USA > Connecticut > New London County > A modern history of New London County, Connecticut, Volume II > Part 59
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Mr. Bailey is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, of Norwich, No. 430; of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Sheticket Lodge, No. 27; of the Knights of Pythias; of the Loyal Order of Moose, No. 950; of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, Somerset Lodge, No. 34; Franklin Chapter, No. 3; Franklin Council, No. 4; and of the Arcanum Club, and the Rotary Club, of Norwich, Connecticut.
Mr. Bailey married Faith Monroe, daughter of Frank 'and Nettie (Larkin) Monroe, of Norwich, and they have one child, Casper K., Jr., born in Norwich. The family are members of the First Congregational Church of Norwich.
MILO ROBERTSON WATERS, owner of a large printing establishment at No. 103 Broadway, Nor- wich, Connecticut, is numbered among the most progressive representatives of his line of business.
In addition to his identification with printing inter- ests, Mr. Waters holds a recognized place in the business circles of the community, and is active in all that pertains to the welfare and progress of his home city.
Henry M. Waters, father of Milo R. Waters, was born in Hanover, Connecticut, where he was reared and educated. He was obliged to go to work when but a boy, and entered the woolen mills at Hanover, later going to Centerville, Iowa, where he was placed in charge of a woolen mill, remaining there for five years, when he returned to Connecticut, subsequently accepting the position of superintend- ent of woolen mills at Coventry, which office he held at the time of his death. He married Jane Robertson, and they became the parents of three children, Milo Robertson, of further mention, being the only surviving child.
Milo Robertson Waters was born in Centerville, Iowa, August 15, 1867, where he lived until he had reached the age of four years, when he removed with his parents to Coventry, Connecticut, where he obtained his education. At the age of sixteen he secured work in the Hallville Woclen Mill at Nor- wich, and remained there for three years, at the end of which time he began an apprenticeship to the printer's trade with Frank Utley. After finish- ing his training as a printer, he secured a position with N. B. Hamilton, and was there engaged when the Spanish War broke out. He enlisted and served throughout the war with Company C, 3rd Connec- ticut Regiment of Volunteer Infantry. After receiv- ing his honorable discharge, he returned to Nor- wich and established himself in the printing busi- ness in a small shop at No. 265 Main street. The enterprise developed favorably, and in 1907 Mr. Waters moved to his present location at No. 103 Broadway, where he has a plant equipped with every modern device.
A Democrat in politics, Mr. Waters has always been interested in public affairs, and holds decided views upon all questions which come before the public for discussion and settlement. In 1912 he was elected a member of the Common Council of the city of Norwich, was reelected in 1914, and in 1916 was elected a member of the Board of Alder- men. He affiliates with Griswold Camp, No. 6, United Spanish War Veterans, having been camp adjutant ever since the camp was organized, and with Uncas Lodge, No. 11, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is also a member of the Chamber of Commerce and of the Rotary Club of Norwich.
On March 1, 1891, Mr. Waters married (first) Rachael Maggs, who died October 15, 1899. To them was born one child, Louis F., who is asso- ciated with his father in business; he married Gladys Thomas, and they are the parents of two children:
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Gordon and Mazie. Mr. Waters married (second) July 29, 1905, Myra A. Cochrane, daughter of John and Mary (Henderson) Cochrane, and to them were born two children: Doris and John Robert.
WILLIAM SOULE, M.D .- From the date of his graduation from medical college, in 1851, until his death in 1900, Dr. William Soule was engaged in the general practice of medicine, three years in Pascoag, Rhode Island, and forty-six years in Jewett City, Connecticut. He was a skilled physi- cian, and beloved by the people with whom he spent nearly a half century in close and intimate relation. He was a descendant of George Soule, "The Pil- grim," and a son of Ivory H. and Marilla (Bing- ham) Soule. Ivory H. Soule was born in Abington, Connecticut, July 4, 1800, and died in Jewett City, Connecticut, in 1882. At one time he was a manu- facturer of boots and shces.
William Soule, eldest of the four children of Ivory H. and Marilla (Bingham) Soule, was born in Chap- lin, Connecticut, August 24, 1827, and died in Jewett City, Connecticut, May 15, 1900. He passed through the public schools of Chaplin, was a student at Woodstock Academy, Woodstock, Connecticut, and took a course of private instruction under Rev. Erastus Dickinson, of Woodstock. That completed his classical education, and choosing the profession of a physician, he entered Yale Medical School, whence he was graduated M. D., class of 1849. He at once began practice in Pascoag, Rhode Island, there continuing until 1852, when he located in Hampton, Connecticut, and in 1854 moved to Jewett City, Connecticut, where he was in general practice until his death, forty-six years later. In addition to his medical practice, Dr. Soule owned and con- ducted a drug store in which he was succeeded by his son, William O. Soule.
