USA > Connecticut > New London County > A modern history of New London County, Connecticut, Volume III > Part 14
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 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78
LEONARD EUGENE BILL-Prominent in many activities in Clarks Falls, Connecticut, but best known as a specialist in fine poultry, Leonard Eugene Bill is one of the largest and most successful producers along this line in Eastern Connecticut.
Elisha Bill, grandfather of Leonard E. Bill, was a leading man and extensive farmer in Griswold, Con- necticut, in the very early years of the nineteenth cen- tury. He married Olivet Geer, also of a prominent family of that day in New London county.
James Leonard Bill, their son, and father of Leonard E Bill, was born in Griswold, Connecticut, August 16, 1821. He was educated in the district schools near Pachaug village, then upon completing his studies went to Griswold and learned the trade of blacksmith. Later on he went to the ship yards in Mystic, Connecticut, and Westerly, Rhode Island, where for some years he was iron worker. Later still he returned to wagon work and a general line of blacksmithing, and removed to Canterbury, Connecticut, where he followed his trade. At length his health failed, and thus he was obliged to forego heavy work of this nature. He took up farm- ing, and conducted farming operations in various Con- nectieut towns, spending the last thirty years of his life with his son, Leonard E., in North Stonington. There he died July 18, 1913. He married (first) Lucy A. Maine, daughter of Russell Maine, March 12, 1843. She died January 29, 1845. He married (second) Juliette Chapman, daughter of Prentice Chapman, a member of one of the oldest Pendleton Hill families, August 22, 1848. She died December 23, 1857. He married (third) Addie H. Howland, June 23, 1861. They lived together for more than fifty years, and she now survives him, residing at the home of her step-son at Clark's Falls.
Leonard Engene Bill is a son of James Leonard and Juliette (Chapman) Bill, and was born in Canterbury, Windham county, Connecticut, August 7. 1852. His first school attendance was on Pendleton Hill, in North Stonington, as his mother had died in his childhood, and he was cared for by his grandparents. Later he went with his father to Chesterfield, Connecticut, and re- mained there for two years, then still later going to Old Lyme, Connecticut, and Hopkinton, Rhode Island, attending the various schools in these towns, completing his education in the Ashaway, Rhode Island, High School. He then entered the employ of E. P. Chapman, as clerk of the general store at Clarks Falls, and re- mained with Mr. Chapman for a period of nine years. Developing a good measure of practical business ability, he took up the life insurance business, and for the fol- lowing fifteen years was successfully engaged along this line in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Massachu- setts.
During this time Mr. Bill purchased the farm in the
town of North Stonington, at Clarks Falls, where he is now located. In 1902, when he was fifty years of age, he retired from all business interests, and coming to this farm permanently established the poultry busi- ness which is now one of the largest in this part of the State. He has been most successful, and while constantly working for utility has also some of the finest of show stock. His flock of laying hens regu- larly numbers over one thousand birds. Mr. Bill finds little time for outside interests, but is always alert to the questions of the day. Politically he holds an inde- pendent attitude, making his own decisions and sup- porting the best man in the field.
On October 25, 1873, Mr. Bill married Ruth Caroline Babcock, in North Stonington, daughter of Hoxie Perry and Elizabeth Perry (White) Babcock. Mrs. Bill's parents were born in North Stonington, and her father was a farmer and carpenter by trade. Mr. and Mrs. Bill are the parents of seven children, three of whom are now living: I. Herbert Perry, born in North Ston- ington, January 27, 1875; married Dora Annabelle Brown, of North Stonington, and has two children, Thelma Glendora and Hoxie Babcock, the family now living in Ashaway, Rhode Island. 2. Allison Maillard, born in North Stonington, August 30, 1878; now a resi- dent of Hampton, Virginia, and interested in the hotel and bakery business; married Alfreta Allison, of Yonkers, New York. 3. James Bard, born in North Stonington, April 12, 1888; married Harriet Elizabeth Congdon, also of this town, and is now conducting a farm here; their three children are: Perry Eugene, James Allison, and Edwin Chapman. One other daugh- ter, Grace Deista, who married John Main, of Ledyard, Connecticut, was born in North Stonington, November 3. 1876, and died December 2, 1902, leaving two children : Ruth Elizabeth and Troy Irving.
LEWIS B. BRAND, of the village of Versailles, Connecticut, one of the most delightful suburbs of Norwich, Connecticut, is a New London county man born and bred, and is a son of Lewis and Bridget (Shea) Brand, long residents of Bozrahville.
