USA > Connecticut > New London County > A modern history of New London County, Connecticut, Volume III > Part 20
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The education of Joseph Charles Peloquinn was obtained in the schools of his native place, after which the business of life began for the boy. In 1917 he established himself in business, and has since been actively engaged in this enterprise, de- voting the greater part of his time to its affairs. Being a good citizen, he has ever by his vote and influence been actively engaged in furthering inter- ests which had for their aim the betterment of civic conditions, and no good work, done in the name of charity or religion, fails to receive his earnest support.
On September 11, 1903, Joseph Charles Peloquinn was united in marriage with Mary Ward, a native of Occum, Connecticut, her birth having occurred there, September 6, 1886. Mr. and Mrs. Peloquinn are the parents of three children: Ward Joseph, born in Waterbury, Connecticut; Marie Elizabeth, born in Sprague; and Irene, born in Sprague.
In politics Mr. Peloquinn is an Independent, and is a member of St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church, of Occum, Connecticut.
FRANK JOHN FRANER-Having spent the early years of his life in Hungary, Frank John
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Franer, when thirty-two years of age, came to the United States, and entering into the business life of the country, has made his home here ever since. His people remained in Hungary, where his father, Frank John Franer, Sr., was the owner of a flour mill. The elder Mr. Franer was born in Central Hungary, and died there, in 1893, at the age of seventy-six years. His wife, Elizabeth Franer, also was a native of Central Hungary, where she died, in 1899, when seventy-six years old. In addition to their son, Frank John, Jr., she and her husband were the parents of two daughters, Caroline Fran- cesca, and Anna, and a son, William.
Frank John Franer, Jr., was born in Central Hun- gary, January 6, 1862, and in his boyhood was edu- cated in the public schools there. In 1898 he came to America, landing in New York City, remaining there for some years, at first engaged in the hotel business and later holding several other positions for about three years. Crossing the Hudson river to New Jersey, Mr. Franer opened a small moving picture theatre, not far from New York City, being one of the pioneer exhibitors in that line. A few years later he made a trip to his old home in Cen- tral Hungary, but returned to the United States after spending a short time there. Buying a home in Brooklyn, New York, Mr. Franer remained in that city for a while. At that time he was the owner of a moving picture house on Jamaica avenue, Richmond Hill. Eventually he went to Waterbury, Connecticut, where he again became interested in the theatre business, buying the Star Theatre. In 1918 he came to New London, Con- necticut, and purchased the Orpheum Theatre, changing its name to the Rialto (by which name it is now known) and is engaged in its management.
In Central Hungary, Frank John Franer married Mary Ebenspanger, a native of the same place. They have one child, born in New York City, February 18, 1903. They make their home in New London.
FREDERICK J. OSTMAN-After several years' experience in the wholesale and retail fish market business in connection with his father, Frederick J. Ostman is now sole proprietor of a most success- ful and up-to-date market in Stonington, Connec- ticut, supplying the trade for surrounding retail dealers.
The business was started many years ago by Frederick Ostman, a native of Germany, who, with his family, came to the United States when a child of twelve years. The boy had attended the public schools in Germany, and when his people arrived in this country he was sent to the public schools in New York City, where they had located. Having arrived at the age of nineteen years, Frederick Ost- man came to Stonington and established the fish market previously referred to. He also entered into the fish catching occupation, which is a very thriving business of the population in the seaboard towns of that locality, Mr. Ostman becoming recog- nized as one of the big fishermen of his day. After a prosperous and successful life he died at Stoning-
ton, January 13, 1912. His wife, Elizabeth (Ham- mond) Ostman, was born in Stonington; she died in Westerly, Rhode Island, April 26, 1913. Mr. and Mrs. Ostman were the parents of nine children: Annie, deceased; John, who married Gertrude Pat- terson, and now resides in Stonington; Elizabeth, Jennie, Bessie, Frederick J .; William, who resides in Stonington; Lena, and Etta. The last seven live at home in Stonington.
Frederick J. Ostman, the sixth of this family group, was born in Stonington, February 19, 1883. Attending the public schools of his native town, he acquired a good education, and after graduating from the Stonington High School, in 1900, he be- came associated with his father in business. For a number of years they continued in this work, then, his father dying, the son took over the man- agement of it and has so continued since 1912.
