USA > Connecticut > New London County > A modern history of New London County, Connecticut, Volume III > Part 4
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78
Edward Louis Blanchard was born at St. Jean Baptiste, Province of Quebec, Canada, July 13, 1896, the son of Clodomir and Olive (Noel) Blanch- ard. Clodomir Blanchard was born in St. Jean Baptiste, and obtained his education in the parochial schools there, after which he entered upon his busi- ness career, becoming a commission merchant until 1896, when he moved with his family to Jewett City, Connecticut, subsequently removing to Taftville, where he secured employment in the mills until 1907, when he returned to Jewett City and estab- lished himself as a grocery merchant, where he remained for several years. He then removed to Providence, Rhode Island, this being his place of
192
NEW LONDON COUNTY
residence at the present time. To Mr and Mrs. Blanchard have been born three children: Edna, who married Leon Wheeler, of Jewett City; Ed- ward Louis, of further mention; and Lester, a resi- dent of Jewett City, who married Maud Shippee, of Sterling, Connecticut.
The education of Edward Louis Blanchard was obtained in the public schools of Jewett City. but this terminated at an early date, his business life beginning when he was but a small lad. He made his start in life as a newsboy, then found employ- ment in the cotton mills of Jewett City, which, however, was not to his liking, and he soon left to become clerk in the clothing store of the Desrosier Clothing Company, with whom he remained until 1913, when he resigned this position and accepted another as clerk in the grocery store of Jovite Dugas, the latter selling out his interests in the business the following year to young Mr. Blanch- ard, who at that time was the youngest business man in the township of Griswold. The wisdom of this venture is proven by the consistent success which has attended his efforts, due entirely to his untiring energy and his firm belief in his power to succeed.
On August 26, 1918, Mr. Blanchard enlisted in the United States army and was assigned to the Ambulance Corps, later being transferred to Motor Company, No. 8, and was stationed at Camp Green- leaf, Georgia. On January 17, 1919, he was sent to Camp Upton and here received his honorable dis- charge. In religion he is a Catholic, being a mem- ber of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church at Jewett City. He is a member of St. Jean Baptiste Society, of Jewett City; Foresters of America, Court Gris- wold, No. 2; and Orville La Flamme Post, American Legion, of Jewett City. Mr. Blanchard has pur- chased several thousand dollars worth of property in Jewett City.
Although Mr. Blanchard has never taken any part in the affairs of the city, no man is more civic- spirited. It is sometimes said of a man whose career is indicative of more than usual promise, "he will be heard from later." Edward Louis Blanchard has already been heard from, and Jewett City thinks that he will be heard from again and again and for many years to come.
CHARLES A. GAGER, JR .- In the business life of his community, in its social and fraternal circles, and to the public generally Charles A. Gager, Jr. is not only well known and highly esteemed, but is regarded with a warmer feeling, for it is in a spirit of gennine helpfulness and sympathy that he does his work as a funeral director and he is a friend in truth.
Mr. Gager is a member of a Connecticut family, his father having been born on the old Gager home- stead in the town of Bozrah, near Norwich. Charles A. Gager, Sr. was born June 15, 1837. He grew up in Bozrah, and attended the public schools there; then took charge of the home farm and there spent
his entire active life. He retired in 1906 and bought a house in Norwich Town, where he is still living and enjoying excellent health, although an octo- genarian. He married Harriet M. Fargo, who was a native of Montville, Connecticut; she died in Norwich, Connecticut, September 24, 1920. They have had five children of whom three are living.
