USA > Connecticut > New London County > A modern history of New London County, Connecticut, Volume II > Part 58
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
For forty years, 1875-1915, Mr. Wheeler was a member of the School Board of his town, and has never lost any of his interest in the cause of public education. He is a Democrat in politics, and in 1889 was elected to represent his district in the State Legislature, serving two terms. He has also served his town as assessor, member of the Board of Relief, and justice of the peace. In religion he is a member of the Baptist church.
Silas B. Wheeler married, in Centerville, Rhode Island, September 3, 1872, Mary Abbie Cooper, born in Norwich, Connecticut, daughter of Rev. John and Abbie Ann (Carpenter) Cooper, her father born in Leeds, England, her mother in Woodstock, Con- necticut. Rev. John Cooper was pastor of the church at Old Mystic, and served many other charges. Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler are the parents of four children, all born on the homestead, in the town of Stoning- ton: Edna May, wife of Orson C. Pulver, of Hills- dale, New York; Ralph Cooper, of whom further; Richard Worthington, died at the age of three years; Helen Louise, wife of George L. Denison of Ston- ington.
Ralph Cooper Wheeler, son of Silas Burrows and Mary Abbie (Cooper) Wheeler, was born on the old Wheeler homestead in the Pequotsepos Valley, town of Stonington, New London county, Connecticut, November 5, 1876. He was educated in the public schools of his district, Mystic Valley Institute, Wes- leyan Academy, Wilbraham, Massachusetts; and Connecticut Literary Institute, Suffield, Connecticut, finishing his studies at the last-named institution. After leaving the Institute, he engaged in farming for his own interests, working a rented farm for four years and making it a profitable enterprise. In 1904 he bought the old James A. Lord farm of one hundred and thirty-five acres, near Road Church, in the town of Stonington, and there yet continues (1921), prosperous and contented. From time to time he has added improvements until he has made his farm over quite completely, its barns and build- ings being greatly enlarged, and all departments of his business conducted on strictly modern lines. He is a well-known breeder of fine cattle, stock raising being his specialty, and his Ayrshires have been con- sistent prize winners at New London county fairs.
150
NEW LONDON COUNTY
In politics Mr. Wheeler is a Democrat, now serv- ing as supervisor of highways for the town of Ston- ington. He is a charter member of Stonington Grange, No. 168, Patrons of Husbandry; in 1920 was elected its master, and in 1921 re-elected. Mrs. Wheeler is also a charter member of the same Grange, and both are members of the National Grange, and hold the seventh degree, the highest honor of this, the greatest of all farmers' organi- zations.
Mr. Wheeler married, in Mystic, Connecticut, June 22, 1898, Carrie Merritt, born in Groton, Connecticut, daughter of Francis Edwin and Abbie Ella (Crouch) Merritt, her father born in North Stonington, her mother in Groton, where she is yet living. Children of Ralph C. and Carrie Wheeler: I. Ralph C., Jr., born in Groton, January 30, 1900; graduated from Stonington High School, now his father's farm assistant. 2. Marian Merritt, born in Stonington, November 23, 1902; graduated from Stonington High School, 1918; graduated from Eastman's Business College, Poughkeepsie, New York, 1919; taught school in Columbia county, 1920, now school teacher in Road District School, Stonington, Connecticut. 3. Carrie Marie, born in Stonington, March 3, 1904; graduated from Stonington High School, now school teacher in Taugwank School, Stonington, Connecti- cut. 4. Richard Burrows, born in Stonington, Feb- ruary 3, 1905; a student in Stonington High School.
WILLIAM THOMAS DRISCOLL, M.D. - When Dr. Driscoll located in Norwich, Connecti- cut, and offered his services as a physician, he did not come as a stranger, but rather as one returning to an old home, for Jewett City, his boyhood home, is but nine miles north of Norwich and he was for two years a student in Norwich Free Academy. He has now been a resident of the city since 1914, has become thoroughly identified with the progressive element of his city, and as physician and citizen has won public confidence.
Timothy Driscoll, father of Dr. Driscoll, was born in Lisbon, Connecticut, and obtained his education in the public schools of Jewett City, after which he worked as a stonc cutter for a few years. In 1880 he accepted a position as clerk with W. A. Slater, of Jewett City, subsequently becoming manager of the grocery department, which position he held at the time of his death, March 1, 1915. He married, Margaret Shea, and to them were born five children, of whom William Thomas, mentioned below, is the eldest.