Interested in every local enterprise, Mr. Ost- man is connected with most of the fraternal organi- zations in the locality; he is a member of Asylum Lodge, No. 57, Free and Accepted Masons, of Ston- ington; Benevolence Chapter, Mystic Council, Royal and Select Masters; and Palestine Commandery, No. 6, Knights Templar, of New London. He is also affiliated with the local lodge of the Red Men, of Westerly, Rhode Island. Mr. Ostman is interested in the fire department of Stonington, and was fore- man for six years, 1911-17. He is a member of the Republican party.
On June 10, 1918, Frederick J. Ostman was united in marriage with Mabel Bates Dias, a resident of Hyde Park, Boston, Massachusetts. She is a daughter of John Q. and Lotty (Jordan) Dias, of Boston, Massachusetts. Mr. and Mrs. Ostman attend the Protestant Episcopal church of Stoning- ton.
EUGENE P. HYDE-The name of Hyde is a familiar one in and around the town of Stonington, Connecticut, where several members of the family have been in business, both in the past and at the present time.
Eugene P. Hyde is the son of Albigence and Nancy L. (Pulcifer) Hyde, the father a native of Canterbury, Connecticut, where he was educated in the district school. As a youth he worked upon his father's farm, but after reaching manhood he went to Norwich and learned the trade of carriage- making and wagon-building. In the early fifties, Albigence Hyde moved to Stonington, where he started a carriage factory, which he conducted until the time of his death, in 1896, his wife surviving him for several years, her death occurring in 1905. They were the parents of five children: Albert, married, and resides in New Britain, Connecticut; Hannah, residing in Stonington; Theodore Wells, retired from business and lives in Stonington; Eu- gene P .; and Elida, who died in 1910.
The fourth child, Eugene P. Hyde, was born in Stonington, Connecticut, February 28, 1860. In his childhood days he attended the village school, and when older, completed his education with Professor
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A. J. Foster, of Stonington. He afterward entered into business with his father, remaining in the carriage-making business with him until the latter's death, when he carried on the business alone, adding automobile repairing and painting to the carriage and wagon works, and has been very successful. He is now retired.
Having been a Democrat in politics all his life and a regular voter, Mr. Hyde has been quite active in the affairs of Stonington, having served on the Board of Burgesses for several years. He and his wife are members of the Baptist church, and are supporters of all its work.
Mr. Hyde has been married twice, his first wife being Hattie B. Taylor, the daughter of John A. Taylor, who died in 1900. Of this marriage two children were born: Frederick E., living at home; and Edmond P., who married Edith Pendleton, of New York City. Eugene P. Hyde married (sec- ond), September 26, 1904, Mary Pendleton, of Stonington, daughter of Captain B. F. Pendleton.
JOHN CARLSON, a native of Sweden, came to this country when very young, being only seventeen years old when he arrived in Boston, Massachusetts.
Born in Lurtenburg, Sweden, April 21, 1879, John Carlson was the son of Oscar and Louise (Ander- son) Carlson, natives of Sweden. Oscar Carlson was educated in the National schools of Sweden, and learned the trade of carpenter, afterward be- coming a contractor, in which business he was occupied during his entire life. He and his wife had four children, John being the third. Oscar Carlson died in 1905, his wife having died in 1891. Acquiring his education in the National schools of Sweden, John Carlson left his home in 1896 and came to the United States. His first occupation was an instructor in auto driving for the Keith Automobile School of Boston, remaining as such for several years. For some time after leaving there, Mr. Carlson acted as chauffeur in various places, but in 1909 he came to Stonington, Connec- ticut, as chauffeur for Eugene Atwood, of that bor- ough, by whom he was employed for a long period.
In 1920 Mr. Carlson entered into business for himself, opening a garage under the name of the Stonington Automobile Station, also being the agent for the Lexington automobiles. This is Mr. Carlson's business at the present time.
Since his residence in Stonington, Mr. Carlson has become greatly interested in Masonic matters, having joined Asylum Lodge, No. 57, Free and Accepted Masons, of Stonington; Benevolence Chap- ter, Royal Arch Masons, of Mystic; and Mystic Council, Royal and Select Masters. In politics Mr. Carlson is a Democrat.
On May 4, 1916, John Carlson was married to Elizabeth Fritz, a resident of Astoria, Long Island, New York. She is the daughter of Theodore and Tillie (Kirchoffer) Fritz. Mr. and Mrs. Carlson are members of and active in the Protestant Epis- copal church of Stonington.
