USA > Connecticut > New London County > A modern history of New London County, Connecticut, Volume III > Part 44
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The Kilbourne family, of which Mrs. Taylor was a member, is one of the oldest in Connecticut, and she is in the ninth generation from Thomas Kil- bourne, who was born in England in 1578, and in
1635 came to America in the ship "Increase," with his wife, Frances, and their children, locating at Wethersfield, Connecticut. The line of descent is through Sergeant John Kilbourne, baptized in Wood Ditton, England, September 29, 1624 (who helped procure the famous Connecticut charter in 1662); Sergeant Thomas Kilbourne, born in Wethersfield, 1651; Thomas Kilbourne (3), born in Hockanum, Connecticut; Thomas Kilbourne (4), born September 8, 1705, at what is now East Hartford; Thomas Kil- bourne (5), the great-grandfather of Mrs. Taylor, born August 25, 1729; Ashbel Kilbourne, grandfather of Mrs. Taylor, born in East Hartford, April, 1759, served in Colonel Webb's regiment during the Revo- lutionary War, was taken prisoner by the British troops in December, 1777, and confined in Philadel- phia, from which place he was transferred in a wagon to Hartford, Connecticut. His feet having been frozen while he was in prison, he was a cripple for life, and in the "American Archives," published by order of Congress in 1848, his case is thus cited: "Mr. Kilbourne was disabled while a prisoner in Philadelphia; his feet being frozen, his toes dropped off, and for want of proper care he was totally dis- abled." Congress granted him a pension and back pay, and the General Assembly of Connecticut, in the May session of 1779, passed the following resolu- tion concerning this patriot: "Resolved, by this As- sembly, that the Committee of Pay table, adjust and liquidate the accounts of the memorialist for his sickness, and draw an order on the State for such sums as they shall find due." Nathan Kilbourne, father of Mrs. Taylor, married Lucy Burt, and one of their children was Mary L., who married Nelson Taylor, and became the mother of Frederick N. Taylor.
Frederick N. Taylor was born on the Taylor homestead in Lebanon, Connecticut, May 8, 1878, and lived there until June, 1921. He received his education in the public schools of Lebanon, com- pleting his studies at the age of seventeen, after which he assisted his father in the management of the home farm. Upon the death of his father in 1910, he inherited the farm, which he continued to cultivate until June, 1921, when he sold it and rc- moved to Lebanon Center, where he now resides (1922). Mr. Taylor is now engaged in the insur- ance business in all its branches.
Mr. Taylor takes a keen interest in all matters pertaining to the welfare of Lebanon, and has been appointed to public offices, serving as registrar of voters for the town of Lebanon since 1905, being re-elected each successive year with the ex- ception of one terni of one year, and still serving in that capacity. In 1915 he represented the town of Lebanon in the State Legislature, where he served on the Humane Institutions' Committee. Not only in official capacity does Mr. Taylor serve his com- munity. Whatever project, planned for the good of the town, is launched, he gives of his time, his in- fluence, and his means.
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Since he was fourteen years of age, Mr. Taylor has been a member of the Lebanon Grange and has been active in the work of that institution through- out the years that have sinee passed. He is past master of Lebanon Grange, No. 21, and also of New London county, Pomona Grange, No. 6; he is a member of the Connecticut State Grange and a member of the National Grange, all of these being patrons of husbandry. He serves as State deputy of the Connecticut State Grange, and is deeply in- terested in all the various phases of the work of the organization in which he has held membership since boyhood, having held all offices in the local grange, including those of lecturer, master, and State deputy. He is also a member of the Eastern Star Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, of Willimantic, Connec- tieut. Both Mr. Taylor and his wife are members of the First Congregational Church of Lebanon, where Mr. Taylor serves as deacon and as church elerk.
