USA > Connecticut > New London County > A modern history of New London County, Connecticut, Volume II > Part 53
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William (2) Bindloss, eldest son of William (1) and Margaret (Palmer) Bindloss, was born in Ken- dal, County of Westmoreland, England, July 22, 1824, died in Mystic, Connecticut, in August, 1906. He came to the United States in the spring of 1844 and settled in New London, later, in 1852, going. to Mystic, Connecticut, where he owned and oper- ated a grist mill, continuing in this business until his retirement in 1896. He was a member of the Episcopal church; in politics a Democrat. He mar- ried, February 27, 1853, Mary Ellen Park, who died September 12, 1917. They were the parents of the following children: 1. William Park, of whom fur- ther. 2. Julia Ellen, born in Mystic, Connecticut; married James W. Pollard, and resides in Mystic. 3. Catherine, the widow of Oliver Braman, of New- port, Rhode Island, where she resides. 4. Austin Valmer, who married Zella Chipman, and resides in Mystic. 5. Dudley, who married Minnie Owens, and resides in Mystic. 6. Margaret Ann, who re- sides in Mystic. 7. Frank Miner, a sketch of whom follows. Three children died young.
William Park Bindloss, son of William (2) and Mary Ellen (Park) Bindloss, was born in Groton, New London county, Connecticut, January 10, 1854, and was educated in Groton and New London schools. During his spare time in the winter he assisted his father in his business, working at farm work in the summer. At the age of nineteen he served as an apprentice at mason work, working at this trade for some time, then later, in 1892, be- came a partner of J. N. Hancock, of Stonington, Connecticut, and in 1897 he bought out the business of the Hancock Coal Company and carried on the business under the name of William P. Bindloss.
Mr. Bindloss holds all degrees of the York Rite in Freemasonry, and in the Ancient Accepted Scot- tish Rite has attained the thirty-second degree. He is affiliated with Charity and Relief Lodge, No. 76, Free and Accepted Masons, of Mystic; Benevolent Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Mystic Council, Royal and Select Masters; Palestine Commandery, Knights Templar, of New London; King Solomon Lodge of Perfection; Van Rensselaer Council, Princes of Jerusalem, Norwich Chapter of Rose Croix; Con- neetient Consistory, Sovereign Princes of the Royal Secret (Valley of Norwich); Palestine Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of Providence, Rhode Island. In religious faith Mr. Bindloss is an Episcopalian; in politics, a Democrat. He is chief burgess of the borough.
William P. Bindloss married, April 7, 1881, in Lee, Massachusetts, Elizabeth Esther Bickley, daughter of John and Esther (Pocock) Bickley, of England. Mr. and Mrs. Bindloss are the parents of four children: 1. William, born January 2, 1895,. and resides at home. During the World War he enlisted, February 27, 1918, and served with the 317th Signal Corps, and was gassed in Argonne Forest. He was in France six months, then re- turned to the United States and on March 27, 1919, was discharged at Camp Devens, Massachusetts.
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2. Esther Ellen, born January 25, 1896; married, July 16, 1919, Wells R. Fowler, of Westerly, Rhode Island, secretary-treasurer of the Westerly Textile Company. They were the parents of one child, Esther Bickley, born September 11, 1920. 3. Ruth Elizabeth, born November 23, 1898, now (1921) at home. 4. John Bickley, born December 4, 1900, resides at home.
FRANK MINER BINDLOSS has been a resi- dent of Mystic, in the town of Groton, Connecticut, all his life, having been born there October 2, 1878. When a boy he attended the village school, and when older, completed his education at the Mystic Academy.
Frank Miner Bindloss is the son of William (2) and Mary Ellen (Park) Bindloss (q.v.). The boy, Frank M., grew up accustomed to assisting his father in his grist mill, and it was but natural that after leaving school and having grown to manhood he should remain in the same line. His father's death occurring in 1906, Frank Miner Bindloss car- ried on the business until 1910, then having an opportunity to increase his business he bought out the repair shop of John W. Noyes, of Mystic, and since that date has conducted a general repairing business for small vessels under the name of the Mystic Marine Railway Company.
In Masonic circles Mr. Bindloss is very active, being a member of Charity and Relief Lodge, No. 72, Free and Accepted Masons, of Mystic; also of Benevolent Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; and of Mystic Council, Royal and Select Masters. In poli- tics, Mr. Bindloss is not bound to either of the large political parties, but is independent in his views and political action.
