USA > Connecticut > New London County > A modern history of New London County, Connecticut, Volume III > Part 23
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JAMES RICHARDSON ARMSTRONG was born in Rutland, Jefferson county, New York, April 21, 1844, the son of John and Sarah (Porter) Armstrong. John Armstrong was a native of Sara- toga county, New York, his birth having occurred at Saratoga, November 7, 1801. He was educated in the district schools of his native place, after which he engaged in farming until his death, March 17, 1887. His wife, Sarah (Porter) Armstrong, was born March 1, 1807, died December 17, 1889. Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong were the parents of seven children, James Richardson, the subject of this review, being the sixth child.
James Richardson Armstrong obtained his educa- tion in the district schools of Rutland, and then worked on his father's farm until 1870, when he moved to Westerly, Rhode Island, and there en- gaged in farming for eight years, removing at the end of that time to Lebanon, Connecticut, where he still followed the same vocation and has con- tinued in agricultural pursuits ever since. In 1895 he purchased what was then the WV. A. Browning farm in Griswold, near Jewett City. This estate
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covers one hundred and eighty acres and here Mr. Armstrong engages in general farming and dairy- ing on a large scale. He also owns thirty-four head of cattle, some of which are registered short- horned cattle, and has built up a large and extremely flourishing business. In his political affiliations he is a staunch Republican, although no office seeker.
Mr. Armstrong married, December 25, 1867, Susan Abby Carpenter, of South Kingston, Rhode Island, and to them have been born seven children: I. Flora L., a resident of Mount Hermon, Massa- chusetts. 2. Sarah M., a resident of Foster, Rhode Island. 3. John, married Lillian Carpenter, of Paw- tucket, Rhode Island. 4. Hannah M., married Fred- erick Gregor, and resides in North Attleboro, Massachusetts. 5. Benjamin A., married Bertha Tillinghast, and resides in Balboa Heights, Panama Canal Zone. 6. Charles T., married Nettie A. Gcer, of Griswold, Connecticut; he resides on the farm with his father. 7. Susan E., a resident of Mount Hermon, Massachusetts. Mrs. Armstrong passed away May 28, 1916. She was in every sense of the word a helpmate to her husband, and her cheerful disposition and courage in the midst of trials inci- dent to the care of a large family was a consider- able factor in making her husband's life the success that it is.
ZOEL GAUCHER-One of the principal indus- tries of the village of Baltic, in the town of Sprague, Connecticut, is the wholesale bakery, conducted by Zoel Gaucher. Mr. Gaucher has been a resident of Baltic for the past twenty-one years, and is widely known thereabouts.
Mr. Gaucher's parents were Canadian born, being natives of St. Damasa, Province of Quebec. They were farming people, and his father died in St. Ccascre, twenty years ago, and is buried therc. His mother still survives, at seventy-three years of age, living in St. Ceaserc. They were the parents of four sons, of whom Zoel is the eldest. The others are: Jean, thirty-eight years of age; Fred, thirty- five; and Albert, thirty.
Zoel Gaucher was born in Knowlton, Province of Quebec, in the year 1877. He was cducated at St. Ccaserc, Province of Quebec, Canada, and there learned the trade of baker. He came to this country in August, 1899, coming directly to Baltic, where he has since remained, winning the respect and esteem of the community, and achieving success in his chosen line. He established the big wholesale bakery, which has become a feature of the business life of the town, in the year 1907, and has worked up, until now he controls a very extensive trade, and handles an immense volume of business.
Mr. Gaucher is a leader among his fellow-country- men in this section, and an influential member of the Societe St. Jean de Baptiste.
He married (first) Evelyn Labunne, who was born in the Province of Quebec, and died, 1913, in Baltic. He married (second) Louise Bles, of Baltic. They have four children: 1. Antoinette. 2. Leo. 3. Ran- dolph. 4. Evelyn.
N.L .- 2.18.
ORRIN LEONARD SWAIN-In the prosperity of any farming community the hand of the village blacksmith is a vital factor. In North Stonington, New London county, Connecticut, Orrin Leonard Swain meets the need for construction and repairs on the farm, his business covering a wide territory in this section.
Mr. Swain is a son of George W. Swain, who was born in Norwich, Connecticut, and educated in the public schools of that city. After completing the regular course of study, he learned the trade of machinist, which he followed all his active life. Hc was employed for a period of twenty-two years in C. B. Rogers' machine shop, in Norwich. He is now retired from this work, and lives in the town of North Stonington, He married (first) Maria Rogers, who was born in Montville, Connecticut, and died in Norwich, in the year 1882, They were the parents of two children: George Roberts, who married Addie Holmes, and is now a resident of Old Mystic, Connecticut; and Orrin Leonard. He married (second) Mrs. Eliza (Verguson) Smith.
