USA > Connecticut > New London County > A modern history of New London County, Connecticut, Volume III > Part 34
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Frank Herbert Malloy, fourth child and only son of James and Lillian (Hunt) Malloy, was born in Lowell, Massachusetts, June 9, 1888, and received his
early education in the public schools of his native city, then was graduated from the Lowell High School in the class of 1906. During the next three years Mr. Malloy was a student at the Lowell Com- mercial College, also, during this period, studied nights at the Lowell Textile School, qualifying for a designer of woolen cloth. With this comprehensive preparation Mr. Malloy became assistant designer for the Rhode Island Worsted Company, at Stafford Springs, Connecticut. Taking this position in 1909, he resigned in 1911 to become designer and assistant superintendent for the Faulkner Manufacturing Company, at Stafford Springs, remaining with this concern for one year. In 1912 he went to Atlanta, Georgia, to fill a similar position for the Atlanta Woolen Mills, remaining for three years, returning North in 1915 to become designer and assistant su- perintendent for the Mohegan Mills at Trading Cove, in the town of Montville, near Norwich, re- maining with this concern for a period of two years. Since 1917 until 1920 Mr. Malloy filled the position of superintendent of the Shetneket Worsted Mills, of Baltic, then in January, 1920, went to the Rut- land Worsted Mills, of Rutland, Worcester county, Massachusetts, in the capacity of superintendent, re- maining for one year. In January, 1921, he returned to Baltic, where he is again filling the office of su- perintendent of the Shetucket Worsted Mills.
Mr. Malloy is prominent fraternally, being a mem- ber of St. James Lodge, No. 23, Frec and Accepted Masons; Franklin Chapter, No. 4, Royal Arch Masons; Franklin Council, No. 3, Royal and Select Masters, all of Norwich. Politically he supports the Republican party, and he and his family are members 01 the Episcopal church.
On December 24, 1910, Mr. Malloy married, in Stafford Springs, Rev. Raymond Dow Adams, min- ister of the Episcopal church, performing the cere- mony, Madeline Lazzerin, daughter of John and Mary (Santin) Lazzerin, natives of Venice, Italy. Mr. and Mrs. Malloy have three daughters: Lillian Maric, born in Stafford Springs, November 11, 1911; Emma Madeline, born in Norwich, September I, 1917; and Mae Agatha, born in Norwich, January 21, 1922.
JOHN STANTON BLACKMAR, M.D. - Al- though since 1898 devoted to the healing art as phy- sician and surgeon, Dr. Blackmar has had an active part in two wars, and in the great World War of 1917-18, earned that coveted French decoration, the Croix de Guerre, a decoration pinned upon his breast by the famous French officer, General Petain. His first military experience was in the Spanish-Ameri- can War, as assistant surgeon, with the rank of lieutenant. In the war of 1917 he went overseas as regimental surgeon, a commissioned captain, and at- tached to an American regiment brigaded with a French division. That regiment, the 372nd United States Infantry, won honors in France, and received from the French government a regimental decora- tion. Dr. Blackmar was especially cited and dec- orated for his service.
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CITATION.
At General Headquarters, January 13, 1919. The Marshal,
Commander-in-Chief of the French Army of the East,
PETAIN.
Order No. 12,833D. (Extract.)
After approval of the Commander-in-Chief of the American Expeditionary Forces, the Marshal of France, Commander-in-Chief of the French Army of the East, cites a Divisional Order.
Medicine-Major John S. Blackmar, 372nd Infantry Regiment, distinguished himself especially during the period from September 27th to October 6th, 1918, when he showed the greatest zeal in the accomplish- ment of his duty, working day and night under vio- lent bombardment and taking care of over four hundred wounded, many of whom were in a con- dition requiring the most difficult operations.
During the interval between the two wars in which he served, Dr. Blackmar practiced surgery and medicine in New York City, and Norwich, Con- necticut, returning to the latter city trom the army, and is again in private practice.
Dr. Blackmar is a son of George F. Blackmar, born in Killingly, Connecticut, who there obtained a public school education. At a suitable age he learned the machinist's trade and later located at Taftville, where he was employed until his death, which occurred at the age of twenty-six years, be- coming a cotton mill master mechanic. He lost his life by drowning in the mill stream at Taftville dur- ing a sudden rise in the river in 1876. His widow, Harriet (Stanton) Blackmar, born in Cohoes, New York, yet survives him, her home with her only child, Dr. John S. Blackmar, in Norwich, Connec- ticut.