William Thomas Driscoll was born at Jewett City, Connecticut, July 24, 1886, and received his pre- paratory education in the public schools of Jewett
City. Then followed two years at Norwich Free Academy, after which he entered Anselm's College, Manchester, New Hampshire, where he completed the prescribed course in pharmacy in 1905, and was placed in charge of Herrick's Drug Store. In 1908 he matriculated at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Baltimore, Maryland, and was graduated from that institution M. D., class of 1912. For eighteen months following graduation, Dr. Driscoll was resident physician at St. Mary's Hospital, New York City, then chose Norwich as a location and began practicing there in 1914. Seven years have since elapsed and those years have brought him respect and appreciation, as well as a satisfactory practice. He is a member of the American Medical Association, the Connecticut State Medical Society, and the New London County Medical Society. He holds the esteem of his brethren of the profession, and has gained a secure position among the city's younger physicians.
In 1917 Dr. Driscoll was commissioned first lieu- tenant in the Medical Corps of the United States army and was called for service in February, 1918, being assigned to the Base Hospital at Camp Shel- den, Mississippi. In November, 1918, he sailed for France and was assigned to Base Hospital No. 91. He was commissioned captain in January, 1919, and returned to the United States in July, following, receiving honorable discharge July 10, 1919.
Politically, Dr. Driscoll is an Independent; is af- filiated with White Cross Council, Knights of Col- umbus; with the Foresters of America; and Robert O. Fletcher Post, American Legion. He is a mem- ber of St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church.
Dr. Driscoll married, June 25, 1918, Isabel M. Murphy, daughter of Timothy C. Murphy, mention of whom is made elsewhere in this work.
WILLIAM PALMER HOLMES-In Griswold, Connecticut, the name of Holmes has for well over a hundred years been prominently identified with all that was progressive in public activity and private enterprise. William Palmer Holmes, the present representative of this family name, is now doing an extensive business in farm and automobile equip- ment, and is a leader in the public affairs of the town.
Bartlett Holmes, grandfather of William Palmer Holmes, was born in Griswold, and became a man of somewhat more than local renown. He conducted large farming operations, and was very prominent in his day, and most highly esteemed by the towns- people. He was a captain in the militia, and his farm is still known as the Bartlett Holmes Home- stead. It is beautifully situated between the villages of Bethel and Pachaug.
151
BIOGRAPHICAL
George Nelson Holmes, son of Bartlett Holmes, was born in this house, and received his education in the district schools of the town. After completing his studies, he assisted his father in the work of the farm until his marriage, immediately thereafter going to the Douglas farm, near Hopeville, which he occu- pied for several years. He then purchased the Captain Boardman farm in the village of Pachang, removing there in 1880, and conducting this farm until his death, about 1901. He was considered one of the leading farmers of the time in this section, was a tireless worker, and never idle. He brought up a large family, those who came to maturity taking positions of honor and respect in the community. He was a member of the Baptist church, and was honored by election to many different town offices, in which his excellent judgment and wise administra- tion well served the public.
Mr. Holmes married Amanda Palmer, who was born in Rhode Island, and died at the Douglas farm when William, the youngest child, was only eighteen months old. George Nelson and Amanda (Palmer) Holmes were the parents of seven children, four of whom are now living: I. Asher Bartlett, a mer- chant in the line of paints, oils, etc., in Willimantic, Connecticut; he married Helen Murdock, of Tolland county, Connecticut. 2. Louisa, the wife of Robert Sherman, of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, who died, leaving her with two children. 3. Sarah Amanda, widow of Captain James B. Howard, of Niantic, Connecticut, and mother of two children. 4. William Palmer, whose life is reviewed herewith.
William Palmer Holmes was born in the village of Hopeville, in the town of Griswold, on May 19, 1865. He attended the district schools of Pachaug, then later went to Willimantic and learned teleg- raphy. He worked as operator, first for the Cen- tral Vermont railroad, at West Willington, Connec- ticut, remaining with this road for one year. He then became connected with the office of the Com- mercial Cable Company, at Brockton, Massachusetts, where he was operator for twenty years. Resigning from this office in 1901, Mr. Holmes came to Pachang and bought his father's farm, the elder man having become quite feeble, and remained on the farm until his wife's death. Shortly after that, in 1918, he sold the farm and purchased the present property, then unimproved, in Pachaug. Here he erected the buildings in which he now carries on extensive business operations. He is engaged in the selling of farm machinery of many kinds, silos, electric lighting plants, etc., also doing a consider- able business in automobile supplies and accessories.