Orrin Leonard Swain, son of George W. and Maria (Rogers) Swain, was born in Norwich, Con- necticut, December 7, 1881. He received his educa- tion in the public schools of that city, then served an apprenticeship as a wagon maker and black- smith with T. H. Peabody, of Norwich, for five years. In 1903 he came to North Stonington, where he established a shop. Here he has built up an extensive business in wagon making and repairing, and general blacksmith work, and is the leading worker along these lines in this part of the county. Mr. Swain is interested in every phase of public progress. Politically he is affiliated with the Demo- cratic party. He is a prominent member of the North Stonington Grange, No. 138.
He married, in North Stonington, in 1902, Frances Melvina Rogers, of Montville, Connecticut, daughter of Frank C. and Kate (Crandall) Rogers, of Mont- ville. They are the parents of ten children: Myrtle F .; Ruby E .; Orrin Leonard, Jr .; Madge P .; Violet T .; Lester M .; Jennie L .; and Beatrice and Barbara, twins; and Donald. The family are members of the Baptist church.
CARL AUGUST KOELB-When the American Velvet Company opened their branch factory in Stonington, Connecticut, they wanted skilled men to fill the important positions connected with its management. Transferring Carl August Koelb from their office in New York City to Stonington, the company made him assistant superintendent under John M. Killars, superintendent and builder of the plant.
Carl August Koelb, Jr., was born a subject of Germany, his parents having lived there all their lives, his father, Carl August Koelb, Sr., following the profession of school teacher for many years. He died in Germany, in 1897, aged sixty-six years. His wife, Maria (Denzer) Koelb, died in 1872. They were the parents of eight children.
Their son, Carl August Koelb, Jr., was born Jan-
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uary 15, 1865. Having acquired a good education in the public schools of Germany and also under his father's tuition, young Mr. Koelb, when only eighteen years old, came to the United States, and locating in New York City, in June, 1884, obtained a position with A. Wimpfheimer & Brother, of the American Velvet Company. Remaining with them for eight years, Mr. Koelb was one of those chosen to assist the company in their new enterprise in Stonington. Going there in 1892, he is still in their employ, and is one of the well known residents of the borough, having lived here nearly thirty years.
Becoming greatly interested in Masonic matters, Mr. Koelb joined Asylum Lodge, No. 57, Free and Accepted Masons, of Stonington; also Benevolent Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, of Mystic; and Mystic Council, Royal and Select Masters. In addition to these, Mr. Koelb is affiliated with Stonington Lodge, No. 26, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is also a member of the Republican party in that locality.
In Stonington, Connecticut, March 8, 1893, Carl August Koelb was married to Caroline E. Ham- mond, the daughter of John and Elizabeth (Palmer) Hammond, residents of Stonington. Of this mar- riage four children have been born: Helen May, living at home; Ralph H., who married Gladys C. MacGowan, and they reside at Westerly, Rhode Island; Howard E., living at home; and Milton C., also at home. Mr. and Mrs. Carl August Koelb and family are members of the Baptist Church of Stonington.
JOIIN FRIBANCE-In the manufacturing worid of Mystic, Connecticut, one of the skilled workers is John Fribance, who has been master mechanic of the Mystic Manufacturing Company's plant for twenty-three years. He is a son of William and Rose (Payne) Fribance.
William Fribance was born in London, England, where he was also educated, later becoming a me- chanic, and following along this line during all his active life. He still lives in London, but is now retired from all active work. Of the twelve chil- dren Mr. Fribance, of Mystic, was the eldest.
John Fribance was born in London, England, September 20, 1874. He was educated in the Na- tional schools of his native country, but as he approached manhood the lure of the Western Land across the Atlantic reached him with strong appeal, and at eighteen years of age he came to America. Locating in Rockville, Connecticut, he entered the employ of a manufacturing company now the New England Manufacturing Company, in their great woolen mill. He worked there as machinist until 1898, when he came to Mystic, and became master mechanic at the plant of the Mystic Manufacturing Company. This responsible position he still fills.
