USA > Connecticut > New London County > A modern history of New London County, Connecticut, Volume III > Part 19
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In that same year Father Bellerose was appointed assistant pastor of St. Patrick's Church, in Nor- wich. He was most devoted in his work in this parish, and won the deepest regard of the people. After four years he was appointed assistant pastor of the Sacred Heart Church in Taftville, again serving most acceptably, and giving great promise of the future. In 1906 he was appointed pastor of the church at Wauregan, where he remained until 1910, and here, in 1908, built a parochial school. In 1910 he was appointed to the Church of St. Mary, in Baltic, where he served for four years, building, in 1912, a new church for that parish.
In 1915, Father Bellerose was appointed pastor
of Sacred Heart Church, at Taftville, and the parish is still under his charge. Here he built a new church, and since his appointment to this field, Father Bellerose has built up the church both mate- rially and spiritually. His assiduous and unselfish devotion to duty is a noble example, and the people of the church have learned to love and honor him. He has led the people through the trying period of the World War, comforting, encouraging and suc- coring, and has been most active in leading the many movements which lent aid to the boys over- seas. He is always cognizant of his responsibility to the community-at-large, and his most earnest endeavor is to make his church a living force for progress.
Father Bellerose is an influential member of White Cross Council, No. 39, Knights of Columbus, of Norwich, and is a fourth degree knight in this order. He is also a member of St. Mary's Alumnus, of Baltimore.
ALBERT ANDREW HALEY, owner and man- ager of an extensive trucking business in Groton, Connecticut, is a native of this place, and since reaching young manhood has identified himself with everything pertaining to the welfare and advance- ment of the community.
Andrew Haley, father of Albert Andrew Haley, was born in New York City, and when but a child was brought by his parents to Groton, Connecticut. Here he obtained his education, and after finishing his studies, apprenticed himself to the printer's trade, later giving this up to follow agricultural pursuits, in which he continued until his retirement from active business life. He now lives retired with his son, Albert A. Mr. Haley married Josephine P. Eggleston, a native of Groton; she died in 1915. To Mr. and Mrs. Haley was born one child, Albert Andrew, mentioned below.
Albert Andrew Haley was born October 15, 1870, at Groton, Connecticut, and obtained his education in the public schools of his native place. When a young man he secured employment with the Mystic Woolen Company, at Old Mystic, Connecticut, and subsequently became overseer of the spinning de- partment. Here he remained until 1900, when he purchased from Charles Briggs the latter's interest in a trucking business, and has conducted it suc- cessfully since that time. Together with this, Mr. Haley became owner and manager in 1910 of a general store at Old Mystic, which he bought from W. D. Beckwith, and also continues his interest in this particular line.
In politics, he is a Republican and is a staunch adherent to the principles and policies of this party. He is affiliated with Stonington Lodge, No. 26, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Mystic; and attends the Methodist church of Old Mystic.
On July 6, 1893, Albert Andrew Haley was united in marriage with Kate Mitchell, a native of Groton, and the daughter of William H. and Mary (Ed- wards) Mitchell.
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ERNEST ORVIL RODIER-All honorable suc- cess is based upon a definite aim in life and the persistency of purpose which enables one to perse- vere in a given course regardless of obstacles, diffi- culties and discouragements. There are many self- made men in this country, and there is full praise here for the man who has started at the bottom and by means of his own efforts made his way to the top. New England has its share of such men, and to this list has been added the name of Ernest Orvil Rodier.
Ernest Orvil Rodier was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, October 3, 1876, the son of Oliver and Anna (Hamilton) Rodier. His father, Oliver Ro- dier, was born in Montreal, and obtained his edu- cation in the public schools there. He was a painter of scenery until his death, which occurred at Philadelphia, in 1877. His mother was a native of Philadelphia, and died there, in 1892.
The education of Ernest Orvil Rodier was ob- tained in the public schools of Philadelphia, after which he was employed by several different com- panies, among them the T. W. Clarke, Myers & Taylor Company, and the Otto C. Muller Company. In 1902 he became an agent for the Prudential Life Insurance Company, later being promoted to the position of assistant superintendent of the Phila- delphia office. In 1909 he was transferred to Ports- mouth, New Hampshire, as superintendent, in the capacity of agency organizer, and was there until 1910, when he came to Norwich, Connecticut, and has continued here to the present time as district superintendent.