Mr. Holmes is widely known, and is considered one of the most prominent men of this vicinity. He
is a member of Harmony Lodge, No. 27, Knights of Pythias, of Brockton, Massachusetts, of which he is past master, and is. an influential member of Pachang Grange, No. 96. Politically he is a staunch Republican.
On April 12, 1886, Mr. Holmes married, at Willi- mantic, Connecticut, Rose Crane Ford, daughter of Samuel B. and Lilly (Henry) Ford, both natives of Lebanon, Connecticut, and farming people there. Mrs. Holmes was born in Lebanon, and died at Pachaug, in February, 1916. Their three children are as follows: I. Harry Ford, who was born in Brockton, Massachusetts, and is now employed by the Highway Department of the city of Willimantic; he married Olive Tanner, of Ekonk Hill, in the town of Voluntown, and they are the parents of two chil- dren: Evelyn and George. 2. Flora Amanda, who was born in Brockton, Massachusetts, March 7, 1894, and who now conducts a restaurant at Lexington, Massachusetts. 3. Frank Leroy, who was born in Pachaug, on July 23, 1903. The family have always been connected with the Congregational church, and now attend the First Congregational Church of Pachaug.
ALEXANDER JORDAN-Achieving prominence and success entirely through his own efforts, Alcx- ander Jordan, of Norwich, Connecticut, stands among the leading merchants of this city, and is well and favorably known in social and fraternal circles.
Mr. Jordan is a son of James and Louisa Clem- entine Jordan, long residents of New London county. James Jordan was born in the Azores Islands, and came to the United States in his youth, locating in the city of New London. He was a laboring man, and also followed the sea, making many long trips before the mast. Both he and his wife, who was also a native of the Azores Islands, died in New London.
Alexander Jordan was born in New London, Connecticut, on March 27, 1868. He received a practical education in the excellent public schools of that city, but at the early age of twelve years entered the business world. Coming to Norwich, he secured employment with J. C. Worth, a whole - sale fish and produce merchant, and it is the busi- ness then conducted by Mr. Worth that Mr. Jordan now owns. At that time he remained with Mr. Worth for a considerable period, later being em- ployed by O. C. Dimock & Son. This was a retail grocery firm, and here Mr. Jordan remaincd for several years, buying an interest in the business. His brother, John Jordan, also bought an interest in the firm of O. C. Dimock & Son, and the busi-
152
NEW LONDON COUNTY
ness was continued under the same name. At length Alexander Jordan withdrew from the firm, disposing of his interest to the original owners.
This was in 1890, and at that time Mr. Jordan again became associated with J. C. Worth. He continued here as an employee until the year 1906, when he purchased a half interest in this business. Ten years later Mr. Worth died, and his son, J. C. Worth, Jr., took over his father's interest in the store. In 1918 Mr. Jordan purchased the interest of J. C. Worth, Jr., and became full owner of the J. C. Worth Company. Thus Mr. Jordan has been continuously associated with this company for over thirty years, and he is still conducting the business under the old name. The business continues along the line o. wholesale produce, and their market covers a broad territory.
Mr. Jordan has always taken a deep interest in the public affairs of the city, and politically affili- ates with the Democratic party. His ability was long since recognized, and for four years he was a member of the Common Council of the city of Norwich. He is interested in every phase of public welfare, and is vice-president, trustee, and director of the Norwich Cemetery Association.
Fraternally, Mr. Jordan is widely connected. He is a member of the Norwich Council, No. 720, the Royal Arcanum, and is past regent of the order, having held this chair for .wo terms. He is a mem- her of the White Cross Council, Knights of Col- umbus, and of the Norwich Council, No. 309, United Commercial Travelers' Association. Mr. Jordan is also a member of the Arcanum Club, of Norwich. He was a director of the club for three years, vice- president for two years, and is now (1920) serving as president of the club for the second time.