In the public welfare of the town of Stonington, Connecticut, Mr. Fribance has long borne a part. Always a strong adherent of Republican party prin- ciples, he has been a worker in the ranks for many years, and for the past three years has ably filled
the office of selectman, his term of office not yet being expired. He is a member of the Mystic Fire District Committee, which numbers three, and is in charge of the fire department, the water depart- ment, and the electric lighting department. The other inembers of the committee are Conrad Kretzer and William L. Main. Mr. Fribance is a member of Charity and Relief Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, of Mystic, and is a member of Stonington Lodge, No. 26, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, being a member also of the Encamp- ment.
On September 4, 1906, Mr. Fribance married Min- nie Austin, of Rockville, Connecticut, daughter of Enoch and Sarah (Bilson) Austin, of that city. Mr. and Mrs. Fribance are the parents of three children: Austin Edward; William Bilson; and Ar- thur Kenneth. The family are members of the Congregational church of Mystic, and active in the social and benevolent work of the church.
EDWIN FITCH BENJAMIN-One of the hon- ored names which will long live in the memory of the people of Ledyard is that of Edwin Fitch Ben- jamin, prominent farmer and highly respected citizen of the town of Griswold, Connecticut.
Mr. Benjamin came of an old New London county family, leading people of the community. His father, Levi Benjamin, was born in Preston, Con- necticut, July 2, 1830, and lived there during all his lifetime, conducting extensive farming opera- tions, and taking a comprehensive interest in the affairs of the town. He died in Preston, April 4, 1898. He married Anna Webb Hinckley, who was born in Norwich, Connecticut, December 23, 1835, and died in Preston, October 27, 1898. They were the parents of three children: George Hinckley, deceased ; Edwin Fitch, deceased; Irving H., resides in Hartford, Connecticut.
Edwin Fitch Benjamin was born in Ledyard, New London county, Connecticut, April 25, 1859, and died in Griswold, Connecticut, February 10, 1920. He received his education in the district schools of Preston, then upon leaving school took up farm- ing. He soon purchased the Kinney farm in Pres- ton, which he conducted for a time, later selling out his interests there and removing to the town of Griswold, where he bought the Leonard farm. Remaining on this place for two years he again sold, and this time bought the Horton farm, in Griswold, which he conducted until his death.
Mr. Benjamin was more or less interested in political matters when living in Preston, and was one of the Democratic party leaders of the town. He served for some time as first selectman of Preston. He was broadly interested in every phase of public progress, and always kept well informed of the affairs of the day, State and National, as well as those of his own community. He was a man of lofty ideals and unnselfish spirit, sparing himself no trouble to do a good turn or right a wrong. His influence among those who knew him
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was always for the betterment of society, and he will long be remembered as a man of upright char- acter and estimable worth.
Mr. Benjamin married (first) Annie Yerington, of Preston, and they were the parents of five chil- dren, all born in that town: Clarence E., born December 24, 1893; Elizabeth, born June 14, 1896, who is now a school teacher in Griswold; Daisy, born February 27, 1899; Vernon H., deceased; and Allen H., born February 2, 1907. Mr. Benjamin married (second) Mrs. Amy (Lockwood) Mc- Cracken, a native of Brooklyn, New York, widow of Dan C. McCracken. Mr. and Mrs. McCracken were the parents of a son, Dan C., Jr., who is a resident of Preston.
WILLIAM SMIDDY-Recognized by his fellow townsmen as a man of deep thought and broad- minded conclusions, William Smiddy is regarded in Montville, Connecticut, as a progressive citizen who, though entirely a self-made man, has attained a comfortable competence in life.
Of American birth, William Smiddy is the son of Irish parents, who in 1853 came to this country and settled in Montville, Connecticut. His father was Charles Smiddy, born in County Cork, Ireland; he was in the employ of Mr. Hooper, the owner of the Hooper woolen mills of Montville, Connecticut, for a great many years, being his hostler. His death occurred in 1903, at the age of cighty-four years. Charles Smiddy was survived by his wife, Janc (Kelleher) Smiddy, also born in County Cork, Ireland, who died three years later, 1906, when seventy-five years old.
The son of Charles and Jane (Kelleher) Smiddy, William Smiddy, was born in Montville, Connec- ticut, June 28, 1855. Until thirteen years old he attended the local school, then, starting in the card- ing room of the Hooper Woolen Mill Company, Montville, Connecticut, he continued in that em- ployment for seventeen years. Having an oppor- tunity to advance in business, Mr. Smiddy became foreman of the Palmer Brothers Mills in Montville, manufacturers of quilts, where he has been engaged for the past thirty-five years as overseer of the carding and filling department.
