USA > Connecticut > New London County > A modern history of New London County, Connecticut, Volume III > Part 12
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Mr. Edgcomb married (first), in 1898, Nellie Whiting, a native of Mystic, Connecticut; she died in Groton, in 1003. To them was born one child, Viola, who mar- ried Elias Chapman. Mr. Edgcomb married (second), Helen J. Allen, of Groton ; she died in 1909, and to them was born one child, Allen A., who was a student at Brown University, and who died June 19, 1921. He married (third) Mathilda Denison, of Groton, in 1912. There is no issue.
FRANCIS ARCHIE LAMBERT, owner and manager of The Sanitary Laundry, Old Mystic, Con- necticut, is reckoned among the younger generation of successful business men of this community, for although having been established in business but a comparatively short time he has already attained success which might
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well be the envy of a much older man.
Augustus Lambert, father of Francis Archie Lam- bert, was born in Marcelle, Province of Quebec, Can- ada. At the age of nine years he came to this country with his parents, and located in Slatersville, Rhode Island, where he completed his education. He then secured employment in a woolen mill in Slatersville, where he learned the trade of spinning, and subsquently became overseer of spinning in the woolen mill. In 1903 he retired from active business life, and now lives retired at Old Mystic, Connecticut. Mr. Lambert married Rose Marcelle, a native of Stafford, Connecticut, and to them have been born two children: Francis Archie, of further mention; Raymond H., who was born July 16, 1902.
Francis Archie Lambert was born in Stafford, Con- necticut, July 19, 1892. He obtained his education in the public schools of Mystic, Connecticut, where his parents removed when he was very young. After com- pleting his studies he served an apprenticeship to the machinist's trade with J. W. Lathrop Company, of Mystic, Connecticut. In 1917 his ambition having di- rected him to private enterprise, he organized The Sani- tary Laundry in Old Mystic, and still continues in this with consistently increasing success. He attributes his progress in his occupation to the strict attention which he has always given his business and all its numerous details. In the civic affairs of his community and State he holds an intense interest, and is accounted a stead- fast member of the Democratic party. In his religious views he is a Roman Catholic, member of St. Patrick's Church, of Mystic.
CAPTAIN CHARLES HERBERT WOLFE- Inheriting from his father a love of the sea, and being brought up from his boyhood to follow it for a liveli- hood. Charles Herbert Wolfe has sailed all over the world, rounding Cape Horn eight different times, sail- ing on every ocean known to navigators, and visiting all the leading ports of entry in every country open to commerce.
The father of Charles Herbert Wolfe, Captain Thomas E. Wolfe, was born in Mystic, Connecticut, and after attending the district school there for a time, began to sail the high seas, continuing it until the out -. break of the Civil War. At that time his ship was put into the transport service by the Federal Government, carrying supplies from New York City to New Orleans, Louisiana, he being captain of the vessel. On one of these trips his ship was captured by the Confederate navy, when only a few miles out from New Orleans, and was burned, Captain Wolfe being taken prisoner and later was sent to Libby Prison. After remaining for nearly two years in that dreadful prison, he and five companions made their escape from it; they were Albert D. Richardson, a correspondent of the New York "Tribune"; Junis H. Brown, who was a New York "Herald" newspaper man, and three others. After the war was brought to a close, Captain Wolfe went to Galveston, Texas, and became a State pilot, stationed in Galveston. In 1876, while acting in that capacity on a Mallory Line Steamship, of New York, in Galveston
harbor, the ship caught fire and all on board lost their lives. Thomas E. Wolfe married Frances J. Sawyer, who was horn in Mason Island, Mystic. Captain and Mrs. Wolfe had six children, as follows: George, who died in infancy; Eugene, who also died in infancy; Charles Herbert, of whom further; Thomas W., who married Mary Fish, and his death occurred in Mystic; T. Emma, the wife of Morris Wells, a resident of Groton, Connecticut ; Henry M., who died in infancy.
Charles Herbert Wolfe was born in Mystic, Connec- ticut, March 19, 1857. He attended the village school for a few years, but when twelve years of age left school to become one of the crew on a fishing smack, "The Gold Hunter," remaining as such for two years. When fourteen years old he became ship's boy on the ship "Bridgewater," of which Charles Sisson was cap -. tain. Young Wolfe then made his first trip around Cape Horn on a voyage to California, it requiring in those days six months to make the journey. After this trip, Mr. Wolfe hecame third mate on the vessel "Jere- miah Thompson," and while on this ship in 1877 had the unpleasant experience of being struck by a tidal wave caused by an earthquake, while at anchor off the coast of Peru, South America. In 1878 Charles Herbert Wolfe became first mate on the "George Moon," the last of the square-rigged ships to be built at Mystic. For ten years he continued on this vessel, the last three years being captain of it. From 1888 until 1893, Cap- tain Wolfe filled the office of first mate on one of the Mallory Steamship Line vessels of New York. Captain Wolfe has never taken an active part in politics, though he is in political faith a Republican. He is a member of Charity and Relief Lodge, No. 72, of Mystic, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. He is also an attendant of the Baptist church and one of its supporters.
