USA > Connecticut > New London County > A modern history of New London County, Connecticut, Volume III > Part 48
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Mr. Ford married, in February, 1886, in Water- bury, Connecticut, Mary Morse, and they are the parents of two children: 1. Myra Gladys, who mar- ried Robert W. Clark, a contractor of Waterbury, and they have three children: Robert, Edwin, and Lewis. 2. Sarah Priscilla, a graduate of Connecti- cut College, B. A., class of 1919.
NATHAN HOLDRIDGE-The name of Hold- ridge is an old one in New London county, Connec- ticut, and members of this family have been promi- nent in many ways in every generation. Nathan Holdridge, the subject of this review, and now a leading resident of Ledyard, this county, is a highly esteemed member of that farming community, which is not far distant from the city of New London.
Phineas Holdridge, grandfather of Mr. Holdridge, was a resident of Ledyard, probably born there in the early days of American Independence.
Randall Holdridge, son of Phineas Holdridge, was born in Ledyard, on August 25, 1808, just be- low the farm now occupied by his son. He was a lifelong farmer, and prominent in the community. He accumulated considerable. property, and pur- chased the Holdridge homestead about a century ago. He died on January 15, 1885, in his seventy- seventh year. He married (first) on March 1, 1832, Emeline Frances Reed, and they were the parents of ten children. He married (second), on July 9,
1854, Nancy Maine, a member of another old fam- ily in this county, and they lived in the old home- stead for many years, and were socially prominent. Randall and Nancy (Maine) Holdridge were the parents of six chlidren: Joseph, James, Anne, Mary, Fannie, and Nathan, of whom further.
Nathan Holdridge was born in Ledyard on March II, 1865, in the old homestead, where he still resides. He received a practical education in the district schools near his home, and at the age of fourteen years began regular work on the farm for his father. On his father's death Mr. Holdridge inherited the farm, and he has continued to conduct extensive farming operations there ever since.
Thus holding a prominent position in the com- munity, Mr. Holdridge has always been more or less active in public affairs, although with one exception he has declined public office. For a con- siderable period he served on the Board of Relief. By political affiliation he is a Democrat, but does not blindly follow the dictates of party leaders, and usually supports the best man in the field.
STANLEY JORDAN, superintendent of the Harkness estate at Waterford, Connecticut, was born in Hungerford, England, April 14, 1874. He is the son of Joseph and Emily (Jarrold) Jordan, who re- side at Wiltshire, England, at the present time. The lad was educated in the eastern part of England, where his parents moved when Stanley was a small child, and there he obtained his education. In 1894 having in the meantime decided to adopt horticul- ture as a profession, he went to London, and there studied and prepared himself for his chosen career. Having perfected himself in his art, he secured posi- tions in and about London and thus continued until 1910, when he resigned his position, which was in one of the largest nurseries in London, and came to the United States. Upon landing in this country he went to Seabright, New Jersey, where for a time he was employed on the Selma Hess estate, subsequently becoming assistant horticulturist for Mrs. Willis James. While here he met Mr. Edward Harkness, who was very much impressed with the former's success in his work, and consequently en- gaged him as superintendent of the Harkness estate. Mr. Jordan has continued in this capacity ever since 1910, and the estate, which covers two hundred acres, comprises large greenhouses, separate build- ings for the servants, a large home for the superin- tendent, and the pretentious mansion where the Harkness family resides during the summer months. To be competent to superintendent an estate of this kind is sufficient proof of Mr. Jordan's ability in his particular line, his early training having fitted him for successfully holding a position such as this. In politics Mr. Jordan is an Independent, preferring to exercise his own judgment on all public questions and issues, rather than identify himself with any political party.
In November, 1912, Stanley Jordan was united in
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marriage with Elsie Hodges, of Somerset, England. They have no issue.
WILLIAM FINLEY SCOTT-One of the most highly respected citizens of the town of Waterford, Connecticut, was the late William Finley Scott, whose genial presence and wholesome outlook upon life is remembered in many cricles.
Mr. Scott was born in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1841, of ancestors possessing all the sterling qualities of that racc. He came to the United States as a young man, and was one of the pioneer paper-makers of this region. Locating at once in Waterford, he en- tered the employ of the Robertson Paper Company, one of the earliest paper manufacturing concerns in this part of the State, and remained with them through all his active life. With his natural thrift he was soon able to buy an attractive little farm home, and this he improved constantly, dividing his time between the mill and the farm. He grad- ually added to the little farm, until it now contains twenty-nine acres of land, and his constant care left it in such excellent condition that his son now makes a comfortable living on the place.