In politics, Mr. Rodier is a Republican. He is president of the Building and Loan Association of Norwich, and a member of the Connecticut Under- writers. He is a member of the Chamber of Com- merce, a past vice-president of same. He is also prominent in Masonic circles, and is a member of Richard Vaux Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Franklin Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, of Norwich; Franklin Council, Royal and Select Masters, of Norwich; Columbia Commandery, Knights Templar; and is a thirty- second degree member of the Connecticut Consis- tory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite. Mr. Rodier is also a member of Girard Court, Foresters of America, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; a member of the Patriotic Sons of America, of Philadelphia; and in religious faith a member of Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church of Norwich, Connecticut.
Mr. Rodier married, October 7, 1903, Emma Ray- bold, born November 22, 1875, at Philadelphia, Penn- sylvania, the daughter of James Raybold, of Phila- delphia, and Isabel (Dougherty) Raybold, who was born in England, but whose family moved to Ireland when she was a child. Mr. and Mrs. Rodier are the parents of two children : Isabel H., and Anna P., both children born in Philadelphia.
CHARLES WILBUR GILDERSLEEVE-Prom- inent in one of the most practical of the mercantile lines in Mystic, Connecticut, Charles Wilbur Gilder-
sleeve is also well known in fraternal circles.
Mr. Gildersleeve is a son of Smith M. and Nina (Hunt) Gildersleeve. Smith M. Gildersleeve was born in Fireplace, Long Island, where he received part of his schooling in the public schools, complet- ing his education in Brooklyn, New York. For many years, as a young man, he worked as travel- ing salesman, later entering the grocery business in Noank, in the town of Groton, Connecticut. About 1905 he sold the grocery business and worked as a boat builder, but is now living retired at Noank. Smith M. and Nina (Hunt) Gildersleeve were the parents of two children: Charles W., of whom fur- ther; and George E., who died about 1910.
Charles Wilbur Gildersleeve was born in Brook- lyn, New York, on January 28, 1883. He received his education in Brooklyn, New York, and in Noank, New London county, Connecticut. Upon the completion of his studies, the young man en- tered the employ of the Brainerd & Armstrong Company, of New London. There he continued as clerk in the offices until the year 1904. He then became connected with the grain business of the Arnold Rudd Grain Company, of which Ernest E. Rogers, of New London, was president. Four years later, in 1908, Mr. Gildersleeve came to Mystic to fill the position of manager of the Mystic Grain Company. His work in this capacity has been most successful, and he is still at the head of this busi- ness.
Mr. Gildersleeve is a member of Charity and Relief Lodge, No. 72, Free and Accepted Masons, of Mystic; a member of Stonington Lodge, No. 26, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which order he is past noble grand; and a member of Pequot Camp, Modern Woodmen of America, of Mystic. Politically, he upholds the principles of the Repub- lican party.
In April, 1907, Mr. Gildersleeve married Alice Brown, of Noank, daughter of Clarence and Ar- metta (Moshier) Brown, of Noank. Mr. and Mrs. Gildersleeve have two sons: Ernest W., and Charles E., both born in Mystic, Connecticut. The family are members of the Baptist church.
AGNES (BUTLER) PARK was born in Coos county, Oregon, the daughter of Parker and Mary (Skidmore) Butler. Parker Butler was educated in the public schools of his native place, and upon reaching manhood, became interested in coastwise shipping on the Pacific coast, which occupation he followed throughout his entire lifetime. Captain of a ship for years, he was lost at sea in the Pacific Ocean, in 1872. His wife died in 1901, in Marshfield, Oregon. Mr. and Mrs. Butler were the parents of five children, of which number is Agnes, mentioned below.
The preliminary portion of Mrs. Park's educa- tion was obtained in the public schools of East Greenwich, Rhode Island, after which she entered the East Greenwich Academy, subsequently matric- ulating at Boston University, from which institution she was graduated in 1895 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. After graduation she became a
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teacher in Burrillville, Rhode Island, and made her home in Mystic, Connecticut. In 1900 she estab- lished herself in business by buying out the Mystic Variety Shop, founded by I. D. Miner in 1897. The venture proved successful, and her business has con- sistently grown until she has reached her present position, which has placed her among the leading business women of the county. Since coming to this community Mrs. Park has taken a keen interest in public affairs, devoting herself to all measures calculated to benefit the community and promote its rapid and substantial advancement. In politics she is a Republican, and in her religious affiliations she is a Methodist.
On June 15, 1901, she married Amos Park, and to them has been born one child, Ripley B., born in Mystic, Connecticut, January 15, 1903.
SAMUEL EDWARD STEWART, JR .- Among the many young soldiers who returned from serving their country in France during the World War is Samuel Edward Stewart, Jr., who in company with George A. Feeney, a sketch of whom follows, en- tered into a partnership, opening the Arcade Mar- ket, in Stonington, Connecticut, which venture has proved to be a very successful one.
