USA > Connecticut > New London County > A modern history of New London County, Connecticut, Volume III > Part 50
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Mr. Coit married, December 11, 1896, Lena H. Vetter, of Norwich, daughter of Jacob and Emma (Hildebrand) Vetter. Mr. and Mrs. Coit are the parents of two children: Sadie A., wife of Howard Page Benjamin, of Norwich; and Jeffrey V.
Jeffrey V. Coit enlisted in the United States navy April 3, 1917, at New London, and served at State Pier, New London, for a short period. In May he was sent to the training station at Newport, Rhode Island, and on June 1, to the United States Warship Class, and later in the same month to City Park Barracks, New York City. On January I, 1918, he was consigned to the battleship South Dakota as a seaman, and was on convoy duty until honorably discharged in November, 1918. He re- enlisted, April 5, 1920, at New Haven, Connecticut, was assigned to the United States destroyer "Par- rott," as a seaman, and on that ship cruised through the Panama Canal to San Diego, California. He received an extended furlough, March 1, 1921, and is now on the reserve list.
ABIAL TRIPP BROWNING-The ranks of the former generations of representative citizens of Lebanon are thinning fast, but seldom is the town called to mourn the loss of one whose personality and career formed so strong a link with the welfare of the community as did those of the late Abial T. Browning, a successful farmer of this locality.
Abial T. Browning was born in Lebanon, Connec-
ticut, October 3, 1865. He moved to Rhode Island when a small boy and obtained his education there, after which he moved to the town of Norwich, Connecticut, where he lived for eight years. In 1889 he came to Franklin and here followed agri- cultural pursuits until his death. A Democrat in politics, he always took an active part in the affairs of the organization, and for many years was a mem- ber of the local school board. He was also a select- man of the town and representative of the district, and to the promotion of the interests of the place which he chose to make his home he was always enthusiastically devoted. He affiliated with the An- cient Order of United Workmen, and in religion was a Congregationalist. But no description of Mr. Browning would be complete without emphatic mention of those endearing personal qualities which made him beloved in private life, even as he was admired and honored in the world of affairs.
On May 1, 1889, Mr. Browning was united in marriage with Lillian Mowry Larkin. Mrs. Brown- ing was born in the town of Lebanon, July 20, 1865, and received her education in the schools of Leb- anon. At the age of sixteen she went to Onarga, Illinois, where she resided for a short period, sub- sequently going to South Windham, where she re- mained for a year, and then came to Franklin, her father having bought the farm at that time. To Mr. and Mrs. Browning have been born three children: Lucius A., born February 28, 1890, married Reba Rockwell Race, and now resides in Norwich; Mary Ethel, married Harold W. Riley, of Norwich, an automobile mechanic; Myrtice Lillian, born October 1, 1904.
The death of Abial T. Browning, which occurred May 17, 1918, was felt as a severe loss throughout the entire community, where he lived for so many years and occupied so firm a place in the esteem of his fellow-citizens. Mrs. Browning was a devoted wife and helper to her husband, who ever found at his hearthstone a refuge from the cares of business.
CHARLES THOMPSON CRANDALL, JR .- Since 1890 Charles Thompson Crandall has been a resident of West Mystic, Connecticut, and his name is one held in high esteem for ability, integrity and public spirit. The position won in the com- munity by Mr. Crandall is in accordance with the family tradition, and is at the same time the result of his own efforts and ability, and in no way owing to the prestige of the family name or the influence of another man's achievement.
Benjamin Potter Crandall, grandfather of Charles Thompson Crandall, was born in Westerly, Rhode Island. When a young man he went to New York City, where he engaged in the manufacture of toys and baby carriages, and it is interesting to note here that he was the first manufacturer of the latter article in this country. He married Mary Brown, who was also a native of Westerly, and to them was born a son, Charles Thompson.