Mr. Scott was a man of more than ordinary prominence in the community. He was a leader of the Democratic party, and at one time or another held all the minor town offices. He also was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He died in January, 1919, leaving many friends to mourn with his family the passing of a worthy spirit.
Mr. Scott married (first) Margaret Robinson, who was born in Scotland, was a member of the Robinson family which was famous in the paper industry, and died many years ago. She left three children: William Robinson, Jeannette R., and James, the eldest son having long ago bought a large ranch in the far West, and dropped out of sight of his friends here. Mr. Scott married (sec- and) Margaret Pillman, daughter of John and Mar- garet Pillman, born on Prince Edward Island, who died in 1914. They were the parents of six chil- dren: Agnes Finlay, Thomas Hamilton, Walter S., Winifred Hancock, Nina Florence, and Frank Pill- man. The latter is single and now owns the farm.
WILLIAM L. BEEBE-The descendants of the immigrant ancestor, John Bcebe, were early settled in New London, Connecticut, and undoubtedly the members of the family of William Lyman Beebe are of this line. The surname of Beebe is a very old one, and is found in many different forms, among them being: Bebi, Becby and Beby.
William Becbe, father of William Lyman Beebe, was born in Waterford, Connecticut, January 1, 1820, died in Toledo, Ohio, August 8, 1863. He enlisted in Company C, 26th Regiment, Connecticut Volun- teers, in the Civil War. His entire lifetime was spent in East Lyme, where he was a quarryman. He married Maria N. Harding, born February 1,
1823, dicd June 16, 1891, and their children were: I. Mary D., born December 22, 1845, died Novem- ber 4, 1916. 2. Abbie A., born February 23, 1850, dicd January 25, 1917. 3. Fannie E., born April 8, 1852, died May 14, 1914. 4. William L., of further mention. 5. Jane, born May 7, 1854, dicd Septem- ber 23, 1902. 6. Madora Anna Powers, born Decem- ber 3, 1856. 7. Sarah A., born April 18, 1859, died June 14, 1921.
William Lyman Beebe was born September 7, .1853, the youngest son of his family. He was edu- cated in the local schools of East Lymc, and at the age of twenty-three years went to sea with a fish- ing fleet. ,
For the subsequent twenty years Mr. Beebe was identificd with the Menhaden fishing industry, after which time he returned to the old homestead, where he has since followed farming. Mr. Beebe is one of the most prominent citizens of East Lyme. He is held in the highest respect by all who know him, and is always to be found willing to perform his share as a citizen. For forty years he has been a member of Niantic Lodge, No. 17, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and has passed through all the chairs.
Mr. Beebe married, January 19, 1888, at Essex, Connecticut, Emma Mack, born June 18, 1866, at Glastonbury, daughter of Benjamin and Martha Jane Mack. Their children are: 1. Emma A., born November 14, 1888, wife of Ernest Decker, of New London. 2. William Orrimal, born January 21, 1891, married Ruth Marion Beebc, and is the father of four children: Oliver, Westley, Ira and Norris. 3. Benjamin Mack, born August 21, 1895, served in the World War; he married Blanche Brown. 4. Louis, born February 15, 1897, served in the United States Coast Artillery, and spent six months in France. 5. Thelma A., born September 3, 1898.
HENRY GALLUP PECK-A leading figure in financial, civic and fraternal circles in his native city of Norwich, Connecticut, Henry Gallup Peck is a man of more than local note. He comes of early New England pioneer stock, and is a son of Seth Lec and Eunice (Gallup) Peck, residents of the Nor- wich of a day now gone by. In direct line he is de- scended from the Peck family, which settled the city of New Haven, Connecticut. His maternal line traces back to Captain John Gallup, who came to America with Governor Winthrop in 1630. He is also a descendant, on the maternal side, of Major John Mason, military leader of the founders of the city of Norwich.
Henry Gallup Peck was born in Norwich, Connec- ticut, January 27, 1863. His early education was ac- quired in the public schools of his native place, and he was later graduated from the Norwich Free Academy. Shortly after completing his education, the young man became associated with his father in business, but a few years later formed the firm of Peck, McWilliams & Company. As one of the
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Henry G. Beck .