In March, 1911, Frank Miner Bindloss was united in marriage to Helen S. Brown, a resident of North Stonington, Connecticut. She is the daughter of Colonel James and (Greene) Brown, who also resided there. Of this union two children have been born: 1. Elizabeth, born in New London, now (1921) living at home. 2. Sybil, born in New Lon- don, also at home. Mr. and Mrs. Bindloss and their daughters are members of the Congregational church of Mystic.
JOHN McGINLEY-Among the many names which have borne especial significance to the people of New London is that of John McGinley, a veteran of the Civil War, for many years a member of the staff of the New London "Day," and thereafter post- master of the city of New London until his death.
John McGinley was born in New London, Con- necticut, March 8, 1844, and was a son of Captain John and Louisa M. (Lax) McGinley, both of New London.
Receiving his early education in the public schools of his native city, Mr. McGinley, as a young man, completed his studies at Eaglewood Academy, at Perth Amboy, New Jersey. There-
after, he was identified with the white goods trade, in the employ of such houses as Muir, James Roths- child, and the A. J. Findlay Company, leading mer- chants of that day in New York City. In the spring of 1861, with all the best young manhood of the nation, Mr. McGinley answered the call of his country, ready to give his life for the side he be- lieved to be right. He enlisted in the Union army, but never saw active service, for he was mustered out at the end of three months. Returning then to his home in New London, Mr. McGinley accepted a position as city editor of the New London "Day." For thirty-six years he was actively engaged as a member of the staff of this daily newspaper, handling multitudinous and far-reaching responsi- bilities, and bringing to bear upon the trend of the times the constructive influence of an able and exalted mind. How much the city of New London owes to him can never be accurately computed. The word of inspiration, the attitude of spirit evinced in daily contact with the people- these count immeasurably, and with John McGinley they counted for progress. In 1898, Mr. McGinley re- signed from his desk at the office of the "Day" to accept the appointment as postmaster of the city of New London, conferred upon him by President Mckinley. This office of public trust he filled until a short time before his death. He passed away on October 2, 1915, leaving behind him a record of a life well spent, of duty unostentatiously per- formed. He will long be missed in many circles, and his name will be spoken with reverent affection for many years to come.
During his entire lifetime Mr. McGinley was a supporter of the principles and policies of the Re- publican party. He was a leader in party matters in this city, but never permitted the interests of the people to become subservient to the party. At various times he served the city in public office, for a considerable period as city treasurer, and at another time as clerk of the city court. He was a member of the Chamber of Commerce, and the State Chamber of Commerce, and influential in the deliberations of that body.
For many years Mr. McGinley was a member of the W. W. Perkins Post, Grand Army of the Re- public, which he served as commander for several terms. He was a member of Mohegan Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows and of New London Lodge, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He was first sachem of the first tribe organ- ized in New London of the Improved Order of Red Men. His clubs were the Army and Navy, and the Thames. He was a devout member of the Episcopal church, and served for years as junior and senior warden of the church, and as superin- tendent of the Sunday school.
Mr. McGinley married Evelyn Essex, who was born in Phoenix, Rhode Island, and they were the parents of eight children: 1. John, Jr., an officer of the Travelers' Insurance Company. 2. Winthrop
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E., a sketch of whom follows. 3. Stephen E., a clergyman. 4. Arthur B., a journalist. 5. Thomas S., a real estate and insurance agent. 6. Lawrence J., manager, in motion picture business. 7. Evelyn E. 8. Morgan, a student. Mr. McGinley is still survived by his wife and children.
WINTHROP ESSEX McGINLEY, M.D., of New London, Connecticut, who is taking a leading position as physician and surgeon, is a son of John and Evelyn (Essex) McGinley, of this city. John McGinley, whose life is reviewed in the preceding sketch, is widely remembered for his long activity on the staff of the New London "Day," and his able service in the office of postmaster of New London, which terminated only with his death, in 1915.