On January 15, 1890, Mr. Jordan married Louise Anna Enos, of Norwich, born in this city, who is a daughter of Frank P. and Anna C. (Francis) Enos, both natives of the Azores Islands. Mr. and Mrs. Jordan have three children, all born in Nor- wich: 1. Ruth Louise, born April 25, 1892, and now the wife of Charles V. James, attorney-at-law, of Norwich, they being the parents of two children: Charles Jordan and Clementine Edith. 2. Clemen- tine Edith, a teacher in Spanish and English in Bulkeley High School, New London; she graduated from the Norwich public school, Norwich Free Academy, and the Connecticut College for Women in the class which graduated in June, 1919. 3. Har- old Alexander, born December 31, 1900, who is associated with his father in business. The family are members of St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church.
CHARLES PRENTICE BUSHNELL-On the agricultural interests of the Commonwealth is
founded much of its prosperity, and thus on the breadth of view and individual probity of the far- mer does the progress of the State and of the Nation largely depend. In New London county, Connecticut, and during his all too brief sojourn at the State Capitol, as town representative, Charles Prentice Bushnell, of Norwichtown, has for many years been a recognized force for rural as well as civic progress.
Mr. Bushnell is a member of a very old New London county family. His grandfather, James Bushnell, was born on the family homestead farm near Occum, Norwichtown, and lived on the sanie farm all his life, carrying on extensive agricultural operations there. He was a man of sterling integ- rity, and highly esteemed in the community. His wife was a native of Hanover, in the town of Sprague, New London county, Connecticut. Her people were the prominent Smith family of that section, owners and operators of the mills which formed an interesting and significant chapter in the early history of Hanover.
William Henry Bushnell, their son, was born on his father's farm in Norwichtown. He received a practical education in the district schools of the neighborhood, then as a young man assisted his father on the farm. After his marriage he removed to Canterbury, Connecticut, where he rented the Dr. Baldwin farm, which he conducted for three years. At the end of that time he became outside foreman for the Shetucket Mills, in charge of the Mill Farm, in Norwich, remaining in this connec- tion for three years. Then in 1855 he purchased the present Bushnell farm, the birthplace, and now the home of Charles Prentice Bushnell, his son. This place is located on the Canterbury Turnpike, in Norwichtown, and was theretofore owned by Charles Allen. At that time it comprised forty- five acres, and Mr. Bushnell carried on the place thus until 1872, when he added to his holdings, by purchase, the old Eben Lathrop farm adjoining. Removing to the residence on the Lathrop farm, he continued to conduct the two places until 1884. He was then beginning somewhat to feel the abating of strength due to advancing years, and he retired from the active management of the farm work, which he turned over to his sons, Charles Prentice and Nathan Stanton. They took charge of the farm from that time on, although their father still resided on the place until his death, August 4, 1908. William Henry Bushnell was a kindly old man, who held the genuine regard and respect of all who knew him. He was considered one of the most prominent farmers of Norwichtown, but never could be induced to accept political honors.
He married Jane Gray Prentice, who was born in Griswold, New London county, Connecticut, and
Chan. Rushell
153
BIOGRAPHICAL
died on the Bushnell farm, May 28, 1912. They were the parents of four children: William Henry, Jr., who died at the age of twenty-nine months; Mary Jane, who died at the age of three years; Charles Prentice, whose name heads this review; and Nathan Stanton, also a farmer in Norwichtown.
Charles Prentice Bushnell was born on the Bush- nell farm, which he now owns, December 1, 1859. He received his early education in the district schools of Norwichtown, then attended the graded school in Taftville, later taking a special course in bookkeeping and language, in Norwich. He worked on the home farm with his father until the age of twenty-two years, when he entered the employ of R. C. Kelley, in Taftville, who conducted a meat and grocery business there at that time.
In 1884, when his father retired from active work, Mr. Bushnell became associated with his brother, Nathan S. Bushnell, in conducting the old home farm, remaining for one year in this partnership. On April 1, 1885, he rented the old part of the Bushnell farm, living in the old Allen residence. When the elder Mr. Bushnell died, the sons divided the property, a step which they could not bring themselves to take as long as their father, who had brought about the union of the two farms, lived to see the separation of the property. Charles P. Bushnell then became the owner of the old home place, and one hundred and sixty-five acres of land, as his share of the property. He still owns this farm, unchanged, but for the constant improvements which have been made under his hand. He does an extensive business in general farming, dairying, and stock raising, and the place is now a fine, up- to-date property, with every equipment and modern convenience. Mr. Bushnell is a tireless worker, and is exhaustively informed on all farm topics, a man of broad sympathies and keen interests, alive to every phase of public progress.