Dr. Soule married (first) Harriet A. Hall, who died January 17, 1857, leaving three children: Mary E., George C., and Delia A. He married (second) June 2, 1858, Martha P. Chapman, of Voluntown, Connecticut, who died in Jewett City, February 25, 1913, leaving two children, Carrie E. and William O.
William O. Soule was born in Jewett City, Con- necticut, April 22, 1871. He attended the public schools, read medicine under his father, and later attended Baltimore Medical College. He was his father's assistant in the management of the drug business, and at Dr. William Soule's death in 1900, the son, William O. Soule, succeeded to the busi- ness, which he sold, March 15, 1921, to James T. Wilbur, and since then has led a retired life in Jewett City. He married, December 23, 1903, Edith Richards, of Norwich, Connecticut.
HERBERT MORGAN LEROU-In 1902 Herbert Morgan Lerou, then a young man, came to Nor- wich, Connecticut, an experienced pharmacist, with a pleasing personality and an ambition to succeed in the business world. Nearly two decades have since elapsed and the young man is now the veteran merchant, his store on Main street a great center of business activity. Mr. Lerou is also the chief executive of Norwich, one of New England's fairest cities. Business success invariably follows correct methods, energy and ability, and that Mayor Lerou has succeeded as a business man need not be dwelt upon, for he possessed the qualities that cannot be denied. Success in public is not so easily explained, for the public is not always casy to please, but when convinced that a man is their friend, that he is honorable, upright and to be trusted, he can always rely upon their support. The feeling the voters of Norwich have for Mr. Lerou is of that nature, for he has proved his loyalty to the public interest in lower positions, and when he was pre- sented for their consideration as a candidate for mayor, they rallied to his standard, and though there were strong opposing forces, and party spirit ran high, he was returned the victor at the polls, although the margin was so close as to be almost negligible. But it was victory, and the presidency of the United States was once won by a single vote.
Mayor Lerou is a son of Evans M. and Elizabeth (Evans) Lerou, his father born and educated in Paris, France, his mother in Swansea, South Wales. Evans M. Lerou came to the United States when a young man, an expert silversmith. He located in East Haddam, Connecticut, there became foreman in a leading silver manufacturing establishment, and died in 1881. Mr. and Mrs. Lerou are the parents of four children, this review following the fortunes of their son, Herbert Morgan Lerou.
Herbert Morgan Lerou was born in East Had- dam, Connecticut, March 23, 1871, and educated in the grade and high schools of Meriden, Connecticut. He entered business life as a clerk in the drug store of John R. Briggs, in Meriden, and during the years employed there he studied pharmacy. His next position was with C. A. Pelton, a druggist of Middletown, Connecticut, with whom he remained several years. There he continued his studies, and in 1894 he passed the examinations of the State Board of Pharmacy and was listed as a registered pharmacist. With that dignity he located in Spring- field, Massachusetts, where he was pharmacist with the N. F. Wheeler Company for cight years. He rose high in his profession, improved his oppor- tunities, accumulated some capital, and with the confidence of youth, and strong in his belief in his own ability, he came to Norwich in 1902 and opened
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a drug store. His pleasing personality brought him friends, and it was soon demonstrated that Mr. Lerou was an unusually skilled pharmacist. He prospered in his first store in the western part of the city, and in 1910 opened a second store at No. 289 Main street. This second store became the more important, and after a time Mr. Leron sold his original store and gave his entire attention to the Main street establishment, now one of the most widely known, and well patronized in every depart- ment. Mr. Lerou gives his business his close per- sonal supervision and it has been his energy, coupled with his ability, that has made his success.