Dr. McGinley was born in New London, Connec- ticut, February 1, 1886, and received his early edu- cation in the public schools of the city. He was graduated from the Bulkeley High School, in the class of 1902, then spent one year in the New Lon- don Business College, after which he entered the New London City National Bank in the capacity of clerk, later becoming teller, and continued in the employ of that institution until 1910. Having deter- mined to fit himself for a professional career, he resigned from this position in 1910 to enter the College of Physicians and Surgeons, in Baltimore, Maryland, from which he was graduated in 1914, with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. During his summer vacation periods while in college, he returned to his former position at the bank. After his graduation Dr. McGinley served as interne at Mercy Hospital in Baltimore for one year, then for a year and a half served as house physician at the Montana State Hospital, at Warmsprings, Montana. In 1916 he returned to New London, and here engaged in the private practice of medi- cine. He continued for only a short period, how- ever, enlisting for service overseas as soon as United States intervention had become an inevitable fact.
Dr. McGinley was commissioned first lieutenant of the Medical Corps, United States army, on July 30, 1917, and was assigned to active service at the Army Medical School, at Washington, District of Columbia, where he remained for two weeks. He was then assigned to service with the British army, sailing October 9, 1917, for England. For five months he was in the surgical ward of the Bethnal Green Military Hospital, at London, then, on March 23, 1918, was ordered to field service with the Brit- ish army in France. He was attached to the 28th Field Ambulance, 9th (Scottish) Division, and as medical officer of the 6th Battalion, the King's Own Scottish Borders. Later, he was for seven months medical officer of the 8th Battalion, "The Black Watch" (Scottish Highlanders), as a part of the Second British army in the Army of Occupation in the Cologne arca. When the 8th Battalion, "The
Black Watch," was sent in to occupy territory in the Solingen district of Germany, they were sta- tioned at Harlebeke, Belgium. This was after the signing of the Armistice, and owing to threatened disturbances on the part of the Germans, they marched all the way from Harlebeke to Solingen, a distance of three hundred miles. Dr. McGinley remained with the Second British army in the Solingen district for a period of four months, then in May, 1919, was ordered to the camp of the American forces at Camp St. Aignan, in France. He sailed for home from Marseilles, France, on May 17, 1919, landing at New York City, and re- ceived his discharge at Camp Dix. Dr. McGinley was in active service at the Kemmel Hill Defence, on April 25, 1918, a three days' engagement, in the attack of Hoogenacker Ridge, in the offensive ad- vance from Ypres to the Scheldt, Belgium, At London, England, on April 4, 1919, he was decorated by King George V., at Buckingham Palace, with the British Military Cross, and received a citation from the British Government.
Following his discharge from the service, Dr. McGinley took a post-graduate course at the New York Post-Graduate Medical School and Hospital, of New York City, after which he returned to New London, and once more resumed his interrupted practice of medicine and surgery, in January, 1920. He has developed an extensive practice in the short time which has elapsed since, and the future is very promising.
Dr. McGinley is a member of the Connecticut State Medical Society, of the New London County Medical Society, and of the New London City Medical Society. He served on the staff of the Memorial Hospital in 1917, and is now on the staff of the Home Memorial Hospital. He is a member of Connecticut Commandery, Military Order of Foreign Wars; of the John Coleman Prince Post, American Legion; and of the Black Watch Asso- ciation, composed of veterans of the Black Watch Regiment of the British army. Politically, he thinks and acts independently. He is a member of the Rotary Club, Thames Club, and is ex-treasurer and now an honorary member of the John Winthrop Club. Of the McGinley family five sons served in the World War.
CARLOS WILSON ALLYN-Nine generations of this branch of the Allyns have lived in New London county, Connecticut, the children of Carlos Wilson Allyn, of Groton, being of the ninth gener- ation of the family founded by Robert Allyn, who was of Salem, Massachusetts, in 1637, and of New London, Connecticut, in 1651. His original grant of a large tract of land was on the east side of the Thames at a place in the town of Ledyard still known as Allyn's Point, and where he died in the year 1683.
Descent from Robert Allyn is traced through the founder's son, John Allyn, born in Salem, Massa- chusetts, May 22, 1642, who inherited Allyn's Point,
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and there died in 1709. He was assistant to the first County Court in 1661, presided over the Court in 1671, and in 1676 was Indian commissioner. His son, Robert (2) Allyn, inherited Allyn's Point. Robert (2) Allyn had a son, James Allyn, who inherited it in part, but with him the large landed estate acquired by Robert (1) Allyn at Allyn's Point passed out of this branch.