Charles A. Gager, Jr. was born in Bozrah, Con- necticut, July 4, 1876. He attended the public schools of the town, and when he had completed the course helped his father on the farm. At the age of twenty-one years he went to Norwich, and entered the employ of the Henry Allen & Son Company, the leading undertakers of that day. Here he remained for a period of six years, and became thoroughly experienced in the undertaking business. He passed the State Board examinations on March 1, 1905, and established himself as a funeral director at No. 70 Franklin street. He has remained in the same location to the present time, and is conceded to be one of the leading men in his line in the county. His establishment is mod- ernly equipped, and he was the first undertaker in the city to own a motor-driven hearse. Courteous and considerate, he combines with his pleasing per- sonality a thorough knowledge of his business and he is very highly esteemed. Mr. Gager finds his relaxation from the cares of a trying business in his fine two-hundred-acre farm in Montville, not far from NorNwich. There he raises thoroughbred cattle, horses, and poultry, taking a great pride in his farm, which is one of the best in that section.
Mr. Gager is a member of Somerset Lodge, No. 34, Free and Accepted Masons; of Franklin Chap- ter, No. 3, Royal Arch Masons; of Franklin Council, No. 4, Royal and Select Masters; of Columbian Commandery, Knights Templar, of Norwich; and is a thirty-second degree member of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, affiliated with King Solo- mon Lodge of Perfection; Van Rensselaer Council, Princes of Jerusalem; Norwich Chapter of Rose Croix; Connecticut Consistory, Sovereign Princes of the Royal Secret; Sphinx Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of Hartford; Norwich Lodge, No. 430, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; Independent Order of Odd Fellows; Shetucket Lodge, No. 16; and the Arcanum and Rotary clubs, of Norwich; the Order of United American Mechanics, of Norwich; and of the Fu- neral Directors' Association of Connecticut. In political affairs he will pledge his support in advance to no party, voting for the man he believes best qualified to serve the people.
Mr. Gager married, December 13, 1907, Mira L. Rallion, daughter of Herman and Emma (Crocker) Rallion, of Norwich; they attend the services of the Universalist church.
CLEMENT ANSON FOWLER-In both pa- ternal and maternal lines, Clement A. Fowler, the present-day representative of these families, well known and highly respected in the State of Connec-
193
BIOGRAPHICAL
ticut, worthily carries on the work laid out by his ancestors, and has also added to its prestige by his conduct and actions, proving himself a worthy fol- lower of the precepts of his forbcars, who were among the men to whom more honor should be paid, the pioneers of this great Republic.
On the paternal side the family traces back to William Fowler, a native of England, whence he came to this country in the year 1637, landing at Boston, Massachusetts, later locating in New Haven, Connecticut, being one of the signers of the Con- stitution of the New Haven Colony. He served as magistrate for that colony from 1643 to 1654. Later he removed to Milford, same State. He died in 1660. The line is traced through his son, Captain William (2) Fowler; through his son, Mark Fowler; Captain Dijah Fowler; through his son, Captain Amos Fowler; through his son, Colonel Anson Fowler, grandfather of Clement A. Fowler.
Colonel Anson Fowler took an active part in the business and political life of the town of Lebanon, Connecticut, his birthplace, being among the men who raised the moral tone of the community, main- tained a high and pure standard for the youth of the day, and pointed out the way for honorable, successful living, a worthy record for his time as well as for the present day. He married (first) Sally Robinson, (second) Hannah Peckham, (third) Mehitable Lyon, (fourth) Roxanna Pcase. Among the children of the last-named wife was Frank Pease Fowler, grandfather of Clement A. Fowler.
Frank Pease Fowler was born December 23, 1854, in Lebanon Green, Connecticut, in which town he resided during his boyhood and manhood, his active business life being spent as a general merchant, a member of the firm of Fowler & Stark, of Lebanon. He began as clerk in the general store of N. C. Barker at Lebanon, Connecticut, worked for Barker and later formed partnership with Irving W. Stark, and as Fowler & Stark, bought out N. C. Barker. This partnership continued several years, when Fowler bought out Stark and continues alone to date. He was appointed postmaster by President Cleveland during his first administration, was suc- ceeded by his son, Mr. Fowler serving as assistant. During President Cleveland's second administra- tion he reinstated Mr. Fowler as postmaster, in which capacity he served under successive presi- dents, this fact testifying to his ability and integrity. He also served as selectman and assessor, the duties of these offices being performed to the entire satis- faction of all concerned. He holds membership in the Congregational church, holding the offices of clerk and treasurer; also in Lebanon Lodge, No. 23, Ancient Order of United Workmen, serving as financial secretary for several years. Mr. Fowler married, December 23, 1880, Jessie A. Peckham, daughter of Robert C. and Sarah A. (Segar) Peck- ham, and they are the parents of Clement Anson, of whom further.