Coming closely in touch with the people of his city in a business way, and avowedly a man of the people, Mr. Lerou has a deep and abiding interest in all that concerns the public welfare. This led him into political life and a mere liking for politics as a game. He embraced the principles of the Republican party, and in 1905 was elected to repre- sent his ward in the Common Council. In 1906 he was elected registrar, and in 1910 was elected a member of the city Board of Education and for two years served as secretary of the board. His high standing as a pharmacist was recognized by Gov- ernor Holcomb, who on February 21, 1917, ap- pointed Mr. Lerou a member of the State Board of Pharmacy for a term of five years. On June 7, 1920, came the crucial test of Mr. Lerou's popularity and influence, when he was elected mayor of Nor- wich, the strong opposing factions making it the most closely contested election in the history of the city, Mr. Lerou as the Republican candidate winning by one vote.
Mr. Lerou is one of the incorporators of the Chelsea Savings Bank of Norwich; is a trustee of Maplewood Cemetery; is one of the incorporators of the Masonic Temple Corporation of Norwich; member of the Connecticut State Pharmaceutical Association, of which he was president in 1911; member and Treasurer of Somerset Lodge, No. 34, Free and Accepted Masons; Franklin Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Franklin Council, Royal and Select Masters; Columbian Commandery, Knights Templar; and in the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite holds the degrees of King Solomon Lodge of Per- fection, Van Rensselaer Council of the Princes of Jerusalem, Norwich Chapter of Rose Croix, and Connecticut Consistory, Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret. He is a noble of Sphinx Temple, Ancient Arabian Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. His clubs are the Arcanum, of Norwich, and the Rotary, and he is a member of the Chamber of Commerce.
Mr. Lerou married (first), in Norwich, February 7, 1895, Bertha B. Carroll, daughter of Charles and Emily (Rathbun) Carroll, of Norwich. Mrs. Lerou
died in Springfield, Massachusetts, March 2, 1902, leaving two children, one of whom, Edna Evans Leron, is living. Mr. Lerou married (second) March (24, 1908, Mary S. Tourtelotte, daughter of James Newton and Harriet (Clark) Tourtelotte, of Nor- wich. Mr. and Mrs. Lerou are members of the Congregational church.
FRANK HAMILTON SMITH-The name of the late Frank Hamilton Smith, for many years con- nected with the old firm of J. P. Barstow & Com- pany, is familiar to the citizens of Norwich, Con- necticut, of two generations. Not only was Mr. Smith influentially and unostentatiously identified with the business interests of this community, but as a citizen he was ever ready to do all in his power to promote her best welfare and truest progress.
The Smith family is one of the oldest in New London county, Connecticut, and one which has given to the State many good and honorable citi- zens who have played well their parts in public and inunicipal affairs, as well as in private life. This name has also been identified with many of the landmarks of this historical town; one of these is Smith's corner, the first branch of the family to locate here being the two sons of Prentice P. Smith. It was here that Frank Hamilton Smith was born, March 28, 1852, the second son of John Owen and Abby Shapley (King) Smith. He was educated in the public schools of Norwich, and Norwich Free Academy, from which lie was graduated in the class of 1869. The following year he entered into busi- ness life, securing a position in the store of J. P. Barstow, and six years later became a partner in the firm of J. P. Barstow and George S. Byles, doing business under the firm name of J. P. Bar- stow & Company. After the death of Mr. Barstow the business was continued by Mr. Smith and Mr. Byles, under the old firm name, until Mr. Byles retired from active business life owing to ill health, and Mr. Smith continued the business under the time-honored firm name, the house dating back about sixty-one years.
Besides being actively engaged in the business of J. P. Barstow & Company, Mr. Smith's real estate activities were extensive. In 1889 he built for his own occupancy a large residence on Washington street. This was the first of several dwellings erected on land formerly belonging to the Lloyd Greene estate, which was purchased and opened up in 1889 by the Greene Avenue Company, of which Mr. Smith was a member. Later, Mr. Smith developed a large tract on the other side of Wash- ington street, purchasing and renovating the old Sturtevant mansion, in which he resided at the time of his death. He was also one of the principal
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organizers of the Norwich Land Improvement Cor- poration, which in 1902 opened up and improved a large tract of land in Thamesville, Connecticut. In April, 1915, Mr. Smith was one of the prime movers in the Norwich Building and Loan Asso- ciation, being its first president.
In the old Norwich Board of Trade he was one of the charter members, as well as a charter mem- ber of the Norwich Business Men's Association, now united with the Chamber of Commerce of Norwich, Mr. Smith having been an active factor in the merger. Among other interests towards the town's welfare, he was one of the active organ- izers of the Norwich Cemetery Association, and as a director, aided in the development of Maple- wood Cemetery. A strong promoter of the Eastern Chamber of Commerce, he was one of the most widely known men in this part of Connecticut.
