USA > Connecticut > New London County > A modern history of New London County, Connecticut, Volume III > Part 40
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James Bathgate married Laura Jane Tanner, who was born in Scottsville, New York. Mr. and Mrs. Bathgate were the parents of one son, George Hy- slop (see following sketch), and one daughter, Mabel Agnes, now the wife of Robert E. Hall, of Hart- ford, Connecticut, who has two daughters: Jan. Stuart, and Patricia.
GEORGE HYSLOP BATHGATE, son of James and Laura Jane (Tanner) Bathgate (see preceding sketch, was born in Foxcroft, Maine, December 25, 1889, and received his carly education in his native town. As a boy of fifteen he came to East Lyme with his parents, and while residing here, attended
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Bulkeley High School, of New London, from which he was graduated in the class of 1908. Thereafter, he attended the Norwich Free Academy for one year. In the fall of 1909 the young man went to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he entered the Philadelphia Textile College, and there learned the most recent developments of the textile art, to- gether with its history, ancient and modern, and the fundamental principles of commercial application. Since his graduation from the textile school in 1911, Mr. Bathgate has been identified with his father's mill in East Lyme, first mastering the practical side of the business, and soon becoming superintendent of the plant; he now holds the positions of secretary and superintendent.
Mr. Bathgate is a member of the Phi Psi frater- nity of the Philadelphia Textile College. He takes little leisure for interests outside his business, and politically, while endorsing the principles of the Republican party, reserves the right to individual thought and action.
ROBERT HOOKER BYLES-Ebenezer Byles, son of Josias (2), and grandson of Josias (1) Byles, the founder of this family in New England, was of Boston, Massachusetts, birth, but in 1743, at the age of twenty, he removed to the town of Ashford, in Windham county, Connecticut, about thirty miles northeast of Hartford, the village of the same name being known in history as the birthplace of General Nathaniel Lyon. Four generations of the descend- ants of Ebenezer Byles resided in Ashford: Josias (3), of the fourth; Elisha, of the fifth; Deacon An- drew H., of the sixth; and George Sharpe Byles, of the seventh American generation; all were born at the homestead, located on the turnpike, between Ashford Centre and Warrenville, first owned by Ebenezer Byles, of the third generation, and there lived amid Ashford's familiar scenes, but the last named, George S., who broke the continuity of resi- dence, and in Norwich, New London county, en- tered business life and there became a prominent merchant, a member of the firm of J. P. Barstow & Company. Robert Hooker Byles, of the eighth gen- eration, continued business activities when he came to a choice of occupation and spent his adult years as a funeral director, and for a decade and a half of years has been located in New London, where he is well settled in a modernly-equipped funeral es- tablishment, at No. 15 Masonic street, where a for- mer residence was purchased, converted into under- taker's uses, and occupied as a mortuary establish- ment January, 1920. Prosperity has come to Mr. Byles in his New London business, and he is one of the leading men of his profession.
Josias Byles, the founder, came from London, England, to Gravesend, Massachusetts, on the ship "Edward and Mary," arriving in May, 1692. He married, in England, Sarah Hartwell, and there she died, December 16, 1691. He was accompanied from England by his son, Josias (2), and in Massachusetts
married a second wife, Sarah Davis, and a third wife, Elizabeth Mather, children being born to cach wife. The line of descent from Josias and Sarah (Hart- well) Byles is through their first-born, Josias (2), and his wife, Abigail (Callender) Byles; their young- est child, Ebenezer, and his wife, Anna (Bushnell) Byles; their youngest son, Josias (3), and his wife, Abigail (Clark) Byles; their fourth child, Deacon Elisha, and his wife, Sophia (Huntington) Byles; their youngest son, Deacon Andrew Huntington, and his wife, Martha H. (Sharpe) Byles; their son, George Sharpe, and his wife, Mary Eva (Hooker) Byles; their son, Robert Hooker, of New London, Connecticut, and his wife, M. Hortense (Eagles) Byles.
Elisha Byles, of the fifth generation, was a deacon of the Congregational church, and died at the old farnı, at the age of eighty-one. He was succeeded in the ownership of the farm and in the deacon's office by his son, Andrew H. Byles, who left the old farm in 1888 and removed to Willimantic, and there died, May 17, 1894. He was buried in the family burial ground near the old farm in Ashford. He was a man of fine character, with high ideals, possessed rare judgment and tact, and was a power for good in his community. His wife, Martha H. (Sharpe) Byles, was a daughter of Judge George Sharpe, of Pomfret, Connecticut, and granddaughter of Robert Sharpe, a Revolutionary soldier who enlisted from Pomfret.
