USA > Connecticut > New London County > A modern history of New London County, Connecticut, Volume III > Part 49
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JAMES BUCHANAN CHAPMAN-From boy- hood Mr. Chapman has been connected with farm life, first as a boy on his father's farm, and since on the farms in different localities which he has owned and sold. He came to his present position, superin- tendent of the Town Farm belonging to the town of Norwich, New London county, Connecticut, in 1910, and has made a fine record during the eleven years he has been in control. He is a son of George A. and Martha (Bromley) Chapman, his father, born at the Chapman homestead in the town of Griswold, New London county, in 1819, died in 1888, his mother dying in 1863. George A. and Martha (Bromley) Chapman were the parents of five chil- dren: George A. (2), who married Sivia Main, and died in 1912; Betsey, who married Amasa Main, a farmer of the town of North Stonington, New Lon- don county; Sarah, who married William Oston, a farmer of Hope Valley, Rhode Island; Nellie, who married Henry Stickling, of New London county; and James B., of further mention.
James Buchanan Chapman was born at the home farm in the town of Griswold, New London county, Connecticut, January 22, 1857. He was educated in the public schools of the district and at Griswold Select School in North Stonington. After leaving school he became his father's farm assistant, con- tinning as such until 1877, when he sought other em-
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ployment. In 1879, at the age of twenty-two, he bought his first farm, a tract lying in the town of Griswold. A little later he sold that farm and bought another one located in North Stonington, where he remained two years, when he sold out and bought again in the town of Franklin, New London county, and there remained five years. He sold that farm in 1905, but immediately bought another in the town of Bozrah, New London county, which he sold in 1910. The same ycar he accepted appointment as superintendent of the Norwich Town Farm, where he has since been in charge, cleven years. His many changes in farm ownership were not indica- tive of a vascillating nature, but in pursuance of a fixed business plan to always sell when a good profit was offered. Hc improved the farms he bought and made them desirable to buyers, who were always glad to get a Chapman farm. Under his management the Norwich Town Farm has ac- quired high reputation for the character and qual- ity of its products, and the superintendent has gained equal reputation as a farm manager. He is a property owner of the cities of Norwich and Willimantic, Connecticut, and does some dealing in real estate besides his own holdings. In politics he is a Republican and has served the town of Frank- lin as constable and grand juror. In religious faith he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Mr. Chapman married, in June, 1879, Jennie E. Rathbun, daughter of John and Anna (Stetcher) Rathbun, of Norwich, Connecticut. Mr. and Mrs. Chapman are the parents of three children: Fred- erick R., an electrician of New London, Connecticut, married Carrie Guile; Sadie, married John Hanna, and died in 1916; and Amanda, married Everett Gal- lup, of Howard, Rhode Island.
CALVIN WILCOX-In New London county, Connecticut, one of the well known names is that of Wilcox, and Calvin Wilcox, who resides in Led- yard at the time of his death, was long an es- teemed representative of this family. Always ac- tive along agricultural lines, he was identified with the general prosperity of the community, and in achieving his remarkable success, had also contrib- uted materially to the progress of this county.
Mr. Wilcox was a son of Thomas and Bessie (Sweet) Wilcox, old residents of this vicinity, both long since deceased. Thomas Wilcox was a life- long farmer, and a successful man, being a large grower of cattle; also conducted extensive farming operations.
Calvin Wilcox was born on Stone Hill, on Sep- tember 15, 1845, and there received his education in the schools near his home. He was ambitious to succeed in life, and knowing farming, put all his energies into this line of work. As time passed he purchased large tracts of land, first wood land, and later improved land, and was, without doubt, at the time of his death one of the leading owners of farm property in Eastern Connecticut. He be-
gan acquiring land before he was twenty-one years of age, and at one time owned two thousand five hundred acres in this neighborhood.
Mr. Wilcox married, on September II, 1895, in Jefferson county, Mississippi, Mattie Rosa Wilcox, daughter of Lieutenant David and Rosa (Emanuel) Wilcox. Lieutenant David Wilcox was a veteran of the Civil War. Calvin and Mattie Rosa (Wilcox) Wilcox were the parents of five children: I. Rosa Salome, born on August 11, 1896, at Griswold, Con- necticut, and now a teacher of ancient history at the Norwich Free Academy. 2. Calvin Eugene, born on January 20, 1898, who is now a shipwright employed in Groton; he married Helen Anne Stark- weather, granddaughter of Senator H. H. Stark- weather, a very prominent man, and they are the parents of one daughter, Helen Anne. 3. Jesse Randall, born on October 17, 1899. 4. Raymond Gustavus, born on January 25, 1902, and now a student at the Worcester Polytechnic Institute. 5. Kirk Hammond, born on February 23, 1905. Mr. Wilcox died in Ledyard, July 16, 1921, following a year of failing health.
