USA > Connecticut > New London County > A modern history of New London County, Connecticut, Volume III > Part 10
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Robert M. Smith was born in Montgomery, Alabama, January 22, 1877, and when a small child his parents moved to Northumberland, Pennsylvania, where he was educated in the public schools. As a young man he came to New England, and in 1898 entered the service of the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad Company, at Norwich, Connecticut, as a yard brakeman, and six months later was promoted to a yard conduc- tor, his next promotion being to that of a freight con- ductor, in April, 1901, in which position he remained until June, 1914, when he was promoted to a passenger conductor, and until May, 1917, held that position, when he was promoted to assistant trainmaster, with offices at Putnam, Connecticut. In September, 1918, he was promoted to trainmaster, and in November of the same year won the promotion of assistant superintendent, with offices at New London.
Mr. Smith has wide fraternal relations, being affiliated with New London Lodge, No. 360, Benevolent and Pro- tective Order of Elks; Webster Lodge, Free and Ac- cepted Masons, of Webster, Massachusetts ; Union Chap- ter, No. 7, Royal Arch Masons; Cushing Council, Royal and Select Masters; Palestine Commandery, Knights Templar, all of New London; Connecticut Consistory, Valley of Norwich; Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite (thirty-second degree), of Norwich; Pyramid Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine ;
Gardner Lodge, No. 46, of Bridgeport; Knights of Pythias of Norwich; and Webster Lodge, Loyal Order of Moose.
Mr. Smith is a member of the Veteran Railroad Men's Association of Boston, Massachusetts; honorary mem- ber of Railway Station Agents; member of the Railway Superintendents' Association of St. Louis; Order of Railway Conductors, No. 237, of Worcester, Massa- chusetts ; Cable Club, Round Table Club, of Boston ; Boston Athletic Club; New England Railroad Club, of Boston, Massachusetts; and the New Haven Railroad Club, of New Haven, Connecticut. He is ex-vice- president of the Massachusetts Fish and Game Asso- ciation ; an attendant of the Protestant Episcopal church, and in politics is a Republican.
Mr. Smith married, July 2, 1919, Lillian M. Dupre, of Webster, Massachusetts, daughter of John B. and Mary Jane (Veo) Dupre, the father born in St. Jules, Province of Quebec, and the mother born in Enfield. Vermont. The family home is at No. 95 Squire street, New London.
RICHARD C. DAVIDSON-One of the most enterprising citizens of New London, Connecticut, Richard C. Davidson has attained his success within the confines of his native city. He was born in New Lon- don, December 27, 1872, son of James and Ellen F. (Somers) Davidson, and grandson of George David- son, who was the first of the family in New London. George Davidson was born in Scotland, in 1795, and itt 1817 removed to Nova Scotia, where he remained until 1853, the year he became a resident of New Lon- don. He was a landscape gardener, shipbuilder, and married Ellen McDuffie, who came to America with him.
James Davidson, son of George and Ellen (McDuffie) Davidson, was born in Pictou, Nova Scotia, in April, 1827, and died in New London, April 20, 1896. He attended the public schools and followed the trade of shipbuilder. In his later years he had a marine rail- way business and employed at times as many as fifty men. Among the ships built by Mr. Davidson are: the "Crescent," "Howard B. Peck," "Charles D. Hall," and the "Elwood H. Smith." These were merchant ships and coastwise vessels. Mr. Davidson married (third), in 1861, Ellen F. Somers, daughter of Daniel Somers, and she died in New London, November 8, 1904. The children of this marriage were: James, Grace, Louisa; Richard C., of further mention; Ellen, Emma, and John.
Richard C. Davidson was educated in the public schools of New London, and as a young man worked with his father in the shipyards for six years. He then became a diver for the Thames Tow Boat Company of New London, following this occupation for three years. In 1908, Mr. Davidson established a Salvaging and Pile Driving Business in New London, under the name of the R. C. Davidson Company, and is now in his thirteenth successful year of business.
Mr. Davidson is a Republican in politics, and actively interested in all public matters. Fraternally, he is a member of Mohican Lodge, No. 54, Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
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Mr. Davidson married, in 1899, Mary E. Griffin, of New London, daughter of Patrick H. and Ellen (Gil- more) Griffin, the latter two natives of Ireland. Mr. and Mrs. Davidson are the parents of the following children : Robert F., who served in the World War, 58th Regiment, Second Division, Artillery ; Richard, Ellen B., Emma, Charles G., and Louisa.