In Scotland, Connecticut, June 27, 1900, he mar- ried Hannah Miranda Kimball, born December 9, 1881, daughter of Eugene and Eva (Moffitt) Kim- ball. Mrs. Taylor served as assistant steward of the Connecticut State Grange, an office which she held for four years. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor are the parents of two children: Ralph Winslow, born July 12, 1902; and Helen, born December 2 ,1908.
JULIAN LA PIERRE WILLIAMS-The uni- versal popularity of the automobile has brought into existence thousands of business establishments which cater directly to the needs of the motorist. In Norwich, Connecticut, one of the best equipped garages in New London county is that conducted by Julian L. Williams, son of Charles Morgan and Ada (La Pierre) Williams, of Norwich, Connectient.
Charles Morgan Williams, son of Henry Williams, son of Ephraim Morgan Williams, son of Roger Williams, was a descendant of Robert Williams, born in 1598, in Great Yarmouth, England, who there married Elizabeth Stalham, and came to New England, in the ship "Rose" in 1635. He was a member of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Boston, in 1644, and died in Roxbury, Massachusetts, September 1, 1693.
Ephraim Morgan Williams was a soldier of the War of 1812, a Democrat in politics, a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and a farmer of the town of Montville, New London county, Con- necticut. He married Mary Ann Spencer, born June 12, 1800, died May 20, 1887, at the Montville homestead, the mother of nine children.
Henry Williams was born in Ledyard, Connecti- cut, November 23, 1826, lived many years in Mont- ville, and spent the later years of his life in the eity of Norwich. He was a contractor and builder for many years, finally passing away in Norwich, February 7, 1886, and was buried in Yantic ceme- tery. He married (first) Mary Hull, who died
March 27, 1871, aged forty-three years, nine months, daughter of Gardner Hull of North Stonington, Connecticut. She was the mother of two sons who came to mature years, Charles Morgan, of further mention; and Henry F.
Charles Morgan Williams was born in Norwich,. Connecticut, May 4, 1855. He attended the public school in early life, but while yet a boy he began learning the carpenter's trade under his father, with whom he continued until he reached his majority. becoming a skilled workman. After some years as a journeyman carpenter, he began contracting in Norwich, conducting his business alone until 1898, when he formed a partnership under the firm name of Carpenter & Williams, general building con- tractors. Six years later, in June, 1904, that firm dissolved, Mr. Williams then continuing alone in his contracting business. A thoroughly reliable builder, he has built up his reputation on that attri- bute and has never forfeited the reputation he so honestly gained. Mr. Williams is an Independent in polities. He married, October 30, 1878, Ada La Pierre, daughter of Arndud and Sarah A. (Rathbun) La Pierre. Children: Annie Louise, married Fred- erick Mf. Holmes, of New Britain, Connecticut, and died June 1, 1904, leaving a daughter, Ada Louise; Julian La Pierre, of further mention.
Julian La Pierre Williams was born in Norwich, Connecticut, on June 11, 1885. He attended the public schools of the city and then entered the Nor- wich Free Academy, from which he was graduated in 1903. For fourteen years thereafter the young man was associated with his father in business, act- ing as foreman and taking care of the bookkeeping. In 1917, with so many thousands of American young inen, Mr. Williams enlisted in the United States Navy. He booked his enlistment at the United States Naval Station at Newport, Rhode Island, was rated as a first-class machinist, and continued in service until the signing of the Armistice, re- ceiving his discharge on December 13, 1918. Re- turnng to Norwich, he opened a garage in January, 1919, on Towne street, and is doing a constantly in- ereasing business. He handles the Oldsmobile and the International truck, and conduets one of the best and most thoroughly up-to-date garages in the city.
Mr. Williams is a man of wide social and frater- nal connections, and is keenly interested in all affairs of publie import. In political choice he is a Republican. He is a member of St. James Lodge, No. 23, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons; of Franklin Chapter, No. 4; of Franklin Council, No. 3; of the Columbian Commandery, of Norwich; and all Scottish Rite bodies, including the thirty-second degree, and a member of the Sphinx Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of Hartford. He is also a member of the Chelsea Boat Club, and of the Arcanum Club, of Norwich.
