After attending the district schools he entered Bacon Academy, and was later a student in Spencer's Business College, of Cleveland, Ohio, where he was graduated, September 1, 1894. In young manhood he established a trucking business for the Bozrahville Cotton Company, also taking charge of the home farm when his father laid aside its responsibilities. Upon the death of the elder Mr. Waterman he came into possession of the homestead, where he has since made his home. To the original three hundred acres he has added one hundred and fifty acres by purchase, and with his agricultural operations has raised and dealt extensively in cattle. Holstein stock has had his attention to the exclusion of all other breeds, and he has long had one of the finest herds in the region.
For many years Mr. Waterman has been chairman of the Republican Town Committee, and in 1909 he filled a seat in the State Legislature. In 1919 he served in the State Senate, and in both lower and upper houses ably and faithfully worked for the best
28
NEW LONDON COUNTY
interest of his district and the State. He is a member of the Congregational church, and affiliates with Wooster Lodge, No. 10, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. Mr. Waterman is identified with all pro- gressive movements in the district, and has a wide circle of friends made in public and private life.
Mr. Waterman married, at Norwich, Connecticut, October 25, 1911, Ella Mercy Tucker, born in Le- banon, daughter of Orlando C. and Minnie Catherine (Bronson) Tucker, her father a native of Lebanon, her mother born in Mystic. Issue: Natalie Cather- ine, born September 15, 1912; and Evelyn Tucker, born November 26, 1914.
MASON FITCH COGGESHALL-The ancestry of the Coggeshall family dates back to the days of the Norman occupation of England. Possessed of large estates in Essex and Suffolk, including the manor of Little Coggeshall and Codham Hall, Wethersfield, near Coggeshall-on-the-Blackwater, the oldest families of the name followed the Norman custom and wrote their names with the preposition as did Thomas de Coggeshall, owner of these vast estates in the reign of King Stephen of Blois, grand- son of William the Conqueror, who was the reigning King from 1135 to 1154. Five of the family, several of whom were knights, were sheriffs of Essex, and Coggeshall Abbey (the most famous ot the Cister- cian Order) was built by King Stephen, 1142, and en- dowed by Matilda, of Boulogne and Eustace, son of the King, with their lands in France. The coat-of- arms of the Coggeshalls of Essex, from whom John Coggeshall, progenitor of the Coggeshalls in Amer- ica, is descended, indicates their connection with the crusades and is probably one of the oldest in English heraldry.
John Coggeshall, merchant, and emigrant New England settler, was born in 1599 in the county of Essex, England. He came to New England in 1632, arriving in Boston on the ship "Lion," with his wife Mary and three children, John, Joshua and Ann. He removed to Boston in 1634, and was one of the first board of selectmen of that city, chosen in 1634. He was also deputy during that same year and served in that capacity several times. When Anne Hutchinson came under the displeasure of the author- ities of the Massachusetts colony, John Coggeshall was one of the seventy-five supporters who were dis- armed by the officials, and he was one of the six- teen persons who, in 1638, went to Providence and bought from the Narragansetts the island of Aquid- neck, later called Rhode Island. They were incorpo- rated in a body politic and began the settlement of Pocassett, later known as Portsmouth. John Cog- geshall was also one of the leading nien of Ports- mouth who settled in Newport in 1639, and when, in 1640, Portsmouth and Newport were united, he was chosen one of the assistants. In 1644, when the union of several settlements into Providence Plan- tations was made effectual, John Coggeshall was elected president of Providence Plantations, and died
in office about November 23, 1647. His widow died December 19, 1684.
The children of John and Mary Coggeshall were: I. John, born in England about 1618, died at New- port, Rhode Island, October 1, 1708; he held sev- eral offices, was acting-governor 1689-90, and was appointed major of the militia in 1684. He resided in Newport. 2. Joshua, born in England in 1623, died in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, May 1, 1688. 3. Ann, born in England in 1626, died at Newport, March 6, 1687 or 1689. 4. Hanniel, baptised in Bos- ton, May 3, 1635. 5. Wait, baptised in Boston, Sep- tember 11, 1636, died May 9, 1718. 6. Bedaiah, bap- tised in Boston, July 30, 1637.
Able and enterprising, the descendants of John and Mary Coggeshall have been much honored with pub- lic office in which capacities they have served their communities faithfully and well. Of the later gen- erations, Reverend Samuel Wilde Coggeshall, D.D., a scholarly man and an able preacher of the Metho- dist Episcopal Church, Reverend Freeborn Cogges- hall, an Episcopalian clergyman, and Hon. Henry J. Coggeshall, lawyer and legislator, as well as public lecturer, have worthily borne the name, adding to the distinction already conferred by famous ances- tors.