Carlos Wilson Allyn, of the eighth generation, is a son of Wilson and Ellen E. (Chapman) Allyn, who was born in the town of Ledyard, New London county, Connecticut, May 28, 1829, and died in Gro- ton, Connecticut, March 29, 1901. He attended the Ledyard schools, and at the age of twenty years began learning the carpenter's trade with Erastus Gallup, of Groton, Connecticut. He served three years as appentice, then worked for years as a journeyman, becoming an expert workman, partic- ularly famous locally as a stair builder and interior finisher.
In time he became a contracting builder and was ranked as one of the best workmen of his day. He thoroughly understood his business, and was as successful as a contractor as he was as a work- man. The best houses in New London and Groton and several churches of the county showed his skill, and the staircases in the C. A. Williams, the Rogers and the Colonel Tyler houses are remarkable for their beauty, design and workmanship. It is said that he was at work upon the staircase in the Rogers house for eighteen months. Although al- ways busy with his building operations, Mr. Allyn did a great deal of church and philanthropie work, nursing the sick, and in connection with the Young Men's Christian Association and other societies doing a vast amount of good. He was a devout Christian, a deep student of the Bible, and long a deacon of the Congregational church.
Mr. Allyn married, in 1862, Ellen E. Chapman, born in Ledyard, Connecticut, May 28, 1829, died in Groton, July 30, 1911. They were the parents of a daughter, Cora, now residing in Santa Barbara, California; and a son, Carlos Wilson, whose career is herein reviewed.
Carlos Wilson Allyn, only son of Wilson and Ellen E. (Chapman) Allyn, was born in Groton, Connecticut, October 31, 1871. He was educated in the public schools of Groton, finishing with high school. He later entered Yale Art School, but his eyesight proving inadequate to the strain art study imposed, he left college and returned home. He was clerk in the employ of John S. Morgan and Walter Starr in the Borough of Gro- ton, but in April, 1892, he succeeded Mr. Starr and has since been in business for himself. In 1897 he bought the flour and feed store of B. M. O'Brien, but in 1898 he erected the Allyn block on Thames street, near the ferry landing, and established a modern grocery, which he yet successfully conducts under his own name. In addition to the grocery he has a meat market and caters to a large patronage in both departments. In politics Mr. Allyn is a N.L .- 2.9.
Republican, and for three years was a member of the Board of Commissioners. Since 1882 he has been a member of the Congregational church of Groton, and since 1901 a deacon, succeeding his honored father. He is a member and for eight years treasurer of Fairview Lodge, No. 101, Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows; Union Lodge, No. 91, Free and Accepted Masons, of New London; and of the Young Men's Christian Association of New London.
Mr. Allyn married, September 19, 1895, Sarah Elizabeth Throop, of Lebanon, Connecticut, daugh- ter of Henry W. and Matilda (Williams) Throop. Mr. and Mrs. Allyn are the parents of five children: I. Wilson Throop, born July 19, 1896; a civil engi- neer; a graduate of Tri-State College, Illinois ; served for fifteen months in France with the 20th Engineer Corps, United States Army, during the war between the United States and Germany, 1917-18. 2. Matilda Williams, born May 18, 1900; a graduate of Norwich Free Academy and Connecticut College of New Lon- don; resides with her parents. 3. Richard Wightman, born July 30, 1903; now a student in Norwich Free Academy. 4. Robert Chapman, born September 12, 1908. 5. Elizabeth Sweet, born April 9, 1914.
STEPHEN JAMES DOWNEY-Among those sons of Ireland, who looking about them in early manhood and seeing only the prospect of a long losing struggle against conditions over which they had no control, decided to sail westward to the new world with its larger opportunities, was one Roger Downey, born in Cork, Ireland, where he grew to young manhood, and married Catherine Sheehan. With youth, courage, and a genius for hard work, the pair set sail for America and settled first in Montville, New London county, Connec- ticut, where the young husband engaged in farming on a small scale, and swelled the family income by working in the Robertson mill when farm work was slack. In 1886, the Downey family moved to New London, Connecticut, and there the father was in city employ until his death in 1906. Catherine (Sheehan) Downey, his wife, was born in County Kerry, Ireland, and died in New London, Connec- ticut, in 1894.
Stephen J. Downey, son of Roger and Catherine (Sheehan) Downey, was born in Montville, New London county, Connecticut, March 28, 1875. He attended the public schools of that place until he was eleven years of age, when the family removed to New London, Connecticut, locating on Blackhall street. There the lad continued to attend the pub- lic schools until his graduation from Bulkeley High School.