Samuel Edward Stewart, Jr., is the son of Samuel Edward, Sr., and Matilda J. (Mabbitt) Stewart. The elder Mr. Stewart was born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where he acquired his education in the public schools and learned the trade of house painter. When twenty- one years of age he came to Mystic, where he has since resided and where he has been employed at his trade. Mrs. Matilda J. Mabbitt) Stewart is a native of West- erly, Rhode Island. She was the mother of four children: May, who died in infancy; Leo, who also died in infancy; Sarah, who is living at home; and Samuel Edward, Jr., of whom further.
Born in Mystic, Connecticut, May 26, 1895, Sam- uel Edward Stewart, Jr., attended the public school an later the Cushing Academy, and after leaving the latter institution, went into the office of P. F. Cas- sidy, an attorney of Woonsocket, Rhode Island, where he studied law.
While engaged in this pursuit, the United States entered into the World War, and Mr. Stewart en- listed in the service of his country, January 6, 1917, at Boston, Massachusetts. He was assigned for duty in the Medical Corps, in Ambulance Company No. 28, and was sent with the American Expe- ditionary Forces to France, where for seventeen months he was engaged in the famous battles of Chateau-Thierry (where he was gassed), St. Mihiel, and also in the various drives on Argonne Forest. He was sergeant of detail, first aid, Company C, of the 47th Infantry, when the great Krupp gun, "Big Bertha," that shelled Paris, was captured. Return- ing to the United States, he was sent to Camp Dix, New Jersey, where he was honorably discharged, with the rank of sergeant, in August, 1919. In November, 1920, Mr. Stewart, in association with Mr. Feeney, entered into the market business pre- viously referred to.
N.L .- 2.17.
While not active in politics, Mr. Stewart has joined the ranks of the Republican party. He is also affiliated with Charity and Relief Lodge, No. 72, Free and Accepted Masons, of Mystic; Benev- olence Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, of Mystic; Mystic Council, Royal and Select Masters, of Mys- tic; Palestine Commandery, No. 6, Knights Tcm- plar, of New London; and Pyramid Temple, An- cient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of Bridgeport, Connecticut. Mr. Stewart is a member of the Protestant Episcopal church of Mystic.
GEORGE A. FEENEY-One of the partners in the Arcade Meat Market of Stonington, Connec- ticut, is George A. Feeney. Although his business is located there, his residence is in Mystic, where he has lived for most of the years of his life.
The parents of George A. Feeney were both natives of Ireland. His father, Thomas Feeney, was born in County Galway, where he was educated in the National schools. When a young man he came to the United States and located in Pawcatuck, Connecticut, taking up the trade of moulder, work- ing at it all his life. He now resides at Mystic. His wife, Bridget Agnes Casey, was born in Illi- nois; her death occurred in Mystic, in 1917. They had a family of seven children: I. Annie, who re- sides at home. 2. George A., of whom further. 3. Edward, now living at home; he was engaged in active service during the late World War with the American Expeditionary Forces, 68th Regiment, Coast Artillery Corps, having spent eighteen months in France. 4. Francis S., living at home, who also was in the American Expeditionary Forces, serving in Company D, 77th Division. This young soldier was a member of the famous Lost Battalion. 5. Thomas, deceased. 6. Joseph. 7. Mary, both living at home.
The second member of this family, George A. Feeney, was born in Pawcatuck, Connecticut, July 16, 1892. He was educated in the public schools of Mystic, and after leaving school was employed by B. D. Williams, in Mystic, as a clerk, remaining with Mr. Williams for eleven years, when he left, in 1917, to become one of the workers in the ship- yard at Groton, Connecticut, and in the Groton Iron Works, where he remained until 1919. At that time, Samuel Edward Stewart, Jr., of Mystic, a sketch of whom precedes this, returned from service in the American army in France, and Mr. Feeney and Mr. Stewart entered into partnership and established a meat market in Stonington, known as the Arcade Market, where they are now located.
In politics, Mr. Feeney is a Democrat; in his religious affiliation he is a member of the Roman Catholic church of Mystic, his people also being attendants there.
PETER HAMMACHER-A prominent figure in the business life of Mystic, Connecticut, is Peter Hammacher, owner of a large general store here. Since coming to this community in 1909, Mr. Ham- macher has always taken an interest in everything
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pertaining to the betterment of civic conditions and the advancement of the business life of the place.