JOHN H. NEWMAN-Among the men who occupy a leading place in the business life of New London, Connecticut, is John H. Newman. Mr. New- man was born there May 31, 1867, son of Daniel and Margaret (Rhoe) Newman. His parents were of that grand contribution of citizenship which Ireland has often made to this country. The father of Mr. Newman came to America when he was a child, and settled in New London. There he attended the public schools and subsequently served his apprenticeship as plumber and steam-fitter. This was the beginning of the business which has steadily increased to its present size and which is now carried on by Mr. Newman. About 1868, Daniel Newman, in association with J. D. Cronin, estab- lished a plumbing and steam-fitting business, under the firm name of Newman & Cronin, and were the largest firm of their kind in New London. Mr. Newman fol- lowed this occupation all his life, and died in New London, in 1901. His wife was also a native of Ire- land, and married Mr. Newman in New London, where she died. Their children numbered ten, five of whom are now living: I. Daniel, married Ann Healy, and resides in New London. 2. James P., of New London. 3. John H., of further mention. 4. Ann, deceased. 5. Elizabeth, married Joseph S. Harrigan, and lives in New London. 6. William, deceased. 7. George, deceased. 8. Thomas F., deceased. 9. Mary, deceased. 10. Mar- garet, married Julian D. Moran, and lives in New London.
John H. Newman attended the public schools of his native city, and in 1884 began to serve his apprentice- ship to the plumber's trade with his father. After completing his time he went to work for his father's company, and in 1898 acquired an interest in it by purchase. In 1908 he, with his brothers, purchased the Newman interest in the business and the firm name became Newman Brothers. This arrangement was suc- cessfully continued until 1913, when Mr. Newman purchased his brothers' interest and has since con- tinued alone. The business is now the largest of its kind in New London county and under the able man- agement of Mr. Newman is always increasing.
Mr. Newman is an interested citizen in the welfare of New London, and is always willing to aid in any move- ment which has the general welfare at heart. He is a Republican in politics, and though not a seeker for office is an ardent worker for his party. He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce; the Rotary Club; and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Lodge No. 360.
Mr. Newman married. August 30, 1893, Margaret A. Carroll, of New London, daughter of John and Jo- hanna (Shea) Carroll, and they are the parents of one daughter, Marian Carroll Newman. Miss Newman is
a graduate of the Williams Memorial and of Pratt Institute. With his family Mr. Newman attends St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church and aids in the support of its good works.
ELMER C. HALL-One of the leading grocers of Mystic, Connecticut, Elmer C. Hall, contributes to the general prosperity and well-being of the town in the most practical way-the purveying of food of high quality.
Mr. Hall is a son of Charles and Eugenie A. (Kin- ney) Hall, the former born in Voluntown, Connecticut, and educated in the district schools there. After com- pleting his studies he became a farmer, following this occupation all his life. He died in Voluntown, his wife surviving him, and residing in Mystic. Mr. Hall was their only child.
Elmer C. Hall was born in Voluntown, Connecticut, on February 7, 1882. Receiving a practical education in the public schools of the town, he thereafter entered the employ of the American Thread Company, at Glasgo, in the town of Griswold. Here he remained for a period of fifteen years, working in the different departments, and for several years holding the posi- tion of shipping and receiving clerk.
But Mr. Hall was all this time looking forward to independence, and when opportunity offered, in 1915, he branched out for himself. On February Io, of that year, he purchased the grocery store of Alfred McDon- ald, in Mystic, Connecticut, and since that time has carried on the business with ever increasing success. Mr. Hall commands an excellent class of trade, and is counted among the leaders in his line of business.
Although his time is largely absorbed by the exacting nature of his business, Mr. Hall is a man of broad interests, and keeps in touch with the progress of events, local, state and national, and is a staunch sup- porter of the Republican party. Fraternally he is a member of Mount Vernon Lodge, No. 75, Free and Accepted Masons, of Jewett City.
On April 17, 1912, Mr. Hall married Ethel M. Whit- man, of Willimantic. She is the daughter of James M. and Elizabeth E. (Loomis) Whitman, of that city. Mr. and Mrs. Hall are members of the Baptist church.
