USA > Connecticut > New London County > A modern history of New London County, Connecticut, Volume III > Part 16
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John Henry Gurney was born in South Rondout, New York, November 7, 1874. He was the son of George and Margaret (Hillsinger) Gurney. George Gurney was for many years captain of the schooner "Sarah Jane," which sailed from New London. He is now identified with the Ship Engine Company, of New London. The boy, John H., remained in his native place until he was sixteen years of age, when he went to Groton, subsequently removing to New London, where for several years he went as cook on his father's vessel, later being promoted to first mate. He later secured employment as a deck- hand on a tug boat of the T. A. Scott Company, and for eighteen years was captain of this tug. In fact, it was while he was thus employed that he met his tragic death. In the early part of No- vember, 1916, the German submarine "Deutschland" came into the harbor of New London and the offi- cers of the German boat were entertained by the
citizens of the city. After a three days' visit, during which time stores were taken on board for con- sumption, the craft got under way. It was to have followed the tug boat of which Captain Gurney was in command, but instead the submarine took a sudden dive and rammed the tug which immediately sunk with all on board.
On April 27, 1896, Captain Gurney was united in marriage with Annie May Malone, and to them were born two children: 1. George Maynard, whose birth occurred April 29, 1897; he enlisted in the Medical Corps of the United States army, and was stationed at Fort Monroe; he died May 12, 1918, while in the service. 2. Ralph Henry, who was born Sep- tember 2, 1900; he is now with the T. A. Scott Com- pany, of New London.
Captain Gurney was a man of strong domestic instincts, who found his chief happiness in his work and the intimate intercourse of family life and with such of his friends as were on terms of close per- sonal friendship with him.
DANIEL PALMER COLLINS-A member of the old Scottish family of Collins, whose ancestry dates back to the romantic days when Mary Stuart was the adored Queen of Scotland, the land of legendary song and story, Daniel Palmer Collins is the son of Daniel and Esther (Bindloss) Collins. Esther Bindloss was an English woman by birth, the daughter of William and Margaret (Palmer) Bindloss, of Kendal, England, the latter a distant relative of the Palmers who are extensively known in connection with their large quilt mills in New London county. The elder Daniel was born in Queenstown, Ireland, March 26, 1821, his father and mother living in Ireland at that time, the father being one of the Scotch Guards stationed in Queenstown when Dan- iel Palmer Collins was born. Daniel Collins, Sr., early in life, became a cabin boy on board a sailing ship, the "Yorkshire," and for many years followed the call of the sea, rising step by step from cabin boy to the rank of first mate. He crossed the At- lantic ocean one hundred and four times and the finish of the last trip to the United States marked the close of his career as a sea-faring man. It was in 1846 that Daniel Collins, Sr., came to New Lon- don, remaining there for the next sixteen years, then, in 1862, moving with his family to Montville, he bought a farm there and for forty-eight years enjoyed his life upon this homestead, dying in 1909, when eighty-nine years old.
Daniel and Esther (Bindloss) Collins were the parents of the following children: I. Daniel Palmer, of whom further. 2. Joseph Scroggie, a mail car- rier, born in New London, in September, 1858; he married Addie Brown, by whom he had one child, which died in infancy. 3. Esther Bindloss, born in New London, now the wife of James Diffley; they have three children: Frank Palmer, James Palmer, and Esther. 4. Ellen Hillier, born in New London; she married James Carver, of Montville, and has two children: Lillian Ellen, and George D. 5. Mar- garet Palmer, born in New London, the wife of
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Charles Crawford Haight, of Torrington, Connec- ticut; they have one child, Margaret C. 6. Mary Foster, born in Montville; she married Frederick Crocker, who died in 1903; they have no children. 7. Anson Benjamin, a sketch of whom follows.
Daniel Palmer Collins was born in New London, Connecticut, April 7, 1853, on Cedar street, then called Waxer street, one of the first thoroughfares in the county. In his boyhood he attended both public and private schools in the village, going for some time to the old Main Street School, one of the first six schools established in New London. It is now known as the Winthrop School. For three years young Collins also was a pupil at the private school conducted by Mrs. Manning on Post Hill.
After finishing his education, Daniel Palmer Col- lins obtained employment in a sail loft in Bank street, owned by Carl Barry, and for twenty-eight years remained so engaged. In 1897 he went into business for himself, establishing a sail-making loft on Howard avenue, and taking into partnership James Sterry. This combination continued for five years, then Mr. Collins purchased Mr. Sterry's in- terest in the business and since that time has car- ried on the work in his own name, still in the building on Howard street.