On the maternal side the family traces back to John Peckham, who as early as 1638, was admitted N.L .- 2.13.
an inhabitant of Newport, Rhode Island; three years later he was made a freeman, and subsequently he removed to what is now Middletown, Rhode Island, where his death occurred in 1681. He married (first) Mary Clarke, (second) Eleanor, and their descendants are now scattered throughout the entire United States, the family still being numerous in that section of Rhode Island, and in Eastern Penn- sylvania. One of these descendants who continued his residence in Rhode Island was the great- grandfather of Jessie A. (Peckham) Fowler, who in later life removed to Lebanon, Connecticut, and there spent his remaining years, leaving behind him a reputation, of which any man might be proud. He married, and was the father of six children, five daughters and one son. Robert Peckham, the only son, was born in South Kingston, Rhode Island, removed with his parents to Lebanon, Connecticut, and later made his home in the towns of Goshen, Brooklyn, Pomfret, and then returned to Lebanon. He married Anna Bliss, of Lebanon, and they were the parents of Robert Congdon Peckham, afore- mentioned, born in Lebanon, Connecticut, May 7, 1811, died April 13, 1898. He resided in Brooklyn, Pomfret, and Windham, finally returning to Leba- non, where he spent his declining years, honored and estecmed by his neighbors and friends. He married, April 8, 1832, Sarah A. Segar, daughter of Thomas and Rebecca (Ward) Segar, and they lived to celebrate their golden wedding. Among their children was Jessie A., aforementioned as the mother of Clement A. Fowler.
Clement A. Fowler was born in Lebanon Centre, Connecticut, September 3, 1889. He attended a select school at Lebanon, completing his studies 'there at the age of thirteen; for the following three years was a student at Norwich Free Academy, then pursued a course of study at Lansdowne High School, Lansdowne, a suburb of Philadelphia, re- maining a student there until the age of eighteen. His business knowledge was gained by attendance at Miller's Business College, New York City, which institution he attended for several years. He added to the theoretical knowledge thus obtained by en- tering the establishment conducted by his father in Lebanon, and in due course of time became thor- oughly familiar with all the details connected with the business, thus proving himself a valuable asset to its success. The firm carries a general line of merchandise, and caters to the best trade in Leba- non and adjoining towns, in which section of the State the family has resided for so many years. Mr. Fowler is a member of the First Congregational Church, as is also his wife, and is a Republican in politics, and serves as postmaster of Lebanon, thus following in his father's footsteps.
Mr. Fowler married, January 1, 1913, Bernice Anzeline Hewitt, born June 8, 1892, in Lebanon, Connecticut, daughter of Erwin Wheeler and Nellie Eliza (Stiles) Hewitt, natives of Lebanon, and a descendant of one of the early settled families of New England, the line being traced through
194
NEW LONDON COUNTY
T .... nas Hewitt; his son, Benjamin Hewitt; his son, Major Israel Hewitt; his son, Charles Hewitt; his son, Eli Hewitt; his son, George Hewitt; his son, George Eli Hewitt; his son, Erwin W. Hewitt, father of Mrs. Fowler. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Fowler: Elois Louise, born February 10, 1914; and Lawrence Clement, born August 5, 1919.