George Sharpe Byles, son of Andrew H. and Martha H. (Sharpe) Byles, was born at the old farm in Ashford, Windham county, Connecticut, March 1, 1853, and died April 28, 1918. He remained at the farm as his father's assistant until December, 1873, when he came to Norwich, New London county, and entered the employ of his uncle, John P. Bars- tow, a merchant of Norwich, with whom the young man also made his home. As a clerk he continued for three years, becoming thoroughly familiar with the details of the business, and so valued were his services that in 1876 he was taken in as a partner, as was Frank H. Smith, the firm trading as J. P. Barstow & Company. In 1893 the senior partner died, but the surviving partners continued the busi- ness under the old firm name, the house becoming one of the oldest on Water street, its rating high and its business large.
In politics Mr. Byles was a Republican, and in religious faith a Congregationalist, attending the Broadway Church in Norwich. He was a member of Somerset Lodge, No. 34, Free and Accepted Masons; held all degrees of Norwich Consistory of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite up to and including the thirty-second; was a noble of Sphinx Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mys- tic Shrine; member of the Arcanum Club; and the fraternal orders, New England Order of Protection and the Ancient Order of United Workmen.
George S. Byles married, in Mansfield, Connecti- cut, Mary Eva Hooker, born in Mansfield, January
7
Jamie Graham L
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15, 1854, daughter of Lothrop and Rachel (Sholes) Hooker, her father a manufacturer, of Mt. Hope. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Byles: Robert Hooker, whose career is herein reviewed; Harold H., born March 30, 1883, died April 5, 1893; and Everett Barstow, born February 28, 1890.
Robert Hooker Byles, son of George S. and Mary Eva (Hooker) Byles, was born in Norwich, Connec- ticut, September 1, 1878. He was educated in the public schools and Norwich Free Academy, entering the latter institution after completing the courses of Broadway Grammar School. After completing school years, he served for seven years as assistant with different undertaking firms of Norwich, then, on October 15, 1903, began business as an under- taker in Lewiston, Maine.
After leaving Lewiston, he located in New Lon- don, where he resumed business in July, 1906, as successor to Pendleton & Son, his establishment located at No. 52 Main street. There he conducted business until the completion of the alterations and additions to the dwelling at No. 15 Masonic street, which Mr. Byles had purchased in the fall of 1919. On January 1, 1920, the new establishment was occu- pied, and there he continues.
Mr. Byles is past master of Union Lodge, No. 31, Free and Accepted Masons, and at present its secre- tary; member of Union Chapter, No. 7, Royal Arch Masons; Cushing Council, Royal and Select Mas- ters; Palestine Commandery, No. 6, Knights Temp- lar; Pyramid Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of Bridgeport; Hunguent Lodge, No. 499, New England Order of Protection; Mohegan Lodge, No. 55, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; Nonomantuc Tribe, Improved Order of Red Men; New London Lodge, No. 344, Loyal Order of Moose; and the Masonic Club of New London. Mr. Byles is a Republican in politics, and a member of the First Church of Christ (Scientist).
In Norwich, Connecticut, September 26, 1906, Mr. Byles married M. Hortense Eagles, born in Sprague, New London county, Connecticut, September 19, 1886, daughter of William H. and Mary (Rich) Eagles. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Byles, they of the ninth American generation: George Huntington, born December 10, 1907; Robert Everett, born February 12, 1913; and Mary Lorine, born March 16, 1919.
RICHARD LANE TARRANT is one of the well known business men of Norwich, Connecticut. His father, Nicholas Tarrant, like his son, a prominent realtor, was born in 1846, and died in 1910. His mother, Mary (Coyle) Tarrant, was born in 1866, and died in 1906.
Richard Lane Tarrant was born at Norwich, Con- necticut, August 14, 1892. His early school days were spent in the Broadway Grammar and St. Pat- rick's parochial schools of his native city. He en- tered the Norwich Free Academy in 1906 and was graduated with the class of 1910. Upon leaving
school he went in business with his father as a realtor and insurance agent, and upon his father's death in 1913, took over the office and has built up a large and lucrative business.
During the World War Mr. Tarrant saw service with the American army, being a cadet in the air service. He is an Independent in his political views. His fraternal connections are with the Knights of Columbus, White Cross Council, No. 13; Daniel Mullin Assembly; and the Benevolent and Protec- tive Order of Elks, Norwich Lodge, No. 430. His clubs are the Rotary and Norwich Golf. He is a communicant of the Catholic church.
