USA > Connecticut > New London County > A modern history of New London County, Connecticut, Volume III > Part 18
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
Jamie Leeds Edgar.
gar
251
BIOGRAPHICAL
Scout commissioner of the Boy Scouts of New London; and is a director of the New London Chamber of Commerce. His political affiliations are with the Republican party, and while he has never consented to be a candidate for office, his advice upon questions of public moment is fre- quently solicited. A Congregationalist in religion, he attends the First Church of this denomination in New London, and is ever ready to respond to any deserving call made upon him, being widely char- itable. His clubs are the Thames and the Shene- cossett Country, both of New London.
On April 10, 1911, Viggo E. Bird was united in marriage with Anita Parker, daughter of Thomas G. and Mary (Owens) Parker, of San Francisco, California. Mr. and Mrs. Bird are the parents of four children: Mary P., Elizabeth E., Thora A., and Regnar E. (2).
THOMAS EDGAR-A pioneer of the city of New London, Connecticut, in the insurance busi- ness, Thomas Edgar was for many years identified with the progress and growth of the city, and in the busi- ness, in which he was one of the first to engage, set a high standard for those who should follow after.
Mr. Edgar came of good old English antecedents. His grandfather, Thomas Edgar, was born at New- Castle-upon-Tyne, England, and was educated there. Hc came to the United States during the Revolutionary War, and settled at New London, casting his lot with the Colonies.
He lived a retired life, taking no active part in the business affairs of the community. He married Mary Latimer, who was born in New London, and both died there. They were the parents of two children: Mark and Nancy.
Mark Edgar, son of Thomas and Mary (Latimer) Edgar, was born in New London, December 3, 1779, died December 25, 1863. He was educated in the public schools of this city, and when a young man, served an apprenticeship as a carpenter, and later became prominent as a contractor and builder, many of the substantial structures which went up under his hand still being in constant use in the city. He followed this line of activity throughout his lifetime, and died in New London, December 25, 1863. He married Annie Dennis, of Norwich, born March 10, 1788, died June 7, 1873, and they were the parents of four children.
Thomas Edgar, youngest child of Mark and Annie (Dennis) Edgar, was born in New Lon- don, Connecticut, January 19, 1829. He received his carly education in a private school in Col- chester, New London county, Connecticut, then completed his studies in a private school in Farm- ington, Hartford county, Connecticut. About 1850 he entered the business world in the employ of William Benjamin & Company, of New London, in their dry goods store, which was one of the leading mercantile establishments of that day. Remaining only a few years with this firm, however, he started in business for himself, and for about nine years
conducted a thriving dry goods business at No. 104 State street. In 1861 he established himself in the field of insurance, until then scarcely known in this city, and up to that time an undeveloped branch of endeavor. It can truthfully be said that Mr. Edgar was the pioncer in this linc, and his activities in the insurance business were beneficial both to himself and to the economic progress of the city during the remainder of his life. He died in New London, on April 2, 1909.
Mr. Edgar married, in 1856, Eliza B. Smith, daughter of Captain Parker and Mary (Potter) Smith, both of New London. His wife died Jan- uary 8, 1904. They were the parents of two chil- dren, both born in New London: George P., a resi- dent of New London, who married Sallie D. Dennis; and Janie L.
Miss Edgar, upon the death of her father, took over the insurance business which he laid down, and added to it a real estate business, in which she has been very successful and is now one of the leading operators in this field in the city of New London.
ROBERT B. KEYES-In New London, Connec -. ticut, his native city and lifelong home, Robert B. Keyes has won high professional standing, and as a musician and teacher of the violin he has no superiors in his city. Keyes Orchestra, which fur- nishes music for all occasions, is a city institution, and Professor Keyes, one of the best known men of his city. He is a son of Benjamin and Mary (Buckley) Keyes, who were born in Ireland, but spent most of their lives in New London, Connec- tient, where Benjamin Keyes, a stationary engineer, died, in 1906. They were the parents of six chil- dren: Richard; Jennie; and Robert B., of further mention; all residing in New London, and three deceased.
Robert B. Keyes was born in New London, Con- necticut, January 28, 1870, and there was educated in the public schools. From youth he was pas- sionately fond of music, and all through his school years he was a student of the violin, having as his instructor Professor George W. Richards, of New London. After school years were over he continued his lessons in music with Professor Richards, then placed himself under the instruction of Professor Nahan Franko, of New York City. In 1890 he returned to New London, where he has for the past thirty years been a teacher of violin music, his reputation exceedingly high both as performer and teacher.