A. FRANK GREENE-In Hunter, New York, a beautiful village of the Catskills, within sight of those peaks named Round Top, High Peak and Pine Orchard, Alfred Edward Greene long lived, there spent many of the later years of his life, and here his son, A. Frank Greene, now a merchant of Nor- wich, Connecticut, was born. Alfred E. Greene was perhaps the best-known man of the village, for in addition to being a manufacturer in Hunter, he was the village postmaster for sixteen years, hold- ing that office from 1902 until his passing away.
Alfred Edward Greene was born in Jewett, New York, there grew to manhood and became an under- taker, continuing in that business until his removal to Hunter, Greene county, New York, where he was engaged in chair manufacturing. He was appointed postmaster of Hunter, a position he most capably filled for sixteen years, dying in office, in 1918. He married Charlotte Long, born in New York City, who survives him, a resident of New London, Con- necticut.
A. Frank Greene, son of Alfred E. and Charlotte (Long) Greene, was born in Hunter, a village and summer resort of Greene county, New York, on the Ulster & Delaware railroad, forty miles south of Albany, December 24, 1887. He spent the first thirteen years of his life in Hunter, there attending the public schools until going to New York City, where for three and one-half years he was employed in the office of a fire insurance company. He later returned to Hunter, where he spent four years in the office of the assistant postmaster. He then spent the years until 1915 in the automobile busi- ness in New York City. From 1915 until July, 1917, he was engaged in the automobile business in Hartford, Connecticut. In July, 1917, he located in New London in the same business, there remaining until February, 1920, when he removed to Norwich, Connecticut, where he established the A. F. Greene Company, tires and automobile accessories, located on Main street, where he is building up a good business.
Mr. Greene is a Republican in politics; a member of Lockwood Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Hunter, New York; and is an attendant of the Presbyterian church.
Mr. Greene married, at Jersey City, New Jersey, June 7, 1911, Virginia Brandow, born in Richmond, Virginia, daughter of Justus and Rachael (Johnson) Brandow, her parents later removing to Hunter, New York. Mr. and Mrs. Greene are the parents of a daughter, Virginia Brandow, born in New York City.
Mr. Greene is a young man of energy and fine business qualities, and well liked in Norwich and New London, where liis years since 1915 have been passed. He thoroughly understands the business in which he is engaged, and has already established in Norwich a reputation for integrity that is an inval- uable asset.
HARRIET ELIZABETH HEWITT-The Hew- itt family, of which Harriet E. Hewitt is a present- day representative, is one of the early settled fam- ilies of New England, the earliest ancestor of the line herein followed, being Thomas Hewitt who, tradition says, was in command of a vessel belong- ing to Thomas Miner, Sr., on the Mystic river in 1656, and he is supposed to have been lost at sea in 1662. His wife, Hannah (Palmer) Hewitt, bore him a son, Benjamin Hewitt, born in 1662, married Marie Fanning, daughter of Edward and Ellen Fan- ning, and they were the parents of Israel Hewitt, baptized July 24, 1692, who in later life attained the rank of major. His wife, Anna (Breed) Hewitt, daughter of John and Mercy (Palmer) Breed, bore him a son, Charles Hewitt, born August 16, 1730. He married Hannah Stanton, daughter of Joseph and Anna (Wheeler) Stanton, and they were the parents of Eli Hewitt, born July 31, 1764, a resident of North Stonington, Connecticut, who married Betsey Williams, daughter of Bednam and Hannah (Lathrop) Williams, and among their children was George Hewitt, born in North Stonington, January 26, 1797. He later removed to North Franklin, where he engaged in farming pursuits, and his death occurred at Groton, Connecticut, October 16, 1884. He married Bridget Wheeler, daughter of Nathan and Desire Wheeler, and among their children was George Eli Hewitt, father of Harriet Elizabeth Hewitt, of this review.