THOMAS TRASK WETMORE, JR., was born in New London, Connecticut, May 5, 1896, and there was educated in the public schools, leaving Bulkeley High School in his junior year. He was in the employ of the Ship and Engine Company until October 30, 1917, when he enlisted in the United States navy for the period of the war between the United States and Germany. He served until honorably discharged, then returned to New London, where he was engaged with the local telephone company until October 1, 1919, when, under the firm name, Wetmore & Beran, he established a real estate and insurance business, now the most important of its kind in the city. This partnership was dissolved in February, 1921, and Mr. Wetmore continues the business alone. Mr. Wetmore is a young man of energy and ability and is succeeding in his business.
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Mr. Wetmore is a son of Thomas Trask Wetmore, Sr .. born in New London county, now a retired business man, but deeply interested in the subject of antique furni- ture. His wife, Margaret Ellen (Kaneen) Wetmore, born in New London, died May 10, 1900, leaving a son, Thomas Trask, Jr., of previous mention, and a daughter, Portia Louise, who married Captain Wales A. Benham.
WILLIAM M. JONES-From the time of his entering into the business world, Mr. Jones has been identified with jewelry enterprises, and since 1913 has been established in this particular line in New London, Connecticut.
William M. Jones was born in Springfield, Massa- chusetts, August 17, 1861, the son of Edwin and Jane (Treverton) Jones. Edwin Jones was a native of Birmingham, England. After obtaining his education he learned the jeweler's trade, and subsequently came to the United States, locating in New York City, where he established himself in the jeweler's business. He died there in 1886. The boy, William M., was edu- cated in the public schools of Jeresy City, New Jersey, after which he went to New York City and served an apprenticeship to the jeweler's business, having, in the meantime, decided to follow in the footsteps of his father. After learning the trade he returned to Jersey City and there established himself in business, remaining here until 1913, when he moved to New London, Con- necticut, to his present location, No. 235 State street. Mr. Jones has risen to a place of prominence in busi- ness circles and is held in the highest esteem by all who know him.
In politics Mr. Jones is an independent voter, pre- ferring to exercise his own judgment on all public questions and issues rather than identify himself with any formal political party. He affiliates with Bergen Lodge, No. 47, Free and Accepted Masons, of Jersey City, and is a member of the Masonic Club of New London. In religion he is a Methodist.
Mr. Jones married (first), in 1883, Ida Gorry, of Jersey City ; she died in 1903. Mr. Jones married (sec- ond), in 1906, Mary Matthews, of Monmouth county, New Jersey.
J. WARREN GAY-The electrical contracting firm, the J. Warren Gay Company, was founded in New London, Connecticut, in 1901, by J. Warren Gay, who came to that city from Lynn, Massachusetts, although born in the State of Maine, son of Thomas J. Gay, son of Peter (3) Gay, son of David Gay, who was born January 24, 1743. Thomas J. Gay was a custom shoe- maker, but for a number of years previous to his death was station master of Lynn, Massachusetts. He mar- ried Harriet E. Hussey, who died in New London, Connecticut. They were the parents of seven children, of whom J. Warren Gay, the principal character in this review, was the second.
J. Warren Gay was born in Augusta, Maine, May 10, 1858, but in his youth Lynn, Massachusetts, became the family home and there he completed public school study. In 1878, Mr. Gay began his work along elec-
trical lines, and for six years was employed in Lynn, becoming well-informed and skilled in the application of electricity to house and mechanical purposes. In 1884 he located in New London, Connecticut, where for seventeen years he was in the employ of W. R. Perry, hardware and electrical supplies. In 1901 he organized the J. Warren Gay Company of New London, elec- trical contractors, first as a partnership, but later as a corporation, with F. A. Starr, president; J. L. Rush, secretary, and J. Warren Gay, treasurer. The com- pany contracts for all forms of electric installation for home, mill, factory, store or vessel, and deals in all forms of electrical equipment or supplies. The business has developed into one of large proportions, one of the largest of its kind in New London county.
Mr. Gay is a member of Brainard Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons ; Union Chapter, Royal Arch Masons ; Courtney Council, Royal and Select Masters; Palestine Commandery, Knights Templar, all of New London, and holds the thirty-second degree of the Ancient Ac- cepted Scottish Rite; affiliates with 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, all of Norwich, Connecticut. He is also a noble of Pyramid Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of Bridgeport, Connec- ticut. He belongs to the New London Chamber of Commerce, attends the Methodist Episcopal church, and in politics is a Republican.
On January 1, 1885, Mr. Gay married Elizabeth A. Smith, of Lynn, Massachusetts.