In fraternal circles, Mr. Collins is very well known, particularly among the members of the Free and Accepted Masons, he having gone through the Scottish Rite from the Blue Lodge to the, thirty- second degree. He is also affiliated with Mohegan Lodge, No. 55, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Equally popular in other associations, Mr. Collins has been connected with Konomoc Hose Company since 1882, being one of the oldest three men in it. For the past five years he has been a member of the Harbor Club of New London. Actively inter- ested in the work of St. James' Protestant Episcopal Church, Mr. Collins is a vestryman in that body of Christians. In political affairs he is a Republican, generally voting that ticket, but at times choosing the candidate he may regard as the better man, irrespective of party affiliations.
In New London, on December 28, 1885, Daniel Palmer Collins was united in marriage with Grace Evelyn Whiting, born in Waterford, Connecticut, March 31, 1868, the daughter of Noyes Whiting, of Mystic, and his wife, Sarah Nichols, of Waterford, Connecticut. In early manhood Noyes Whiting went to Waterford to reside, being employed as a ship carpenter by the Chappell Company. He died in 1884 and is buried in Cedar Grove Cemetery, New London. Mrs. Sarah (Nichols) Whiting is also deceased. She had one sister, Agnes Nichols, who became the wife of Frederick R. Gould, of Perrysville, Rhode Island. Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Palmer Collins have no children. They reside at No. 104 Montauk avenue, New London.
ANSON BENJAMIN COLLINS, son of Daniel and Esther (Bindloss) Collins (q.v.), was born upon his father's farm in Montville, Connecticut, August
26, 1872. This homestead lies in the district now known as Collins District.
Attending the village school in Montville until he reached the age of twelve years, Anson Benjamin Collins then left home, and going to Mystic, Con- necticut, entered the employ of Charles H. Johnson, who was the proprietor of a carriage manufactory there. Remaining there for a year and a half, the boy then came to New London, where he found employment in the wagon works of George A. Richards, being at that time fourteen years old. Continuing in this line for some years, the young man finally bought up the business, owing to the death of Mr. Richards, and has carried it on suc- cussfully since that time, and, in addition, conducts a blacksmith establishment.
Interested in the institutions of his town, Mr. Col- lins is a member of Mohegan Lodge, No. 55, Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows, and is also con- nected with the Harbor Club of New London. While a Republican in politics, Mr. Collins fre- quently exercises the right of selecting the best man for whom to vote.
In New London, Connecticut, in June, 1897, Anson Benjamin Collins was united in marriage with Catherine E. Murray, the ceremony being performed by the Rev. Thomas P. Joint. Mrs. Collins was born in 1872, the daughter of William A. and Mary (Ahern) Murray, of New London. Of this union two children have been born: 1. Benjamin Murray, born in New London, May 1, 1899; he is now a student in Rensselaer Institute of Technology, at Troy, New York. 2. Helen Mary, born February 4, 1902, a student at Wellesley College, Massachu- setts. The family home is at No. 84 Montauk avenue, New London.
CASSIUS F. HARRIS-Born in New London and identified with the mercantile interests of this city throughout his career, Mr. Harris is now con- nected with the Thames River Lumber Company. Mr. Harris is a son of Frederic Hall Harris, who was born and reared in New London, and educated in the schools of the city. Frederic H. Harris, in association with a partner, established a clothing business in New London many years ago, continu- ing the same, under the name of Shepard & Harris, until his death, which occurred about 1888. Mr. Harris married Frances Burns, and they were the parents of three children, of whom Cassius F. was the youngest.
Cassins F. Harris was born in New London, Con- necticut, May 3, 1860, and received his early educa- tion in the public schools of his native city, com- pleting his studies at Cheshire Academy, in Cheshire, Connecticut. After finishing his studies, Mr. Harris became associated with his father in the clothing business, but dissolved the partnership not long after his father's death, withdrawing from the firm in 1895. He was later associated with S. R. Wight- man, who conducted a thriving business in whole- sale and retail tobacco, continuing in this branch of mercantile endeavor until about 1915. He then
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entered the office of the Thames River Lumber Company, in the capacity of bookkeeper, which position he still holds. By political affiliation, Mr. Harris is a Republican, but takes only the interest of the progressive citizen in public affairs.