John Stanton Blackmar was born in Norwich, Connecticut, March 15, 1875. He was educated in Nor- wich public schools, Norwich Free Academy, and the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York City, receiving from the last- named institution the degree of Doctor of Medicine, class of 1898. Soon after returning to Norwich he was commissioned assistant surgeon of the 3rd Regiment, Connecticut Volunteer Infantry, with the rank of lieutenant, and served with that regiment during the war with Spain. He was honorably dis- charged from the service in March, 1899, and spent the following twenty-seven months as interne at the Harlem Hospital, New York City, then engaged in private practice in New York City until 1912, when he located in Norwich, Connecticut, and there be- came well established as a skillful physician and surgeon.
On January 15, 1918, Dr. Blackmar was commis- sioned captain of the United States Army Medical Corps and assigned to Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia, for training in the Army Medical School. Having had former military training, he was only at that camp ten days when he received assignment as regimental
surgeon of the 372nd Regiment, United States In- fantry, then at Newport News, Virginia. He joined that regiment at once, and on March 30, 1918, sailed for France. The regiment disembarked at St. Na- zaire, France, and after a period of training camp duty, the 372nd regiment (colored troops) was at- tached to the 157th Division of the French army, General Gouraud commanding. The regiment, classed as "shock troops," served on the French front in the following sectors: the Argonne (West) front, Vanquois, Verdun, the Champagne district and Alsace, where they were on duty when the armistice was signed. For meritorious service performed with the regiment during battle, Captain Blackmar was decorated with the Croix de Guerre, as prev- iously mentioned.
After the armistice was signed, the 372nd Regiment was returned to the United States, but Captain Blackmar remained in France, where he was on duty at the American Base Hospital, No. 41, at Is- Sur-Tille. He returned to the United States, July 12, 1919, and was discharged at Camp Devens, Massa- chusetts, July 30, 1919, with the rank of major in the United States Army Medical Reserve Corps. He at once resumed private practice in Norwich, Con- necticut, his present location.
In politics, Dr. Blackmar is a Republican, and in June, 1920, he was elected to represent his ward in the Norwich Common Council. He is a member of the American Medical Association, the Connecticut State Medical and New London Medical societies, and president of the Norwich City Medical Society. He is a member of the staff of William W. Backus Hospital, Norwich; United States public health sur- geon in Norwich, and a member of the board of United States Pension Examiners for New London county.
In Masonry, he is affiliated with Bunting Lodge, No. 655, Free and Accepted Masons, of New York City; Franklin Chapter, No. 4, Royal Arch Masons, of Norwich; Franklin Council, No. 3, Royal and Se- lect Masters, of Norwich; Columbian Commandery, No. 4, Knights Templar, of Norwich; King Solo- mon Lodge of Perfection; Van Rensselaer Council, Princes of Jerusalem; Norwich Chapter of Rose Croix; and Connecticut Consistory, Ancient Ac- cepted Scottish Rite, in which he holds the thirty- second degree. He is a member of Norwich Lodge, No. 30, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and commander of Robert O. Fletcher Post, Ameri- can Legion. He is a member of the Norwich Cham- ber of Commerce, and the Norwich Rotary Club, of which he is one of the board of directors (1921).
Dr. Blackmar married, in New York City, Octo- ber 12, 1910, Mildred Martin, of that city.
CHARLES COTTRELL DODGE-With the un- timely passing of Charles Cottrell Dodge, in the prime of his manhood, the town of Mystic, Connecti- cut, suffered a loss such as no community can af- ford to sustain. Signally capable as a business executive, a social leader, a patron of all the out-
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door activities which count so far in the health and well-being of the people, and personally a man of the finest character, he is indeed lamented by all who knew him.
Mr. Dodge was a son of John Lamphere and Fannie A. (Cottrell) Dodge. Jolin L. Dodge was born in Groton, Connecticut, and educated in the public schools of that town. As a young man he made a study of chemistry and medicine, and later became prominent in the field of medicine manu- facture. He now resides in the South, and is re- tired from all active participation in business. Mrs. Dodge was born in Mystic, and their children num- bered five, of whom Charles C. was the second.
Charles Cottrell Dodge was born in Mystic, Con- necticut, on October 29, 1887. He received his edu- cation in the public and high schools of New York City, and thereafter attended the Hotchkiss Pre- paratory College, from which he was graduated in the class of 1907. In that year he returned to Mystic, where he became associated with the Cot . trell Lumber Company. He made a thorough study of the business in all its branches, becoming familiar with every phase of the lumber trade, and in 1910 was elected president of the company, which office he held until his death in 1919.