WILLIAM STARK STARR, one of the leading druggists of the city of New London, Connecticut, has for the past thirty-five years been identified with this branch of mercantile endeavor. Mr. Starr is a son of George Edgar and Sarah (Mallory) Starr. George E. Starr was born in Middletown, Connecticut, and there educated in the public schools. Coming to New Lon- don as a young man, he became interested in the print- ing business, which he followed actively in this city for more than fifty years. He became a man of prominence in this city, and a leader in the Democratic party. He was elected mayor of New London and served ably for one term. Later, he was representative to the Con- necticut State Legislature. He died in New London. His wife, who was born in New London, also died here. They were the parents of six children, of whom two are now living : William S., whose name heads this review; and Carrie Mallory, the wife of Col. Charles D. Parkhurst, formerly of Providence, Rhode Island, now of New London, Connecticut.
William Stark Starr was born in New London, Con- necticut, September 16, 1861. Receiving his early edu- cation in the public schools of the city, he attended Bulkeley High School, then later entered the New York College of Pharmacy, from which he was gradu- ated in 1886. Shortly after his graduation, in associa- tion with his brother, Charles S. Starr, Mr. Starr pur- chased the retail drug business theretofore conducted
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by Henry H. Stoddard, and has continued the business since. Some years ago it was incorporated, Mr. Starr being made treasurer. His brother, Charles S. Starr, died October 27, 1916. This store handles the celebrated Rexall goods, and in all its various departments is doing an extensive and prosperous business.
Mr. Starr is a member of the New London Chamber of Commerce, and has long been prominent in civic matters. Politically, he is an Independent, and has served as councilman for many years. He is a member of Brainard Lodge, No. 102, Free and Accepted Ma- sons; and is a member of the First Congregational Church.
On September 27, 1893, Mr. Starr married Marion Griswold Vail, daughter of Charles and Ann E. (Gris- wold) Vail, of Long Island. Their two sons are Rich- ard Mallory and Roland Griswold.
WALDO EMERSON CLARKE-Prominent in the public works about New London, Connecticut, and now permanently located in charge of one of the most important engineering achievements of recent years in this county, Waldo Emerson Clarke is a figure of in- terest to everyone to whom the local records are interesting.
Mr. Clarke is a son of Daniel Wright and Catherine (De Ballard) Clarke. Daniel W. Clarke was born in Westerly, Rhode Island, and there received a practical education. He was a traveling salesman during all his active career, and has resided in many interesting places. He now lives in West Haven, Connecticut.
Waldo Emerson Clarke was born in Ashaway, Rhode Island, on April 17, 1882. Receiving his early education in the public schools of different towns to which his father's business brought the family, he received his high school education in Newark, New Jersey, being graduated in the class of 1902. Having had the ad- vantage of broad opportunities of observation, the young man had by this time a settled purpose in life. Big construction work appealed to him with the greatest force, and his parents seconded his desire to enter this field of endeavor. Accordingly, he entered the New York University, from which he was graduated in 1906, with the two degrees of Civil Engineer and Bachelor of Science. He entered the employ of the New York State Department as civil engineer for the New York water supply. Later, in 1908, he came to New London as city engineer in the highway depart- ment, but eventually remained for only a short period. An attractive offer from the United Fruit Company, promising a wealth of valuable experience, was ac- cepted, and carried him to the Panama Canal Zone. Four years later, on November 6, 1912, Mr. Clarke became chief engineer at the State pier, then under construction, and had full charge of the work in progress until its completion, on April 15, 1917. On this date Mr. Clarke was appointed superintendent of the State pier, and still ably fills that responsible posi- tion.
In various avennes of interest Mr. Clarke takes an active part. Politically, he supports the Republican
party. He is a member of the New London Chamber of Commerce, and influential in the deliberations of that body. Fraternally, he is widely connected. He is a member of Brainard Lodge, No. 102, Free and Ac- cepted Masons; Union Chapter, No. 7, Royal Arch Ma- sons; Cushing Council, Royal and Select Masters; and Palestine Commandery, Knights Templar, all of New London. He is a member of Pequot Lodge, Indepen- dent Order of Odd Fellows, and is also a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Lodge No. 360, of New London. He is popular in club circles, and is a member of the Harbour Club, the Thames Club, the Rotary Club, and the Masonic Club, all of New London.