John Adley Coggeshall, grandfather of Mason Fitch Coggeshall, was the first member of the family to locate in Montville. Born in Mansfield, Connec- ticut, he grew to manhood in that place and became a merchant, carrying on business, first in Mansfield, later in Norwich, and finally in Montville. Through- out his lifetime he was a consistent supporter of the Democratic party and was held in high esteem by the party in Montville, being elected first selectman of the town, in which capacity he served for two years and then was chosen town representative to the State Legislature at Hartford. He married Mary S. Cardwell, and they became the parents of four chil- dren: Effie M., now the wife of John S. Baker, of New London; William A., a resident of Portland, Oregon; Mason J., who resides in Montville; and Everett W., who resides in New York City. The mother died in Willimantic, Connecticut, at the age of eighty-four years.
Mason Jennings Coggeshall, third child and sec- ond son of John Adley and Mary S. (Cardwell) Cog- geshall, was reared in Montville, and received his early education in the public schools of that town, later entering Bryant and Stratton Business College, at Providence, Rhode Island, where he made thor- ough and practical preparation for his career. As a traveling salesman he has been very successful, and has resided both in Norwich and Montville. A staunch Democrat, he served for four years on the City Council of Norwich. He married Anna J., daughter of Elisha and Annie J. (Fitch) Palmer, of Montville. Elisha Palmer died in 1865 at the age of twenty-four years. Mason J. and Anna J. (Pal- mer) Coggeshall are the parents of three children: Agnes Madeline, now the wife of Peleg Horace
Patrick D. harriman, M. D.
1
2.)
BIOGRAPHICAL
Bramley, a prominent farmer of Norwich, and mother of one child, Horace Dwight; John Adley, of Montville, also a farmer; and Mason Fitch.
Mason Fitch Coggeshall was born in Norwich, Connecticut, October 27, 1894, and attended the Broadway grammar school of that city. With the removal of the family to Montville while he was yet scarcely more than a boy, Mr. Coggeshall became interested in farm life and later took up farming seriously as a business. He carried on quite exten- sive operations in general farming, and is considered one of the most promising young men of the com- munity.
By political affiliation Mr. Coggeshall is a Republi- can, and takes a deep interest in all public progress, but has thus far declined to take a leading part in political affairs. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, being a member of Thames Lodge, No. 22, of Montville, Connecticut. He at- tends, and assists in the support of the Central Bap- tist Church. Mr. Coggeshall and his brother, John Adley, operate the farm of two hundred acres, at Trading Cove, known as the Fitch Hill Farm.
On October 27, 1921, Mr. Coggeshall married Kath- erine Taylor, daughter of Jerome Taylor, formerly 2 farmer of Redfield, Connecticut, but now of Bozrah, Connecticut, and of Jennie (Fribie) Taylor.
JOHN ADLEY COGGESHALL-Among the suc- cessful farmers of this vicinity the name of John A. Coggeshall stands out most prominently. He was born at Norwich, Connecticut, December 6, 1892, the son of Mason Jennings and Anna J. (Palmer) Cog- geshall, and attended the public schools of Norwich until he had completed the grammar course. He then turned his attention exclusively to farming, and has since devoted himself to that occupation. With his brother, Mason, he purchased, in the mother's name, the two hundred acre tract known at the Fitch Hill Farm. The land was naturally fertile and the two brothers have spared no labor in making it a thoroughly modern agricultural plant, equipped with the best labor-saving machinery, cultivated according to the most scientific methods, and operated with practical ability and far-seeing sagacity.
While John A. Coggeshall has never taken any ac- tive part in the public affairs of the community, he has always aided to the utmost any project which he deemed wisely planned for the advancement of the community. Fraternally, he is a member of the In- dependent Order of Odd Fellows, Thames Lodge, No. 22, of Montville, Connecticut. Politically he is a Republican. He attends and supports the Central Baptist Church, of Norwich, Connecticut. In 1917 he was chosen to serve on the board of relief for the town of Montville, Connecticut, and has continued to serve in that capacity down to the present time. Mr. Coggeshall is unmarried.
PATRICK HENRY HARRIMAN, M.D .- But a short half century of years were allotted Dr. Pat- rick H. Harriman on earth, but they were well im-
proved, and in Norwich, Connecticut, where his pro- fessional life was spent, there are records and monu- ments that show his love for his fellowmen and tes- tify to his usefulness.