Charles Thompson Crandall, son of Benjamin
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Potter and Mary (Brown) Crandall, was born in New York City, and died in Mystic, Connecticut. After finishing his education in the schools of his native place, he became associated with his father in business and continued in the manufacture of toys and baby carriages throughout his entire active life. He married Martha Ackley, and they were the parents of a son, Charles Thompson, Jr.
The boyhood of Charles Thompson Crandall, Jr., was spent in his native city, where he attended school. After reaching young manhood, he became associated with his father, continuing until 1890, when he came to West Mystic, where he has since continued to reside. He was first employed by the Atwood Machine Company and here became skilled as a mechanic. He resigned from this position, and with C. H. Denison purchased the service depart- ment of the business of Mystic Auto Station of John F. Noyes. The venture proved successful, and in the time which has since intervened the business has made rapid strides.
Mr. Crandall is a Republican in politics, and takes a keen and active part in the affairs of the organiza- tion. He served on the finance committee, repre- senting the town of Groton in the Legislature from 1915 to 1917, was vice-president of the Firemen's Association, and was secretary of the Mystic Hook and Ladder Company for twenty-five years. In re- ligion he is a Baptist, and attends the church of this denomination.
On June 6, 1904, Mr. Crandall was united in mar- riage with Anna Louise Gallup, daughter of Charles H. and Ella (Edison) Gallup, residents of Mystic.
FRANK SEARPH JOSEPH-Holding a re- sponsible position of trust in the financial world of New London, Mr. Joseph is bearing a part in the general progress. He is a son of Emanuel and Mary (Searph) Joseph. The father was born in Lisbon, Portugal, in 1848, and educated in the na- tional schools of his native land, coming to the United States at the age of twenty-four years, in 1872. He founded his home in Groton, this county, but followed the sea throughout his lifetime. He died in Groton, February 17, 1911, but his wife, who was born in Stonington, still survives him, residing in New London. They were the parents of two children: William E., now deceased, who was a prominent attorney of New London. and married Lillian Whipple, of Groton; and Frank Searph, whose name heads this review.
Frank S. Joseph was born in Groton, Connecti- cut, April 21, 1886. He received his early educa- tion in the public schools of his native town, and is a graduate of Bulkeley High School, of New Lon- don, class of 1905. During the winter of 1905-06, Mr. Joseph took a. special commercial course in the New London Business College, in the Manwaring building, at the close of this school year entering the Mariners' Savings Bank, of New London, in the capacity of clerk. He is still in the employ of this institution, and has risen to the position of
paying teller. Still a young man, the future opens broadly before him, and he is facing in the right direction.
By political affiliation Mr. Joseph is a Republi- can, but takes only a citizen's interest in public affairs. Fraternally he is well known, being a mem- ber of New London Lodge, No. 360, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and of Fairview Lodge. No. 101, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Groton. He is a member of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, of New London.
FREDERICK RATHBUN-The Rathbuns, of Noank, in the town of Stonington, New London county, Connecticut, are descendants of John Rath- bone, who was one of the sixteen purchasers of Block Island from Governor Endicott and three others who, two years before, had received it from Massachusetts as a grant for public services. John Rathbone settled on Block Island and became one of its leading men, representing Block Island in the Rhode Island General Assembly in 1648. He mar- ried Margaret Dodge, and both died in the year 1702, leaving five sons. Many years before his death he settled his sons on farms on Block Island and there they settled, but their grandchildren scat . tered until only the descendants of Samuel Rath- bone, a son of the founder, remained on the island. One of the family, John, moved before 1715 to Col- chester (now Salem), Connecticut, bought land from the Indians, which in part is yet in the family name. Joshua Rathbun, another grandson of the settler, located in Stonington, Connecticut, as descendants of Samuel Rathbone.