Henry Hammacher, father of Peter Hammacher, was born at Rhyland, Germany, and died in Stoning- ton, Connecticut, in 1902. He obtained his educa- tion in the public schools of his native place, and then went to work in the winding department of a velvet mill there until 1892, when he came to this country with his family and located in Astoria, New York, where he became identified with the American Velvet Company. In 1896 this company started a velvet mill at Stonington, and Mr. Ham- macher, being a skilled mechanic, helped greatly in the new mill, where he was located until his death. He married Elizabeth Schören, who died in Ger- many, in 1883.
Peter Hammacher, third child of Henry and Eliza- beth (Schören) Hammacher, was born at Rhyland, Germany, June 12, 1877, and attended the public schools of his native place. In 1899 he came to this country and located in Stonington, where he became a weaver with the American Velvet Com- pany. Ten years later he came to Mystic and established himself in business under the name of P. Hammacher & Company, in which he has con- tinued successfully up to the present time.
A Republican in politics, Mr. Hammacher gives to the affairs of the organization the interest de- manded of every good citizen, but has never held public office. He affiliates with Mystic Lodge, No. 26. Independent Order of Odd Fellows; he attends the Christian Science church of Mystic.
On February 4, 1001, Peter Hammacher was united in marriage with Elizabeth Muller, a native of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Hammacher are the parents of one child, Henry P., born at Stonington, Connecticut, January 21, 1902, and now associated in business with his father.
In connection with his general store, Mr. Ham- macher operates a large and very complete confec- tionery store, under the name of the Riverside Ice Cream Parlor.
REV. JAMES EDWARD O'BRIEN-Dedicating his life to the service of the Roman Catholic church, James Edward O'Brien in his early man- hood entered the priesthood when twenty-seven years old and has devoted himself to the many demands of his calling.
Born in Branford, Connecticut, October 14, 1870, James Edward OBrien is the son of Daniel OBrien, a native of County Cork, Ireland, and his wife, Catherine (O'Donnell) O'Brien, also born in County Cork. They came to the United States when young and located in Branford, Connecticut, where they have continued to make their home ever since.
The education of their son, James Edward, was acquired in the public school and high school of Branford, graduating from the latter in the class of 1890. During the fall of that same year the young man became a student at St. Mary's Sem- inary, in Emmitsburg, Maryland, from which he
graduated in 1894, with the degree of A. M. Enter- ing upon his preparation for the church, James Edward O'Brien was ordained a priest by Cardinal Gibbons at the Roman Catholic Cathedral of Balti- more, Maryland, in 1898.
Being assigned to the Church of the Immaculate Conception at Waterbury, Connecticut, as assistant priest, Rev. Father O'Brien entered upon his duties there in the same year, continuing as assistant until July, 1914. Upon that date he was advanced to the office of Pastor at Stonington, Connecticut, in St. Mary's Church. Rev. Father O'Brien is still en- gaged in his work here at the present time (1921).
EDGAR CALVIN STODDARD - During an eventful life of frequent change, Mr. Stoddard spent two years at the Crocker House, New London's hotel landmark, then under the management of A. T. Hale. He has been engaged in many fields of activity, and is a veteran in theatrical work, having been twenty years in the business, a line to which he has recently returned, his present en- gagement being as assistant manager of the Crown Tlicatre, in New London. He is a son of James B. and Susan M. (Barnes-Clark) Stoddard, both of Connecticut birth, his father dying in 1900, aged sixty-eight, his mother, daughter of Samuel D. Barnes, who still survives her husband, is in her eightieth year, a resident of Waterford, Connecticut. Mrs. Stoddard was a widow with two children when married to Mr. Stoddard, her first husband being Horatio Clark, a seafaring man, who left two daughters. .
Edgar Calvin Stoddard was born in New Lon- don, Connecticut, May 5, 1868, and there was edu- cated. He was variously employed until 1886, when he began studying veterinary surgery under a prac- tical teacher, and continued until he was badly injured by a horse he was treating. He then re- turned to the hotel business, and for seven years was connected with the Crocker House, in New London, during the management of F. E. Parker. He was then for twenty years engaged in theatrical work, but after the death of his wife, in July, 1918, he abandoned the theatre for some time, but since June 20, 1920, he has been manager of the Crown Theatre. He is a musician of great ability, and for seventeen years was president and official of the Musicians' Association.
Mr. Stoddard is a member of Brainard Lodge, No. 102, Free and Accepted Masons; New London Lodge, No. 360, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; Jibboom Club, No. 1; and of the Konomoc Hose Company.