During those years Mr. Keyes has played with different orchestras in both Connecticut and Rhode Island, and through the medium of Keyes Orches- tra, his own organization, has furnished music for many of the great social and public events of New London and vicinity. He has taught and directed many school orchestras both at the Nathan Hale School and at Bulkeley High School in New Lon- don. His personal talent as a musical director is not more marked than his natural ability to instruct
252
NEW LONDON COUNTY
and really teach others his wonderful mastery of the violin. He is one of the oldest and best vioiln teachers in the State, and for several years has confined his classes to New London. He is not only a musician of note, but a man highly esteemed for his personal qualities. He is a member of the National Association of Musicians, and ranks with the leaders of his profession.
JOHN DOLLBAUM-Since the inception of his business career, John Dollbaum has been identified with the velvet industry, and since 1906 has been assistant superintendent of the American Velvet Company, Stonington, Connecticut. John Doll- baum was born May 1, 1864, in Crefeld-Mischeln, Germany, the son of the late August and Anna (Busch) Dollbaum. August Dollbaum was in the silk and velvet industries throughout his entire lifetime, being overscer in various shops of Ger- many until his death in 1897.
John Dollbaum obtained his elementary educa- tion in the public schools of his native place, after which he entered a trade school in Crefeld, where he devoted himself to the study of the textile indus- try, and later entered a commercial school. Upon completing the prescribed course at this latter school, he became designer in a velvet mill in Crefeld, subsequently becoming superintendent of this mill. His many efforts toward betterment of the mill equipment led to his inventing and build- ing the Velour Carpet Loom, on which double fancy carpets of any size can be woven. This brought him the "Medaille D'argent" at the World Exhibition in Paris in 1900. Patents were granted in all industrial countries. He remained in Ger- many until 1906, when he set sail for this country, and in the fall of this same year came to Stoning- ton, Connecticut, and accepted the position of assis- tant superintendent of the American Velvet Com- pany here, in which he still continues. Hc is an able organizer, and being keenly alert to every changing phase of the business he is an active factor in its development and growth. In politics Mr. Dollbaum is a Republican, and in his religions views he is a Roman Catholic and attends the church of that denomination in Stonington. He affiliates with Nina Council, No. 43, Knights of Columbus.
On June 30, 1890, John Dollbaum was united in marriage with Adelhaide Isabelle Hymmen. Mr. and Mrs. Dollbaum are the parents of six children: 1. John A., a director in the Compagnie Interna- tionale de Machines Agricoles, of France, who at the outbreak of the World War went to Germany with Frederick J. to settle some business matters for his father, was called to service in the German army, and in 1916 was killed in an airplane accident. 2. Anna A., who married Daniel H. Gleason, a me- chanical engineer of New York City. 3. Ernest T., served in the signal corps of the United States Army and was at Camp Devens when the Armistice was signed. 4. Frederick J., who was detained in Ger- many during the war, and upon his return became
a student in Cornell University. 5. Henry J., served with the United States army in France dur- ing the World War; since 1920 he is a student at Cornell. 6. Paul M., while a sophomore at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology of Cam- bridge, and a member of the S. A. T. C. in 1918, died from influenza.
EDWARD B. HOLTON-John Holton, father of Edward B. Holton, of Groton, Connecticut, was born in Ireland, but when a child was brought to Canada where he was educated and learned the ship carpenter's trade. In 1870 he came to the United States, finding employment at this trade in the ship yard in Mystic, Connecticut. Later he moved with his family to Groton, Connecticut, and died December 12, 1916. His widow, Hannah Hol- ton, survives him and is a resident of Groton. They were the parents of twelve children, Edward B. Holton being ninth in order of birth.
Edward B. Holton was born in Groton, Connec- ticut, August 24, 1882, and there completed public school courses of study. Later he finished a course at New London Business College, and for one year afterward was associated with J. F. Bailey, a meat dealer. In 1913 he bought out a general market in Groton and has since devoted himself to its man- agement. In religions faith Mr. Holton is a Roman Catholic, and in politics a Republican. He mar- ried, August 2, 1911, Anna McGill, daughter of Thomas and Ruth (Stanley) McGill, of New York.