Having always been a public-spirited man, and active in the affairs of his town, Mr. Smiddy has held several public offices; is now justice of the peace, and was register of voters and judge of local court. He is a Democrat in politics. He is a member of St. John's Roman Catholic Church; Knights of Columbus, Pequot Council, No. 125, of Montville; past grand knight of Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Thames Lodge, No. 22, of Montville.
William Smiddy was twice married, his first wife having been Nellie (Harrington) Smiddy, the daughter of Alding and Lucy (Sweet) Harrington. She died in September, 1915. One child was born of this marriage, William Henry, born December 20, 1884. He died September 28, 1918. Mr. Smiddy's first marriage took place in New London in Sep- tember, 1872. He married (second) Johana Sopola,
a native of Austria, born in 1883, the ceremony tak- ing place in Montville in 1917.
JOSEPH ALBERT MARCOUX-When their son Joseph A. was eleven years of age, John and Mary (Dion) Marcoux left their Canadian home in Eads county, Province of Quebec, and came to the United States, locating in North Grosvenor Dale, Connecticut, and there finding employment in the cotton mills. Six years were spent there, after which John Marcoux moved to Montville, Connec- ticut, securing a position with the Attawangan Company, they having mills there. He remained in Montville eighteen years, then moved to Willi- mantic, Connecticut, where he died in 1907. His wife, born in St. Marie, Beauce county, Province of Quebec, Canada, survives her husband, and con- tinues her residence in Willimantic.
Joseph Albert Marcoux was born in Eads county, Quebec, Canada, April 29, 1873, and there spent the years until 1884 attending school, when the family came to the United States. In North Grosvenor Dale, Connecticut, the first home of the family, and later in Montville, New London county, Connec- ticut, he was employed in the cotton mills, and in Montville he was for twelve years a worker in the weaving room of the Attawangan Mills. He then spent two years in the engine room of the Melcer Mill, then when the C. D. White Company bought the mill he continued with that company for ten ycars, serving as engineer of the plant. In 1912 the mill was bought by the J. B. Martin Company, and Mr. Marcoux has continued with that corpora- tion during the years which have since inter- vened. He is now in charge of all outside work around the plant, and is also the general mechanic of the company. He has won high reputation tor ability and faithfulness to his duties, and he is an honored and trusted employee. In politics Mr. Marcoux is an Independent, and in religious faith a Roman Catholic. He is a trustee of Montville Camp, Modern Woodmen of America, and takes an active interest in camp affairs.
Mr. Marcoux married, in Montville, March 21, 1894, Josephine Bonville, born in Quebec, Canada, and they are the parents of seven children, as follows: Joseph, born in Windsor Mills, Richmond county, Canada; Adelard, born in Montville, Con- necticut, served in the World War with the Amer- ican Expeditionary Forces; Mary Louise, married Ralph Bugbee, of Montville; Almar, born in Wind- sor Mills, Canada; William, born in Montville; Agnes, born in Montville; and Rose, also born in Montville.
JAMES DAVID CARVER, numbered among the older generation of residents of Montville, Con- necticut, was born in Colchester, July 5, 1844, the son of the late George Nelson and Olive (Shaler) Carver. George Nelson Carver was born in Hebron, and died at Colchester in 1913, at the age of seventy-four years. He was a carpenter by trade.
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Mr. and Mrs. Carver were the parents of three chil- dren: Frank, Charles, and James David, of further mention.
After receiving his preliminary education in the schools of Colchester, James David Carver entered Bacon Academy. After finishing his studies, he re- turned home and for the following seven years was employed by the neighboring farmers, so that he gained a thorough knowledge of the subject. He then went to Plano, Illinois, where he was em- ployed by the Marsh Harvester Company for eight years. He resigned at the end of that time and came to Montville, where he purchased a small farm, which he conducted until he purchased his present place, which was the former homestead of his wife's people, and had been in their posses- sion for a great many years. In politics Mr. Carver is an Independent, preferring to remain free and to exercise his own judgment on public issues. He has never held publie office, but has always been keenly devoted to the welfare of the community and active in securing the choice of the best men available for the posts. Mr. Carver is a member of the Methodist church of Montville.
Mr. Carver married, in Montville, Ellen Collins, who has been a resident of Montville ever since she was three years of age, her birth having oc- curred in New London, in 1869. Mr. and Mrs. Carver are the parents of two children: George, who married Macy Coma, of Montville; Lillian, who married Mason Daniels.