Mr. Stoddard married (first), January 1, 1889, Sarah Frances Ashcroft, born in Waterford, in 1874, died in July, 1918, and is buried in Waterford, Connecticut. She was the daughter of John Roe and Mary (Chapman) Ashcroft, of Waterford. Mr. Stoddard married (second) Jessica Stuart McLean, born in England.
Sogar. 8. Stoddard 0
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WILLIAM FRANCIS BAILEY -Among the comparatively recent additions to the list of auto- mobile dealers in Norwich, Connecticut, the name of William Francis Bailey stands out prominently.
Mr. Bailey is a member of an old Connecticut family, and his father, Jabez H. Bailey, was born in the town of Bozrah. There he conducted a farm until 1893, when he removed his family to Yantic, Connecticut, where he still resides. He is now a mail carrier on a rural free delivery route. He mar- ried Fannie E. Spicer, and they have three sons: Albert J., who is married and lives in Yantic; Will- iam Francis, of whom more extended mention fol- lows; and Bertram B., who is married and lives in Waterbury, Connecticut.
William Francis Bailey received his primary edu- cation in the public schools of Bozrah, where he was born, November 6, 1885. He was eight years of age when his parents removed to Yantic, and his education was continued in the public schools of that town, then completed by a course at the Nor- wich Free Academy, where he studied for three years. In 1906 he went to Norwich, where he con- ducted a livery stable. He is still in this line of business, but in 1919 branched out and established a thoroughly up-to-the-minute garage, one of the finest in the city. He handles a complete line of automobile supplies, and the Cole Eight car.
Mr. Bailey is a member of Shetucket Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Norwich, Connecticut; the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, No. 430, of the same place, and of the Arcanum Club. He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, and was a member of the Common Council for a term of two years. His political convictions place him in the ranks of the Repub- lican party.
Mr. Bailey married, on December 19, 1911, Marion R. Parkinson, daughter of John Parkinson, of Nor- wich; she is a member of the Central Baptist Church, and Mr. Bailey attends and helps to sup- port same.
OSCAR HERBERT MAIN, deputy sheriff of New London county, and county jailer at Norwich, Connecticut, was born in Ledyard, Connecticut, No- vember 19, 1883, the son of Dwight W. and Frances Elizabeth (Johnson) Main. Dwight W. Main was born in Ledyard, and was educated in the district school of his native place. When a young man he worked with his father on the latter's farm, and for the past twenty-five years has owned and man- aged a large farm of his own in North Stonington, Connecticut, and also owns one at Preston, consist- ing of three hundred acres. To Mr. and Mrs. Main were born six children: Timothy D., a resi- dent of North Stonington, Connecticut; Mary E., wife of Thomas Conlon; Oscar Herbert, the subject of this review; Alfred E., a resident of Ledyard; Irving B., a resident of Stonington; Edna, wife of Frank Brown, of Stonington, Connecticut, the latter now deceased.
Oscar Herbert Main was educated in the district
schools of Preston, Connecticut, and then worked on his father's farm until 1902, when be removed to Hallville, Connecticut, and secured a position as clerk for Wood Brothers, who carry on a general store. Two years later he accepted the position of foreman with the Norwich & Westerly railroad, and one year later was appointed turnkey of the county jail at Norwich. In 1911 he was appointed to his present office, that of deputy jailer of the county jail, and March 15, 1920, was appointed deputy sheriff. In politics he is a Republican, and has always been deeply interested in the welfare of the community, giving his aid in every possible way to the promotion of the public good. He is a mem- ber of the Chamber of Commerce, and affiliates with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Norwich Lodge, No. 430.
On November 29, 1916, Mr. Main was united in marriage with Nettie M. Karoli, daughter of Philip and Isabella (Metzger) Karoli. Mr. and Mrs. Main are the parents of two children, both born in Nor- wich: Barbara Karoli, born September 17, 1917; Elizabeth Isabella, born February 14, 1920. Mr. and Mrs. Main attend the Episcopal church of Preston, Connecticut.
JOSEPH CHARLES PELOQUINN, one of the progressive and prosperous business men of Occum, where he is the owner of a general store and mer- cantile business, was born here, June 9, 1883. He is the son of Charles and Melvina (Perreault) Pelo- quinn. Charles Peloquinn was born in Canada, in 1853, and came to this country when a young man. locating in Occum, where he has continued to reside ever since. To Mr. and Mrs. Peloquinn were born three children : Joseph Charles, of further mention; Charles, a resident of Greenfield, Massachusetts; Fannie, who married Emile Blain, of Baltic, Connecticut.
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