USA > Connecticut > New London County > A modern history of New London County, Connecticut, Volume III > Part 30
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Percy A. Wheeler was born in New Rochelle, New York, December 30, 1894, and came to Crescent Beach, East Lyme, Connecticut, with his family while still a child. He received his early education in the schools of this community, then completed his studies at the vocational school in New London, same State. His first business experience was in the employ of the Buick Motor Car Company, at St. Augustine, Florida, and he continued there during the winter, opening his own garage at Crescent Beach for the summer months. He has been very successful thus far, broadening his operations con- stantly, and was contemplating opening a large garage of his own in St. Augustine, Florida, for the winter of 1921-22.
On April 4, 1917, Mr. Wheeler enlisted for service in the World War, at New London, in the United States navy. After a short period of training at the Newport Training Station, he was assigned to duty on board the speed boat "Tocksway," a sub- marine patrol boat, serving for one year. He was discharged from the service in April, 1919, and re- turned to his interrupted business.
Mr. Wheeler is interested in the affairs of the day, but in political matters holds an independent posi- tion, giving his support to the party placing the best man in the field.
On November 10, 1915, Mr. Wheeler married, at Niantic, Connecticut, Florence Luce, of that town, who was born September 25, 1900, and is a daughter of Dwight and Almedia (Beebe) Luce, and their only child. Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler have had three chil- dren, the eldest of whom died in infancy. Those living are: Rockwell Augustine, who was born in Niantic, June 13, 1918; and Griffin John. born De- cember 27, 1921, in St. Augustine, Florida.
WILLIAM FRANCIS HILL-The keenest inter- est attaches to the man of any community who has to do with the development of the city itself. In Norwich, Connecticut, William Francis Hill is one of the leaders in the real estate business.
Mr. Hill comes of a solid old New Hampshire family. His father, Alpheus M. Hill, was a native of Nashua, New Hampshire. Throughout his life he owned a fine stable of horses, and handled the teaming for the granite quarries and lumber mills which form the principal industries of the region
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around Nashua. He married Elizabeth Dorcas Bark- er, who was born in New York City in 1834; he died in 1875, and his wife died in 1901, in Lancaster, New Hampshire. They were the parents of four chil- dren, of whom William Francis Hill, of Norwich, is the only one now living.
William Francis Hill was born in Nashua, New Hampshire, on February 4, 1860. He received his education in the public schools of the town, then for a time worked in a shoe factory. Later he went to Providence, Rhode Island, where he worked in a gun shop of the Providence Tool Company. In 1879 he came to Norwich, and entered the employ of Hopkins & Allen, gun makers, and here he remained until 1886. In that year he became a railway mail clerk, continuing for one year. At this time his wife had a breakdown, and for the sake of her health, he traveled with her; she died in 1898, in Norwich. In 1899 Mr. Hill established himself in the real estate business, handling also a considerable amount of insurance. He has been very successful, having handled some of the most interesting business in this line in the recent development of Norwich, and is ranked high in the forefront of the real estate business.
Mr. Hill is a Democrat by political affiliation, and for five years, from 1893 to 1898, was city and town tax collector. He belongs to the Masonic order, being a member of Somerset Lodge, No. 34, Free and Accepted Masons; Franklin Chapter, No. 4, Royal Arch Masons; Franklin Council, No. 4, Royal and Select Masters; Columbian Commandery, of Nor- wich; Sphinx Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of Hartford; and the Connecti- cut Consistory, thirty-second degree; also of the Knights of Pythias, and the Chamber of Commerce.
Mr. Hill married (first) Nellie H. Crowell, of Nor- wich, in 1886, and she died in 1898. They had three children: Mary C., who lives at home; Andrew C., who is now associated with his father and is married; and Elmer, who also is associated with his father in business, and is married. Mr. Hill married (second) Mrs. Lucy C. (Coit) Jennings, of Norwich, who died in January, 1912.
MALCOLM MacFARLANE SCOTT was born in New London, Connecticut, July 5, 1877, son of George Hall and Agnes Jane Scott, his father a stock clerk with the Babcock Printing Press Manufactur- ing Company. He attended the public schools until through grammar school courses, then entered New London Business College, where he completed his studies. He then entered the office employ of the Brown Cotton Gin Company, there continuing for twenty-three years. In 1916 he entered the employ of the Union Bank and Trust Company, of New London, and has continued with that corporation until the present, 1922, holding the position of pay- ing teller.