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early concerns in the field of building contracting, and dealers in building materials, this company bore broad significance to the growing city of Norwich in the closing decade of the nineteenth century, and its continually widening activities have made it one of the foremost organizations of its kind in Eastern Connecticut. The associates of this company have always been alert to the movement of the times, and have handled many contracts in Norwich, in- cluding some of the finest buildings in the city, and also in surrounding towns. But Mr. Peck's activi- ties have not been limited to the construction world. As early as 1895 he became a member of the board of trustees of the Chelsea Savings Bank, and two years later was made a director. He has served continuously since, in one capacity or another, and is now active in the responsible office of first vice- president. He was a member of the building com- mittee which brought into being the present Chelsea Savings Bank building, one of the finest and most stately bank structures in all New England.
In public life Mr. Peck was many years ago brought forward. Elected as a member of the Board of Education of the West Chelsea School District, he served cighteen years on the same board, filling the office of president of the board for six years of that period. His more personal in- terests include membership in the Masonic order. He is a member of Somerset Lodge, No. 34, Free and Accepted Masons, and he holds membership in all the Scottish Rite bodies up to and inclusive of the thirty-second degree. For thirty-seven years Mr. Peck has been a member of the Chelsea Boat Club, of Norwich, and for four years served the club as commodore. He is also a member of the Arcanum Club, and a director of the same. He has not declined to lend his influence to religions ad- vance, and was formerly a member of the Broad- way Congregational Church, serving on the board of trustees for nine years. With the consolida- tion of the Broadway and Second Congregational churches he was elected chairman of the board of trustees of the new ecclesiastical body, since known as the United Congregational Church, and this office he now holds.
Mr. Peck married (first) Lizzie M. Wanser, of Brooklyn, New York, in 1891. Mrs. Peck died in Norwich in 1912, leaving one daughter, Vilette M., who now resides in Norwich. Mr. Peck married (second), in 1915, Mabel L. Kies, daughter of George A. Kies, grand secretary of the Grand Masonic Lodge of Connecticut. They are the parents of one son, George Kies, born in Norwich in 1919. The family home is on Sachem terrace, one of the most beautiful streets of Norwich.
GEORGE AUGUSTUS FORSYTH-To the cause of freedom, Latham Forsyth, grandfather of George A. Forsyth, offered his services during the Revolution, and in every war fought by this coun- try, from King Philip's War, 1675, to the World
War of 1917, Forsyths have taken a part. Two sons of George A. Forsyth enlisted in the Motor Transport Service in 1917, and one of them, Ser- geant Leon A. Forsyth, slept in a soldier's grave in France until the spring of 1921, when he was brought home.
The members of the Forsyth family were among the early settlers of Hartford, Connecticut, in 1637, and about 1750 descendants settled in Salem, Con- necticut. Through intermarriage, they are connected with the early Latham and Brown families, Julia A. (Latham) Forsyth, wife of George Forsyth, being a descendant of Carey Latham, who in 1654, was granted a lease and monopoly of the ferry over Pe- quot river (now Thames) for fifty years, from March 25, 1655. Captain William Latham was in the mas- sacre at Fort Griswold during the Revolution, and was wounded there.
George Forsyth, of Waterford, New London county, Connecticut, is a grandson of Latham For- syth, a soldier of the Revolution and son of George Forsyth, born in Salem, Connecticut, January 20, 1820, died in Waterford, Connecticut, March 2, 1903. George Forsyth, a farmer of Salem all his active life, married Julia Abbey Latham, born in Lebanon, Connecticut, December 1, 1833, died at Salem, May 24, 1902. They are the parents of five children: Har- riet Elizabeth; John Latham; George A., of further mention; Fannie Elizabeth; and Jennie Maria.
George A. Forsyth, son of George and Julia A. (Latham) Forsyth, was born in Norwich, Connec- ticut, April 28, 1864. Shortly after his birth the family moved to Salem, Connecticut, where he was educated in the public school and spent the years of his minority on the Salem farm as his father's assistant. In 1889 he located in Waterford, Con- necticut, where he farmed summers and taught school winters for fourteen years. In 1913 he bought the farm upon which he has since resided. He is now first selectman of his town, and a member of the Patrons of Husbandry.
Mr. Forsyth married, in Salem, Connecticut, May 2, 1888, Sarah Rhoda Hanney, born in Stonington, Connecticut, April 2, 1869, daughter of Samuel and Catherine (Daly) Hanney. Mr. and Mrs. Forsyth are the parents of five children, their first dying in infancy. The others are: I. Leroy Ernest, born September 23, 1890, at Waterford, now in the em- ploy of the New Haven railroad; he served in the Motor Truck Transport Service during the World War, 1917-18; he married, in 1919, Nina La Rue El- liott, of Arlington, Texas, and they are the parents of one child, Leon Ernest. 2. Leon Augustus, of further mention. 3. George Earl, born September 4, 1896, died June 25, 1913. 4. Richard Hanney, born July 22, 1898, also in the employ of the New Haven railroad; he married, February 17, 1920, Anna Elizabeth Campbell, of Noank, Connecticut, and they are the parents of one child, Richard H., Jr.