In the Noank branch, the name Rathbun seems to have come in with Elijah Rathbun, of the fourth generation, whose father spelled the name Rathbone. Captain Samuel Rathbun, of Noank, of the fifth generation, was a scafaring man, as were so many of his name, and he left a large family. His title captain was gained through his commanding fish- ing smacks which made Noank their harbor. Fish- ing was an important business activity with the Noank branch, and was followed by Frederick Rath- bun, of this review, until he had reached middle age, abandoned the sea, and became a successful general merchant of Noank. He is a son of James Winthrop Rathbun, born in Noank, Connecticut, and his wife, Charlotte (Boose) Rathbun, born in New York City. They were the parents of two sons and two daughters: Frederick, of further mention; William Henry, now engaged in the fishing in- dustry; Charlotte; Harriet Elizabeth, wife of Frank Freeman, chief of the water works departinent of the city of Springfield, Missouri.
Frederick Rathbun was born in Mystic, Connec- ticut, March 17, 1871. He obtained his education in the public schools. After school days were over he was variously engaged, but principally his years until 1901 were spent in the fishing industry and in business. In the year 1910 he succeeded his father in the coal business. Later he built the general
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store in Noank which he now (1921) conducts, and has been very successful as a merchant. He is a Democrat in his political faith, but very independent in his action, supporting men and measures in which he believes, regardless of party label. He has served on the school committee, but he gives his time to his business and neither secks nor desires office. In religious faitli he is a Baptist.
Mr. Rathbun married (first) Carlotta Andrews, born in Center Groton, Connecticut, died May 13, 1896, daughter of Frank and Jane (Potter) Andrews. The only child of this marriage, a son, died in in- fancy. Mr. Rathbun married (second) Stella Pot- ter, born in Noank, Connecticut, daughter of Elihu and Augusta (Tuthill) Potter. Mr. and Mrs. Rath- bun are the parents of three children: Elbert Pot- ter, born May 31, 1904; Grace Harriet, born May, 1909; Elihu, born September 8, 1917. The family home is in Noank, Connecticut, where the Rathbuns and Potters have resided for many generations. They are both members of the Baptist church, and tlie Rathbun's home is the abode of hospitality and good fellowship.
CHARLES IRA FITCH-For many years hold- ing a position of trust with the leading railroad in New England, Charles Ira Fitch, of Noank, Con- necticut, holds a prominent position in the com- munity.
Mr. Fitch is a son of Elisha and Muriel (Wilbur) Fitch. Elisha Fitch was born in Noank in the year 1826. He received a limited education in the public schools of the town, then followed the sea all his life, visiting many parts of the world in his younger days, then making shorter trips as a fisher- man. He died in Noank in 1908. His wife, who was born in Noank in 1830, died there in 1900. They were the parents of six children, three now living: Alfred, who married Lida Lathrop, of Noank, and resides here still; Charles Ira, whose name heads this review; Ida, who became the wife of Ernest Palmer, and also resides in Noank.
Charles Ira Fitch was born in Noank, Connecticut, March 27, 1859. Receiving his early education in the public schols of the town, he thereafter attended the Mystic Valley Institute. After completing his studies he became assistant agent at the Noank station of the New York, New Haven & Hartford railroad. This was in 1875, and five years later he became agent at this station, which position he still occupies. Thus briefly is a record of forty-one years of service outlined, more than four decades of the most exacting service, entailing great responsibility. This places Mr. Fitch among the oldest employees of the New York, New Haven & Hartford railroad, and even in this interesting group few have served for such a long period at one certain point.
A lifelong resident of Noank, Mr. Fitch is well and favorably known throughout the town. The nature of his work has been such that he has been unable to serve the public in political office, but he is a staunch supporter of the Republican party.
He is a member of Stonington Lodge, No. 26, In- dependent Order of Odd Fellows, and his church membership is with the Baptist denomination.