Mr. Williams married Hazel Hewitt, of this city, and they have a little daughter, Louise.
John H Dans
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HAROLD H. STARR, treasurer of Starr Broth- ers, Incorporated, druggists of New London, Con- necticut, was born in that city, November 8, 1884.
He was educated in the public schools of New London, and after completing his studies in high school, spent two years at Alfred University, Alfred, New York. Upon his return from the university, he entered business life, his first position being as clerk with the Frank Munsey Company, in the de- partment store at New London. Later, in 1909-II, he was manager of Starr Brothers Drug Stores at Mystic and Stonington, Connecticut. In 1911-13 he was associated with Dr. Bilfinger, of the Carolina Naval Stores Company, Incorporated, carrying on experiments with turpentine and its products. In 1913, Mr. Starr entered the works of the New Lon- don Ship and Engine Company, his particular object being to perfect his understanding of the Diessel engine and submarine boat equipment. He became a qualified expert, and during 1914-15 went out as one of a test crew of submarines. In 1915, he was sent to the Russian Government by his company as tester and instructor in submarine operation. In the latter part of 1916, Mr. Starr returned to the United States and bought an interest in Starr Brothers, Incorporated, becoming treasurer of the company as at present (1922). He is a member of all the Ma- sonic bodies up to the thirty-second degree; a mem- ber of Pyramid Temple, Ancient Arabic Order, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, Bridgeport, Connecti- cut.
JOHN HERBERT DAVIS-Several generations of the Davis family have been residents of the towns of New London county, Connecticut, and men of the name have been successful farmers, merchants and manufacturers. John Herbert Davis, to whose memory this review is inscribed, was a son of Ira Augustus and Lydia (Fenner) Davis, who at the time of the birth of their son were living in Ston- ington.
John Herbert Davis was born in Stonington, Con- necticut, December 14, 1862, and died at his farm in the town of Preston, in the same county, April 30, 1920. He was educated in Stonington public schools and after completing his school years, se- cured employment in the mills at Old Mystic, be- coming a stationary engineer, and for about twenty years was engineer of the Hall Brothers' Mills, at Hillville. In 1886 he bought in the town of Preston a farm of one hundred and sixty-three acres on the Norwich-Westerly State road, upon which he re- sided until his death, and upon which his widow still resides. He was a member of Company A, Third Regiment, Connecticut National Guard, dis- charged in 1883; a member of Uncas Lodge, No. 11, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and of Palmyra Encampment, Lodge No. 3, of the same order. In politics he was a Republican, and in 1902 and again in 1907 represented Preston as a first selectman, and at different times was a member of the Board
of Relief and of the Board of Assessors. He also served the State as assistant superintendent of the Capitol building at Hartford for three terins.
Mr. Davis married (first) Nettie Caswell, born in Preston, who died, leaving a son, Ira Augustus Davis, now living in Preston. Mr. Davis married (second) in Preston, March 25, 1881, Frances Har- riet Whitmarsh, born in Preston, April 30, 1863, daughter of Edward Dennison and Harriet Barker (Willett) Whitmarsh, her parents now deceased. Four children were born to John H. and Frances H. (Whitmarsh) Davis: 1. John Edwin, born in Old Mystic, Connecticut, June 5, 1884, married Flora Woodmansee, of Norwich, and resides in Massachu- setts; they are the parents of a son, Herbert Charles. 2. Flora Ann, born January 17, 1888. 3. Frank, twin with Flora A. 4. Frances Myrtle, born December 14, 1902. Mrs. Davis retained her home for a time at the farm in Preston, where the greater part of her married life was spent, but resides at No. 25 Peck street, Norwich.