Mr. Scott, for six years, represented his ward on the Board of Aldermen, and when New London went under the Council manager form of govern-
ment, became an official and is now serving as councellor. He is a member of the First Church of Christ (Scientist); is a past master of Brainard Lodge, No. 102, Free and Accepted Masons; past high priest of Union Chapter, No. 7, Royal Arch Masons; past thrice illustrions master of Cushing Council No. 4, Royal and Select Masters; member of Palestine Commandery, No. 6, Knights Templar; of New London Lodge, No. 360, Benevolent and Pro- tective Order of Elks; Clan Cameron, No. 154, Order of Scottish Clans; New London Lodge, No. 34, Loyal Order of Moose; and Jibboom Club No. 1.
Mr. Scott married, in New London, Connecticut, October 17, 1898, Abbey Jane Sweet, daughter of Riley and Katherine (Ferguson) Sweet, and they are the parents of a son, Henkle Sweet Scott.
JAMES N. KELLEY, when a boy, came to the city of New London, Connecticut, and there has spent his life, and is now a successful undertaker. He has worked his way upward to an honorable position among business men by his own efforts, and has been from boyhood the architect and builder of his own fortunes. Men respect and honor him for his upright life, and in his business he has no su- periors.
James Kelley, father of James N. Kelley, born in Dublin, Ireland, came to the United States when a boy, and early in the decade of 1850-60, located in New London, Connecticut. He was then but a boy, and in New London he obtained his education. After school days were over for the lad he began follow- ing the sea, and all his after life he spent as a sea- man. He died in New London, July 10, 1903, aged fifty-six. He married Catherine Cronin, born in County Cork, Ireland, died in New London, January 10, 1903, her husband surviving her exactly six months. James and Catherine Kelley were the par- ents of four children: Mary, married Richard Pren- dergast, of New London; Catherine, married George Mahoney, of Norwich, Connecticut; James N., of further mention; and Agnes, who died at the age of eleven years.
James N. Kelley, only son of James and Catherine Kelley, was born in Norwich, Connecticut, April 25, 1873, but his education was obtained in New London schools. Upon coming of legal age in 1894, he en- tered the employ of Keefe & Davis, general mer- chants, as a clerk, and for ten years continued with that company as such. In 1904 he went with the Stephen Merritt Burial Company, of New London, spending one year in their employ. He liked the business and determined to fit himself to conduct it properly. To that end he pursued a full course at the Massachusetts College of Embalming, Boston, and after receiving his diploma from the college, went before the Connecticut State Board of Ex- aminers and successfully passed all required tests of his ability to conduct the business of an under- taker. He then established undertaking rooms in New London, and has won for himself high reputa- tion and business standing. He is well equipped
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personally for the business he conducts, and has availed himself of all modern aids used in the care and preservation of the dead.
In politics Mr. Kelley is an Independent; and his religious conviction is as a member of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church. He is a member of St. Jolin's Literary Society, the Ancient Order of Hli- bernians, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Chamber of Commerce, all these New London bodies, and of the Connecticut State Em- balmers' Association.
M :. Kelley married, at New London, August 6, 1007, Ellen Condon, daughter of John and Ellen (Davis) Condon. Mr. and Mrs. Kelley are the par- ents of a son, James Davis Kelley, born in New London, Connecticut.
JONATHAN FAIRBANKS LESTER-The life of Jonathan F. Lester was passed in his native coun- ty, New London, and in the State of California, where he engaged in farming in the latter place for about seven years. He was a man of energy and enterprise, highly esteemed by all who knew him. He was the son of Isaac A. and Mary (Chapman) Lester, and a descendant in paternal line from An- drew Lester, born in England, who came to New England, settled in Gloucester, Massachusetts, where he was elected constable, January 7, 1646, and li- censed to keep an "ordinary" February 6, 1648. His Connecticut residence began in 1651 at Pequot (New London), where he had a home on the "Neck" and had land rights allowed him. He was elected collector of taxes and constable, holding office and being a resident of Pequot until his death, June 7, 1669. The death of his first wife, Barbara, February 2, 1653, is the first death of a woman recorded in Pequot. He married a second wife, Mrs. Joanna Hempstead, widow of Robert Hempstead; and a third, Anna -. The "Widow Lester" was admitted to the New London church by letter from the church at Concord, Massachusetts, in 1670. By his first wife, Barbara, Andrew Lester had children: Daniel, An- drew, Mary and Anne; by his second wife: Joanna; and by his third wife: Timothy, Joseph and Benja- min, descent being traced through the last-born son.