JAMES GRAHAM-Many and valuable are the contributions which Scotch character has made to the life of this nation. From every station in life and from nearly every Scottish family have come individuals bringing with them the sturdy strength of their native hills. Many of the names long hon- ored in the annals of Scottish history are, and long have been, represented in the United States. Among these there is none that has been more esteemed than that of Graham.
James Graham, father of our subject, was born in Longside, Scotland, in 1822, received his early education in the National School at Longside, and then became a landscape gardener, which work he engaged in until 1872. In that year Edward P. Taft, agent for the Ponemah Mills, manufacturing cotton goods, went to Scotland to secure operators, bring- ing back two ship loads of Scottish people to work in the mills. James Graham felt that this repre- sented an opportunity to better his condition and that of his family, and joined the group of emi- grants, bringing with him his family. He settled in Taftville, Connecticut, and worked in the Ponemah Mills until his death, which occurred August 10, 1900. His wife, Mary (Smith) Graham, was born at Longside, Scotland, in 1824, and died at Taftville in March, 1902. To this union were born four chil- dren: Mary, born at Longside, married Thomas Emmerson, who was employed in the Ponemah Mills, but is now retired and lives at Lisbon, Con- necticut; Christina, born at Longside, resides in Willimantic, Connecticut; Agnes, deceased, born at Longside, married William Burgess, who is retired and lives at Lisbon; and James (2), of whom further.
James (2) Graham, son of James (1) and Mary (Smith) Graham, was brought to this country by his family when he was seven years of age, received his education in the public schools of Taftville, Con- necticut, and then served a three years' apprentice- ship as machinist in the Ponemah Mills. His ap- prenticeship ended, he worked for four years as machinist in that same mill, and then, in 1884, en- tered Eastman Business College, at Poughkeepsie, New York, where he completed a two years' course. Returning to Taftville, he worked as machinist in the Ponemah Mills for one year more, and then became shipping clerk in the office of that same
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company, continuing to act in that capacity until 1912. During the period of years between 1896 and 1912, he was also postmaster at Taftville. To en- ergy and ability he added thrift and by 1902 had saved enough to buy a farm of seventeen acres near Taftville, where, in addition to his regular work, he carried on market-gardening on a small scale. In 1912 he gave up his position with the Ponemah Company and bought the two hundred and thirty-two acre farm, known as the Talbut farm, which adjoins the place where he makes his home. Since that time he has devoted his attention to market gardening. He has made a scientific study of the subject, at- tending lectures at agricultural colleges throughout Southern New England, and keeping closely in touch with experiments and reports sent out by both National and State agricultural bureaus, until at the present time he is regarded as one of the best gar- deners in Eastern Connecticut. His two farms, to- talling two hundred and fifty acres, are cultivated by thoroughly scientific methods, and the most mod- ern farm machinery is used, including that great labor and time-saving device, the tractor.
In addition to the management of his big farm. Mr. Graham has found time to fill important public offices and to serve his county and his fellow- agriculturists faithfully and well in the State Sen- ate. Since 1915 he has been tax assessor for the town of Lisbon and still (1922) holds that office. In 1916 he was elected representative of Lisbon in the State Legislature, served on the Public Health Commission, and acted as prison coroner; in 1918 he was a member of the Excise Commission; and in 1920 was elected State Senator from New London county, serving on the Agricultural Committee. He is still (1922) State Senator from New London county. Mr. Graham was one of the promoters of the Bankers' Trust Company of Norwich, and when the organization was perfected in 1921, became one of the board of directors.
Mr. Graham married, in Taftville, March 3, 1887, Mary Fulton, daughter of Hugh and Clementine (Martin) Fulton, both of Scottish birth, the latter being a member of a well known family named Copeland. Mr. and Mrs. Graham are the parents of four daughters: Clementine, teacher in Cristo- bal, C. Z .; Mary, married Fredrick Friswell, and resides in Norwich; Christina, married William Bode, and resides in Norwich; and Agnes, a teacher, residing at home.
MATTHEW A. TINKER-The Tinker home- stead, lying in East Lyme, New London county, Connecticut, is very near the Montville town line, and near the village of Chesterfield, the present home of Matthew A. Tinker, one of the prominent men of the town of Montville, although the Tinker homestead lies in East Lyme, and the family history for generations centers around this old home where Matthew A. Tinker was born, as were his parents and grandparents.