In politics, Mr. Smith was always a strong and liberal-minded Republican who, as recent chairman of the town committee and in other numerous capacities, had for years worked unceasingly for the welfare of the party and its standard bearers without seeking public office for himself.
Fraternally, he was long a member of the Ma- sonic order, being affiliated with James Lodge, No. 23, Free and Accepted Masons; Franklin Chap- ter, No. 4, Royal Arch Masons; Franklin Council, No. 3, Royal and Select Masters; Columbian Com- mandery, No. 4, Knights Templar; Sphinx Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; King Solomon Lodge of Perfection, Van Rensselaer Council, Princes of Jerusalem, Norwich Chapter of Rose Croix, and Connecticut Consistory, Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret, Ancient Accepted Scot- tish Rite. He was also a charter member of the United Commercial Travelers' Association, and held office in Norwich Grange, No. 172, Patrons of Hus- bandry.
Mr. Smith married (first) in 1878, Florence Proc- tor, of Boston, Massachusetts, who died in 1879. Mr. Smith married (second) July 11, 1883, Martha Maud Richmond, and by this marriage there were two children: Hellen Buckingham and F. Russell, who continue the business.
Frank Hamilton Smith closed a career rich in fulfillment, and still richer in promise, passing away on September 25, 1917, leaving very many in all classes of the community to mourn his loss and to regret that he had not been granted greater length of days. In every relation of life he was admirable, and his death was a great loss both for the present and the future, for by it Norwich lost one of her most valued citizens.
PAUL FRANCIS GADLE, M.D .- Upon receiving his medical degree from the University of Ver-
mont in 1917, Dr. Gadle at once began his profes- sional career in his native Norwich, where he is winning his way to a good practice. He is a son of Joseph P. and Margaret (Murtha) Gadle, his parents also born in Norwich, Connecticut, which is still their home (1921). Joseph P. Gadle, after public school course, became a paper mill employce and in varied capacity has since been connected with Norwich mills. Dr. Paul F. Gadle is the eldest of four children.
Paul Francis Gadle was born in Norwich, Con- necticut, and obtained his early education in St. Mary's Parochial School there. He completed courses in study in Norwich Free Academy, class of 1912, then for a year was a student in the preparatory school of the University of Vermont. Deciding upon the profession of medicine as his life work, he entered the Medical Department of the University of Vermont, whence he was graduated M. D., class of 1917, being honor man of his class and its president. His fraternity is Alpha Chapter Phi Chi.
After graduation, Dr. Gadle was for a time interne at Fanny Allen Hospital, Winooski, Ver- mont, then returned to Norwich and for eighteen monthis was house physician at the Backus Hospital. With this hospital practice experience to accom- pany his college training, the young physician opened offices in the Thayer building in Norwich and began the practice of medicine. He is a mem- ber of the Norwich Medical, New London County Medical and Connecticut State Medical societies, and of the American Medical Association. He is serving the city of Norwich as head of the Milk Inspection Bureau, is a Democrat in politics, a member of the Roman Catholic Church, and of White Cross Council, Knights of Columbus.
JOHN B. CARON-The Specialty Shop, Inc., lo- cated at No. 140 Main street, Norwich, Connecticut, is the favorite shopping place for the particular ladies of this section. John B. Caron, owner and manager of the business, is one of the leading merchants in this line in Norwich.
Mr. Caron is a son of Louis and Rosalic (Côté) Caron, natives of Weedon, Province of Quebec, Can- ada. Louis Caron came to the United States with his parents when a boy of twelve. This was in 1858, and the family located in Baltic, in the town of Sprague, New London county, Connecticut. The father was employed in the Baltic Mills, in the spinning department, and soon became second hand and repair man of the department. These mills manufacture a fine grade of cotton fabric. In 1883, after fifteen years in this country, Louis Caron re- turned to his native land, where he spent two years on the farm. In 1886, however, he again came to
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this country, accepting a position as overseer of spinning in the Aldrich Cotton Mill, at Moosup, Connecticut. He remained there but a short time, then went to Danielson, where he was again cni- ployed in the cotton mills. Here he remained until 1901, when he was induced to return to the Province of Quebec, and take up farming. He continued along this line until 1916, when he returned to the United States, and now resides in Norwich, Con- necticut, retired from all active business interests. His wife died in Weedon, Province of Quebec, Canada, in 1916. Of their six children, five are now living : Ovilar, deceased; Louis V., Henry, Octave J., Louis P. and John B., of whom further.