James and Helen Elizabeth (Ryan) Harriman, his parents, were both born in Ireland, whence they came in youth to the United States. At the time of the birth of their son, Patrick Henry, they were liv- ing in Calais, Washington county, Maine. Later they moved to Winchendon, Massachusetts, where James Harriman was foreman of a furniture factory until his death. He was survived by his wife, who re- sided in Norwich, Connecticut, with her son, Dr. Harriman, until her death in August, 1901.
Patrick Henry Harriman was born in Calais, Washington county, Maine, March 17, 1861, and died in the city of Norwich, Connecticut, February 16, 1912. He was educated in Winchendon, Massachu- setts, in the public schools, grade and high, passing then to Holy Cross College, Worcester, Massachu- setts, where he was graduated with honors, A.B., class of 1881. Having decided upon medicine as his profession, he entered Dartmouth Medical School and continued medical study at the University of New York, where he was graduated M.D., class of March, 1884. In June, 1884, he was awarded the hon- orary degree of A.M. by his alma mater. He was for a few months after graduation assistant physician at Sanford Hall, Flushing, Long Island, and in 1885 located in Norwich, Connecticut, where he began practice and continued until his death. He was a general practitioner, but specialized in obstetrics, and was recognized as the leading physician of his city, where he was universally esteemed. For a number of years he was a member of the visiting staff of Backus Hospital, and for a time was lecturer at the Nurses' Training School. He was a member and at one time president of the Norwich Medical Society; a member of the New London County Medical So- ciety, and the Connecticut State Medical Society.
In politics, Dr. Harriman was an ardent Democrat and held a number of offices, the gift of the people of Norwich. He was not a party man, but one deeply intersted in party success and a leader. In 1898 he was elected to represent his ward on the Board of Aldermen and served two years, compiling an excel- lent record. For three terms he served on the Board of Water Commissioners, beginning in 1901 and re- tiring in 1907, with a record of efficient service as president of the board. In 1898 he was the Demo- cratie candidate for State Senator, and in a strong Republican district, he was defeated by but eight votes. During his aldermanic service he was chair- man of the Board of Fire Commissioners, and in 1900 he took so deep an interest in the establishment of a paid fire department for Norwich that he was termed the "Father" of that department of the city government. Following the destruction of the Hop- kins and Allen plants, he induced Chief Greenberg to send in a recommendation to the board for a partly- paid fire department, and through Dr. Harriman's efforts and influence a beginning was made and the
30
NEW LONDON COUNTY
present paid fire department is a monument to his memory.
In all civic matters he was greatly interested, and his influence was always exerted for every good cause. A man of rare judgement and unusual ability, he was deeply mourned by his townsmen, whose con- fidence he had earned and whose esteem he had gained. He was the friend of the poor, and no man, woman or child was ever turned away without the aid of the good doctor if within his power to bestow it. He gave liberally, generously to relieve suffering. He lived and worked among the common people, and he practiced to the fullest extent the "Golden Rule." He was a man of great decds but few words, al- though when oratory was the order of the day, Dr. Harriman was one of the silver-tongued orators whose flights of eloquence marked many a public occasion. But his usual style was clear and con- cise, full of feeling and carrying the weight of con- viction. He was a consistent member of St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church, and took an important part in the lay work of that parish.
Dr. Harriman was a member of Hartford Lodge No. 19, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and he was the organizer of Norwich Lodge No. 430, of this order, which he organized in April, 1898. He was second vice-president of the Norwich Board of Trade, ex-president of the First Division, Ancient Order of Hibernians; member of White Cross Coun- cil, No. 13, Knights of Columbus, and of the Father Murray Assembly, Fourth degree of the Knights of Columbus; Court City of Norwich, No. 63, Foresters of America; New England Order of Protection; White Cross Council, Catholic Benevolent League; member and physician to Lafayette Council, Socicte of St. Jean Baptiste.
On September 30, 1890, Dr. Harriman married (first) at Norwich, Bertha E. Condon, who died in Norwich, July 2, 1895. He married (second) Novem- ber 5, 1902, at Norwich, Mary Teresa McNamara, born in Limerick, Ireland, daughter of Patrick Wil- liam and Winifred (Bray) McNamara, her parents both born in Limerick. The family came to Norwich, Connecticut, in 1882, Patrick W. dying in 1915, his wife yet surviving him, a resident of Norwich. To Dr. and Mrs. Harriman a son was born, in Norwich, Connecticut, Henry Joseph, born April 27, 1904. Mrs. Harriman survives her husband, and continues her residence in Norwich, her home at No. 175 Broadway.
Ever loyal in his friendships, Dr. Harriman was ready to do his part in behalf of another, and he thought carefully on both sides of all questions, thus eliminating narrowness, and right governed his de- cisions. Rare public spirit, with nicely balanced judgment, distinguished him, and the cardinal traits of his character were generosity, honor, integrity and upright living, and devotion to his home and to his family.