Leon A. Forsyth was born in Waterford, Con- necticut, June 28, 1892. He was the first man to
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enlist in a motor truck company formed in New London at the beginning of the World War of 1917. and was called into active service in September, 1917, being assigned to 303rd Company, 401st Motor Supply Train, at Fort Strong, Boston Harbor, there remaining until December 1, 1917, when with his company he sailed overseas.
After arriving in France, he was assigned to Company F, First Division Motor Supply Train, and was on duty in the Toul sector from January to April, 1918. His division was then transferred to the Montdidier sector, where they were used in the defence of Paris. He was sergeant of his com- pany and from the time of his arrival in France until stricken with a fatal illness, June 25, 1918, he was never on a rest area, his unit being kept continuously at its work. On the night of June 27, Sergeant For- syth was operated upon for appendicitis, recovered from the operation, and all apparently was well when on July 5th there was a sudden change, and on July 6, 1918, at Field Hospital No. 12, at Bon- villiers, France, his brave spirit took its flight. He was buried in Cemetery No. 170, the same in which were buried many of his comrades who fought at the battle of Cantigney, but in April, 1921, his body was returned to his native land, and buried with his kindred in the family burial ground in Water- ford.
Sergeant Leon A. Forsyth was well known in New London and Waterford. He was a graduate of Bulkeley High School and New London Business College, and prior to his enlistment was local agent for the Velie automobile. He was master of Kono- moc Grange, No. 41, Patrons of Husbandry, and was most highly esteemed in his community.
ERNEST ELSWORTH BULLARD was born in Pomfret, Connecticut, February 20, 1887, the son of Olin B. and Mary (Griggs) Bullard. Olin B. Bullard was born in Eastford, Connecticut, and ob- tained his education in the district school there, after which he worked on his father's farm for a short time and then, at the age of fourteen years, went to Willimantic, Connecticut, where he learned the trade of woodworker with Hillhouse & Taylor. He remained with this concern for a number of years finally being promoted to the position of foreman. When about twenty-eight years of age he came to Norwich, Connecticut, and secured a posi- tion as foreman for H. B. Porter, with whom he con- tinued for twenty years. It was during this time that he became interested in violin making and for several years he has been devoting his whole time to making these instruments, which have become very popular throughout the country. In 1914 he removed to Bridgeport and there he has since manu- factured and repaired violins. In politics, he is a Republican, and in religion he is a Methodist. Te Mr. and Mrs. Bullard have been born two children:
Ernest Elsworth, mentioned below; and Annie Edna, who married Edward S. Beebe, and has two children: Mae D., and Olive B.
Ernest Elsworth Bullard received his formal edu- cation in the public schools of Norwich, graduating from the local high school in 1905. Along with his school studies, from the time he was seven years of age, he had been studying the violin, and after graduation he immediately started upon his career as a violin teacher, though continuing his violin studies for a period of two years longer. This pro- fession he has continued to follow to the present time (1922), and although he is a young man his carcer has been one of good work and satisfactory results. There can be no reasonable doubt that the years which lie before him will be filled with greater effort and more signal achievement.
During the World War he enlisted in the United States army, leaving Norwich, August 5, 1917, and going first to Fort Slocum, later to Camp McClel- lan, Alabama, where he remained until he received his honorable discharge, February 3, 1918, having been all this time with the 27th Regiment, Field Artillery. In politics he is a Republican.
On December 14, 1916, Mr. Bullard was united in marriage with Elmire Sevigny, and they are the parents of one child, Elmire, born January 1, 1920.
JAMES A. QUINN-On April 21, 1921, James A. Quinn and Jeremiah A. Desmond, trading as Quinn & Desmond, opened at No. 283 Main street, Norwich, Connecticut, a gentleman's furnishings and cloth- ing store. Both these young men were former clerks with the Porteous & Mitchell Company, of Norwich, Mr. Quinn for eleven years and Mr. Des- mond for seventeen years, both having wide experi- ence along the lines they are now doing business.