George Eli Hewitt was born in North Stoning- ton, Connecticut, May 27, 1820, in the house erected by his grandfather. He received a practical educa- tion by attendance at the district school, and the select schools presided over by Major Francis Pea- body and Latham Hull. His leisure time was spent in assisting his father in the work of the home farm, and he so continued until the age of thirty-five years, receiving then from his father, as recompense for his labor, five shares of bank stock, a dozen steers and some farming implements. Shortly after his marriage he removed to the farm belonging to his father-in-law, Henry Williams, in Lebanon, and assumed the management of that farm, where he resided until 1869, when he removed to what was known as the Priest Ely Farm, which he had previ- ously purchased. From time to time he added to his purchase, becoming the owner of one hundred and fifty acres of land in the town of Lebanon, also several tenement houses, which he rented advan- tageously. His own residence was a commodious and comfortable structure, pleasantly located, fitted up with everything needful for the comfort and con- venience of its inmates. In addition to general
195
BIOGRAPHICAL
farming, he engaged in the buying and selling of live stock, and he made frequent trips to the famous stock market at Brighton, Massachusetts, for the purpose of buying cattle. He was one of the prime movers in the organization of the Lebanon Creani- ery, was one of its largest stockholders, and served as a director and treasurer for many years. In political affiliation he was a Republican, and in 1873 he was a representative from Lebanon to the State Legislature at the last meeting of that body in the city of New Haven. During his residence in North Stonington he held the commission of a lieutenant in the local militia for three years. He was a con- sistent member of the Congregational church, active and interested in the work connected therewith. His life was spent in the faithful discharge of his obligations as a son, husband, father, public official, neighbor and friend, and his memory is revered by all who knew him intimately. His death occurred October 5, 1904.
Mr. Hewitt married, October 12, 1854, Anzeline Williams, born in Lebanon, Connecticut, October 28, 1825, died September 3, 1899, daughter of Henry and Harriet (Babcock) Williams. Children : I. George Henry, born August 9, 1857; married, August 13, 1881, Louise Josephine Noyes, born February 28, 1850; chil- dren : Ethel Beatrice and Hazel Adele. 2. Harriet Eliza- beth, twin of George Henry, of whom further. 3. Er- win Wheeler, born October 10, 1859; married, Novem- ber IS, 1880, Nellie Eliza Stiles, born September 19, 1863, in Lebanon, daughter of Edmund A. and Sophia (Sweet) Stiles; children : Arthur Erwin, born June 20, 1881, married Elsie Gardner; Lawrence Alonzo, born May 6, 1883, died April 1, 1885; Charlotte Eliza, born June 5, 188.4, married John E. Burgess; Rodney Wil- liams, born August 4, 1889; Bernice Anzeline, born June 8, 1892, married Everett Delos; Gladys Eva Miriam, born December 24, 1894; George Edmund, born February 9, 1898.
Harriet Elizabeth Hewitt, only daughter of George Eli and Anzeline (Williams) Hewitt, was born in Lebanon, Connecticut, August 9, 1857. Her preliminary education was obtained in the school adjacent to her home, and at the early age of eight she became a stu- dent in the boarding school of Miss Knotts in New Haven. At the age of twenty-five she went to Boston, Massachusetts, in order to study under Dr. Emerson, a prominent elocutionist, but during the course of study felt it incumbent upon her to return to the old home- stead by reason of the condition of health of her parents, which had become greatly impaired. She remained with them until the close of their lives, ten- derly and lovingly muistering to their needs and wants, thus performing a service of love and gratitude in recompense for the many bestowed on her during her entire lifetime by her devoted parents. Thus she ful- filled a part of her mission in life. She inherited the old homestead of her ancestors, wherein she now re- sides, and of which she is naturally proud. She is a woman of culture and refinement, keenly alive to the questions of the day, and takes an interest in all that concerns the welfare of the town of her birth.