HARRY HERBERT HILL, who occupies a con- spicuous position among most successful merchants and business men of Norwich, Connecticut, and who is universally recognized as one of the most public- spirited citizens of the community, is the son of the late Charles W. and Jennie (Briggs) Hill. Charles W. Hill was a native of Killingly, Connecti- cut, and died in Norwich, December 27, 1912. As a boy he worked on a farm in his native town, later becoming a clerk in a grocery store at Danielson, where he remained for several years or until 1871, when he came to Norwich and formed a partner- ship with H. T. Phillips, buying out the interests of the former partner, Mr. Fitch, and the firm be- came known as the C. W. Hill Company. At the end of five years, Mr. Hill bought Mr. Phillips' interest and conducted it alone for eighteen years. In 1904 he removed to No. 147 Franklin street, and here met with unbounded success. He always took a keen interest in the affairs of the community, and Norwich lost a valued citizen when his death oc- curred. He was a member of St. James Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, and was affiliated with the Central Baptist Church of Norwich for many years. He was also treasurer of the New London County Agricultural Society for eighteen years. To Mr. and Mrs. Hill were born two children: Harry Herbert, of further mention; Charles, born June 4, 1884, now associated in the grocery business with his brother, Harry H., and married to Inez Briggs, who has one child, Muriel.
Harry Herbert Hill was born in Danielson, Con- necticut, January 3, 1871, and obtained his educa- tion in the public schools of Norwich and the Free Academy there, but remained at the latter institu- tion only a short time, owing to ill health. In 1885 he entered his father's grocery store as a clerk and
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was thus employed for ten years, at the end of which time he became a partner with his father and took over the business when the latter died. In politics he is a Republican, but no office seeker, and in religion he is a Baptist.
On November 5, 1890, Mr. Hill was united in marriage with Edna B. Nash, who was born in Ware, Massachusetts, the daughter of George W. and Nancy (Braman) Nash. Mr. Nash was in the mill business in Norwich for many years, and died in 1905. Mr. and Mrs. Harry Herbert Hill are the parents of two children: Herbert Nash, born in Norwich, January 11, 1894, and married to Nellie C. Tibbets; Floyd B., born in Norwich, July 17, 1904, a graduate of Norwich Free Academy, and will at- tend Hobart College this fall (1922).
SAMUEL PRESCOTT ALLEN-Well known among the business men of Norwich, Connecticut, is Samuel Prescott Allen, who has, since the incep- tion of his business career, been closely identified with the particular line in which he is engaged at the present time, which is the grocery business.
Samuel Prescott Allen was born in Pomfret, Con- necticut, September 1, 1876, the son of Samuel and Ellen (Smith) Allen. Mr. Allen, Sr., was born in Pomfret, and died there in 1905. For many years he raised and sold stock on a large scale, and owned a large farm. To Mr. and Mrs. Allen were born five children: 1. Mary R., born in Chaplin, Con- necticut, and now resides in Montville, same State; she married George A. Bullard, and they have four children: Donald G., Roger A., Doris E., and Lorna I. 2. G. Clifton, born in Pomfret, where he died in 1893; he married Annie Danford, of Waterbury, Connecticut, and they have one child, Charles Bur- ton. 3. Newell, born in Pomfret, and died there in youth. 4. Pearl, born in Pomfret, also died there in youth. 5. Samuel Prescott, mentioned below.
Samuel P. Allen obtained his education in the dis- trict school of Pomfret, and the high school of Dan- ielson. In the fall of 1897 he came to Norwich as manager in a grocery store owned by A. H. Arm- ington, which was located where Gilbert's furniture store is at the present time, and here he remained one year, at the end of which time Mr. Armington sold out his business to R. F. Smith, and Mr. Allen became chief clerk for him, which position he held for thirteen years. In 1913 he removed to Leo- minster, Massachusetts, owing to ill health, but re- mained there only one year, and then returned to Norwich and was clerk in the market and gro- cery store of James M. Young, on Main street, for two years. In 1916 he established himself in the grocery business at his present location, No. 113 Franklin street. A staunch Republican, he is ever ready to lend his influence and aid to any good cause. He affiliates with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Brotherhood of the United Congregational Church of Norwich.
Mr. Allen married, September 1, 1906, Catherine McEwen, daughter of Wilbur F. and Wilhelmina (Bell) McEwen, of New Haven, Connecticut. Mr. and Mrs. Allen are the parents of four children: Faith, born January 23, 1909; Marion B., born July 12, 1912; Lois M., born February 21, 1917; and Wal- lace W., born September 22, 1919.