Mr. Brand's father was born in Bozrah, and educated in the district schools of that town. As a young man he entered the cotton mill which was located there, and worked up to the position of overseer of spinning. He continued along this line until past forty-five years of age, and is still a resident of the town of Bozrah. His wife, who was a native of Ireland, died in Bozrahville, in 1919. They were the parents of six children, of whom four are living.
Lewis B. Brand was born in Bozrahville, Connecticut, on October 22, 1869. He received a practical education in the district schools of the village, then, as a young man, worked in the cotton mill for a short time. This work, however, did not appeal to him for a permanent occupation, and when nineteen years of age he became clerk in the general store at Fitchville, in the town of Bozrah. This store he later bought, and conducted from 1912 to 1918, also being postmaster during the greater part of that time. For the next two years he had charge of a general store at Norwich town. In 1920
Charlie Hlerpr.
235
BIOGRAPHICAL
he bought the general store at Versailles, and is making a success of the venture. Well-known throughout this region, and naturally gifted with business ability, he is recognized as one of the leading men in this branch of mercantile activity.
Mr. Brand is interested in every line of public en- deavor, and politically throws his influence on the side of the Republican party. He is a member of White Cross Council, Knights of Columbus, and of Court City of Norwich, Foresters of America.
Mr. Brand married (first) Annie E. Irwin, of Col- chester, Connecticut, who died in 1907. They had three children, of whom two are living: Mary Gertrude, who, in 1921, attended Yale Summer School; and Annie Elizabeth, a student at Willimantic Normal School. He married (second), in 1912, Rose McManus. The family have always been members of the Roman Catholic church.
THOMAS ALPHONSE RIOUX-The success which comes through industry and thrift is that success which makes for the public prosperity as well as for individual gain. It is in such manner that Thomas Alphonse Rioux, the Jewett City, Connecticut, tailor, has placed himself among the most successful men in this progressive and prosperous New London county town.
Mr. Rioux is a native of Canada, and came to this country in 1883. He is a son of Francis and Elionas (Dumont) Rioux, both natives of the town of Trois Pistoles, in the Province of Quebec, Canada. Francis Rioux was an industrious farmer, and spent his entire life in agricultural pursuits in the town of his birth, and died there, in 1893. His wife also was born and died there, she surviving him for two years. They were the parents of nine children, of whom Thomas Alphonse was the seventh.
Thomas Alphonse Rioux was born in Trois Pistoles, Province of Quebec, Canada, on August 9, 1863. He received a thorough education in the parochial schools of the town, then served an apprenticeship as tailor. When he was twenty years of age lie came to the United States, locating in Boston. There he worked as a tailor, and from time to time worked ir. different places, going wherever good opportunities offered, and gaining a wealth of excellent experience. At length, in 1897, fourteen years after his first coming to Boston, Mr. Rioux settled permanently in Jewett City. He opened a men's tailoring shop, thereby establishing the only place of the kind in the town. The lack of com- petition, however, detracted not one whit from the progressive methods by which Mr. Rioux has conducted this business. He keeps in touch with the latest modes, and the work he turns out is of metropolitan style and workmanship. His shop would do credit to any large city, and the success which has attended his efforts is shown by the fact that he is located in the Rioux block, a structure which is an ornament to the town.
Mr. Rioux is prominent in the social and public life of the town. Politically, he is affiliated with the Re- publican party, and he is a member of the St. James Club, of Jewett City.
Mr. Rioux married Ellen Gagnon, of Jewett City, daughter of Francis and Mary (Peletier) Gagnon, natives of the Province of Quebec. Both families have always been members of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church.
CHARLES HOPE-After a varied business ex- perience in different lines of activity, Mr. Hope finally settled in the position which he has now filled for twelve years, 1909-1921, agent for the Central Vermont Railroad in Montville, Connecticut. He is of English parentage, his father, John Charles Hope, a native of Truro in Cornwall, England, and son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Anear) Hope. John Charles Hope came to the United States, settled in Montville, Connecticut, and there for half a century was employed in the woolen mills. He married Elizabeth Arundel Anear, who died in Montville, aged sixty-six; he in 1911, aged seventy- six. One of their sons, Frederick Joseph Hope, a merchant of Montville, married Helen May Skinner. Another son, Charles, is the principal character of this review.