FRANK EUGENE ADAMS-The first settler in the town of Colchester, New London county, Con- necticut, to bear this old and honored New England name was Benjamin Adams, who settled near Com- stock's Bridge. He was a farmer, as his descend- ants have been in cach generation down to the present. Benjamin Adams, the original Adams, in Colchester, had a son, Benjamin Williams Adams, born in Colchester, Connecticut, April 4, 1792, and died here in 1864. He married, August 24, 1824, Hannah Davis Warner, born May 18, 1802, at Chester, Con- necticut, who died many years prior to his death. They were the parents of a son, Benjamin Adams, of whom further.
Benjamin Adams was born in Colchester, July 9, 1834, died there, in December, 1911. Benjamin Adams enlisted, in 1861, at Colchester, in Company A, Twenty-first Regiment, Connecticut Volunteer Infantry, and served throughout the entire four years of the Civil War. During the latter part of the war he was a member of the Twenty-first Regi- mental Band. After the war he returned to his farm and here continued until his final retirement. Mr. Adams was fife major of the famous Moodus Fife and Drum Corps, of Moodus, Connecticut, and during his ten years' membership, travelled with that organization all over the United States, giving concerts and exhibitions. He was also an instructor on the fife. He married Martha Clarissa Bercham, born November 15, 1837, and they were the parents of three children: John W., who died in infancy; Frank Eugene, of whom further; and Carrie Eliza- beth, who married Clayton D. Barton, of East Hampton.
Frank Eugene Adams, son of Benjamin and Martha Clarissa (Bercham) Adams, was born at Westchester Center, town of Colchester, New Lon- don county, Connecticut, November 29, 1859. After finishing his education in the public schools he became his father's farm assistant and remained at the home farm until the age of thirty-eight. In 1897 he located in East Hampton, Connecticut, where he was employed in the N. N. Hill Brass Company until 1904, when he returned to the town of Colchester and bought the William H. Siems farm at Westchester Center, where he yet resides, a prosperous, general farmer and dairyman. His farm of two hundred acres is well located, mod- ernly improved and equipped, its well-kept appear- ance indicating thrift and prosperity. He is a Republican in politics, and has served his town as assessor of taxes. He is a member of the West- chester Congregational Church, and of the church committee.
Mr. Adams married (first) in New York City, December 20, 1887, Anna May Bissell, daughter of Hezekiah and Mary J. (Cone) Bissell. Anna May Bissell was born at Hebron, Connecticut, and died in East Hampton, Connecticut, in 1902. Mr. and Mrs. Adams were the parents of three children: Frank Bissell, born October 18, 1888, died Septem- ber 2, 1889; Clarence Bissell, born December 14,
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1890, now station agent at Chestnut Hill for the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad; Ben- jamin Warner, born November 3, 1893, now with the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad, at New Haven, Connecticut. Mr. Adams married (second) at New York City, April 26, 1904, Mary Hyde, a native of East Hampton, Connecticut, a daugh- ter of Andrew and Catherine (Wall) Hyde, of East Hampton. Mr. and Mrs. Adams have an adopted daugh .. ter, Florence, who was born in New London, Connecti- cut, September 30, 1910.
THOMAS EDWIN WHEELER-Long active in various branches of individual enterprise and public endeavor, Thomas Edwin Wheeler, of North Stonington, Connecticut, is a representative citizen of New London county.
Mr. Wheeler is a son of Noyes Denison and Susan S. (Wilbur) Wheeler. Noyes D. Wheeler was a native of Rhode Island, and during all his lifetime was a farmer in Hopkinton, in that State, where he died in 1902. His was was born in Rich- mond, Rhode Island, and died at Mystic, Connec- ticut. They were the parents of eleven children, of whom Thomas Edwin was the seventh.
Thomas Edwin Wheeler was born in Hopkinton, Rhode Island, August 23, 1858. Educated in the public schools of that town, he began life on the farm, working with his father for several years. For several years he taught school in Hopkinton, Charleston, Exeter, and Richmond, Rhode Island, and also taught in North Stonington and Volun- town, Connecticut. He resigned as school teacher while in North Stonington to accept a position as field manager for King Richardson & Company, publishers, of Springfield, Massachusetts. After three years thus engaged he returned and took up school teaching in Voluntown. Later he again taught in North Stonington and in 1898 he bought a farm on Pendleton Hill, and farmed there till 1918. Then he moved to his present farm at Laurel Glen, a neighboring town of North Stonington, where he still remains, conducting extensive opera- tions in general farming.