While assiduous in business, Mr. Allen is moved by a generous interest in his fellow-citizens, and promotes every suggestion for the welfare of Nor- wich. His devotion to his friends and his strict probity in all his business relations so well known to his associates, have met only that return of warm personal regard and financial success such distinguishing qualities merit.
WILLIAM WARREN PALMER-The subject of this review is known and honored as one of the representative citizens of the community and has been a resident of Lebanon all his life. He has always taken a practical interest in all that con- cerns the welfare of the place in which he resides, and for a greater number of his mature years has been prominently in the public eye as the holder of public position.
William Warren Palmer was born at Lebanon, Connecticut, February 15, 1859, the son of Warren William and Hannah (Eldridge) Palmer. He at- tended the local public schools until he was seven- teen years of age, when he went to work on his father's farm and in the grist mill. Upon the lat- ter's death, William Warren Palmer took the farm and grain business, and has continued in these pursuits ever since.
For many years Mr. Palmer has served on the Board of Assessors, and is at present (1922) a member of the Relief Board. He fraternizes with the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He has been active in carrying on the work instituted by his father, and is adopting it in a practical and progressive manner to the changing needs of the present time. While his ideas are conservative to a certain extent, he keeps well in touch with the trend of times, and incorporates in his plans for the development of his property the best ideas to be gathered from agricultural developments of a similar kind in various other sections.
Mr. Palmer married (first) February 1, 1883, Cora H. Storrs, adopted daughter of Artimus and Lydia (Harding) Storrs, of Lebanon. Mrs. Palmer died November 1, 1895. To Mr. and Mrs. Palmer were born two children: Wallace Warren, who died June 27, 1919; Helena Inez, born January 5, 1884, married Gurdon Tracy Chappell, from which union three children have been born: Cora Inez, Elinor Margaret, and Mary Palmer. Mr. Palmer married (second) Sophia Thompson, a native of Andover, Connecticut, and they are the parents of one son, Robert Addison Palmer, born April 19, 1898, and died July 31, 1916.
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GEORGE THOMPSON, M. D .- There are au- merous branches of the Thompson family in Maine, and this State has given liberally of her sons ot that name in every crisis of the country from Colonial tinies to the present. Dr. Thompson, ot this rec- ord, is a descendant of john Thompson, a Revolu- tionary somier wno enlisted from Bristol, Lincoln County, Maine, This john Thompson was the father of James, who was living at Umon, Mame, in 1797. He married, in 1804, Lucretia Brown, and died March 22, 10-5. Issue: fiannan walker, born August 31, 1805, Janles D., born March 7, 1807; Mariborough M., Doit August 1, 1008; Isaac, boin April 22, 1810, died I811; Charles, born November 23, 1811; Milton, of whom further; Isaac, born February 23, 1815; Seldom, born June 29, 1816, died 1816; Anna Bootlı, born july 29, 1817; Fanny Walker, born November 20, 1819.
Lucretia (Brown) Thompson was born January 24, 1782, daughter of James Brown. He was born in Georgetown, July II, 1755, resided in South Thomas- ton, and died July 6, 1803. He married (first) prob- ably November 14, 1778, Ruth Weed; (second) July 30, 1789, Nancy Braison or Brison. He died July 6, 1803. Issue (by first wife): Lydia, born October 5, 1779, died 1800; Lucretia, mentioned above; John, born April 27, 1784; William, born February 24, 1786; Nancy, born May 27, 1788; (by second wife): Isaac, born May 24, 1790; Ruth, born March 9, 1792; Nancy, born April 14, 1794; Bethiah, born June 16, 1796; Hannah, born March 26, 1798; Amos, born No- vember 30, 1800.
Milton Thompson, son of James and Lucretia (Brown) Thompson, was born October 3, 1813. He married Amanda Adams, born in Gardiner, Maine, March 23, 1814, died in 1906, daughter of Peter and Betsey (Stone) Adams. Peter Adams was born in Franklin, Maine, January 19, 1783, son of John (3) Adams, born 1748, died 1836, and Naomi (Pratt) Adams. John (3) Adams was a son of John (2) Adams, born in Wrentham, Massachusetts, June 18, 1715, died 1793, and Rachel (Adams) Adams. The Franklin Vital Records name Ensign John Adams, and give his date of death as May 30, 1793. John (2) Adams was a son of John (1) Adams, born in England in 1685, and Sarah (Fairbanks) Adams. John (1) Adams, the founder of this line of the fam- ily, was married in America, in 1713, and settled in that part of Wrentham, Massachusetts, now known as South Franklin.