(II) Benjamin Lester was born in New London, Connecticut, about 1666, and with his half-brother Daniel, and his brother Joseph, settled in the vicinity of the town site. His will was dated May 23, 1737, and it is believed that he died the next day. He married Ann Stedman, and they were the parents of nine sons, also of two daughters. In his will he names his wife, sons-Timothy, John, Benjamin, Isaac, Daniel, and his daughters, Ann and Hannah. Other sons were David, and Jonathan, of further mention; two sons died young. These children were either born in New London or Groton.
(III) Jonathan Lester, son of Benjamin and Ann (Stedman) Lester, was born at New London, Con- necticut, July 26, 1706, and was married May 15, 1729, and with his wife owned the covenant at Gro- ton Congregational Church. He had children: Jona-
than; Deboor. h; Thomas; \mos, of further mention; and Wait; these five baptized October 11, 1731; Simcon, baptized August 14, 1734; and David, No- vember 7, 1736.
(IV) Amos Lester, son of Jonathan Lester, was born at Groton about 1730, and baptized with four of his brothers and sisters, October II, 1731. He was a soldier of the Revolution, engaged at the bat- tle of Groton, and was one of those reported as wounded ( Revolution Rolls, p. 578). His wound was in the hip, and he was one of the wagon-load of wounded men that suffered from the careless handling of the wagon which broke loose and coasted down the hill until stopped by a trec. The captain of the company, Samuel Allyn, was killed in the battle, lie and Ensign Amos Lester riding to the battlefield together. Amos Lester had a grant of land in 1792 in Pennsylvania, "at the head of Lake Eric," on account of his Revolutionary service. En- sign Amos Lester married Anna Lester, born De- cember 17, 1736, daughter of Peter and Anna (Street) Lester, her mother a daughter of James Street.
(V) Amos (2) Lester, son of Ensign Amos (1) and Anna (Lester) Lester, was born March 25, 1776, and married, January 18, 1800, Sarah Avery, born March 3, 1781, daughter of James Avery, of an an- cient New London county family. They were the parents of five children: 1. Anna, who married Oliver S. Tyler. 2. Lydia, married Erastus Kimball. 3. Amos A. 4. Isaac Avery, of further mention. 5. Eliza Maria, who married Asa Lyman Lester.
(VI) Isaac Avery Lester, son of Amos (2) and Sarah (Avery) Lester, was born at Groton, Con- necticut, March 4, 1810. He married, October 17, 1838, Mary Chapman, daughter of Ichabod Chap- man, they residing in Ledyard, Connecticut. They were the parents of eleven children, the fifth son, Jonathan Fairbanks Lester, to whose memory this review is dedicated. Children: 1. Amos, married Caroline Gallup. 2. Mary Jane, married Courtland Lamb. 3. Nathan Larrabee, married Sarah Elizabeth Spicer. 4. Henry C., died young. 5. Jonathan Fair- banks, of further mention. 6. William Isaac, married Sarah E. Simmons. 7. Frank Larrabee, born April 23, 1850, died November 17, 1876. 8. Samuel Wood, removed to California. 9. Walter C., died in infancy. 10. Sarah E., died in infancy. 11. Edward Everett, married Almyra Chapman.
(VII) Such were the antecedents of Jonathan Fairbanks Lester, who was born in Ledyard, Con- necticut, June 11, 1846, died March 14, 1904. He was educated in the public schools, and when his own education was finished he taught school in both Ledyard and Groton. When a young man he went to the State of California and there spent several years engaged in farming. He returned to Connecti- cut and was for a time engaged in the meat and provision business in Norwich. His California ex- periences had left a pleasant impression, and later he formed an association with his brothers, Amos, Samuel W. and Frank L., and they all went to Cali- fornia, where for four years they engaged in farm-
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ing. In 1873 Jonathan F. Lester returned again to Norwich, married the same year, and for a time engaged in the optical manufacturing business. Afterward, and for several years, he was a member of the wholesale produce business of Cook & Lester, and gained high reputation as a man of fine busi- ness ability.
Mr. Lester married, May 28, 1873, Cecelia Williams Spicer, born September 30, 1852, daughter of Captain Edmund and Bethiah Williams (Avery) Spicer, of Groton. Captain Edmund Spicer was a son of John and Elizabeth (Latham) Spicer, grandson of Ed- ward, son of John, son of Edward, son of Peter Spicer, who settled in that part of New London county known as Ledyard in 1666. Captain Edmund Spicer, born in North Groton, January 11, 1812, died May 1, 1890. He was one of Groton's most promi- nent men, selectman seventeen years; clerk and treasurer twelve years; representative to the State Legislature, 1849; candidate for State Senator, 1862; judge of probate twelve years, 1865-77; charter mem- ber and for eighteen consecutive years secretary of the Bill Library Association; and from 1867 until his death, postmaster of Ledyard. Captain Spicer married, November 16, 1836, Bethiah W. Avery, daughter of John Sands and Bethiah (Williams) Avery, of Groton. Captain and Mrs. Spicer were the parents of eight children: 1. Mary Affy, who mar- ried George Fanning. 2. John Sands, who married Anna Mariah Williams. 3. Joseph Latham, who died in childhood. 4. Sarah Elizabeth, who married Na- than L. Lester. 5. Caroline Gallup, who married Amos Lester. 6. Cecelia Williams, wife of Jonathan F. Lester. 7. Edward Eugene, who married Sarah Adelaide Griswold. 8. George Walter, who married Elizabeth Griswold.