Out this brief industrial career pictures only one side of the man, and that inadequately. He was a living force for all that makes for progress and civic development. Poltically he supported the principles of the Republican party, always working for its interests. Still ahead of the party, as a political organization, he held the ideals of civic and national righteousness.
Mr. Dodge was president of the Country Club, of Mystic. Popular among all the extensive mem- bership of this club, he was an enthusiast in the various branches of sport, particularly those which contribute so materially to the physical health and the upbuilding of the youth of today. In this organization he is sadly missed, and his place will long remain unfilled. Mr. Dodge was a member of Stonington Lodge, No. 26, Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
On August 18, 1910, Mr. Dodge married Jennie Brunson, daughter of William and Bessie (Jones) Brunson, of Perry, Georgia. They were the parents of three children: William Brunson, born on June 21, 1911; John H., born on September 10, 1912; and Hamilton, born October 14, 1917. The family have always been members of the Episcopal church, and prominent in all its activities.
HENRY GAMBER, of Groton, Connecticut, is connected with one of the most important industrial concerns in the county of New London,-the New London Ship and Engine Company, whose plant is located at Groton. With special training for the important position of foreman of the electrical de- partment, he is bearing a significant part in the manufacturing interests of the county.
N.L .- 2.21.
Mr. Gamber is a son of George and Leah (Van Leer) Gamber. George Gamber was born in Phila- delphia, Pennsylvania, and educated in the public schools of that city, Union Academy, and a prepara- tory school in Pennsylvania. Fortune placed him in such a position in life that he had little to do besides enjoy the money which had been accumulated by other hands. For a time he was employed in the post office department. His wife, a descendant of Gen- eral Wayne, of Revolutionary fame, was born in Chester county, Pennsylvania, and still resides in Philadelphia, that State. They were the parents of seven children.
Henry Gamber, the fifth child of George and Leah (Van Leer) Gamber, was born in Philadelphia, on April 30, 1876. Receiving his early education in the public schools of that city, he was fired with an ambition to take an active part in the work of the world. He entered the Williamson Free Trade School, taking the electrical-mechanical course, and was graduated from that institution in 1895. As a skilled electrician he entered the world of industry, and was employed in several different places, gain- ing a breadth of experience which he has since found invaluable. In 1900 he entered the employ of the Electric Boat Company, during the early and experimental stages of the submarine, remaining until 1912, when he came to New London county, and locating in Groton, entered the employ of the New London Ship and Engine Company, as fore- man of their electrical department. In this posi- tion Mr. Gamber has continued since, ably filling its exacting demands during the trying period of the World War, when production was speeded up to the utmost.
In the public life of the borough, Mr. Gamber takes a deep and constructive interest. Two years ago he was elected warden of the borough, and still holds that office. His political allegiance is given to the Independent-Nonpartisan party. Mr. Gamber is a member of Brainerd Lodge, No. 102, Free and Accepted Masons, of New London, and his church membership is with the Presbyterian denomination.
On September 26, 1901, Mr. Gamber married Lillie MeGirr, daughter of Andrew and Mary Elizabeth (Stewart) MeGirr, of Philadelphia. Mr. and Mrs. Gamber have three daughters, all at home: Doro- thea L .; Grace O .; and Ruth I.
JOSEPH BYERS is the son of John W. Byers, who was born in Massachusetts, but resided in the State of Connecticut, where his son, Joseph Byers, was born, the latter's home later becoming Massa- chusetts. In 1919 Joseph returned to Connecticut, and in New London is known as one of the enter- prising owners of a successful business enterprise, Byers Brothers, Inc., his partner, his brother, John R. Joseph Byers is a veteran of the World War, having enlisted with the first call for volunteers, serving until placed on the reserve list in 1919.
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John W. Byers was born in Medford, Massachu- setts, and there was educated. He was variously employed until entering the employ of the Southern New England Telephone Company, and still con- tinues with that corporation, being commercial man- ager of the Newton district, with headquarters at Newton, Massachusetts. He married Fanny L. Rogers, born in Weymouth, Massachusetts, and they are the parents of two children: John R .; and Joseph, of whom further.
Joseph Byers was born in Bridgeport, Connecti- cut, November 21, 1894, but while young, Newton, Massachusetts, became the family home, and there he was educated, finishing with graduation from the Newton Technical High School, class of 1914. For a year after graduation he was engaged in the print- ing business in Boston, and in 1915 was appointed to a clerkship in the Webster & Atlas National Bank of Boston, after which he was connected with the Walter B. Snow Advertising Agency. He enlisted in the United States navy during the World War, and was rated a machinist, second class, and ad- vanced to the first class while in the First Division. In 1918 he passed the required examination and was advanced to the rank of ensign, serving in the naval overseas transport service. He was placed upon the naval reserve list in 1919 and retired from active service. In 1919, with his brother, john R. Byers, he established Byers Brothers, Inc., capitalized at $100,000, Joseph Byers, president.