Charles Herbert Wolfe married in Mystic, April 30, 1883, Bessie Heath, daughter of Reuben and Sarah (Benjamin) Heath, of Mystic. Mrs. Wolfe is an active worker and member in the Baptist church, having been superintendent of the Primary Sunday school for the past twenty-five years.
STEPHEN ARTHUR BOYLEN, a native of the Bay State, as were his parents before him, is both by birth and inheritance a son of rugged New England. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, April 3, 1882, he is the son of Alfred F. Boylen, born in Boston, where he was educated in the public schools, and where he learned the trade of a tailor, a business which he followed all his life until a short time ago when he retired from active participation in work and is living quietly in Melrose, Massachusetts. His wife was, before her mar- riage, Sarah Wigglesworth, born in Newburyport, Mass- achusetts. Of this union seven children were born, of whom the second is Stephen Arthur Boylen.
Becoming a pupil in the grammar school in Malden, Massachusetts, Stephen A. Boylen acquired a good edu- cation there and in the high school of Malden. After leaving school, he became an apprentice in the jewelry shop of W. A. Smith, of Melrose, with whom he re- mained for four years, from 1900 to 1904, and he then found employment in various jewelry plants in the fol-
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lowing seven years, a part of the time being engaged in the extensive works of the Waltham Watch Company, Waltham, Massachusetts. There he gained an unusually thorough training in the manufacture and repair of a watch, becoming an expert in that line. In 1911 Mr. Boylen decided to go into business for himself. Hc removed to Mystic, Connecticut, and bought out the establishment of Mitchell & Son, where he carried on a very successful business in that line, still continuing it up to date. While Mr. Boylen is a member of the Republican party, he is not greatly interested in politica! work and has never held any public office. In religion he is a member of the Protestant Episcopal church.
At Waltham, Massachusetts, September 22, 1908, Ste- phen Arthur Boylen was united in marriage with Flo- rence Stark, a native of that city. She is the daughter of Frank and Frances (Figg) Stark, residents of Wal- tham. Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Arthur Boylen make their home in Groton township, Connecticut.
JAMES FOLEY-One of the active forces in the growth and development of the town of Mystic, Con- necticut, is found in the real estate field. Here James Foley, of this town, is a significant factor, and for the past few years has been identified with many of the real estate transactions which have meant progress in the right direction. Mr. Foley is a son of James and Annie (McMahon) Foley.
James Foley was born at Rosscommon, Ireland, and received his education in the National schools of that country. About 1855, or when the young man was eighteen years of age, he came to the United States, locating in Mystic, Connecticut. He quickly found em- ployment in the woolen mills, and throughout his life- time followed this line of work. He died in Mystic in 1888, his wife surviving him for twenty-two years there- after. They were the parents of eight children, of whom five are now living : Charles H., well-known in- surance agent of Mystic, married Mary E. Smith : James, whose name heads this review; Margaret, resid- ing at home; George Henry, a sketch of whose life follows; and Mary, who also resides at home.
James Foley was born in Mystic, Connecticut, March 8, 1872. Receiving a thoroughly practical education in the public schools of the town, he entered the business world in 1890, in the employ of Captain J. H. Hoxie, then a prominent real estate dealer of Mystic. This association continued until 1916, the young man gaining a wide and useful experience, and also becoming a power in this field. In that year he severed his connection with the Hoxie office, and went into the real estate business for himself. He also branched out into the insurance field, and has developed an important busi- ness along that line. He now stands among the leading business men of Mystic, and is held in the highest esteem by his contemporaries. Politically Mr. Foley affiliates with the Democratic party. He resides at the family home in Mystic, and is a member of St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church.
GEORGE HENRY FOLLY -- Of all the public responsibilities incident to community life and progress, that of postmaster is, perliaps, the most exacting, and in Mystic, New London county, Connecticut, George Henry Foley is filling this office with marked ability. He is a son of James and Annie (McMahon) Foley (q. v.).