CORNELIUS P. BARRY-Robert Barry, father of Cornelius P. Barry, came from his native County Cork, Ireland, to the United States when a young man, and located in New London, Connecticut. There he became a prosperous commission mer- chant, and for twenty years continued in that busi- ness. He then retired to a well-earned life of con- tentment and ease, and still resides in New London. He married Johanna Collins, and to them ten chil- dren were born, Cornelius P. their fifth child.
Cornelius P. Barry was born in New London, Connecticut, March 5, 1888, and there educated in the parochial school, finishing in Bulkeley High School, whence he was graduated, class of 1905. From 1905 until 1913 he was associated with his father's commission business, succeeding his father, Robert Barry, after the latter's retirement. In 1913 he entered the United States postal service as car- rier in the New London Post Office, and four years later (1917), was appointed secretary of the Board of Civil Service Commissioners of New London. He served the board until 1919, then was appointed superintendent of the Post Office in Groton, Con- necticut, his present position. He is a member of the Roman Catholic Church, and of Scaside Coun- cil, Knights of Columbus.
Mr. Barry married, July 6, 1910, Annie Maloney, of New London, daughter of John and Mary (Boggan) Maloney, her parents born in Ireland. Mr. and Mrs. Cornelius P. Barry are the parents of three children: Robert J., Mary A., Lauretta E.
253
BIOGRAPHICAL
The family home is No. 20 Pleasant street, New London, Connecticut.
RALPH H. KOELB, of Pawcatuck, Connecticut, in the town of Stonington, is one of the fine group of younger men whose business ability and progressive endcavors are carrying this section forward in the march of events. Mr. Koelb was born in the town of Stonington, Connecticut, October 7, 1897, a son of Carl A. Koelb, whose life is reviewed elsewhere in this work.
Gaining his early education in the public schools, he thereafter attended Cushing Academy, then com- pleted his studies at Dartmouth College. Return- ing to Stonington, he became paymaster for the Ship Construction & Trading Company, one of the principal corporations of Stonington. But be was scarcely settled in the routine of this position be- fore the great call of Humanity reached the young men of America, and he enlisted in the Naval Re- serves, serving during the World War. Late in the year 1918 he returned to Stonington, locating in Pawcatuck, where he became associated with the Westerly Grain & Flour Company, in the capac- ity of manager. He is still with this company, and is ably handling the affairs connected with their wide and important business. Mr. Koelb is broadly interested outside his business connections. He is a member of Asylum Lodge, No. 57, Free and Accepted Masons, and his college fraternity is the Sigma Chi. Politically he is affiliated with the Republican party, and is taking a deep and con- structive interest in the public questions of the day.
On July 28, 1919, Mr. Koelb married Gladys C. MacGowan, daughter of Dr. Philip T. and Eliza- beth (Collins) MacGowan, of Mystic, Connecticut, and they have an infant son, Clayton T., born May 9, 1920. Mr. and Mrs. Koclb are members of Calvary Baptist Church, of Westerly, Rhode Island.
FRANK COXETER-A well known figure in the business life of Norwich, Connecticut, is Frank Coxeter, one of the leading custom tailors of the city.
George Coxeter, Mr. Coxeter's father, was born in Hampshire, England, and there he received a practical education in the National schools. After leaving school he learned the trade of tailor. In 1870 he came to this country and located in New York City, where he followed his trade for three years, then went to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where he still worked at his trade. In 1882 he came to New Haven, Connecticut, and there worked as tailor until his death in 1915. He married Elizabeth Tuson, who was born in Newbury, England, and died in New Haven, in 1900. They were the parents of nine children, of which Mr. Coxeter of Norwich is the fourth.
Frank Coxeter was born on the Isle of Wight, England, on February 18, 1864. When he became of an age to attend school the family resided in Harrisburg, and there the boy's education was begun. Upon the removal of the family to New
Haven, he continued his education in the public schools of that city, then served an apprenticeship as tailor. He followed this trade in New Haven until 1907, when he came to Norwich and entered the employ of the N. Johnson Company as cutter. Two years later he bought out the Johnson firm, and continued the business as a merchant tailor under his own name. Mr. Coxeter is remarkably adept in his line, and his success has been definite, and will assuredly be permanent.
Mr. Coxeter keeps in touch with public progress, and may well be called a representative citizen. He is a Republican by political choice, and is a mem- ber of the Chamber of Commerce. He is a positive and frankly outspoken disciple of Christian Science. He was one of the organizers of the Christian Science Society of Norwich, and has taken an active interest in this society since its origination and during 1921 served as the First Reader of the society.