John B. Caron, the Norwich merchant, was born in Weedon, Province of Quebec, Canada, on August 24, 1884. He received his early education in the public schools of Danielson, Connecticut, then pre- pared for a career in the business world at the Norwich Commercial School. He first went to work for the J. B. Martin Company, then, in 1907, he entered the employ of George W. Allen, a prom- inent merchant in Norwich, where he remained until IgII. In that year he formed a partnership and went into business, which at first did not prove successful, so in 1915 the partner was dropped and the business incorporated. This venture, which has proved so successful, gives to the people of this city a high class garment shop. The business was incorporated under the name of the Specialty Shop, Inc., and was capitalized at $25,000.00. It attracts the attention of the most exclusive shoppers, and has gone forward until it now stands among the leaders in this line in a wide region.
Mr. Caron is broadly interested outside his busi- ness. Politically, he supports the principles of the Republican party, and is interested in all public affairs, although declining any officc. He is a mem- ber of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Loyal Order of Moose, the Union St. Jean de Baptiste, and is also a member of the Chamber of Commerce of Norwich, Connecticut.
On October 15, 1912, Mr. Caron married Adelia Saborin, and they have one child, Jean A., born in Norwich. The family have always been members of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church.
ISAAC MAINE-The Maine family of which Isaac Mainc was representative were farmers of the town of North Stonington, New London county, Connec- ticut, where Isaac Maine, his father, Prentice Maine, and his grandfather all occupied in turn the old home farm in District No. 67, North Stonington. There Isaac Maine, to whose memory this review is offered, lived and died, tilling the home acres as boy and man until the close of his long and useful life. Three years prior to his death he
deeded the old farm to his son, Thurman P. Maine, who later deeded it to Isaac Maine, Jr., only re- serving enough land for a home plot on which he built his own residence. Isaac Maine, Jr., took possession of the farm, April 1, 1912, and six days later, April 7, 1912, he died. The father survived his son three years, the mother still residing (but not in the same house) on the old farm to which she came a bride forty-four years ago. Simeon Maine, the grandfather of Isaac Maine, married Martha York, who in her old age was widely known as "Grandma Patty." Simeon Maine and his wife were both born in North Stonington and there died.
Prentice Maine, son of Simeon and Martha (York) Maine, was born in North Stonington, and there spent his life which began February 22, 1796. and ended February 4, 1890, he having passed into the ranks of the nonagenarians of his town before his useful life was finished. He started life a poor boy, but piece by piece he accumulated a large estate and became one of the substantial farmers ot his town. He dealt extensively in cattle and was considered an excellent business man. He was connected with the Old Militia organization of the town, and although a man of a quiet, home-loving disposition, he was of strong forceful character, and a devoted member of the Second Baptist Church of North Stonington. He married Ann Miner, born in Stonington, daughter of Isaac and Katura (Brown) Miner. Mrs. Prentice Maine died May 28, 1888, her husband surviving her about two years.
Isaac Maine, only son of Prentice and Ann (Miner) Maine to survive infancy, was born July 8, 1833, and died at his home at the Maine home- stead on April 30, 1915, in North Stonington, New London county, Connecticut, where his life had been spent. His only sister, Eunice Ann, married. Jolın D. Babcock, of North Stonington, and is now deceased. He attended the public district school, and when quite young he became his father's farm assistant and was his right-hand man until weight of years compelled him to retire in favor of his son. Isaac. Finally Prentice Maine passed away at the age of ninety-four, and Isaac became the owner, as. he had long been the manager, of the homestead farm. He added to the area of the Prentice Maine farm and continued its owner until 1912, when he was succeeded by his son, Isaac, Jr., who as stated before, died six days after coming into possession. After the death of his father in 1890 Isaac Maine built a new residence on his farm, moving out of the old homestead and occupying the new home until 1912. His health having failed, he sold the farm to his son, Thurman P., and built on the tract he had reserved for that purpose still another resi-
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Isaac Maine
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dence on the home farm, and there lived untti lis death three years later. Mr. Maine was a successful farmer and cattle dealer, noted for his upright and honorable life. He was a Democrat in politics, but never sought public office, his business and his home filling his cup of life to the brim with content- ment and happiness. He was a member of the Second Baptist Church of North Stonington.
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