On April 30, 1890, Mr. Harris married Maric Elizabeth Payne, daughter of Nehemiah Benjamin and Mary Eunicia (Ransom) Payne, of New Lon- don. Mr. and Mrs. Harris have one daughter, Gretchen, born in New London, July 30, 1892, wife of Terence V. O'Brien, who resides in that city.
JAMES SWEENEY-For many years identified with the upbuilding of New London and vicinity as an architect of unusual talent, James Sweeney, whose death has placed his work in other hands, left an enduring record of high achievement in the many fine structures which owe their beauty and sta- bility to his art.
Mr. Sweeney was a son of John and Bridget (Halvey) Sweeney. John Sweeney was born in County Limerick, Ireland, in 1828, and came to the United States in 1843 with his family, locating in Norwich. Receiving a practical education in Ireland and in the public schools of Norwich, he later learned the trade of stone mason, which he followed for many years. During the latter part of his life he did general stevedore work. He died in New London, on April 2, 1881. His wife, who was also born in County Limerick, in 1832, died in New London, November 22, 1900, at the age of sixty-eight years, having survived her husband for nearly twenty years. They were the parents of six children: Hannah, who resides in New London; Thomas R., now retired, a resident of New London; John H., of Waterford, Connecticut, who married Nora Gleason; Timothy W., of New London; James, now deceased, whose name heads this review; and Edward M. Sweeney, who has been engaged in the lumber trade since leaving high school in 1899.
James Sweeney was born in New London, on December 27, 1868, and received his early education in the public schools of the city and Bulkeley High School. Thereafter, he took a special course in architecture at the New York Art School. About 1888 he became connected with Cole & Chandler, of Boston, Massachusetts, and New London, Con- necticut, in the capacity of draftsman, and before the end of that year was placed in charge of their New London office. He continued here in their employ until 1893, when he took over the office after the death of George Warren Cole, thereafter continuing the business of constantly increasing im- portance, as a practicing architect, until his death. He designed many of the prominent buildings in New London and its vicinity. Noteworthy among these are St. Mary's Roman Catholic School, the Municipal building, and the Union Bank and Trust Company's building, all of New London; the Town Hall of Saybrook, Connecticut; the Harbor School of New London, and the Flanders School of East Lynn; Thames Hall, at the Connecticut College for Women, in New London; and hundreds of public
buildings, industrial plants and private residences. Mr. Sweeney was reputed one of the best architects in the State, and his work bears the stamp of a competent and creative inind. He died in New London, on July 3, 1919, and among his business and professional associates and personal friends his loss will long be keenly felt. He was a man of thought- ful habit of mind, of pleasing personality, and of unselfish spirit, and numbered the most prominent people of the city among his friends.
Politically, Mr. Sweeney was a Democrat, and was influential in party affairs, although he never accepted nomination for public office. He was a member of the American Institute of Architecture; the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, No. 360; and of Scaside Council, No. 17, Knights of Columbus. He was a member of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church.
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN BAILEY-In the days when the American clipper was winning its way around the world, the defeated opponents asserted that it was neither the ships nor the sailors that outclassed them, but the men that made the sails. In later years, when, having failed again and again to "lift the cup" from American yatchsmen, the famous English sportsman, Sir Thomas W. Lipton, tried to analyze the causes of his failure, he said: "I can equal your yacht builders; my sailors are as good as yours; but I can't beat your sailmakers." There are but few men who have the skill and the technical knowledge necessary for the expert maker of sails in all their various sizes and shapes, and to meet the many needs. Sails that fit and draw, sails light enough to be casily handled, yet staunch enough to hold until the spars are endangered, sails that make the men who depend upon them for life and livelihood want more of them year after year-to be a master maker of such sails means more than the mere possession of knowledge and skill; the sailmaker must be as ruggedly dependable and as staunchly honest as his sails.
To this select class of sailmakers belongs Ben- jamin Franklin Bailey, of New London, Connecticut. Born in Noank, Connecticut, September 2, 1840, of a father whose whole life was identified with the fisheries of Noank, he early manifested a taste and ability for what later became his profession. Henry Bailey, the father, died about 1861, at the age of sixty-two, having married Susan Franklin, of Block Island, and become the father of ten children: Nor- ris, Rosands, Henry, Charles, William, George, Ben- jamin Franklin, Diana, and Almira. Associated from earliest life with the sea and with the ships that go out to win a livelihood from the deep, it was natural that the interests of the family should center about ships and that one of them, at least, should give his attention to that important part of the structure upon which so much depends-the sails.