BILLINGS FRANCIS STODDARD CRAN- DALL-The Crandalls came to New London county, Connecticut, from Rhode Island, Billings F. S. Crandall, of Ledyard township, being a great-great- grandson of Jonathan Crandall, of Rhode Island, a farmer, father of Wells Crandall, who was a tan- ner with his uncle, Paul Woodbridge. They are descendants of Rev. John Woodbridge, who mar- ried a daughter of Governor Dudley, of Massachu- setts, and also are related to Governor Leet, of Massachusetts. Wells Crandall married Sally Woodbridge, and they were the parents of Stiles Woodbridge Crandall, of whom further.
Stiles Woodbridge Crandall was born in Groton, Connecticut, November 25, 1813, a surveyor and farmer of Groton and Ledyard. He was a Demo- crat in politics, was assessor of his town for thirty consecutive years, was selectman, and in 1860 was elected representative to the State Legislature by the largest majority ever given in the town up to that time. He died in Ledyard in 1906, at the age of ninety-three. Stiles Woodbridge Crandall mar- ried Caroline Boles Green, and they were the par- ents of three children: Augusta Caroline; Ashbel Woodbridge; and Stiles Ashbel, of whom further. The mother of these children died in Ledyard at the age of eighty-five. Both she and her husband were members of the First Groton Baptist Church at Old Mystic, Connecticut.
Stiles Ashbel Crandall, son of Stiles Woodbridge and Caroline Boles (Green) Crandall, and only sur- viving child of that family, was born in Ledyard, Connecticut, October 12, 1851, and there spent his youth. He was educated in the public schools, Suf- field Academy, and in the law department of Iowa State University. He was admitted to the Connec- ticut bar, and located in Norwich, Connecticut, where he practiced his profession with success and honor. He was a Democrat in politics until William J.
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Bryan infected the party with his heresies, when Mr. Crandall allied with the Republican party. He held numerous city and State offices, including mayor of Norwich, Representative and State Sena- tor. He also was a candidate for lieutenant-gover- nor of the State at one time. He was judge advo- cate on the staff of General Haven during Governor Coffin's term of office, and was a man high and influential until his retirement. He now resides in Wallingford, Connecticut.
Stiles A. Crandall married Jennie Frances Stod- dard, born in Ledyard, Connecticut, daughter of Sanford and Mary Stoddard, of Ledyard, her father a sea captain and farmer of Stoddard's Wharf, Led- yard, Connecticut, who there died in June, 1885, aged thirty-four. Stiles A. and Jennie Frances (Stoddard) Crandall were the parents of two chil- dren: Mary Stoddard, who married Philip Stoddard Rigg, of Mystic, Connecticut; and Billings Francis Stoddard, of further mention. Mrs. Crandall died at Ledyard, Connecticut, June 18, 1885. The family are Congregationalists.
Billings Francis Stoddard Crandall, only son of Stiles Ashbel and Jennie Frances (Stoddard) Cran- dall, was born in Ledyard, Connecticut, June 13, 1885. His early years were spent in Ledyard, near Old Mystic, where he attended public schools. He was a student at Worcester Academy, Worcester, Massachusetts, then, after graduation, he spent three years in New York City, taking an accounting course in New York University and holding posi- tions with the Garfield National Bank and with the Trunk Line Association. He then traveled for a year, covering the United States thoroughly, then settled down to the life of a managing farmer at Stoddard's Wharf, where since 1911 he has culti- vated the acres which have been in his mother's family (Stoddard) for over two hundred and twenty- five years. This farm is on the Military Highway in the town of Ledyard, and there Mr. Crandall manages his estate and takes an interest in public affairs. As a business man lie is president of the Gales Ferry Cemetery Association, a director of Gales Ferry Free Public Library, and for three years was assessor of the town, and now a member of the Board of Relief. In politics he is a Republican.