George Henry Foley was born in Mystic, Connecticut, February 29, 1876. Receiving a practical education in the public schools of the town, he entered the world of industry in the employ of the Rossie Velvet Mills, where he remained for sixteen years, working in the weaving department. In the course of his long residence in the town of his birth, he became well and favorably known among his townspeople, and in 1915 was ap- pointed postmaster of the town of Mystic, which posi- tion he still fills with marked ability. By political affilia- tion Mr. Foley is a Democrat, and he is interested in every phase of the public welfare. He is a member, and holds the office of trustee, of the Father Murphy Coun- cil, Knights of Columbus, Mystic. In 1895 he became an active member of the B. F. Hoxie Engine Company (Fire Company), was made foreman in 1902, being the youngest foreman in the history of the company, served as foreman for two years. He was made an honorary life member in 1914.
On June 26, 1907, Mr. Foley married Mary L. Kinion, of Valley Falls, Rhode Island, daughter of Patrick F. and Catherine (Finnegan) Kinion. Patrick F. Kinion was born in Valley Falls, Rhode Island, and his wife was born in Mystic, Connecticut. They were the parents of six children, Mary L., being the first child. For many years Mr. Kinion was town clerk of the town of Cumberland, Rhode Island. Mr. and Mrs. Foley are the parents of two children : George Henry, Jr., born in Mystic, July 6, 1908; and Helen, born in Mystic, June 10, 1912. The family are inembers of the Roman Catholic church.
ELMER EDWIN MILLER, a successful farmer of the town of Griswold, Connecticut, is well-known and influential, holding the regard of all men who value integrity and uprightness. He is a son of Oliver S. and Sarah A. (Eccleston) Miller, his father born in Clinton, Connecticut, his mother in North Stonington, both now deceased.
Oliver S. Miller grew up at the home farm in Clin- ton, which was then a fishing village of some note. Tiring of farm life, he went to sea for a time, but did not long continue a sailor, life on the farm proving to him the more attractive. He returned home, and until 1855 was his father's farm assistant. In that year he bought a farm in the Ashwillett district of the town of North Stonington, and there spent the remainder of his life. His farm was heavily timbered, and this he worked into lumber and ship timber, owning his own saw mill and marketing his product with the ship builders of Noank. As his own timber was cut, he bought other tracts, including the William Bailey and the Dawley farms, both in the Ashwillett district. He prospered in
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both his farm and lumber activities, and continued in business until his death from a shock, June 6, 1912. His wife, Sarah A. (Eccleston) Miller, survived him for two years, dying at the home of her daughter, Mrs. William Kilroy, in Bozralı, Connecticut, in 1914. They were the parents of twelve children, all of whom were born in North Stonington, except the two eldest, who were born in Clinton, Connecticut : Avery E., deceased ; Sarah Almira, married Herbert Stark, whom she survives; Susan, married Daniel Ferguson, who now owns the Oliver S. Miller farm in North Stonington; Everett Oliver, a farmer of Norwich, Connecticut ; Lillian, de- ceased wife of William Hull, of Old Mystic; John, who was drowned when a lad of twelve; Stella, wife of Joseph Wheeler, a farmer of Stonington; Effie, second wife of William Hull, of Old Mystic; Minnic, wife of William Kilroy, of Bozrah; Rose Belle, wife of Warren W. Bentley, of Bozrah ; Lydia, died at the age of twenty- two years; Elmer Edwin, of further mention.
Elmer Edwin Miller, twelfth child and youngest son of Oliver Smith and Sarah A. (Eccleston) Miller, was born at the home farm in North Stonington, New Lon- don county, Connecticut, April 24, 1873, and obtained his education in the public schools in his district. He remained at home, his father's assistant in his farming and lumbering operations, until 1897, when he moved to a leased farm in North Stonington, where with his wife he spent two years. In 1899 he moved to another leased farm near Glasgow, town of Griswold, and there remained until 1903, when he rented the Albert Ayer farm in Preston, Connecticut. He continued a tenant on that farm until 1908, when he bought the property which became famous as Sunny Hillside Farm. That farm of two hundred and sixty-two acres he cultivated and owned until the last year, 1921, when he sold it and bought the John Hawkins farm of two hundred acres in the town of Griswold, where he is now residing. He devotes his acres to general and dairy farming, is a successful breeder of light harness horses, and since 1914 has had at the head of his stud the stallion, "Peter Agan," 2-131/4, the sire of several fast trotters. Mr. Miller is a well-known county fair exhibitor, his track and draft horses winning many "blue ribbons," prizes and purses. He is a man of high standing in his com- munity, and one of the prosperous and substantial men of the town. In politics Mr. Miller is a Republican, and is at present tax assessor. In religious faith he is a Congregationalist. He is a member of Preston City Grange; New London county Pomona, and the Con- necticut State Grange, Patrons of Husbandry.