After completing his education in the local schools, Benjamin F. Bailey sought for a place in which he might learn sailmaking and found it in
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New London, Connecticut. Four years he spent with Mr. B. Arnold, and, characteristically, when he was ready to enter business for himself it was bacl: to Noank that he went. A few years later, however, came that cataclysm which interrupted and shattered the plans of so many men, the Civil War. He enlisted in 1862, in Company C, 21st Regiment, Connecticut Volunteer Infantry, which formed part of the Army of the Potomac, and took part in no fewer than fifty-two engagements, re- ceiving his honorable discharge in June, 1865. Un- like many of his companions, he was not unsettled by his years of campaigning and soon resumed his business at Noank, where he remained for fifteen years. At the end of that time, in 1880, superior workmanship and business integrity had created the need for a larger field of labor and he moved his business to New London, establishing himself on Bank street. In 1911 he moved further along the same street to his present location, opposite Green street.
Mr. Bailey married (first) Abbey Perry, and to this marriage was born one daughter, Georgina, who is deceased. He married (second) Amanda Franklin, born at Noank, November 25, 1865, dangh- ter of Thomas and Anna Franklin, who died in 1916. To this second marriage were born two children: Frederick, born in Noank, died in 1901, at the age of thirty-four; and John Bennett Bailey, of whom further.
John Bennett Bailey was born at Noank, August 10, 1869. He married Margaret McGowan, of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and they are the parents of six children: Gladys Anna, born at Noank, April 20, 1894; Athena Bonita, born at New London, Feb- ruary 7, 1897; Mildred Franklin, born at Noank, August 30, 1901; Eloise Benjamin, horn October 27, 1903; Edythe Thelma, born April 9, 1906; and Ben- jamin Franklin, born August 10, 1909.
BARTHOLOMEW JOSEPH MCCARTHY-One of the most loyal and patriotic of New London's citizens is Mr. MeCarthy, the subject of this review, an Irishman by birth, with all the love of home and family for which the Irish race is famed. Though he has lived in this country for nearly twenty-five years, he still has a fondness for the land of his boyhood. He comes of purest Irish stock, his ancestors for many generations living in their home section.
The parents of Bartholomew Joseph Mccarthy were Jeremiah and Margaret (Hennessey) MeCar- thy, natives of County Waterford, Ireland, where the former was for many years engaged in farming on a rather more extensive scale than usual. After a long and useful life he died, at the age of ninety- two years, in 1901. His wife, Margaret (Hennessey) McCarthy, survived him for several years, passing away in 1908, when seventy-one years old. Neither she nor her husband had ever left their home in the old country. They had a family of seven chil- dren: 1. Jeremiah, born in County Waterford, Ire- land, where he was a farmer. He married Catherine
Foley; they had no children. 2. John, also born in County Waterford, also a farmer. 3. Patrick, born at the old home in Ireland; he came to the United States in 1892. In his early manhood he spent most of his life in railroad work, but is now employed in a ship and engine company. He married Bridget Corcoran, by whom he has had four sons and one daughter. 4. Thomas, born in Ireland; in his youth he came to this country, but died December 31, 1918, leaving a widow, who before her marriage was Mary Connolly, and six children. 5. Mary, born in Ire- land and still living there; she is the wife of Gerald Fitzgerald, and is the mother of four sons and three daughters. 6. Bartholomew Joseph, of whom fur- ther. 7. Margaret, who died young.
Bartholomew J. McCarthy was born in County Waterford, Ireland, April 23, 1871. After acquiring a good common school education in the village, the lad assisted his father on the farm for some years, then, in 1896, emigrated to the United States, com- ing directly to New London to join relatives who had emigrated some time before. Obtaining em- ployment with the New York, New Haven & Hart- ford Railroad Company in their freight department, Mr. McCarthy remained there for five years and eight months. After leaving the railroad company he was employed in various ways for the next two years, then started at the bottom in the Arnold Rudd Grain Company and by degrees was advanced until he became foreman of that firm, having stayed with them for sixteen years. In September, 1919, Mr. McCarthy established a business of his own, dealing in wholesale quantities of grain and other commodities of like nature, and has been very suc- cessful thus far.