During his high school days he had made the most of his spare time by working in the store of Charles Rogers, the druggist on Main street, where he had become deeply interested in the drug business. After graduation, he became a regular employee in the Rogers Pharmacy, using his scant spare time preparing himself for the pharmaceutical
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examinations. With characteristic energy and thor- oughness this work was done with the result that when he went before the State Board of Examiners he passed the test successfully at the first trial, and became a registered druggist. Wishing now to engage in business for himself, he bought out the firm of Rogers & Rogers on State street. where he continued the business for five years, until 1899, when the lease of the store expired and he removed to the corner of Bank and Howard streets, contin- uing the business there until his death in 1915, when it was continued in the same place by Mrs. Downey until 1919. Mrs. Downey is plucky, energetic, and capable, and in April, 1919, closed out, and spent the time from April to September looking for a new location. She selected No. 735 Bank street, where she is still conducting a successful and profit- able business. She has bought a fine house on Montauk avenue, and is proving herself to be a business woman of ability.
Mr. Downey was greatly interested in everything that looked toward betterment and progress in New London, and took an active part in bringing about many public improvements. It was largely due to his efforts, in connection with other leading citizens, that the Connecticut College for Women was brought to New London. He was also in a large measure instrumental in bringing the Standard Brass and Copper Tubing Company to the city. While serving as alderman and assistant police com= missioner, he brought about a number of improve- ments in the force, one of which was the installa- tion of a motor patrol wagon, replacing the old "Black Maria." He was alderman for nine years, during seven of which years he was senior alder- man, and frequently acted as mayor when that official was obliged to be absent from the city. Politically, he was a staunch Republican, doing his utmost to advance the interests of his party, and though nominated nine times for alderman in a Democratic ward, he never failed to be elected by a substantial majority. He was frequently urged by his fellow citizens to accept the nomination for mayor, but always declined. He read a great deal and was an excellent public speaker, eloquent, choice in his selection of words, and forceful in driving home his points.
Mr. Downey took considerable interest in military affairs. He was captain of a local artillery company of the Connecticut National Guard, which company was later transferred to the Coast Defence Service, Mr. Downey retaining his captaincy of the com- pany.
Fraternally, he was well known. He was a member of the New London Lodge, No. 360, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, was an exalted ruler, and the first man in Eastern Con- necticut to have a life membership conferred upon him. It was also due to his efforts that the mem- bership of the local lodge was more than doubled. In connection with other influential men of the city, he organized a carnival for the benefit of the
lodge, the proceeds of which enabled the order to buy the old Brown homestead and establish them- selves in comfortable and spacious quarters. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, and a devout and active member of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church.
Mr. Downey married, April 19, 1899, Mary Hig- gins, born in New London, daughter of William and Margaret (Cunningham) Higgins, William Hig- gins having come from Ireland when he was a small boy, who later engaged in farming, then learned the blacksmith trade, which, in connection with carriage making, he carried on for many years. He then engaged in the coal business in New Lon- don, but finally retired, and with his wife made his home in Washington, District of Columbia, until his death in April, 1919. His wife still (1921) re- sides in Washington, District of Columbia. Stephen James Downey and his wife, Mary (Higgins) Downey, were the parents of four children: Roger Williams, died at the age of one year and twelve days; S. Catherine Agnes, born November 28, 1904; Stephen William, born January 2, 1906; Marion Rosalind, born February 8, 1907. The family home is No. 465 Montauk avenue.
Mr. Downey died June 15, 1915. He was a man of sterling integrity and of great kindness of heart, charitable in feeling toward all men, generous in giving of his substance to those in need, and greatly beloved by all who knew him. His active interest in civic affairs and in public welfare made liis passing a distinct loss to the community in which he lived and which he served so faithfully.
CAPTAIN THOMAS E. TROLAND, a native son, has been a continuous resident of New London since birth, is a product of the city public schools, and in his professional study his preceptors were eminent members of the New London bar. He is a young man who has gone far in his profession, and is a veteran of the World War, 1917-18, in which he won the rank of first lieutenant. He is a son of Thomas H. and Catherine M. (McNamara) Tro- land. Thomas H. Troland was born in Norwich, Connectieut, there was educated and learned his trade, and is now engaged as master mechanic with the Brainerd, Armstrong Company of New Lon- don, a position he has long held. He married
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