In the public life of the town of North Stoning- ton Mr. Wheeler's ability has long since been rec- ognized, and the call of the people has placed re- sponsibility upon his shoulders which closely in- volved the welfare of the community. In political affiliation a Republican, he was first elected tax collector, and served for a period of six years. He has served on the school committee of North Stonington for a period of three years, having been elected Chairman of the Committee during one year. He is a member of the Loyal Order of Moose, of Westerly, Rhode Island, and is a member of North Stonington Grange, No. 138. He is a devout member of the Baptist chuch.
In the borough of Stonington, on March 15, 1897, Mr. Wheeler married Caroline Hopkins, a native of Council Bluffs, Iowa, daughter of Samuel and (Bidmead) Hopkins, of that city, whose parents died when she was a child, and she was raised in Provi-
dence, Rhode Island. They have one son, Noyes Denison, who was born on the home farm, Pendle- ton Hill, North Stonington, was born July 29, 1898.
Noyes Denison Wheeler served during the World War in the Thirty-third Regiment, United States Engineers. He enlisted on March 16, 1918, saw considerable service in France, and was discharged on July 16, 1919.
He married, on September 21, 1920, Mary M. Riley, of Willimantic, Connecticut. They are the parents of a daughter, Katherine Alice, born July 10, 1921.
CHARLES R. STOLL, when twelve years of age, left his native Stuttgart, Germany, and came to the United States, locating in New London, Connec- ticut, in 1850. There he served an apprenticeship at the stonecutter's trade, finally becoming the owner of a granite quarry at New London, and conducted a profitable business until 1901, when he opened a coal yard in New London, which he conducted until his death in June, 1901. He was one of the leading business men of New London for many years and was highly esteemed. He mar- ried Louisa Kopp, who survived him until 1905. Mr. and Mrs. Stoll were the parents of two chil- dren: Charles R., of further mention; and Alfred W., who married Ida Jones, and resides in New London.
Charles R. Stoll, eldest son of Charles F. and Louisa (Kopp) Stoll, was born in New London, Connecticut, April 2, 1875, and was educated in the public schools, finishing at Bulkeley High School with the graduating class of 1892. The first years of his business life were spent with Swift & Com- pany, of New London, as accountant, but later he became a salesman. In 1901 he succeeded to the coal business established by his father in New Lon- don, and since that year has devoted himself to its management. The business as now conducted embraces in addition to coal and wood a line of building and contractors' materials.
Mr. Stoll is a member of Union Lodge, No. 31, Free and Accepted Masons; Mohegan Lodge, No. 53, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; New Lon- don Lodge, No. 360, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; Modern Woodmen of America, Camp No. 7523; Komonoc Hose Company, No. 4; and the Chamber of Commerce, of New London. Mr. Stoll is a Democrat in politics. His religious connection is as a member of St. James' Protestant Episcopal Church.
ALBERT C. CARACAUSA-Born in New Lon- don, interested in every phase of public progress, and broadly active in welfare work for the Italian- American population, Albert C. Caracausa, of New London, is bearing a constructive part in meeting the public problems of the day.
Mr. Caracausa is a son of Anthony and Vincenza (Poma) Caracausa. Anthony Caracausa was born in Trapani, Italy, June 14, 1848, and received his education in the National schools of his native land.
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While still a young man he went to sea as seaman on a sailing vessel, and followed the sea during the greater part of his life. In 1875 he became half- owner and captain of the sailing ship "Emma," and visited many points of interest on his voyages, con- tinuing to follow the sca until he came to the United States in 1891. During his nautical experi- ence he was twice shipwrecked, and once robbed by sea bandits. The robbery occurred off the coast of Africa, Captain Caracausa losing 20,000 lire, and three members of the crew being killed.
Locating in New London with his family in 1891, Captain Caracausa entered the fruit business. But he only continued along this line for one year. His long experience had taught him much of value to others as well as to himself, and he saw a wider field, and his own ability to serve his fellowmen in that field. In 1894 he established a steamship agency, and doing business under his own name, handled foreign exchange, and met the many needs of his fellow countrymen. He carried on this business, which developed to an important interest, until his death, and then left it in the hands of his son. He died in New London, on May 1, 1916, at the age of sixty-eight years, leaving behind him many friends, and a name which all who knew him in his adopted country had learned to honor. His wife, who was also born in Trapani, Italy, sur- vives him and still resides in New London. They were the parents of five children: Albert, who died in infancy; Fillippina, now the wife of Joseph Lup- pino, and a resident of Brooklyn, New York; Rosaria M., the wife of Prof. Francis Minutollo, of New York City; Emma, the wife of John Belbuno, of New London; and Albert C., whose name heads this review.