WILLIAM WELLES LYMAN, one of the pro- gressive men of Montville, New London county, Connecticut, has from the time of his graduation from college gone steadily forward in the business world, until he now holds the position of super- intendent in the Montville Mill of the Palmer Brothers Company.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, May 18, 1888, William Welles Lyman is the son of William Pren- tice and Octavia (Rudd) Lyman, the former en- gaged in business with Joseph Wild & Company, Oriental rug importers of New York City. Willian P. Lyman died in 1890 in New York; his wife re- sides in New York at the present time. To the marriage were born two children: Virginia, resides at home; and William W., of whom further.
In his boyhood William Welles Lyman attended the public schools in Norwich, Connecticut, gradu- ating in 1903, after which he entered the Norwich Free Academy and graduated from it in 1907. Then going to Ithaca, New York, young Mr. Lyman be- came a student in the Sibley College of Mechanical Engineering of Cornell University. Graduating from the four-year course in the class of 1911, Mr. Lyman received the degree of Mechanical Engineer. Shortly after leaving college, 1911, Mr. Lyman accepted a position with the Binghamton Gas Works, Binghamton, New York (a subsidiary of the American Light and Traction Company). Hold- ing the position of assistant to the superintendent of the plant for two years, he was promoted to the
office of superintendent of works in 1914, remaining as such for one year, when he resigned to become superintendent of the Palmer Brothers Company mill at Montville, where he is located at the present time (1921).
While attending the Norwich Free Academy, Mr. Lyman became a member of a Greek letter frater- nity, the Rho Alpha Mu. He is also a member of the Norwich Golf Club and of the Binghamton Ten- nis Club, out-of-door sports being his special de- light. Though not an active worker in the party, Mr. Lyman votes the Republican ticket. Connected with the Connecticut State Guards, he has been for two years lieutenant in the Montville Company.
In Montville, Connecticut, October 1, 1914, Will- iam Welles Lyman was united in marriage with Gladys Estelle Latimer, daughter of Joseph Strick- land and Arabelle (Palmer) Latimer. Of this union three children have been born: Elizabeth Latimer, born August 3, 1915: William Welles, Jr., born August 31, 1916; Arabelle Palmer, born April 3, 1918. Mr. Lyman is a member of the Protestant Episcopal church of Montville, and Mrs. Lyman is a member of the Union Baptist church of Montville.
HARRY EVERETT CARTER, a young man not yet arrived at man's estate, has proved his ambi- tion and enterprise by establishing in business for himself, and in Montville there is none but wishes him well. He is a son of Edward and Jane (Lesuno) Carter. Edward Carter was born in Canada, and in 1880 came to the United States, settling in Provi- dence, Rhode Island. Later he came to Montville, Connecticut, where he yet resides, a machinist. He married Jane Lesuno, born in Canada, and they have two sons and a daughter: Harry Everett, Edward Gilbert, and Lillian, wife of George Mc- Gregor, a merchant of New London, Connecticut. They have two sons, George and Samuel Mc- Gregor.
Harry Everett Carter was born in Uncasville, New London county, Connecticut, August 26, 1900, and educated in Palmer Memorial School. He was his father's heiper in the machine shop for two years, and in 1919 started a wood-turning and repair shop under his own name, continuing to the present time. He is a young man of energy, well liked and sure to succeed. He is a member of St. John's Roman Catholic church, of Montville, Connecticut. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus, Pequot Council, No. 125, of Montville, and Modern Woodmen of America, of Montville.
GEORGE PETER MADDEN-In the great drama of life Mr. Madden carried his part in a most capable and exemplary manner, and when the final curtain was rung down, he left behind him the record of a well-spent life. He was a man of quiet home-loving tastes, finding his greatest pleasure in ministering to the comfort and pleasure of those he loved. Among business and fraternal associates he was esteemed as a man of high prin- ciple, and in his passing all feel a personal loss.
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George Peter Madden, son of Hugh and Catherine Madden, was born in Norwich, Connecticut, in December, 1872, and died in the city of his birth, May 18, 1921. He was educated in the public schools and early in life learned the cigarmaker's trade. About 1896 he began business for himself as a cigar manufacturer, having his factory in the Steiner building, later moving to quarters on Bath street and finally to a factory which he built on Cliff street. He built up a large business, his brands of cigars becoming famous through their dependable quality and through Mr. Madden being so well known for his sterling character, his just and upright dealing. He had the distinction of having the largest cigar manufacturing factory be- tween New London, Connecticut, and Worcester, Massachusetts, and was very proud of the fact that his business had grown to such proportions under his own management and solely on merit. For twenty years he maintained a retail tobacco store at No. 243 Main street, that store being a center for baseball and athletic devotees.
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