Mr. Coxeter married, on June 23, 1908, Ada Cran- dall, of Norwich.
CHARLES JENNINGS TWIST, agent for the Shetucket Mills, of Norwich, Connecticut, is a young man of Norwich birth, reared in that city, and fitted for his present position by broad expe- rience and special training.
Charles S. Twist, father of Charles J. Twist, was also born in Norwich, and received his education in the public schools of the city. He learned the trade of tinsmith, and for the past fifty-two years has followed the same line of work for the J. P. Barstow Company, of this city, with whom he is still (1921) connected. He married Minnie E. Clark, also of Norwich, and they are the parents of two children: Charles J .; and Elva C., who died in November, 1918.
Charles Jennings Twist was born on June 28, 1881. He received his early education in the public schools of Norwich, then entered the Norwich Commercial School and took a business course. He then entered on his business career and for a time was electrical operator at the Massachusetts Cot- ton Mills, at Lowell, Massachusetts. He next came to Norwich, as master mechanic for the Shetucket Company, who operate immense cotton mills in this city. The death of Robert A. Smith, former agent of this company, left that office vacant, and Mr. Twist was placed in charge. This was in 1918, and the young man's experience and executive abil- ity made him the right man in the right place. He continues in charge of this important branch of the company's activities.
Mr. Twist is a man of broad interests. He is a Republican by political affiliation. He is a member of the Masonic order, affiliating with Somerset Lodge, No. 34, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons; Franklin Chapter, No. 4, Royal Arch Masons; Franklin Council, No. 3, Royal and Select Masters; Columbian Commandery, No. 4, Knights Templar; all Scottish Rite bodies, of the thirty-second degree; and Sphinx Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of Hartford, Connecticut.
254
NEW LONDON COUNTY
Mr. Twist married, on April 26, 1905, Carrie V. Sherman, daughter of John E. and Sarah E. (Mc- Call) Sherman, of Norwich. They are members of the United Congregational Church.
JAMES HENRY SHEA, Sr. - Well-known among the successful business men of Jewett City, Connecticut, is James H. Shea, owner and manager of a large coal, ice and lumber business here. He was born in Griswold, Connecticut, August 14, 1873, the son of Timothy and Julia (Doyle) Shea, both natives of Ireland. Timothy Shea came to this country when a young man, locating in Plainfield, Connecticut, where he has since been engaged in general farming and dairying. Mrs. Shea, the de- voted wife and mother, passed away in February, 1907. To Mr. and Mrs. Shea were born eleven children, James Henry, of further mention, being the sixth child.
After receiving his education in the public schools of Plainfield, Connecticut, James H. Shea worked on his father's farm until 1894, when he came to Jewett City and in company with his brother, Michael E., established, under the name of Shea Brothers, the ice, coal and lumber business in which they have continued to the present time. Mr. Shea is also interested in general farming.
In everything pertaining to the welfare of the community, Mr. Shea's interest is deep and sincere, and no project, which in his judgment tends to fur- ther that end, lacks his cooperation and support. He is an active member of the Democratic party, and served as first selectman from 1903 until 1917. He was also constable for many years. He is affiliated with the Knights of Columbus, holding membership in the White Cross Council of Nor- wich, Connecticut. In religion he is a Roman Cath- olic, and no good work done in the name of charity or religion appeals to him in vain, for he brings to bear in his work of this character the same dis- crimination and thoroughness which is manifest in his business life.
On January 2, 1907, James H. Shea was united in marriage with Abbie E. Doyle, daughter of Jere- miah and Mary (Sullivan) Doyle, of Plainfield, Con- necticut. Mr. and Mrs. Shea are the parents of eight children: Arthur D., Anna E., Claire J., Mar- garet M., Abbie E., Doris J., James H., Jr., and Alice M.
THOMAS WILSON REYNOLDS-For more than a quarter of a century Mr. Reynolds has been manager for the Pawcatuck branch of the Standard Oil Company, the first and yet the only manager, his term of service in that capacity at that point beginning February 13, 1893. His previous expe- rience had been in railroad employ, in office and on trains. He is a son of William Franklyn and Cla- rissa (Wilcox) Reynolds, both of New London an- cient and honorable families.
William Franklyn Reynolds was born in Stoning- ton, Connecticut, and after completing public school study, he became a blacksmith's apprentice,
serving his full time. Later he became a farmer and truckman, a business which he followed in Stonington until his death, February 26, 1882. His wife, Clarissa (Wilcox) Reynolds, died in 1850, and he married (second) Percy Ann Weaver, of Stonington.