J. A. Quinn is a son of Michael Quinn, born in Ireland, who came to the United States in 1859, settling in Norwich, where he was employed as stationary engineer in a Norwich mill until his passing in 1900. He married, in Norwich, in 1869, Margaret Slattery, born in Ireland, and they were the parents of ten children, six of whom are living: Louise Quinn; Mary, wife of John Shea; Rose, who married Irving Forbes; Nellie, who married Clar- ence Rathburn; John J., of Norwich; and James A., of further mention.
Mr. Quinn was born in Norwich, December 25, 1882, was educated in the public schools, and prac- tically his entire life has been spent in the same business. He is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; the Knights of Columbus; Foresters of America; and the Chamber of Com- merce. His church membership is with St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church.
Mr. Quinn married, in New London, in 1903, An- nie Manning, of that city, daughter of James H. and Catherine Manning, her father with the F. H. &
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A. N. Chappel Company, coal and lumber. Mr. and Mrs. Quinn are the parents of two children: James A. (2), and Borgia Marie.
WILLIAM THOMAS CURRY - Prominent among those who occupy highly-respected positions in the estimation of the public in Lebanon township, Connecticut, may be mentioned William Thomas Curry, he having rendered service to his State and town as legislator and town official upon numerous occasions.
The family of which Mr. Curry is a descendant claims Great Britain as its ancestral home. His father, William Wilcox Curry, was born in Wales in 1836, and died August 15, 1909, while William Thomas Curry was born in Holmn, England, May 24, 1866. The latter's carly education was acquired in the common schools of Montreal, Canada, after which he entered the Canadian Active Militia, June 10, 1884, receiving an honorable discharge February 10, 1887.
After leaving the service Mr. Curry came to the United States, locating in Chicopec Falls, Massa- chusetts, thirty-two years ago. Entering the em- ploy of the Victor Bicycle Company there, he con- tinued with them for eleven years, when he decided to make Lebanon, Connecticut, his home, and pur- chasing his present delightful residence at Goshen in that township, has remained there nineteen years. Mr. Curry, having taken up farming, devotes his time now to that occupation and to his numerous township interests. He has at one time or another held many public offices in the gift of the people of Lebanon, having been, or is at the present time, justice of the peace, town auditor, and official of the Board of Health. In 1917 Mr. Curry was elected to the State Legislature. At that time the Niantic bridge matter was up for discussion, it being an issue of some importance, and Mr. Curry, who evinced intelligent interest in and understand- ing of the subject, was asked to serve on the com- mittec appointed to wait upon the governor of the State in regard to its adjustment. During the pro- gress of the World War, at the time when con- flicting opinions were rife as to the advisability of the United States entering into it, Mr. Curry made a motion in the Legislature that the President of the United States be supported and upheld dur- ing the crisis at that time; the motion was unani- mously carried (Page 1015, "House Journal," 1917). During his term in office, Mr. Curry always took a leading part in all discussions having the public welfare for their object. Another work in which he became prominent was the organization of the "home guards" during the war; he was a corporal in the Tenth Separate Company of Colchester, from 1917. to 1919. It may be truly said of him that he is always deeply interested in promoting every move- ment pertaining to the betterment of his town and State.
In the affairs of the community of a nature not N.L .- 2.25.
political, Mr. Curry is equally active. He is the secretary and treasurer of the church which he and his family attend, and in fraternal matters, Mr. Curry also occupies a prominent position, being a past master of the Freemasons, and is now secretary of Wooster Lodge, No. 10, of Colchester; a past regent of the Royal Arcanum; a member of the United American Men, and of the local Grange; also various other societies.
William Thomas Curry married, at Chicopee Falls, November 6, 1888, Sarah B. Grant, daughter of Nathaniel and Anna (Brown) Grant. Mrs. Curry, was born in the North of Ireland, January 10, 1860, her death occurring October 15, 1918. Of this marriage four children were born: [. William George, born March 16, 1890. 2. Archie Robert, born November 7, 1891. 3. Ruth Eveline, born October 19, 1893, who married W. C. Thomas, of Lebanon; she is now deceased. 4. Eva Grant, born January 18, 1897. The second son, Archie Robert, has an excellent war record. When the United States became involved in the World War he en- listed in New London and was sent to Boston for two months' training, soon after being sent to France, where he saw active service in Headquar- ters Detachment of Provision Train, No. 115, of the goth Division. He remained in France until after the signing of the armistice, serving in the army of Occupation in Germany. In this case, father and son have both served their respective countries when the call to arms came, as their grandfathers did before them.
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