In 1881 Mr. Fitch married Lucy Perkins, daughter of Albert Warren and Julia Avery (Barrows) Per- kins, of Noank, the life of her brother, Warren C. Perkins, also being published in this work. Her father was an old sea captain, famed throughout the
county. Mr. and Mrs. Fitch have four children: Marian, who became the wife of Jerome Anderson, Jr., of Stonington, Connecticut; Herbert, who mar- ried Isabelle Henry, and resides at Jacksonville, Florida; Julia, who became the wife of Frank Ban- ning, superintendent of the Connecticut State Fish Hatchery, at Noank; and Maria, who became the wife of George W. Brown, of Noank.
ROBERT SAMUEL BROWN, at the age of eighteen, began his business career as an employee of Norton's Grist Mill in Colchester, Connecticut. From that time he has been connected with that plant, although the former grist mill is now a paper mill, and the boy helper has long been the superin- tendent. The success of Norton's Paper Mill is due in no small degree to the able manner in which . Mr. Brown has fulfilled the important duties of his position. He is a son of Samuel and Mary (Flint) Brown, now both deceased, but who were living at Hebron, Connecticut, at the time of the birth of their son, Robert S., in 1867. Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Brown were the parents of six children: Alvin, Fred, Lafayette, Harriet, Isabel; and Robert S., of further mention.
Robert S. Brown, youngest of the children of Sam- uel and Mary (Flint) Brown, was born in Hebron, Connecticut, November 10, 1867. He was educated in the public schools of Westchester, Connecticut, and was variously employed until 1885, when he secured a position in Norton's Grist Mill in Col- chester, Connecticut, which village has since been his home. The boy of eighteen is now the veteran of fifty-four, and his record of continuous service with the two industries which have occupied the mill since his coming in 1885 is highly creditable to him.
Mr. Brown is a Republican in politics, but he has given his entire time to his business, and has never sought nor held public office. He is a member of the Congregational church, and fraternally a member of Wooster Lodge, No. 10, Free and Accepted Ma- sons, of Colchester, Connecticut.
Mr. Brown married, December 2, 1890, Susan Car- rier, born in Westchester, Connecticut, daughter of Demas and Roxanna (Staples) Carrier, of West- chester. Mr. and Mrs. Brown are the parents of five children, all born in Westchester, Connecticut: LeRoy Carrier, Atta Margaret, Harriet Belle, Bur- ton Robert, and Helen Almina. This brief review of the career of Robert S. Brown reveals a man of industry and enterprise, self-reliant and resourceful, who has worked his way to honorable position and public esteem.
RSBrown
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SIDNEY BRYANT WILCOX-Since the early part of the eighteenth century the little village of Noank has been one of the chief fishing ports along the Connecticut coast. From here the fishermen ship their catch direct to New York City, and their constant coming and going forms the picturesque and characteristic life of this port.
One of the most genial of the whole-souled men of the village is Sidney Bryant Wilcox, who was born in Noank, August 14, 1865, a son of James Grumley and Amanda (Bryant) Wilcox. His father was always a scafaring man, carrying on an inde- pendent fishing business, and died in Noank, at the age of seventy years, in 1906. The mother was born in Stevenson, Connecticut, and was a daughter of Harvey and Annette Bryant, of that place.
Mr. Wilcox was reared in Noank, and received a practical education in the public schools of this community. He entered the fishing industry in early life, and has followed this line of effort con- tinuously since, being still actively engaged thus. He has been successful in this calling, and has also become one of the leading men of the village, active in its public life.