Matthew A. Tinker is a great-grandson of Wil- liam Tinker, who was born in the old Tinker home- stead in Lyme, Connecticut, near the Montville line, and there spent his life. He was the father of Matthew Tinker, also born at the Tinker homestead in Lyme, he also farming the old place until his deatlı. He married Mary Miller, who was born in Waterford, New London county, Connecticut, and they were the parents of a son, Matthew (2) Tinker, who was born at the homestead in East Lyme, April 5, 1832, and resided thereon until about 1911, when he retired from farming and moved to Montville, where he died April 7, 1916. He was a good man, public-spirited and helpful, fond of his home and his family, and ready to make any sacrifice for their comfort or happiness. He married Mary Christine Elizabeth Caulkins, born in Montville, and there yet resides (1921).
Matthew A. Tinker, son of Matthew (2) and Mary Christine Elizabeth (Caulkins) Tinker, was born in Montville, New London county, Connecti- cut, January 24, 1865, and grew to manhood on the old Tinker farm in East Lyme. He attended school in the nearby village of Chesterfield, and was his father's farm assistant until attaining legal age. He then left the farm and went West, and became a fireman on a Great Lakes steamer. After returning East, he was for a time on Long Island Sound boats, and on coastwise steamers, as fireman. Finally he tired of that life and returned to East Lyme, mar- ried, and for two years worked a leased farm. He then, in 1898, bought a fine farm property in the town of Montville, near the village of Chesterfield, which he farmed intensively and with great success until 1918, when, on account of ill health, he turned the management of his farm over to his son, William R., and moved into the village of Chesterfield, where he yet resides and conducts a small farm in connec- tion with his auctioneering. Many years ago Mr. Tinker discovered that he had a talent for public selling, and later developed that talent, until he is considered one of the best auctioneers in Eastern Connecticut. For twenty-five years he has been in that business, and each year "cries" many auction sales. He was one of the organizers and a charter member of the Connecticut Auctioneer's Associa- tion, and in 1920 was elected vice-president.
Mr. Tinker served on the Board of Selectmen of the town of Montville for six years; also was con- stable, and in 1915-16 represented the town in the State Legislature. He was excise commissioner; doorkeeper of the House of Assembly, 1919-20, and for twelve years has been a member of the Board of Tax Commissioners for Montville. He is a mem- ber of Thames Lodge, No. 22, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; member of Colchester Grange, Pa- trons of Husbandry; and in religions faith is a Baptist. In politics he is a Republican. He has served the people well in these various offices, and is a man well liked by all who know him.
At New London, on April 5, 1887, Mr. Tinker
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married Carrie Jane Powers, born in Stonington, Connecticut, daughter of Frank and Ellen (Cole- man) Powers, both parents born in Stonington. Mr. and Mrs. Matthew A. Tinker are the parents of ten children, all born at the farm in the town of Mont- ville: I. Charles B., married Amy Rix, and is en- gaged in the automobile business in New London. 2. Christine, married Earl Lathrop, a farmer of Montville. 3. William Raymond, now managing his father's large farm in Montville. 4. Mary, mar- ried William Fosberge, engaged as a heating engi- neer in New London. 5. Stanley, a mechanic of New London. 6. Ruth, a teacher of Lyme, Connec- ticut. 7. Berthia, a teacher of South Coventry, Con- necticut. 8. Carrie. 9. Meredith. 10. Cornelia.
FREDERICK ALLAN BECKWITH-Since 1890 Frederick Allan Beckwith has been a resident of Niantic, and the prominence which he has gained both in business and public life has made him one of the best known and most highly respected citizens of this community. It has been said of Mr. Beck- with that wherever philanthropic work is being done you can always find him ready to give substan- tial aid to further its progress.
John Tyler Beckwith, father of Frederick Allan Beckwith, was born in New London, Connecticut, July 10, 1838. For many years he was a successful farmer in the section of Waterford known as Town Hill, but later he moved to East Lyme to take charge of his wife's old home, and here resided until his death. He married Annie Turner Beck- with, a native of Golden Spurr, East Lyme, daugh- ter of Horace Beckwith, who was one of the pioneers of East Lyme. To Mr. and Mrs. Beckwith were born two children: Frederick Allan, of whom further; Mary, who married Silas Weaver, of East Lyme.