Albert C. Caracausa was born in New London, October 19, 1892, and is a son of Anthony and Vincenza (Poma) Caracausa. Receiving his early education in the public schols of this city, he was Jater graduated from the Bulkeley High School, in the class of 1913, then spent one year at the Rhode Island State College. Thereafter, Mr. Caracausa became associated with his father in business, and upon the death of the elder man, not long after- wards, the son took over the business, which he still carries on. He continues the activities which his father began, and to the steamship agency and foreign exchange he has added an important and constantly growing interest in real estate and insur- ance, and also has a sub-post office at his place of business at No. 697 Bank street.
Entirely outside of his business, Mr. Caracausa takes a deep interest in all Italians who come to our shores, and actively engages in individual and organized work for their Americanization, always standing ready to be of service to them and help them to their hoped-for success in the new country. He is president of the Italian-American Citizen's Club, of New London, and is an active member of the Chritospher Columbus Lodge of the Sons of Italy, of New London.
When the World War brought the young men
of America to take up their responsibility to hu- manity, Mr. Caracausa enlisted in the United States Naval Reserve Force, and was made chief of the Naval Intelligence Bureau Station, at New London. He enlisted on April 4, 1918, and was discharged December 17, 1918.
Politically, Mr. Caracausa supports the Demo- cratic party. Fraternally, he belongs to Lodge No. 360, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, of New London; to Seaside Council, No. 17, Knights of Columbus; and to Lodge No. 654, Improved Order of Red Men. He is a member of the Rotary Club of New London.
On June 2, 1919, Mr. Caracausa married L. Louise Chartier, of Willimantic, Connecticut, daughter of Nicholas and Octave (Bourque) Chartier, formerly of Montreal, Canada, now residents of Willimantic. Mr. and Mrs. Caracausa have one son, Anthony Vincent, born August 9, 1921.
CLARENCE W. THOMPSON-The father of our subject, Eugene W. Thompson, was born in Columbia, Tolland county, Connecticut, and there attended public school, and as a young man worked as a clerk, married, and later became a farmer. He married Hattie A. Post, and they were the parents of ten children, the ninth a son, Clarence W. Thompson, of further mention. Eugene W. Thomp- son died in New London, Connecticut, in 1891, his widow surviving him twenty-one years.
Clarence W. Thompson was born in Andover, Tolland county, Connecticut, October 21, 1886. He was educated in the public schools of New London, and early in life became interested in automobiles and their construction. He became an expert gar- age worker, and in different establishments became an expert in his line. In 1915 he started in busi- ness under his own name, opening a garage in New London, at No. 289 Bank street. He is agent for the Chevrolet and Columbia cars, and for the Indiana truck. His plant includes a well-equipped service station and all necessary equipment.
Mr. Thompson is a Republican in politics, and during the years 1915 and 1918 was a member of the New London Board of Aldermen, representing the Fourth Ward. Mr. Thompson is a member of Union Lodge, No. 131, Free and Accepted Masons; New London Lodge, No. 360, Benevolent and Pro- tective Order of Elks; Pequot Lodge, No. 85, Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows; the Niagara Fire Company; and the New London Auto Dealers' Association. He is also a member of the Chamber of Commerce of New London, a member of the Baptist church, and the Masonic Club, of the same place.
Mr. Thompson married, February 21, 1905, Min- nie F. Daly, of New London, daughter of James F. and Christina (Roake) Daly, and they are the par- ents of two children: Gertrude M., and Helen V.
ALBERT ELI PAQUETTE-Among those men who, by successfully and efficiently carrying on a business necessary to the life of the people serve
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their community is Albert Eli Paquette, son of Paul and Corrinne (Lamarche) Paquette, Paul Paquette was born in North Adams, Massachusetts, and at- tended the public schools of that place, and then learned the bakery business. Hc was first em- ployed by Theophile Perreau at North Adams, Massachusetts, and later began business for him- self in Williamstown, Massachusetts, where he remained for sixteen years. He then came to New London and established a business of his own, the Paquette Domestic Bakery; this was in 1907. For the remainder of his life he gave his strength to building up and carrying on his increasingly suc- cessful enterprise. He retired in 1916, and died March 4, 1921. His wife, Corrinne (Lamarch) Pa- quette, survives him, and resides in Fall River, Massachusetts. Paul Paquette and his wife had five children, Albert Eli being the second.
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