ALBERT GREENE KNEELAND, probate judge until 1921, which office he has held for fourteen years,
is recognized as one of the foremost citizens of Lebanon township. Public-spirited and progressive, he loves his town, and no movement looking for bet- ter things for the community is without his gener- ous support.
William Kneeland, father of Albert Greene Knee- land, was born at Marlboro, Connecticut, May 8,. 1817, and came to Lebanon in 1865, where he re- sided until his death, which occurred in 1899. He married (first) Lucy Amy Park, who died in Hek- ron. To them was born two children: William Henry and Edwin Park. Mr. Kneeland married (second) Bessie McCall, of Lebanon, and by this union there were four children, two of whom are living: Harriett Eliza (Mrs. William B. Loomis), of Missouri; and Albert Greene, of further mention; the second Mrs. William Kneeland passed away December 3, 1873. Mr. Kneeland married (third) Harriett Newall McCall, of Lebanon.
Albert Greene Kneeland was born at Andover, Connecticut, April 11, 1852, and received his ele- mentary education in the schools of Vernon, after which he entered Bacon Academy, where he re- mained two years and then came to Lebanon, where at intervals he has engaged in agricultural pursuits. During the winter months until 1916 he taught school in various towns throughout New London county, since which time however, he has been serv- ing as judge of the Probate Court. He has brought to the discharge of the duties of his office a fixed purpose, conducts his duties impartially and firmly, according to the law and the evidence as he under- stands it. The rare judgement which he displays in the performance of his judicial duties is dictated by a mind discerning and discriminating, a mind stored with a vast amount of knowledge outside of his profession.
In 1884 Judge Kneeland was elected representa- tive from this district, and has served as selectman for two years. He has also been grand juror for many years, and has served on the Board of As- sessors and the School Board of Lebanon.
On November 25, 1875, Judge Kneeland was united in marriage with Harriett Johnson Manning, daughter of Warren F. and Ruby Anne (Johnson) Manning. Judge and Mrs. Kneeland are the par- ent of two children: 1. William Albert, born Febru- ary 17, 1877, now located in Hartford, Connecticut, and is in the employment of the Hartford Gas Com- pany. 2. Warren Manning, born August 23, 1879, located in Hartford, in the employ of the Phoenix Insurance Company. Judge Kneeland and his wife are members of the Congregational church of Leb- anon, the former having been deacon and treasurer there for many years.
WELLS ROOT FOWLER-New England's ros- ter of names prominent as manufacturers, or- ganizers, and managers is a long one. Her honor list for patriotic service in all wars, including the World War, is also long, and upon both of these
Water Пнеу Кидвар.
31
BIOGRAPHICAL
rolls may be found the name of Wells Root Fowler, secretary and treasurer of the Westerly Textile Company.
The Fowler family in New England is descended from a very old English family, the first American pioneer of that name being James Fowler, who was born in Exeter, England, January 5, 1668, and came to the United States some time before 1710. His son, Samuel Fowler, was born at Newport, Rhode Island, in April of the latter year, lived in New- port, married, reared a family, and became the fa- ther of the second Samnel Fowler, born in New- port, Rhode Island, May 31, 1737. This second Samuel Fowler had a son Benjamin, born in East Hartford, Connecticut, February 7, 1767, who in turn became the father of the second Benjamin Fowler, born in Hartford, Connecticut, December 7, 1799. Benjamin Fowler, the second, was twice mar- ried. He first married Ann Weeks of Hartford, Connecticut. She died withont children, and he then married Mary Coomes, of Longmeadow, Massachusetts, who became the mother of Charles Alfred Fowler, born at Hartford, Connecticut, July 16, 1839, and died at Bayonne, New Jersey, March 8, 1914. Charles Alfred Fowler married Emily Black, of Lubec, Maine, and they became the parents of four children, the first of whom was Frederick Everett, the father of Wells Root Fowler.