On December 25, 1911, Mr. Clarke married Daisy L. Klinck, daughter of Charles H. Klinck, of New London, and they have two children: Alma D. and Waldo K. The family are members of St. James' Episcopal Church.
EDWARD T. CORCORAN-Holding a respon- sible position in the public service, Edward T. Cor- coran, of New London, is well known in this city as progressive man. Mr. Corcoran is a son of Edmond and Ellen (Flaherty) Corcoran, natives of Ircland. The elder Mr. Corcoran was educated in the national schools of Ireland, and while still a young man, came to the United States, locating in New London. Here he worked as a mason, fol- lowing that trade all his life. He died in New London, in 1915, and his wife died July 28, 1921. They were the parents of eight children, of whom four are now living: Hanna, wife of Peter Echen- felder, of New London; Nellie, wife of Lawrence A. Cook, of New London; Edward T., whose name heads this review; and Joseph, also a resident of# New London, who married Catherine Fleming.
Edward T. Corcoran was born in New London, Connecticut, April 25, 1883. Receiving liis carly education in the public schools of this city, he entered Bulkeley High School, and was graduated from that institution in the class of 1901. He then entered the New London post office, in the capacity of clerk, and later became assistant postmaster. This position he has since held continuously, and still ably fulfills its duties.
By political affiliation Mr. Corcoran is a Demo- crat. He is a member of New London Lodge, No. 360, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; is member of St. John's Literary Association, a Rotary Club and of the Nameaug Boat Club, all of this city. His religious faith is that of the Roman Catholic, and he is a member of St. Mary's Church.
A. GRAHAM CREIGHTON - With excellent preparation for his profession, and broad experience in it, A. Graham Creighton, of New London, Con- necticut, is placing the stamp of his individuality on the construction work of this vicinity as suc- cessor to James Sweeney, the long prominent archi- tect, now deceased.
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BIOGRAPHICAL
Mr. Creighton is a son of T. Grassie and Avis Creighton, of Halifax, Nova Scotia, and is the youngest of their five children. He was born in Halifax, on February 18, 1886, and received his early education in the public schols of that city. Following his graduation from the Halifax Acad- emy, in 1903, Mr. Creighton entered the University of Toronto, Canada, in the Department of Archi- tecture, and was graduated from this institution in 1906. Going to Saskatchewan, Mr. Creighton there opened an office, and was identified with much of the development of that region during the next twelve years, his headquarters being at Prince Al- bert. Disposing of his interests there in 1918, he returned to Halifax, where he practiced his pro- fession for a period of two years. Then, in 1920, he came to New London, and purchased the busi- ness of James Sweeney, then recently deceased. Mr. Sweeney established his office here in 1888, and was long a leader in the profession. In taking up his work Mr. Creighton has proved himself able and efficient, the possessor at once of high ideals in his art and practical ideas of its application. He has already won his way to a secure footing.
On December 20, 1911, Mr. Creighton married Jean Mackinnon, of Ottawa, Canada, and they have three children: Allan G., Margaret, and Jane.
JAMES R. COLEMAN-A skilled mechanic, Mr. Coleman found in Groton, Connecticut, a field for his energy and ability when his term of service with the American Army in the World War was completed. He is a contractor of mason work, and his capable wife has conducted a meat market in the village of Groton since 1917, a business she bought prior to her marriage.
James R. Coleman, son of George M. and Laura (Smart) Coleman, was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, June 9, 1889. His father was also of Westmoreland county birth, a contractor all his adult life. Mr. and Mrs. George M. Coleman were the parents of four children: James R .; Gene E., who was in France for nineteen months with the American Expeditionary Forces, sergeant of the Twentieth Regiment of Engineers, First Division of the First Army; Catherine L .; Mary M.
After completing public school study, James R. Coleman was taught the mason's trade in all its branches, his apprenticeship being served under the direction of his capable father. He worked as a journeyman mason in various places until the United States declared war upon Germany, in 1917, and then he enlisted in Toledo, Ohio, in the United States Marine Corps, Third Ohio Replacement Bat- talion. He continued in the service until the war was ended, and he was honorably discharged at the Submarine Base in New London, April 15, 1919, ranking as sergeant. After leaving the service he settled in Groton, New London county, Connec- ticut, where he has ever since been engaged as a contractor of mason work.
Mr. Coleman is a Democrat in politics, member of Wilkinsburg Lodge, No. 315, Benevolent and
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