Mr. Crandall married, November 4, 1911, Mary Louise Haley, born in Brooklyn, New York, March 14, 1884, educated in Packer Collegiate Institute and Pratt Institute, both in Brooklyn. After complet- ing her education she spent some time in settlement work in New York City. She is a daughter of Irvin and Mary Amelia (Havens) Haley, of Groton, Con- nccticut, granddaughter of Giles Haley, and great- granddaughter of Hon. Elisha Haley, an enterpris- ing, public-spirited man of his home town, Groton. He represented his town a number of times in the General Assembly, was several times Senator from his district, and served two terms as United States Congressman from Connecticut. Irvin Haley was a wholesale commission merchant of Fulton Market,
New York City, he and his wife now residing in Brooklyn. They were the parents of an only child, Mary Louise, who married Billings Francis Stod- dard Crandall. Mrs. Crandall is now a member of the Board of Education of the town of Ledyard; also belongs to Anna Warner Bailey Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, at Groton. Slie is a descendant of the "Mayflower."
FRANCIS BEIQUE-In the business world of Taftville, in New London county, Connecticut, Francis Beique is counted among the successful merchants of the day, and conducts his store ac- cording to the most modern and approved methods, always keeping in touch with the progress of the times in his line of activity. Mr. Beique comes of a family long well known in the Province of Que- bec, and is a son of John B. and Justine (Savariry) Beique. Both his parents were born in Quebec, but lived in Taftville for a number of years, during which time the father was employed in the mills in this vicinity, later returning to his native land, where he died.
Francis Beique was born in St. Paul's Parish (now Abbotsford), Province of Quebec, February 18, 1860. He was educated in the schools of his native place, then in November of 1876, when in his seventeenth year, he came with the family to New London county, stopping for a few weeks in Baltic, then settling permanently in Taftville in November of the same year. He was employed in the mills of Taftville for about seven years, but not finding the work to his liking, he secured a position as a dry goods salesman, and was engaged along this line of effort for about ten years at the Ponemah store for a time, then with Porteous & Mitchell, of Nor- wich. About nine years ago, Mr. Beique established his present business in Taftville, handling a general line of dry goods. He has gradually expanded the business, introducing other lines of merchandise, and now handles talking machines, records, and many of the varied goods handled in a modern de- partment store. In the social and religious life of the community Mr. Beique is a leader, and has long been prominent. He founded and organized, in 1884, the old Societe St. Jean de Baptiste, of which he was president for seven years; he also organ- ized the St. Louis Society, of which he was presi- dent for twelve years. He still holds office in both organizations, and also is a member of the Knights of Columbus. He is a member of the Church of the Sacred Heart.
Mr. Beique married, in Colchester, Connecticut, in 1882, Virginia Roy, who was born in L'Ange Gardien, Canada, and was a daughter of Octave and Priscilla (Lamarine) Roy. Mrs. Beique died June 13, 1919, leaving two children: Denise and Rhea.
EDWARD KIRBY, D. D. S., a graduate of Georgetown University, has, since graduation in 1916, been active in practice, but has only recently
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established in private practice in his native city, Norwich, Connecticut. He is a son of Edward and Mary A. (Murphy) Kirby, the former born in Ire- land, but brought to the United States at the age of eight years. Edward Kirby, Sr., has spent nearly his whole life in Norwich, and is the proprie- tor of a prosperous barber shop, he an expert in his line.
Dr. Edward Kirby was born in Norwich, Con- necticut, September 21, 1894. After completing pub- lic school courses he was a student at the Norwich Free Academy until graduation in 1913, and from 1913 until graduation in 1916, was a student in the dental department of Georgetown University, Wash- ington, D. C. He began practice in Waterbury, Connecticut, in 1916, but not long afterward came to Norwich, where he practiced in association with Dr. Comean. Later he opened private dental offices, and practiced under his own name, his office being at No. 32 Thayer building.
Dr. Kirby is an Independent in politics; a member of Norwich Lodge, No. 430, Benevolent and Pro- tective Order of Elks; White Cross Council, No. 13, Knights of Columbus; and of the Roman Catholic church. His fraternity is the Delta Sigma Delta.