Frederick Everett Fowler was born in Brooklyn, New York, December 16, 1866, and died February 23, 1920. His family moved to Hartford when he was three years old, and he received his education in the public schools of that town. At the age of twenty he became bookkeeper for Root & Childs, commission merchants of Hartford, Connecticut, and later, at about the age of twenty-three, he moved to Rocky Hill, Connecticut, still retaining his position with Root & Childs. In 1898 he took a position with the I. E. Palmer Company, in their cotton mill, working in all departments until he became an expert cotton manufacturer. In 1900 he moved to Middletown, Connecticut. In April, 1912, he resigned his position as business manager and agent of the above company, and removed his family to Westerly, Rhode Island. There he or- ganized the Westerly Textile Company, making it one of the big cotton concerns of Westerly, an I serving as president and treasurer until his death. He also organized the Ninigret Mills Company, of Westerly, and filled the office of president. He mar- ried at Middletown, Connecticut, Gertrude Sher- wood, and they became the parents of four children: Gertrude Lillian, born at Rocky Hill, Connecticut, who died there at the age of three years; Charles Sherwood, born at Rocky Hill, July 1, 1892, married Nora E. Gordon, and resides at Westerly, Rhode Island, and is president of the Westerly Textile Company; Wells Root, of whom further; and Aileen Mae, born at Middletown, Connecticut, May 31, 1903, living at the family home in Westerly.
Wells Root Fowler was born in Rocky Hill, Connecticut, November 1, 1895. He attended the
grammar and high schools of Middletown, Connec- ticut, and in 1912 went to Westerly, Rhode Island, entering the service of the Westerly Textile Com- pany with his father. He worked in all departments in order that he might gain a thorough knowledge of the business, and spent his evenings taking a business course in the Westerly Business College. By energy and ability he has worked himself up to the position of secretary and treasurer of the company, which position he ably fills at the pres- ent time (1922). Politically, Mr. Fowler is a Repub- lican. He is a church member and also finds time for fraternal affiliation. He is a thirty-second de- gree Mason, being a member of Franklin Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, of Westerly, Rhode Is- land; the Westerly Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Westerly Council, Royal and Select Masters; Narra- gansett Commandery, No. 427. Knights Templar, of Westerly, and of Palestine Temple, Ancient Ara- bic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine.
During the World War Mr. Fowler enlisted as a private in Company 10, of the Coast Artillery Corps, and after receiving his preliminary training at Fort Witherell, Newport, Rhode Island, was made a corporal in December, 1917; later he passed the examination for officer's training, which he re- ceived at Camp Johnson, Florida, and was made a second lieutenant in the Quartermaster's Corps, January 27, 1918. In February, 1918, he sailed for France with the 81 st Division, known as the "Wild- cat Division," and composed of Georgia troops. This division saw hard service in the Mense-Ar- gonne sector and in the Vosges sector. Mr. Fow-
ler was made first lieutenant February 3, 1919, at Colombe, France, and sailed from St. Nazaire, France, June 15, 1919, arriving at Newport News, Virginia, June 21, 1919, and receiving his discharge at Camp Lee, Virginia, June 24, 1919.
Wells R. Fowler married Esther Ellen Bindloss, daughter of William Park Bindloss, of Stonington, Connecticut, and they have one child, Esther Bickley Bindloss, born September II, 1920.
WITTER KINNEY TINGLEY, M.D .- No royal road to professional success has ever been discov- ered nor can the needed characteristics be accurately described, but the successful modern physician must be a man of wide learning, not alone professional; he must be courteous, dignified, sympathetic and a thoroughly manly man with all that the word in- plies. With learning must go the experience, and while this comes with the years a great deal is gained by hospital training in large cities where a year as interne equals in educational value perhaps ten years of private practice. Dr. Witter Kinney Tingley, of Norwich, Connecticut, chief surgeon of William W. Backns Hospital, has met with success in his profession, and his career may be considered in the light of an illustration. A graduate of Belle- vne Hospital Medical College, he secured through his standing in class an interne's position in Belle- vue Hospital, and for two years he served as junior
32
NEW LONDON COUNTY
and senior assistant, then house physician in Hospi- tal Medical Division. This experience, gained under the most favorable circumstances, was of great importance. He has always been a student, and in home and foreign institutions has sought for deeper learning and a more perfect knowledge of the human body, its ills and their treatment. To his other acquirements he adds the gift of a ready pen and the ability to impart to others, through the medium of a printed page, the results of his search and experience. Thus he has enriched the literature of his profession with various papers and pamphlets given to his brethren through the "Pro- ceedings of the Connecticut Medical Society." As far back as 1891, he read before that society a paper on "Meningitis Tuberculosa," which is yet in print and widely quoted. Another of his well known pa- pers is a "Resume of Ectopic Pregnancy to Ma- turity." He has specialized in surgery in later years, and has won honorable rank among the leaders in that branch of his profession. His pro- fessional life has been largely spent in his native city, Norwich, Connecticut, and he springs from an- cient New England family. The Connecticut Ting- ley family came to South Windham from Rhode Is- land, where John Hartford Tingley was born and grew to youthful manhood. He settled in South Windham, Windham county, Connecticut, there married, and resided until death. Among his chil- dren was a son, William Henry.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.