Mr. Miller married, in North Stonington, January I, 1895, Sarah Edith Main, born in North Stonington, daughter of Lester and Thankful (Eccleston) Main. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are the parents of three children : I. Everett Avery, born in North Stonington, Connec- ticut, July 23, 1897, now engaged in the garage business itt Jewett City; he enlisted in the Coast Artillery, Con- necticut National Guard, March 16, 1917, his command being reorganized as Battery D, 56th Regiment, United States Artillery, assigned to the 26th (Yankee) Divi- sion, and was engaged in the fierce fighting of the Meuse-Argonne drive and other battles with the Ger-
mans in France. 2. Ruth Ethel, twin with Everett A., is a teacher, now connected with the Preston public schools. 3. Herbert Lester, born in Preston, Con- necticut, May 24, 1906.
SEYMOUR AARON STODDARD-Holding a responsible executive position in Mystic, New London county, Connecticut, Seymour Aaron Stoddard is in one of the constructive branches of business endeavor. He is a son of Ichabod and Eliza (Rogers) Stoddard.
Ichabod Stoddard was born in Montville, and received a practical education in the public schools of that town. He became a carpenter and contractor, following this class of work during all of his active life, then retired, spending his last years in the city of New London, where he died in 1920. His wife, who was born in Mont- ville also, still resides in New London. They were the parents of two children : Myra, who became the wife of Charles Appley, of New London; and Seymour A.
Seymour A. Stoddard was born in Montville, Con- necticut, October 15, 1883. Receiving a thoroughly practical education in the public schools of the city of Norwich, he later learned the carpenter's trade with his father, and followed this trade for a period of ten years. Then in the year 1915 he went to Mystic, Con- necticut, where he took charge of the hardware depart- ment of the Cottrell Lumber Company, of that city. He found his experience along construction lines valuable here, and he was by nature fitted for an executive posi- tion. Thus, as time passed, he became a force for progress in the business, and upon the death of the president of this company, Mr. Charles C. Dodge, in 1919, Mr. Stoddard became the manager of the com- pany, in which capacity he is now engaged. In the various interests of public and fraternal life, Mr. Stod- dard is well known. He supports the principles and policies of the Republican party, although he consist- ently declines political preferment. He is a member of the Stonington Lodge, No. 26, of Mystic, Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
On April 11, 1912, Mr. Stoddard married Artis Z. Lamb, of Mystic, daughter of Herbert and Louise (Allen) Lamb, of Mystic. They have one daughter, Emily Louise, born in Mystic, June 4, 1920. The fam- ily are members of the Baptist church, and are active in the benevolent and social organizations of the church.
WILLIAM FRANKLIN BITGOOD, wagon manufacturer of Pachang village, was born in Volun- town, Connecticut, March 10, 1877, the son of William H. and Abby (Lewis) Bitgood. William H. Bitgood was also a native of Voluntown, and there in the district schools obtained his meagre education. After termi- nating his studies he engaged in farming and continued in this occupation on the old homestead throughout his entire lifetime.
William F. Bitgood attended school until he was eighteen years of age, when he became a woodsman and worked for his uncle, Andrew Jackson Bitgood, for three years, after which he returned to his home and worked on the farm with his father. Still later he apprenticed himself to the carpenter's trade and then
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removed to Hopeville, Rhode Island, where he engaged in the same business for seven years. In 1911 he came to Pachaug, where he established himself as a wagon manufacturer and blacksmith and has continued thus engaged ever since that time. Mr. Bitgood has always interested himself in everything which pertained to civic welfare, and in politics is a staunch Democrat, taking a keen and active interest in the affairs of the local organ- ization. In religion lie is a Congregationalist and attends the church of this denomination in Pachaug.
On June 27, 1896, William Franklin Bitgood was united in marriage with Susan James, the daughter of Ezekiel and Mary E. (Barber) James, both natives of Voluntown. To Mr. and Mrs. Bitgood have been born four children : 1. Harold W., enlisted in August, 1918, in United States army, sent to Camp Greenleaf, Georgia, assigned to the 102nd Sanitary Train to France in No- vember, 1918, and discharged at Camp Upton, Long Island, July 24, 1919; is now associated in business with his father. 2. Herman J. 3. Irving E., deceased. 4. Robert E.