Edwin L. Thompson, son of Milton and Amanda (Adams) Thompson, was born in 1838, dicd in 1897. He was a painter by trade and was associated for many years with Wingate & Simmonds, having charge of all their painting and ornamental work. He married Margaret Sullivan, and they were the parents of four children, of whom George was the second.
George Thompson was born in Union, Maine, March 21, 1861, and attended the public schools of Union for his elementary education; subsequently
was a student in Reedfield Seminary of Maine, whence he was graduated in 1886. Having deter- mined upon a medical career he matriculated at the medical school of Bowdoin College, Brunswick, Maine, and after completing the usual course of three years received his degrec, Doctor of Medicine, in 1889. In the same year he began to practice at Taftville, Connecticut, and from that time to the present has continued with a high degree of success. He is a physician of wide accomplishments and has earned a well-deserved reputation for knowledge and skill. He is a member of the American Medi- cal Association, the Connecticut State Medical As- sociation and the New London County Medical Society.
In politics he affiliates with the Republican party, taking a lively interest in all public matters, and es- pecially in that phase of administration which safe- guards the health of the community and common- wealth. In 1920 Dr. Thompson was elected to rep- resent his district in the State Legislature, serving on the public health and safety committees as clerk. He has been local health officer for the past fifteen years. Dr. Thompson is a member of Somerset Lodge, No. 34, Free and Accepted Masons; Frank- lin Chapter, No. 4, Royal Arch Masons; Franklin Council, No. 3, Royal and Select Masters; and Co- lumbian Commandery, Knights Templar. He is also a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Norwich Lodge, No. 430.
Dr. Thompson married, September 9, 1890, Mary Greene, daughter of Frederick S. and Jane (Hight) Greene, of Athens, Maine. Dr. and Mrs. Thompson are the parents of two children: Hartwell Greene, a physician of Hartford, Connecticut, who served in the World War as surgeon in the tank corps, with the rank of first lieutenant, and married Seigrid Johnson; Helen Greene, secretary of the Girls' Club at Boston, Massachusetts.
AMOS THATCHER OTIS-One of the most successful business men of Norwich, Connecticut, where he is the owner of a large grocery store, is Amos Thatcher Otis, who in addition to his promi- nent connection with the business life of his city, is influentially associated with the various other elements of her life as a municipality.
Amos T. Otis, father of the subject of this re- view, was born in Colchester, Connecticut. When a young man he went to Norwich, Connecticut, and became a clerk in the grocery store of D. B. Miner, on Main street. In 1865 he bought the business from Mr. Miner and continued there successfully until 1904, when he died. In 1901 he took two of his sons, A. Thatcher and Robert, into the business. Mr. Otis was a Republican in politics, but no office seeker. In religion he was a Baptist, and for many years was deacon of the Central Baptist Church of Norwich. He married Mary Cowan, and they were the parents of four children: A. Thatcher, mentioned below; Lucy, wife of B. H. Palmer, of
Fro Thompson
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Norwich; Marion, wife of George Ashley, who is associated with the J. V. Martin Company; Robert, who is in the grocery business, and who married Bessie Beckley, a native of Meriden, Connecticut. The death of Amos T. Otis was felt as a severe loss throughout the entire community where he had lived for so many years and occupied so firm a place in the esteem of his fellow-citizens.
A. Thatcher Otis, son of Amos T. and Mary (Cowan) Otis, was born in Norwich, Connecticut, August 25, 1865, and attended the public schools of his native place until he was seventeen years of age, when he accepted a position as clerk with Allen, Blanchard & Latimer, wholesale grocers. He was with this concern for ten years, during the latter years acting as traveling salesman. In 1891 he left and entered his father's employ, and in 1900 was made a partner; he continued in the manage- ment of this store on Main street until 1915, when the property was sold, he then removing to his present location on Franklin street, where a pros- perous business has rewarded the energy and ability which he has put into its development.
In politics Mr. Otis is a Republican, but he has never sought public office, as his tastes are quite opposed to this. In his religious belief, Mr. Otis is a Baptist, and is trustee of the Central Baptist Church of Norwich, having been one of its leading and most active members for many years.
On October 15, 1889, Mr. Otis was united in mar- riage with Josephine Peters, a native of Colchester, Connecticut. To Mr. and Mrs. A. Thatcher Otis have been born one child, Helene Chester, July 3, 1898; she married Oliver F. Horeck, who is con- nected with the telephone company at Hartford, Connecticut.