Jonathan F. and Cecelia (Williams) Lester were the parents of five children: 1. Ella Cecelia, born September 12, 1874, a graduate of Mt. Holyoke Col- lege, and for several years taught school, now re- siding at home in Norwich, Connecticut. 2. Jonathan Frank, born November 25, 1876, married (first) Mary Louise Shaw, who bore him a son, Jonathan Forest; he married (second) Nina Grace Skinner, and they have one child, Nina Jean. 3. Fanny Berthia; born May 7, 188o, a trained nurse; married Frederick Os- born Morrill, and resides in Boston; they are the parents of three children: Bethia Cecelia, Olive Ma- rie, and Frederick Lester. 4. Ida May, born March 17, 1882, died September 7, 1891. 5. Mary Carrie, born January 8, 1886, died September 30, 1891.
THOMAS J. HILL-Since 1897 Mr. Hill has been established in the meat and grocery business at Ni- antic, Connecticut. Beginning in a small way, he has gradually made his way to the position of promi- nenee which he now holds. He has always asso- ciated himself earnestly and actively with the life of the community, and is respected and held in the highest esteem by all who know him.
Thomas J. Hill was born at Niantic, Connecticut, May 4, 1874, the son of the late Thomas and Eliza- N.L .- 2.20.
betli (Jose) Hill, the former a stone-cutter by trade.
Thomas J. Hill obtained his early education in the schools of Niantie, after which he entered Wilbra- ham Academy, where he remained for one term. He then returned to Niantic and worked as a clerk in a grocery store. Three years later he resigned from this position and went to New Haven, Connecticut, where he entered a business college, later going to New York City. In 1897 he again returned to his native town, and established himself in the meat and grocery business. The enterprise proved successful, for since that time Mr. Hill has consistently pros- pered, being essentially the alert and progressive business man. He affiliates with Bayview Lodge, No. 120, Free and Accepted Masons; Niantic Lodge, No. 17, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; and at- tends the Methodist church of Niantic. In politics he in an Independent, casting his vote for the man regardless of party label.
Thomas J. Hill married, in 1898, Lillian Merritt, and they are the parents of three children: Grace Elizabeth, who married Leon Mandell Farrin, of Cambridge, Massachusetts; Thomas Merritt, born in February, 1901; and Annic May, born in July, 1902.
HORACE A. ADAMS-A New Hampshire boy and man, a farmer, dairyman and expert butter- maker, Mr. Adams continued along these lines in New Hampshire and Connecticut until early in 1919, when in association with M. Henry Trail, a newly- returned soldier of the World War of 1917-18 (see following sketch), he entered the automobile busi- ness as garage proprietor and automobile agent, in Groton, Connecticut, on the Shoreline road between Groton and Mystic. This venture has proved suc- cessful, and a good business is being built up.
Horace A. Adams is a son of Hiram Adams, born in Salisbury, New Hampshire, where he spent his youth in obtaining an education and in working on the home farm. Upon reaching manhood he bought a farm at Enfield, New Hampshire, and there en- gaged in general farming until his death in 1876. He married Harriet Cook, born in Lyme, New Hamp- shire, who died in Enfield in 1898. They were the parents of six children, three of whom are living: Horace A., of further mention; Mary E., married George E. Amos, and resides in Penacook, New Hampshire; and Charles, a resident of Groton.
Horace A. Adams was born in Enfield, New Hampshire, July 12, 1867, and obtained his education in the public schools of Enfield and Lyme. After leaving school he was engaged in farming until 1887, then left home, and until 1893 was employed by D. W. Wilton & Son, dairymen, of Wilton, New York. There he became thoroughly familiar with modern dairying operations and methods, and an expert in butter manufacture. From the Wilton farm Mr. Adams went, in 1893, to the Peterboro Creamery, at Peterboro, New Hampshire, and there remained as manager of the plant for four years. His next
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position was as manager of the large estate of Rob- ert P. Bass, a former governor of New Hampshire. This estate was at Peterboro, and there Mr. Adams remained for eight years, until 1905. In that year he came to Connecticut, spending the first two and one-half years in the State at the Norton F. Plant estate in Groton. For the next ten years, 1908-18, lic was engaged at the Thomas W. Avery farm in Groton, and then abandoned agriculture for the auto- mobile business.