Joseph Byers is a Republican in politics; is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, the John Winthrop Club, of New London, and is an attendant of the Congregational church.
Mr. Byers married, at Newtonville, Massachusetts, January 19, 1918, Louise A. Welch, of Garden City, Long Island, daughter of John I. and Elizabeth (Stedman) Welch, of New York City. Mr. and Mrs. Byers are the parents of two daughters: Edith, born in Brooklyn, New York; and Elizabeth, born in New York City.
LEONE FRANKLIN LA PIERRE, M.D .- Well known as a long-established general practitioner and also as a highly successful specialist, Dr. La Pierre requires no introduction to his friends and neighbors of Norwich, but the simple inscription of his name at the head of this article. It might be added that his name would be greeted with instant and respectful recognition by many of his fellow- citizens far beyond the limits of his home com- munity, by reason of the fact that his work is at- tracting, with the lapse of each succeeding year, greater attention and more cordial appreciation.
Henry H. La Pierre, father of Leone Franklin La Pierre, was born in Montville, Connecticut, and as a young man learned the mill business, later be- coming a farmer in Montville. During the Civil War he enlisted in the Twenty-sixth Regiment, of Norwich, and served nine months. At the end of that time he again enlisted, this time in New Or-
leans, and was later made orderly to General Canby, a position which he held during the re- mainder of the war. On returning to Norwich he was engaged for some years in a paper manufactur- ing mill, and in his later years again became a farmer, this time in Chesterfield, Connecticut. For some years thereafter he served as a watchman for the firm of Porteous & Mitchell, of Norwich. He is now, at the age of eighty years (1921), living in retirement in the home of his son, Dr. La Pierre. In politics he is a Republican. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and attends the Congregational church. Mr.
La Pierre married Fanny A. Rogers, like himself a native of Montville, and they became the parents of the following chil- dren: 1. Floyd H., born in Montville, Connecticut, now living in New Haven, Connecticut; married Minnie Maynard, of Norwich, and they have two children. 2. Leone Franklin, mentioned below. 3. Bessie E., born in Norwich, and died there in 1902, at the age of twenty-one. 4. Arnaud Julian, a biog- raphy of whom follows in this work.
Leone Franklin La Pierre, son of Henry H. and Fanny A. (Rogers) La Pierre, was born November 6, 1876, in Colchester, Connecticut, and received his early education in Yantic, same State, afterward graduating from the Broadway School of Norwich. For two years thereafter he served as clerk in a drug store in that city, and in the autumn of 1897 entered Yale University, taking the four years' course, and graduating in 1901 with the degree of M.D., cum laude. This was followed by a two years' course at the Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, and he then spent three years as physician of the Hospital for the Insane in Middle- Town, Connecticut.
In 1906 Dr. La Pierre came to Norwich, opened an office and entered upon a career of independent practice. For about seven years he was steadily engaged in building up a lucrative clientele, and a reputation with the medical fraternity and the gen- eral public to which he was justly entitled by reason of talent, knowledge, skill and strict conscientious- ness in the performance of his very important duties.
About the year 1913 Dr. La Pierre began to give special attention to the study and treatment of diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat, and has since, as the years have passed, met with marked success in this field of medical practice.
Politically Dr. La Pierre is a Republican, but has always been too devoted to his profession to have time or inclination for office-holding. He is a mem- ber of the City, County and State Medical societies, the American Medical Association, and the Sons of Veterans. He affiliates with St. James Lodge, No. 23, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, of Norwich, and is a member of the United Congregational church, and the Young Men's Christian Association of that city.
Dr. La Pierre married, October 5, 1906, in Mont-
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pelier, Vermont, Ellen Holmes, born in that city, daughter of Rodney and Aletha (Farrar) Holmes. Dr. and Mrs. La Pierre are the parents of the follow- ing children: Franklin Holmes, born August 6, 1907; Arnaud Rogers, born August 10, 1910; Bessie Aletha, horn April 3, 1912; Warren Winthrop, born Septem- ber 17, 1914; and Ruth Helen, born December 27, 1915. All these, with the exception of Warren W., whose birthplace was Stonington, Connecticut, were born in Norwich.
The reputation which Dr. La Pierre has already acquired as a specialist gives assurance that greater successes in his chosen department of the profession await him in the years to come.