REV. ADELARD ALFRED JALBERT-There is no way by which the value of a life to a community can be estimated, and especially is this true of the life of a Catholic priest. Life holds no more beautiful relationship than that which a Catholic priest bears to his people, and his people bear to him, for his helping hand is never withdrawn, and his patience is without end. A noble man full of courage, zeal and devotion, with deep and abiding faith. Such is the kind of pastor Father Jalbert is to all with whom he comes in contact.
Joseph Jalbert, father of Rev. Adelard Alfred Jalbert, was born at St. Denis on the Richelieu, Canada, Feb- ruary 26, 1863. He came to this country when a young man and settled in Spencer, Massachusetts, and shortly afterwards in New Haven, Connecticut, where for many years previous to his death, which occurred in May, 1919, he was a merchant by trade. He married Virginia Collette, a native of Spencer, Massachusetts, her birth having occurred there April 21, 1867. Mr. and Mrs. Jalbert were the parents of ten children: Delia, Marie, Adelard Alfred, Arthur, Rose, Philip, Alice, Cecilia, Wilfred, and Beatrice.
Father Jalbert was born in New Haven, Connecticut, December 3, 1893. His early education was obtained in the Sacred Heart's School and in the New Haven Hillhouse High School, and in 1911 entered St. Thomas' Seminary at Hartford, Connecticut. Upon completing his studies at this institution, he matriculated at St. Mary's Seminary, Baltimore, Maryland. In 1915 he attended the Grand Seminary at Montreal, where after finishing his course of Sacred Theology he was ordained priest, December 21, 1918, at Hartford, Connecticut, by Bishop Nilan. He was then immediately assigned to St. Mary's Church, at Baltic, where he has since, with hearty co-operation, been supported by his parishioners in his work. Father Jalbert takes a deep and abiding faith in every department of the parish work, and is interested in all that pertains to bettering civic condi- tions.
GEORGE SETH BROWN, superintendent of the Ashland Cotton Company, Jewett City, Connecticut, is active in the affairs of the community and takes a keen interest in the progress and welfare of the town. He is the son of Seth Leeds and Margaret (Cantwell) Brown, and was born in Ledyard, Connecticut, Decem- ber 1, 1882.
Seth Leeds Brown was born in Ledyard, March 24, 1850. He attended the district schools there and a select school in Preston until he was eighteen years of age, when, in company with his brother, Aaron A. Brown, he built a woolen mill on the site of the old Ayers factory, later known as Shewville. For a number of years this firm, known as A. A. and S. L. Brown Company, carried on a woolen yarn manufacturing busi- ness until business reverses caused an assignment in 1879. A. P. Sturtevant, of Norwich, then secured con- trol of the plant, and Seth L. Brown was retained as overseer of carding and spinning until 1891, when he entered the employ of the H. B. Porter & Son Com- pany, of that place, and remained with them until his
ยท
196
NEW LONDON COUNTY
death in Norwich, September 10, 1916. To Mr. and Mrs. Brown were born three children: Arthur Chester, agent of the Falls Company in Norwich, Connecticut, married Isabella Yeomans, of Norwich; George Seth, of further mention; Albert Seymour, died at Norwich, June 28, 1908, at the age of twenty years.
George Seth Brown received his education in the public schools of Preston and Norwich, and was a member of the 1900 class of the Norwich Free Academy. He entered the office of the Falls Company upon leav- ing school and remained there about four years, when he entered the mill proper and learned the cotton card- er's trade. After four years' service he left that com- pany and entered the treasurer's office of the Attawaugan and Totokett Manufacturing companies of Norwich, manufacturers of fine cotton goods. Mr. Brown's con- nection with the Ashland Cotton Company began in March, 1918, when he entered the office department as cost accountant, and shortly afterward was promoted to the position of assistant superintendent. For the period of the World War, he served as a member of the War Industries Board at Washington, D. C., as assist- ant section chief (cotton manufacturing expert) of the cotton goods section. Late in 1919, Mr. Brown again took up his duties at the Ashland Cotton Company and soon was promoted superintendent, which position he is now filling (1921).
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.