Frederick Allan Beckwith was born in New Lon- don, Connecticut, January 7, 1865, but was brought by his father and mother to the Golden Spurr sec- tion of East Lyme, which was the latter's former home and was located one-half mile west on the spurr of the trunk line. The boy was educated in the schools of East Lyme, and after completing his studies taught school, during his spare time assist- ing his father in his work about the farm. In 1890 he came to Niantic, where he subsequently estab- lished himself in the coal business. Starting in a small way his enterprise grew rapidly, due largely to his tireless energy and his unwavering belief in his ability to succeed. The welfare and progress of Niantic have always been the object which has pre-eminently influenced every action of Mr. Beck- with's life, and to the furtherance of which he has given generously of his time, thought and money. In politics he is an Independent, casting his vote for the man, regardless of party label. He has served on the Board of Assessors, and since 1895 has been elected many times to the office of first selectman, which is proof in itself that he has ever
fulfilled his duties faithfully as a public servant. Mr. Beckwith is prominent in the local fraternal organizations. He affiliates with Bayview Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; Niantic Lodge, No. 17, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of which he is past master; New England Order of Protection, of which he is past warden; Ancient Order of United Workmen, of which he is past warder; The Grange, Flanders Chapter; and the Farm Bureau.
On January 25, 1894, at Waterford, Connecticut, Frederick Allan Beckwith married Marion Standard Mott, daughter of Samuel and Frances (Gilberts) Mott. Mr. and Mrs. Beckwith are the parents of two children: Leslie Mott, born May 17, 1896; and Tracy Tyler, born May 19, 1900.
JUDGE SAMUEL ENEAS HOLDRIDGE is a son of Daniel Holdridge, who was born in Lcd- yard, in March, 1814, spent his life as a farmer, died in 1880, and is buried in Mystic. He married Eliza Jane Maine, born in North Stonington, in 1847, died in February, 1904, daughter of Samuel Maine. They were the parents of seven children: 1. Eliza, married Samuel Caswell, of Ledyard, and has a son, Wilkes Malcolm Caswell. 2. Charles Daniel, married (first) Etta Yerington, (second) Mary Armstrong. 3. Sarah Hannah, n.arried Leeds Maine, of Ledyard, and they are the parents of eight children: William Leeds, Daniel Holdridge, James Stanton, deceased, Samuel, Cora, Julia, Eliza, and Rose. 4. Susan Bur- roughs, deceased. 5. Orrin, deceased, married Mary Westcott, and left a daughter, Maude Westcott Holdridge. 6. George Austin, deceased, married Jean Day. 7. Samuel E., of further mention.
Samuel Eneas Holdridge was born in the town of Ledyard, New London county, Connecticut, and educated in the public schools of the district and at Mystic Valley Institute. His father's death com- pelled him to abandon thoughts of a college educa- tion, and at the age of seventeen he began teaching in the district school, continuing four years. He then began farming for others during the summer months and teaching in the winter months. At the age of twenty-three he married, and took his wife to the homestead which they made their home until 1900, when Mr. Holdridge bought the farm upon which he now resides, and there he has developed a large business in strawberries and strawberry plants. His strawberry plants go to every New England State each year, the demand growing greater as the strength of the plants and the supe- rior quality of the fruit they bear have been demon- strated. The business is one that must be done for a time, at least, upon absolute faith, and in a great many cases the results have been very disap- pointing to the fruit grower, who purchased on faith that the berry would bear some resemblance to the beautiful catalog berry. Mr. Holdridge is one of the growers of plants who does not misrepresent, and duplicate orders invariably follow. He is as well known for his honesty in all his dealings as he is
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for the excellence of the fruit and plants he pro- duces and sells.
For many years Judge Holdridge has been active in public affairs, and it is no exaggeration to say that he is the strongest political force in his town. Since 1912 he has been judge of probate (nine years), and at the November election he was nom- inee of his own party (Democratic) and endorsed by the Republican party, a fine compliment to his fitness for the office, and a most striking acknowl- edgment of his popularity, regardless of party. For nineteen years he was a member of the school board, twelve of those being as secretary of the board. He has served as both first and second selectman, and in every office held, his sterling integrity, sound judgment and public-spirit have been as completely at the service of the public as though the business he was transacting were his own private concern.
Judge Holdridge is a member of Shetucket Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, having joined that order in 1900. He is a member of Somerset Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; Franklin Chap- ter, Royal Arch Masons; and Franklin Council, Royal and Select Masters. lle was secretary and active member of Ledyard Grange, No. 167, Patrons of Husbandry, now (1922) master, and was secre- tary of New London County Farm Bureau, these bodies being two of the strongest and most helpful of all organizations which the farmers of the United States have built up for their mutual benefit.
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