A popular man among his associates, Mr. Mc- Carthy is connected with several fraternal orders, being a member of Seaside Council, Knights of Columbus, and also is secretary of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, and is affiliated with the local lodge of the Loyal Order of Moose, No. 304. Though a member of the Democratic party, Mr. McCarthy exercises the right to vote an inde- pendent ticket if he so desires. He attends the Roman Catholic church in New London.
Mr. McCarthy married, in New London, June 28, 1911, Annie Reardon, born in County Kerry, Ireland, in September, 1883, the daughter of Michael and Mary (Hussey) Reardon. Mrs. McCarthy is one of an unusually large family, her parents having had twenty children. Mr. and Mrs. McCarthy have two children: Mary Margaret, born June 12, 1912; Mar- garet Veronica, born July 4, 1913. The family home is at No. 12 Goddard street, New London, Connec- ticut.
JOHN DEAN AVERY-Many generations of Averys have followed Captain James Avery in New London county, Connecticut, he and his father being contemporaries. Beginning with Christopher Avery, the generations now number ten, John Dean Avery being of the tenth. He is a son of Thomas W. Avery, and grandson of Albert Lay Avery,
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whose careers are traced in this work under the headings, John Dean Avery, who is the uncle of the present John Dean Avery, and Thomas W. Avery. These Averys, John D. and Thomas W., were born at the homestead at Eastern Point, town of Groton, New London county, and there this second John Dean Avery was born and spent his youth, as did his brother, Albert T. Avery, also of record in this work.
John Dean Avcry, son of Thomas W. and Mary Alice (Maine) Avery, was born at the Avcry home- stead, town of Groton, December 29, 1895, and began his education in the public schools of the town, continuing in Norwich Free Academy, whence he was graduated, class of 1914. He then entered Brown University, there receiving his degree of Ph. D., class of 1917. In that ycar patriotism was so strong that many of the students hardly waited for the school year to close before offering them- selves to the government for army service in the World War. Among these was John Dcan Avery, who in 1917 was commissioned first lieutenant in the United States Aviation Corps and assigned to the 316th Acro Squadron. He was flying instructor at Barron Field, Texas, and continued in the service until December, 1918, when he was honorably dis- charged and mustered out of the service at Camp Dix. He is now retained as an officer in the United States Reserves.
After retiring from the army, Lieutenant Avery, in association with his brother, Albert T. Avery, organized the John D. Avery Company, Inc., and established in the automobile business in New Lon- don. They are agents for the Marmon and Nash cars, and in connection with their selling agencies they operate a large garage, modernly equipped with service and supply departments. The busi- ness is prosperous, and the company a popular one. Mr. Avery is a member of the New London Auto Dealers' Association; Phi Gamma Delta fraternity; a Republican in politics; and a member of Groton Congregational Church.
Mr. Avery married, June 22, 1917, Irene Woods, of New London, daughter of Howard A. and Lucy (Randolph) Woods, of New London, Connecticut. Mr. and Mrs. Avery are the parents of a daughter, Juliet D., born in October, 1920.
HERBERT AUGUSTUS RICHARDS-In the little village of Occum, in the town of Norwich, Connecticut, is one of the most up-to-date general stores in this section. At the head of this business, and proprietor of it, is Herbert A. Richards, for many years a familiar figure in the industrial and mercantile life of the neighborhood.
Mr. Richards is a son of John Henry and Fannie (Curtis) Richards. The elder Mr. Richards was born in Wakefield, New Hampshire, and educated in the district schools of that State. While still a young man he entered the cotton mills, and after an experience of seven years, became assistant overseer for the Lyman Thread Company, at Hol- yoke, Massachusetts. There he remained for four-
teen years, then went to the Headley Thread Mills, in the same city, as head of their carding depart- ment. It was with this practical experience that he came to the plant of the Totoket Cotton Mill at Occum when it was built, and started with that company, at the head of their carding department. Continuing with this company until his retirement from all active work, Mr. Richards still lives in Versailles, and is the oldest resident in the village, having been born in 1843. His wife, who was a native of Ohio, died in 1875. They were the parents of five children: Edith, now the wife of William O. Soule, a dealer in confectionery, doing a prosperous business in Jewett City, Connecticut; Herbert A., whome namc heads this review; Mabel, now the wife of Charles Fisk, an iron foundry foreman, in Fairfield, Alabama; Tyler C., bookkeeper for the Hood Rubber Company, at Watertown, Massachu- setts, who married Mildren Marr; and Ethel Curtis, deceased.
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