JOHN WILLIAM BIRCHALL-When Mr. Birchall was transferred to Colchester, Connecticut, as manager of the Atlantic & Pacific Corporation's local store he became a resident of the town. This was in March, 1920, and since then Mr. Birchall has identified himself with everything pertaining to civic advancement in Colchester.
John William Birchall was born in Stonington, Con- necticut, March 29, 1887, the son of William and Mary (Teevan) Birchall. William Birchall was a native of Manchester, England, and died May 28, 1916, at Ston- ington, where he had resided since 1884. He was an iron moulder by trade. His wife still resides in Ston- ington. Eight children were born of this union, John W. Birchall being the second child.
John W. Birchall attended the public schools of New London, Connecticut, and after completing his educa- tion at the Bulkeley High School, secured a position as clerk with the Trumbull Grocery Company at Ston- ington, Connecticut. He remained with this concern for seven years and then resigned to become manager of the New London branch of the Atlantic & Pacific Corporation. Five years later he was transferred to his present position, in which he has continued up to the present time. Active in his business relations and with a ready courtesy for all, he is a man who is a conspicuous figure in the business circles of Colchester. Mr. Birchall is independent in politics, not having iden- tified himself with any particular party, preferring to remain free from all partisan influences in the exercise of his own judgment on public issues. He affiliates with the Knights of Columbus, and in religion is a Roman Catholic.
On June 5, 1912, John William Birchall was united in marriage with Anne Irene Barrett, a native of Queens- town, Rhode Island. To Mr. and Mrs. Birchall have been born five children: John Teevan, born May 15, 1913; Mary, born January 1, 1915, deceased; Josepli, born October 1, 1916; William Francis, born July 5, 1918; and Edward, deceased.
FREDERICK JACKSON APPLEY-In North Stonington, Connecticut, one of the most progressive and up-to-date farmers of New London county is Fred- erick Jackson Appley, a son of Andrew Jackson and Mary Elizabeth (Armstrong) Appley.
Andrew Jackson Appley was born in Chaplin, Wind- ham county, Connecticut, in the year 1834. He was a farmer in that village, and continued active along this line until the Civil War, when he enlisted in the 18th Regiment, Connecticut Volunteer Infantry, and served all through the period of the war. Returning to his birthplace at the end of the war, he married, and in 1869 he and his wife and infant son, Frederick J., went West, locating in Lee Summit, Lee county, Illinois, then a frontier settlement of the West. It was here that the other three of their four children were born. A few years later the father suffered a sun-stroke, from the effects of which he never fully recovered. He died there on July 3, 1876. Three years later, in 1879, the widowed mother returned East, with two of her remain- ing children, one having been lost by an accidental death. She went to Summit, Rhode Island, where she purchased a farm. Later she married Warren W. Moone, another veteran of the Civil War, who died April 6, 1915. In 1900 the family removed to North Stonington, Connecticut, and there bought a farm. Later they sold this farm, and bought the present Appley farm, in 1906, where the two brothers, Frederick J. and George H., now conduct a large wholesale and retail dairy business. Mrs. Moone died February 10, 1921. The children of Andrew Jackson and Mary Elizabeth (Armstrong) Appley are: Frederick Jackson, of whom extended mention follows : George Henry, who was born in Lee Center, Lee county, Illinois, married Cora Maine, of North Stonington, and is now associated with his brother on the farm; Bertie, who was born October 13, 1872, in Lee county, Illinois, and was accidentally drowned at the age of two years and a half ; and Lillian May, who was born in Lee county, Illinois, January 10, 1875, became the wife of Frank Standley, of Stoning- ton, Connecticut, March 5, 1907, and has two children, Clayton F., born September 5, 1910, and Marian Eliza- beth, born September 3, 1915.
Frederick Jackson Appley was born in Chaplin, Wind- ham county, Connecticut, April 15, 1868. Removing with his parents to Illinois, while still a little child, his edu- cation was gained in the schools of Lee county, that State. The boy, being eleven years of age when his mother returned East after his father's death, was permitted his own choice, which kept him in the West, with an uncle in Lee county, first in the town of Lee Center, then later in Franklin Grove, in the same county. When the lad was seventeen years of age, his uncle was killed on a hay wagon, and the boy was left to shift for himself. Remaining in Illinois until he was eighteen years of age, he came East and joined his mother in Rhode Island. But the lure of the West was strong, and he soon returned to the State and county where his boyhood had been spent. There he remained until 1895, when he came East permanently. Joining the family in Summit, Rhode Island, he remained with them, and upon their removal to North Stonington,
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