Thomas Wilson Reynolds, son of William Frank- lyn Reynolds and his first wife, Clarissa (Wilcox) Reynolds, was born in Stonington, Connecticut, August 31, 1854, and there was educated in the public schools. After leaving school he was a farm worker in various places, but in 1875, at the age of twenty-one, he entered the employ of the New York, Boston & Providence Railroad Company as brakeman, and for twelve years he continued in the train of the company. In 1887 he was transferred to the freight department as agent at the Westerly Station, and there continued for six years more, making his railway service a period of eighteen years. On February 13, 1893, he was appointed the first manager of the Standard Oil Company in Pawcatuck, Connecticut, a position he has held con- tinuously during the twenty-eight years which have since elapsed. Mr. Reynolds is a Republican in politics, a member of the First Baptist Church, of Westerly, and of the Royal Arcanum, of Stoning. ton.
In Stonington, Connecticut, Mr. Reynolds mar- ried, August 24, 1893, Mary Elizabeth Cheseboro, born in Brooklyn, New York, daughter of Enoch and Margaret Cheseboro. Mrs. Reynolds was reared in Stonington, Connecticut. The Cheseboro family is one of the oldest families in Stonington, Connec- ticut.
WILLIAM CHARLES HARRISON is one of those men who started at the bottom of the ladder, and by means of his own effort has made his way to the position which he now holds in the manufacturing circles of this county.
William Charles Harrison was born in Preston, England, October 9, 1867, the son of Charles and Elizabeth Ellen (Thompson) Harrison. When he was but six years of age his parents brought him to this country, to New Bedford, Massachusetts, where he continued his education, previously started in England. His father died when William was but nine years of age. This necessitated the lad seeking work at an early age, so when he was but fourteen years of age, the business of life began for him. He secured employment in the cotton mills of New Bedford, where he remained for a time, later going to Ware, Massachusetts, as assis- tant percher in the George Gilbert mills. From this time until 1899 he worked in various mills throughout New England, and then came to Han- over, where he still continued to be identified with manufacturing, and was subsequently given the position of overseer of the Dressing Department, in which position he still continues, fulfilling to the letter every trust committed to him.
Mr. Harrison married Alice Mabel Nickols; she was born in Ware, Massachusetts, the daughter of Edward
Her. Ulderico O. Bellerone
255
BIOGRAPHICAL
and Sarah Nickols. Mr. and Mrs. Harrison are the parents of three children : Harlan Mellin, born Novem- ber 22, 1892; William Charles, Jr., born September 10, 1896; Dorothy May, born October 28, 1901.
The career of William Charles Harrison has been devoted entirely to his work. He has never taken any active part in public affairs but has always interested himself in everything pertaining to the welfare of Hanover which has been his home for so many years. He was a Republican in politics, attended and supported the Congregational Church of Hanover, of which his family are members and of which he is trustee.
REV. ULDERIC OSCAR BELLEROSE-It is peculiarly gratifying to the biographer to record the life history of a man who has devoted his life to the service of the church. Standing, indeed, in the relation of a father to the people under his care, the world is better and the lives of men and women richer for his ministrations. Rev. Ulderic O. Bellerose, pastor of Sacred Heart Church, of Taftville, Connecticut, is deeply beloved and rever- enced by the people of the church, and has won the respect of all who know him, regardless of creed.
Father Bellerose is a son of Frederick and Ceserie (Andair) Bellerose, both his parents having been born at St. Cesaire, Province of Quebec, Canada. In 1865 they came to the United States, and located at Grosvenor Dale, Connecticut, where Mr. Belle- rose soon established himself as a general blacksmith, becoming successful in his chosen line, and is still a resident of that town, now retired. Eight children were born of this marriage, Ulderic Oscar the first child.
Father Bellerose was born in North Grosvenor Dale, on December 7, 1873. He received his early education in the parochial schools of that town, then for his classical education went to the College of St. Hyacinthe, at St. Hyacinthe, Province of Quebec, Canada, from which institution he was graduated in January, 1893, with the degree of Bachelor of Letters. He studied philosophy from 1893 to 1895 at St. John's Seminary, in Boston, Massachusetts. Thereafter, he entered St. Mary's Seminary, at Baltimore, Maryland, where he was ordained a priest of the Roman Catholic church, on June 14, 1898, with the degree of S. T. B.
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.