His partnership with M. Henry Trail began shortly after Mr. Trail's return from the army in January, 1919, they establishing a garage on the Shoreline road between Groton and Mystic, where they have a well-fitted plant, service station and stock of sup- plies for the automobile. They are also agents for the Atterbury truck, and are fast winning public confidence. In politics Mr. Adams is a Republican; in religious faith a Baptist; and in fraternity, affili- ated with Union Lodge, No. 31, Free and Accepted Masons, of New London, and Fairview Lodge, No. 101, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Groton.
Mr. Adams married, at Somerville, Massachusetts, September 6, 1892, Isabella Allan, daughter of John D. and Charlotte (Arksen) Allan, of Scotch ancestry. Mr. and Mrs. Adams are the parents of two chil- dren: Allan H., who married Bessie Card, of Gro- ton, and resides in Brooklyn, New York; and Leslie E., who married Evelyn Silvia, of Stonington, Con- necticut, and resides at Groton, Connecticut.
M. HENRY TRAIL-Upon returning from the service in the United States army in 1919, Mr. Trail, in partnership with Horace A. Adams (see preceding sketch), opened a garage and service station in Gro- ton, Connecticut, and there continues a successful business. He is a young man of forceful character, and is winning many personal business friends through his upright, manly life. He is a son of Marcus and Ann M. (Marquardt) Trail, his father born in the town of Groton, New London county, Connecticut, and is now living retired in Groton, after a busy and useful life as a contractor of road-build- ing. To Mr. and Mrs. Trail six children were born, three of whom are living: Ruth R., a teacher in Kansas State College; M. Henry, of further mention; and Stanley R.
M. Henry Trail was born in Groton, Connecticut, November 15, 1896, and there was educated in the public schools. He was variously employed until August 31, 1917, when he entered the United States army to serve in the war against Germany. He was assigned to duty at Fort Travis, San Antonio, Texas, and served until honorably discharged, January 27, 1919, with the rank of sergeant. Upon leaving the army Sergeant Trail returned to Groton, where, as stated, he is established in the garage business, in association with Horace A. Adams. In politics he is a Republican.
Mr. Trail married, in Groton, June 16, 1917, Esther Spicer, and they are the parents of three children, all born in Groton: Henry S., Esther P., and Ann E.
GEORGE PARKER HILL-Son of a soldier of the Union who gave up his life at Gettysburg, and bereft of a mother's love and care a year later, George I'. Hill, of Niantic, Connecticut, had to fight life's battle alone from boyhood. So well has he borne his part that now, although by no means an old man, he has retired from business and is enjoy- ing a well-earned rest. His father, Samuel Hill, was a Philadelphian, and enlisted in the Union army from that city. He was engaged with his regiment at the battle of Gettysburg, July 3, 1863, and was instantly l:illed, his son, George P., then a boy of five years. In 1864 his mother died, and the boy was alone in the world, his only sister having been burned to death.
George Parker Hill was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, January 30, 1858. He was taken in charge by friendly hands and sent to school until he reached the age of twelve years, when he was sent to South Halifax, Vermont, where he spent a year on a farm. At the age of thirteen he went to Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts, and there found em- ployment with a large stock farmer, with whom he remained until 1878. He was then in his twenty- first year, well-developed, strong, and hearty, his out-of-door life at the farm having developed a strong, self-reliant, resourceful lad. In 1873 he came to the town of Waterford, in New London county, Connecticut, and found work and a home at the Warren Gates & Son's farm, on Durphy Hill. Two years were spent there, then in 1880 he exchanged the farm for the sea, and spent eight years as a Menhaden fisherman, sailing from New London, Connecticut, with factories at Niantic, Connecticut, and Lewes, Delaware. For seven years he was a member of the crew of the fishing steamer "Ari- zona," of which he was made junior officer in his seventh year. In 1888 he was made first inate of the steamer "Quickstep," and at the close of the scason of that year he abandoned the sea and re. turned to land pursuits.
In 1889 he again made a complete change of busi ness, and in the village of Niantic, opened an ice- cream parlor and confectionery store. He built up a very pretentious establishment, and catered so skillfully to the public taste that he continued in business most successfully for twenty-six years. He then sold his business and retired, but continues his home in Niantic.
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