Charles Hope was born in Montville, New London county, Connecticut, October 14, 1867. He there at- tended the public schools. He completed his studies at New London Business College, and while attending that institution began his business career as a bookkeeper in the C. M. Robertson Paper Mills in Montville. After leaving business college, he entered the office employ of the Central Vermont Railroad in New London, there remaining until entering the employ of C. D. Boss & Son, cracker manufacturers of New London, remaining with that company five years as foreman of the packing department of the factory, a department there employ- ing two hundred and twenty-five girls. For nine years after leaving the Boss Company, Mr. Hope was in the employ of the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, New London, resigning in 1909 to become station agent in Montville for the Central Vermont Railroad, carry- ing with it the agency for the American Railway Ex- press Company and other railroad allied businesses. In politics Mr. Hope is a Republican, and in religious pref- erences a Methodist. He is the third oldest member (in point of years of membership) of Oxoboxo Lodge, No. 116, Free and Accepted Masons, of Montville, a past master of that lodge, and for a quarter of a century past down to the present has been its secretary. He is also a companion of Franklin Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, of Norwich, Connecticut; a Cryptic Mason of Norwich Council, Royal and Select Masters; a Sir Knight of Columbian Commandery, Knights Templar, of Norwich; and a thirty-second degree Mason of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite. He is also a Noble of Sphinx Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of Hartford.
Mr. Hope married, in Norwich, Connecticut, Sep- tember 28, 1896, Charlotte Isabelle Bolles, born in Uncasville, Connecticut, daughter of Jared and Clarissa (Comstock) Bolles, her father, Jared Bolles, for many years a United States mail carricr. Both parents are now deceased. Mr. Hope is one of the progressive, public-spirited men of the village, a good business man,
236
NEW LONDON COUNTY
standing high in the regard of his company, and a good citizen, holding the confidence and esteem of his towns- men who have known him from his earliest days.
HENRY ALBERT ADAMS-One of the ener- getic men of New London county, serving the needs of the motoring public in the line of auto- mobile accessories, is Henry Albert Adams, of Baltic, in the town of Sprague, Connecticut.
Mr. Adams is of English parentage, the son of John and Elizabeth (Lawton) Adams. His father, who is now seventy-three years of age, was born in Devonshire, England. There were two sons, Mr. Adams' brother being John Nelson Adams. He married Dorothy Harrold, and resides in Hanover, Connecticut.
Henry Albert Adams was born in Hanover, Con- necticut, April 6, 1882. In the public schools of that town he received a thorough and practical training for the realitics of life, and after some years' activity in various industrial fields, came to Norwich, where he opened the present business. He established this business in 1916, and since that time has developed it and broadened its scope, until now, he not only carries on a profitable and pros- perous business, but handles everything required by the motorist in the way of accessories. His loca- tion outside the city, and on a thoroughfare which is the scene of constant traffic, places him in an ideal position for the convenience of his patrons; and his business ability, and the "quality first" rule of the store are carrying him rapidly forward on the road of success.
Mr. Adams finds little leisure, and his interests outside his business are few. Fraternally he is a member of the Masonic order Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, Mount Vernon Lodge, No. 75, Jewett City, Connecticut; Franklin Chapter, No. 4, Norwich, Connecticut, and in political affiliation he is connected with the Republican party.
He married Edith J. Smith, and they have one daughter, Elizabeth, born June 11, 1918. Mrs. Adams is a daughter of Lester and Imogene (Allen) Smith, of Canterbury, Connecticut.
GEORGE LINTON-For nearly a quarter of a century on the police force of the city of Norwich, Connecticut, George Linton is now chief of the very efficient organization which makes Norwich one of the most desirable residential cities of the State.
Chief Linton was born in the town of Griswold, in New London county, Connecticut, on January 3, 1861. His father, Benjamin Linton, was born in Londonderry, Ireland, and was educated in the Na- tional schools of that country. Coming to America when he was a young man, he located in New London county, Connecticut. He worked as a rail- road man all his life, and died in Norwich in 1870. He married Martha McClure, who was also a native of Ireland, and she died in Norwich, in 1916. They were the parents of eight children, of whom four are now living.