ARNAUD JULIAN LA PIERRE, son of Henry H. and Fanny A. (Rogers) La Pierre, and brother of Dr. L. F. La Pierre (sce preceding sketch), was born in Norwich, Connecticut, June 30, 1885. He completed the courses of Norwich Free Aca- demy, then entered the medical department of the University of Vermont and was graduated from that institution with the degree of Medical Doctor, in the class of 1910. He was for a time physician to Haymarket Square Relief Station, Boston; interne at the Lying-In Hospital, New York City; interne at William W. Backus Hospital, Norwich, after which he engaged in general practice in Norwich for fifteen months. Dr. La Pierre, desiring to specialize, took post-graduate courses at the New York Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital, then returned to Norwich, where he very successfully specialized in diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat, his offices with his brother, Dr. L. F. La Pierre, a specialist in the same diseases.
In politics Dr. La Pierre is a Republican, and in religious faith a member of the United Congrega- tional Church. His professional societies are: The Norwich City Medical, New London County Medi- cal, and Connecticut State Medical, and he also is a member of the American Medical Association. He is a member of Burlington Lodge, No. 100, Free and Accepted Masons, of Burlington, Vermont, and of Connecticut Consistory, of Norwich, Ancient Ac- cepted Scottish Rite, in which he holds the thirty- second degree. His college fraternity is Delta Nu.
Dr. A. J. La Pierre married, September 1, 1913, at New Britain, Connecticut, Charlotte Mae Charter, born in Boston, Massachusetts, daughter of George M. and Margaret (Aldose) Charter. Mr. and Mrs. La Pierre are the parents of: Fanny Louise, Char- lotte Mae, and Arnaud Julian (2) La Pierre.
CHARLES WILLIAM MILLER-Among the earliest New England colonists the Miller family was represented, and through the nearly three cen- turies that have passed since the first record of the name appears, members of that family have been steadily contributing to the upbuilding of the life of the nation. Charles D. Miller, the grandfather of Charles William Miller, was a foundryman of Pro" - dence, Rhode Island, capable, public-spirited. a'wars ready to serve his community, and the sole foy" 'e"
of the New England Butt Company, of Providence. A man of sturdy independence and of great energy, he left his son, Albert B. Miller, born in October, 1838, in Providence, not only a substantial business interest, but what was of far greater value, an abundant heritage of ideals, ability, and solid worth of character.
Albert B. Miller passed his boyhood days in Provi- dence, and then, wishing to see for himself those western regions which at that time were attracting so much attention, joined one of the westward mov- ing groups and went to California, to Oregon and to other Western States and territories. Unlike most of his fellow-travelers, a tour of the West convinced him that for him opportunity was largest in the East, and he came back to Connecticut, where for several years he was employed in the Scranton Printing Press Works, then located at Norwich. In 1868 he purchased of John T. Trumbull the Joslin Arms Company, an iron and brass foundry, and for several years worked there in association with the Atwood Machine Company. About 1880 he sold the foundry to the Atwoods and built the foundry on Miller street, where he continued in business until his death, which occurred August 7, 1899. He was burgess of the borough of Stonington in 1891, and active in promoting the civic welfare of his com- munity. He married, about 1861, Margaret Gough, a native of Bath, Maine, who spent her early life in Providence, Rhode Island, where she was married. She died in April, 1896. To this marriage four chil- dren were born: Charles William, of whom further; Susie M., also born at Norwich, and who married Dr. C. E. Maine, of Stonington; Hattie, teacher of music in the public schools of Providence; and Albert B., of Stonington.
Charles W. Miller, eldest son of Albert B. and Margaret (Gough) Miller, was born in Norwich, Connecticut, July 13, 1863. The family moved to Stonington when he was but four years of age and he attended the public schools of that place, after which he went to Eastman's Business College, at Poughkeepsie, New York, graduating in 1883. Com- ing back to Stonington, he went into his father's iron and brass foundry, gradually making himself acquainted with all branches of the work, and espe- cially with the executive and administrative depart - ments. From 1892 to 1898, lie was engaged in a foundry business at Chicago, Illinois, which he man- aged successfully, but shortly before his father's death he came back to Stonington and took charge of the foundry there. This plant he has successfully managed since that time. At the foundry work is done for the Consolidated railroad: also for the Rob- ert Palmer & Son Company, ship-builders for nearly forty years; for the Lorraine Manufacturing Company, of Westerly, Rhode Island; for the Thames Towboat Company, of New London; and for the T. A. Scott Company, of New London. Fraternally he is a member of the Benevolent and Totective Order of Elks, and is widely known and greatly respected.
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