ALBERT LESTER WHEELER, a well known business man of Mystic, Connecticut, where he is inanager of a market for Munger Brothers, of East River, is a native of Stonington, Connecticut, his birth having occurred here June 28, 1876. His father, William F. Wheeler, was also a native of Stonington, where he spent his entire life; he died in 1889. He married Theresa Brown, who died in 1910. Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler were the parents of four children, Albert Lester, of further mention, be- ing the youngest.
Albert Lester Wheeler attended the schools of his native place and then worked in the capacity of clerk in various places. In 1913 he was offered his present position, in which he has continued up to the present time. In his business career, capable management and unfaltering enterprise are well-balanced factors. Since coming to this com- munity in 1913, Mr. Wheeler has given much time and energy to the furtherance of the welfare and progress of Mystic. In politics he is a Republican, and as a vigilant and attentive observer of men and measures, holding sound opinons and taking liberal views, his ideas are highly-regarded in the
community. A Baptist in his religious affiliation, he attends the church of this denomination at Old Mystic.
. In February, 1899, Albert Lester Wheeler was united in marriage with Mary H. Brown, daughter of Aaron and Deborah (Perkins) Brown, of Led- yard. To Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler have been born three children: Clara Belle, who died in infancy; Lester B .; and Elizabeth P.
FRED ALFRED BURNAP-Prominent in the practical activities of Crescent Beach, one of the most popular summer resorts of the Connecticut coast, Mr. Burnap is carrying on a very successful business. He is a son of Frank Alfred and Jennie (Sherman) Burnap, his father a civil engineer by profession, who was employed by the Winstead- Tuttle Company, of Springfield, Massachusetts, but died when Mr. Burnap was a boy, and is buried in Norwich, his native city. The mother, who was also born in Norwich, is a daughter of Rufus Sherman, and now resides in New London, Connecticut. They were the parents of one son and two daughters: Fred Alfred, of whom further; Mildred Sherman, born in Springfield, Massachusetts, now the wife of Howard Littlefield, of Niantic; and Marian Edith, also born in Springfield, who now resides with her mother in New London.
Mr. Burnap was born in Springfield, Massachu- setts, April 7, 1883, and received his education largely in the schools of that city. He was fifteen years of age when his father died, and the family returned to Norwich, where they remained for one year, thereafter removing to Niantic. Attending school in the latter place for a time, he then started in business, doing trucking and teaming in connec- tion with his regular farm work. The trucking business has grown to large proportions, and Mr. Burnap is one of the successful men of the town.
On political questions, Mr. Burnap thinks and acts independently, taking only the interest of the progressive citizen. He is a member of Niantic Lodge, No. 17, Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
Mr. Burnap married Nellie Lynch, who was born in Ireland, in August, 1882, and is a daughter of Michael Lynch. Mr. and Mrs. Burnap have had two children, both born in Norwich, and both died in infancy. The elder was named Elizabeth Jennie.
SAMUEL JEFFREY COIT-A native son of Norwich, Mr. Coit has always remained within her borders and is entirely a "Norwich boy" in birth, education, business training, and business interests. Indeed, so was his father and grandfather, and further back into the past, Coits have made New London county their home.
The ancestor of the New London county Coits was John Coit, who is thought to have come from Glamorganshire, Wales, between the years 1630 and 1638. He remained in Massachusetts until 1651, then came to New London, Connecticut, and settled on land granted him in 1650. The family
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has ever been prominent in the city and county, and in Norwich, a branch early settling there. Sam- nel J. Coit, of this review, is a son of John W. L. Coit, born in Norwich, Connecticut, a plumbing con- tractor and prominent business man of Norwich, who died there in 1909. John W. L. Coit married Adelaide G. Jeffrey, who yet resides in Norwich, and they were the parents of nine children, two of whom are living, Samuel J. being the eldest.
Samuel Jeffrey Coit was born in Norwich, May 10, 1871, and was there educated in the public schools. After school years were over he entered the employ of the Hopkins & Allen Company, man- ufacturers of fire arms, and for twelve years re- mained with that company, becoming master machinist. In 1897 lie engaged in business for him- self, opening a bicycle repair shop in Norwich, which he successfully conducted until 1902. In that year he opened a general repair shop and garage in Nor- wich, modernly equipped, and there he continues the machine shop, having sold the garage to Sidney S. P. Smith. He is a master of his business, a man of fine business quality, and commands the best class of patronage. He conducts a general machine business. In politics, Mr. Coit is inde- pendent, suiting his ballot to his opinion of the man and the measures submitted for his action. He attends the Park Congregational Church, and is interested in all forward movements. He is affili- ated with Norwich Lodge, No. 430, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; and the Norwich Nest of Owls.
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