George Linton, son of Benjamin and Martha (McClure) Linton, was reared in the city of Nor- wich, and received his education here in the public schools. He grew up with the pride of citizenship in his heart. As a young man he began life as an operative in the cotton mills, but he was not satisfied to live out his life in the factory. On July 1, 1886, he was appointed to a position on the police force of the city. Fully alive to his responsi- bility to the public as a patrolman, he took pride in keeping his beat the most orderly and quiet in the city. He discharged every duty faithfully, was al- ways punctual, and in every way made himself necessary to the safety and well-being of the public. It was inevitable that he should rise. He was pro- moted to sergeant, then captain, filling with honor every office in the line, then was made chief in 1912. His long and honorable record is a source of pride to his friends.
Chief Linton is the local vice-president of the State Police Association. He filled the office of health commissioner for one term. He is a member of Uncas Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows: and of Norwich Lodge, No. 430, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
Mr. Linton married, on March 27, 1882, Margaret Phelan, daughter of Thomas and Julia Phelan, of Pownal, Vermont. They are members of the Con- gregational church.
WILLIAM EDWARD HISCOX, a native son, has spent his years, sixty-six, in New London county, Connecticut, engaged from youth in agri- culture. He has since 1908 been the owner of a good farm in the town of Griswold and there he conducts general farming operations. William Ed- ward Hiscox is a son of John Henry Hiscox, who was born in New York City, and there educated in the public schools. Later he moved to Connecticut and was living in North Stonington when his son, William Edward, was born. His business was that of a wholesale fish dealer. John H. Hiscox married Emily Maine, who married a second husband, Henry Palmer, of North Stonington. Their only child, Bertha E., married Manthel Culver, and resides in Stonington.
William Edward Hiscox, son of John Henry and Emily (Maine) Hiscox, was born in North Stoning- ton, New London county, Connecticut, March 17, 1854, and was educated in Stonington public schools. After finishing school years he became a farm worker, employed by others until 1890, when he leased the Billings' farm in North Stonington, and there remained until 1908. He then purchased his. present farm of one hundred and seventy-five acres in the town of Griswold, long known as the Smith farm. There he has very successfully conducted a general farming business, and is one of the sub- stantial men of the town. In politics Mr. Hiscox is a Democrat; in religious faith a Methodist.
Mr. Hiscox married Hannah Worden, of Utica, New York.
237
BIOGRAPHICAL
JOSEPH RIVERS-Since 1912, Joseph Rivers has been connected with Palmer Brothers as engineer at their Fitchville Mills, he having been previously associated with the Keyes Company at their Mont- ville plant. He is a son of Joseph and Marie (La Croix) Rivers, both born in Canada, his father de- ceased, his mother now residing with him in Fitch- villc. Joseph Rivers, Sr., was a lumberman and saw mill operator in Canada, but shortly after his marriage came to the United States, locating in Oneco, Windham county, Connecticut, and there continuing in the lumber business; in fact, that was his lifelong business wherever located. From Oneco he went to New Jersey, thence to New Lon- don county, Connecticut, here remaining many years, but finally going South. Joseph and Marie (La Croix) Rivers were the parents of eight chil- dren, two of whom are deceased. The living arc: Joseph, of further mention; William, married Myr- tle Duprey, of Colchester, Connecticut; Freemont, married Sarepa Potter, of Groton, Connecticut; Rose, married Allan Maine, of Ledyard, Connec- ticut; Flora, married John Delosha; Oelina, mar- ried John McCain, of Taftville, Connecticut.
Joseph Rivers, third child of Joseph and Marie (La Croix) Rivers, was born in Oneco, Wind- ham county, Connecticut, September 20, 1888. He was quite young when his parents moved to New London county, the family residing on the Thomas farm in Groton. He obtained his education in the public schools of Ledyard and New London. After school years were over, he located in Montville, where he secured employment in the engine room of the Keyes Mills. He there remained for three years, when he was appointed engineer at the Palmer Mill in Fitchville, and has most satisfactorily acted in that capacity during the nine years, 1912-21, which have since intervened.
Mr. Rivers enlisted in the United States army, September 20, 1917, trained at Fort Devens, and for sixteen months was in the service attached to the depot brigade at Camp Devens. He is a member of Robert O. Fletcher Post, of the American Le- gion, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Modern Wood- men of America, and of the American Association of Stationary Engineers.
JEROME WILLIAMS HOUSE-Among the old Colonial families of Connecticut not one can claim a straighter line of descent from the founders of New England than the House family of Montville. One of their ancestors came to this country in the "Mayflower" in 1620, and more than a hundred years afterward one of his descendants fought in the Revolutionary War. He was the great-grandfather of Jerome Williams House.