It was but natural that a man of Mr. Bushnell's calibre should be pressed into the public service. He served as Democratic registrar of voters in 1884, and was school tax collector for the Wequon- noc School District for fifteen years. He was a member of the school committee for his district until the consolidation of the districts. He is now a selectman of Norwichtown, and has been a mem- ber of the Board of Selectmen since 1913. He is affiliated with the Republican party.
Mr. Bushnell is a member of the Norwich Chamber of Commerce, of the Connecticut State Dairymen's Association, and of the Connecticut Poultry Association, and is past master of the Norwich Grange. For the past two years he has been president of the New London County Farm Bureau. But it is not through these activities, of
a more or less local nature, that Mr. Bushnell is most widely known. In 1908 he was elected town representative to the Connecticut State Legislature, serving during the session of 1909-10. His work in that capacity included many noteworthy examples of public duty, fearlessly performed. He was clerk of the committee on roads, bridges and rivers. This was one of the important committees of the session, particularly so to New London county, as the new bridge at New London over the Thames was in process of construction at that time, a costly project and a feat of engineering successfully per- formed.
Mr. Bushnell has led a busy life, full of useful activities, with little leisure, and is still in full command of his many interests. He has little time for social amenities, and his only fraternal con- nection is with the Ancient Order of United Work- men, Taft Lodge, No. 25, of which he has been a member since 1896, and is past master workman. He is a member of the Taftville Congregational Church.
On February 20, 1884, Mr. Bushnell married Helen Emogene Ladd, of Brooklyn, Connecticut, who was born in Sprague, Connecticut, and is a daughter of Henry Merrill and Sarah Elizabeth (Burdick) Ladd. Her father was born in Franklin, Connecticut, and was boss farmer for the Sprague Mills for many years, and her mother was a native of Plainfield, Connecticut. Mr. and Mrs. Bushnell are the parents of four children, all born in the same house in which their father and grandfather were born: I. Sarah Jane, the wife of John P. Thompson, of Willimantic, now a resident of Hart- ford, Connecticut, who has one son, Charles Henry. 2. Thomas Henry, who died in infancy. 3. Charles Edward, associated with his father on the farm, who served for nineteen months in the Aviation Corps of the United States Army in the World War; he married Ida Reynolds, of Montville, Connecticut. 4. Helen Mary, wife of William C. Santo, a farmer of Wethersfield, Connecticut, who served in Battery D, 56th Artillery, United States Army, in the American Expeditionary Forces, in France, going through all the principal battles of the World War.
CASPER KIRKNER BAILEY, first selectman of Norwich, Connecticut, is a man of prominence in that city, and has always lived in New London county.
His father, Perry L. Bailey, was born in the town of North Stonington, Connecticut, and was reared and educated in Preston City, in the town of Preston, Connecticut. He has followed farming all his life, first in Preston, where he disposed of
154
NEW LONDON COUNTY
his place in 1885; he then bought a farm in Nor- wichtown, where he still lives, although retired from active work. He married Hattie L. Gifford, and they had two children: Casper Kirkner and Lilian. The daughter now resides with her father. Mrs. Bailey died in 1892.
Casper Kirkner Bailey was born in Preston, Connecticut, September 23, 1874. He received his education in the public schools of Norwich, then shared the work of the farm with his father for a number of years. At length, deciding to go into business for himself, he took the line for which his work had best fitted him, and established a livery stable in Norwich, doing in connection with it d great deal of general contracting. He made the start in 1895, and from the beginning was very successful. With the advent of the automobile, and its con- stantly increasing popularity, the hivery business became less important, but the rapid growth of the city made the contracting branch of the busi- ness constantly develop and broaden out until at became of much the greater importance and a very profitable interest. In 1918 Mr. Bailey sold out the entire business, as other matters demanded his attention.
Always affiliated with the Republican party, Mr. Bailey has .ong been a loyal worker in support of its policies and principles, and in 1913 accepted nomination to the City Council and was elected for a term of two : cars. He was alderman in 1916 and 1917; and from 1915 to the present time he has been first selectman. This office he has filled with the greatest efficiency, and finding, during the carlier years of his service, that he could not do justice to it and continue his usual attention to his business interests he sold out his business, as above stated, in 1918, and has since given his entire time to the duties of his office.
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.