JOHN HENRY CHAMPION, who holds a posi- tion of responsibility as custodian of the water works at Point o' Woods, is descended from an old family of New London county. His grandfather, Charles Champion, was prominent in this section in the early days of American independence. Charles Champion married Mary Havens, and they were the parents of eight children: Edward, Lodwick, Eli- sha, Charles Henry, Emily, Harriet, Mary, and Abbey. Harriet is the only surviving member of this family, and is now eighty years of age.
Edward Champion, eldest son of Charles and Mary (Havens) Champion, was born in Old Lyme, Con- necticut, in 1830, and resided in this community throughout his lifetime. He was a prominent far- mer, highly esteemed among the people of this sec- tion, and died in 1906, at the age of seventy-six years. He married Mary Miller Dart, daughter of Gibson and Betsey Dart. They were the parents of eleven children, of whom five died in infancy. Those living are: Fannie, Mercy, Jane, Irofine, John H., and Gilbert.
John Henry Champion was born in South Lyme, Connecticut, September 14, 1856, and was reared and educated in his native town. The sea held his in- terest from childhood, and as soon as he was old enough to go to work he followed the occupation of fishing. He was identified with the fishing busi- ness from boyhood until 1899. In that year he set- tled in South Lyme permanently, and has since had charge of the water works at Point o' Woods, a large reservation owned by the Sargent Lock Com- pany, of Bridgeport, Connecticut, a beautiful wild- wood park. Fraternally, Mr. Champion holds mem- bership in Crystal Lake Lodge, No. 88, Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, and has been through all chairs of the order. Politically, he supports the Democratic party, but takes no active part in politi- cal affairs.
Mr. Champion married Minnie Grace Stanton, daughter of Thomas and Mary Stanton, and they have one daughter, Ruth Leora, who was born March 11, 1898, in South Lyme.
RALPH HILL MELCER, of Palmer Brothers Company, Fitchville, Connecticut, was born in San Francisco, California, July 4, 1880, son of William and Elizabeth (Hughes) Melcer, his father engaged in the mining and smelting of copper ores.
Ralph H. Melcer attended Thacher School until 1898, then spent a year at Phillips Andover Aca- demy, finishing his studies at Yale University, re- ceiving the degree of Bachelor of Arts, class of 1903. In 1906 he entered business with Palmer Brothers Company, Fitchiville, New London county, Connecticut, and there continues, being now treas- urer of the company. He is a director of the Na- tional Bank of Commerce of New London, Connec- ticut, and has other business interests of importance. Mr. Melcer serves as chairman of the Montville School Committee. During the years 1917-19 he was sergeant in the Connecticut Home Guard, and bore a helping hand in other activities of the World War period. His clubs are: Yale, of New York; The Thames, of New London; and the Norwich Golf. In religious faith he is connected with Uncas- ville Methodist Episcopal Church.
Mr. Melcer married, in New York, October 27, 1907, Grace A. Palmer, daughter of Edward A. and Isabel S. (Mitchell) Palmer.
FERNANDO WHEELER - Since Thomas Wheeler settled in the town of Stonington, New London county, Connecticut, in 1667, Wheelers have been among the leading agriculturalists of the county. But in no generation has there been a more enterprising and prosperous farmer of the name than Fernando Wheeler, of Center Farm, a son of the eighth generation of Center Farm, so called because it lies in the exact center of the town of Stonington. When bought by Fernando Wheeler in 1889, it contained 265 acres, but to its area he has added the Latham Miner farm of sixty acres, and the Stanton Brothers farm of ninety-six acres, all of which he cultivates and causes to pro- duce abundantly. His lines are general and dairy farming. He is a son of Nelson Henry and Me- linda (Gallup) Wheeler, and the grandson of Samuel, he the son of Joseph, son of Richard (2), son of Richard (1), son of Isaac, son of Thomas Wheeler, the American ancestor.
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