Jerome Williams House is the son of Chauncey and Emma (Stranahan) House. Chauncey House was born in Haddam Neck, Connecticut, where he resided for many years, following the business of a stone cutter, his death occurring in Bristol, Con- necticut, in 1888. He is buried in Haddam Neck. Emma (Stranahan) House was born in Bashon,
town of Moodus, Connecticut. She was the mother of two sons, Jerome Williams and Albert Silliman. Albert S. was adopted by his aunt. The death of Mrs. House occurred when the former was only three years old. Born in Haddam Neck, Connce- ticut, February 9, 1867, Jerome Williams House received his name from a friend of the family, an old sea captain, the child being named in his honor. Attending the local school until he reached the age of nine years, the boy then made a trip to Cali- fornia, in those days a much more lengthy journey than it is at the present day. He resided in the city of Los Angeles for eight months, then went to Chicago, Illinois, where he lived for three years, attending school in that city. Coming back to his native State, Jerome Williams House finished his education in Naugatuck, Connecticut, later taking up farming as his occupation in Massapeag, town of Montville, Connecticut. For four years Mr. House remained there. He then returned to Chi- cago and became interested in the broom corn business, in which he was engaged for three years. Coming to Connecticut again Mr. House entered into the blacksmith business in 1895 in Massapeag, making his home in Uncasville, township of Mont- ville, where he still resides.
Mr. House is one of the foremost citizens in the locality, assisting in all public matters connected with its welfare, and has served on the Board of Selectmen, both third selectman for two terms and as first selectman, which latter office he now holds, 1920-21. In polities he is a Democrat, and was the only one of that party to be elected in the town in 1920. Equally active in fraternal affairs, Mr. House is a charter member of the local lodge of Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows, Thames Lodge, No. 22, and is a third degree Mason, affiliated with Oxo- boxo Blue Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, of Mont- ville, Connecticut. He is district deputy of that seetion, and has occupied both chairs in his lodge. He is a past noble grand of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, also past district deputy and a past master of the Masons.
Jerome Williams House was united in marriage with Lottie Beebe Church, the daughter of Charles and Isabelle (Beebe) Church, of Massapeag. She is a member of an old and highly respected family, the Beebes, who have been prominent in Connec- ticut for many years. Mr. and Mrs. House had one child, Chauncey Edwin, who died in infancy. They attend and support the Methodist church.
ARTHUR AUSTIN GREENLEAF-The Green- lcaf family traces descent through nearly three hun- dred years of New England life to Edmund Green- leaf, who came to Massachusetts in 1635, and was one of the original settlers of Newbury. Arthur A. Greenleaf, of Groton and New London, Connecticut, is a son of Atherton C. Greenleaf, of Southport, Maine, a descendant of Edmund Greenleaf, the American ancestor of this branch, which prior to the Revolution settled in the State of Maine.
Atherton C. Greenleaf was born in Edgecomb,
238
NEW LONDON COUNTY
Maine, and from boyhood has been connected with the sea food industry, being now a wholesale and retail dealer in fish and lobsters at Southport, Maine. He married Susan P. Chase, and they are the parents of Arthur A. Greenleaf, of Groton, Connecticut.
Arthur A. Greenleaf was born in Edgecomb, Lin- coln county, Maine, June 5, 1883, the fifth child of Atherton C. and Susan P. (Chase) Greenleaf. His parents moved to Southport, on a small island of the Maine coast, in Lincoln county, about twelve miles southeast of Bath, and there he attended the publie school, finishing his education in business college at Portland, Maine. For twelve years, 1897- 1909, he followed the sea and rose to the rank of captain. Upon his retirement from the sea in 1909, he located in New London, Connecticut, where in association with A. L. Young, of Boston, he as- sumed control of the G. M. Long Company, and still retains the interests in that company, the Young interest having been purchased by N. H. Avery, in 1918. The company deals in fish and sea foods. Mr. Greenleaf is a member of the New London Chamber of Commerce, a Republican in polities, and a member of the Baptist church.
Mr. Greenleaf married, in Southport, Maine, Sadie Alley, daughter of William and Sarah (Nickerson) Alley, of Southport, Maine. Captain and Mrs. Greenleaf are the parents of six children: A. Clay- ton, Howard P., Susan C., Carl, William A., and Lney M., all residing at the family home in Groton.
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.