Mr. Wilcox married Nellie Brown, who was born in Hartford, Connecticut, January 4, 1869. They are the parents of three children, all born in Noank, Connecticut, namely: 1. Florence Emeline, born March 17, 1890; married, September 12, 1918, How- ard E. Tracy. 2. Archibald Arthur, born August 6, 1894; he has had a remarkable experience on the deep seas; on July 22, 1912, he shipped as a cadet on the bridge for the American Line on the "New York"; on May 15, 1914, he went with the American Hawaiian Company, and while in their service he received his second officer's license at the age of twenty-one; he also received his chief officer's li- cense; at the age of twenty-four he received his captain's license, and was the youngest man in his company to receive such an honor; on November 28, 1912, he shipped as captain on the "Lansdowne." His training for this position was secured from nautical schools in England and New York and on the high scas. At the age of twenty-seven he has completed his fiftieth round trip between here and Europe, touching mainly the countrys of England, Scotland, freland, Germany, France, Italy and Al- geria. During the World War he was a lieutenant- commander on the "Ohioan." He married, Sep- tember 12, 1918, Marie Luc, of St. Nazaire, France. 3. Lynton Gibson, born January 16, 1902; he has made several trips with his brother on the "Lans- downe."
JEREMIAH JOHN DRISCOLL, a successful farmer of Franklin, where he has resided since 1895, has always been recognized as a public-spirited citi- zen, giving readily, sound judgment and substantial aid to whatever in his judgment tended toward pub- Iic progress. He was born in County Cork, Ireland, April 15, 1861, the son of John and Ellen (O'Brien) Driscoll, both natives of County Cork.
The education of Jerciniah John Driscoll was ob- tained in the schools of his native place. He re- mained in his native country for many years, where he devoted himself entirely to agricultural pur- suits, and here gained a wide and extensive knowl- edge of the subject. In 1882, with little else than ambition and a stout heart, he set sail for this coun- try, and upon landing secured work on various farms until 1895, when he came to Franklin and purchased his present place, where he has continued to reside ever since. Being a tireless worker, he has devoted these past twenty-five years to the cultivation of his farm, and today it stands in its highly productive state as a monument to his labors. Mr. Driscoll has never cared for public office, preferring to give his entire attention to his particular field of activity. He is a man of energy, has prospered through his own efforts and enter- prisc, and fairly won his way to success.
Jeremiah John Driscoll married, April 19, 1892, at Franklin, Hannah Ohearn, a native of Franklin, daughter of Michael and Jane (Hannafort) Ohearn. To Mr. and Mrs. Driscoll have been born three chil- dren: Ellen Mary, May 13, 1893; John Michael, born September 25, 1895; Anna Louise, born Febru- ary 11, 1901, died July 29, 1920.
TIMOTHY C. MURPHY-In Southwestern Ire- land, in the Province of Munster, lies the County of Kerry, the birthplace of Timothy C. Murphy, now a prosperous merchant of Norwich, Connecticut. He was only four years of age when his widowed mother came with her children to the United States, Timothy C. being the ninth of the eleven children of Cornelius and Mary (Downing) Murphy. Cor- nelius Murphy died in Kerry, the county of his birth, in 1861, and in 1863 Mrs. Murphy came with some of her children to Norwich, Connecticut, where she died in old age.
Timothy C. Murphy was born in County Kerry, Ireland, March 23, 1859, and there obtained a pub- lic school education. When school years were fin- ished, he became a grocer's clerk, but soon gave that up and began an apprenticeship to the moulder's trade. In 1883, at the age of twenty-four, he was appointed to the Norwich police force as patrol- man, and for seven years trod the "beat" in that city. In 1890 he formed a partnership with Wil- liam P. McGarry and opened a men's clothing and furnishing store in Norwich, trading as Murphy & McGarry. The firm is a prosperous and substantial one and conducts their large business most ably.
When a young man, Mr. Murphy was a noted oarsman, excelling with the single sculls. He spent a great deal of his time "off duty" on the Thames river, in practice, and during that period saved thirteen persons who but for him would have been drowned. In recognition of his bravery and hu- manity he was awarded a governmental Medal of Honor, which was presented to him by John Sher- man, then Secretary of the Treasury.
In politics Mr. Murphy is a Democrat, and from
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1912 to 1916 was mayor of Norwich. He is a mem- ber of the Chamber of Commerce of Norwich; is affiliated with Norwich Lodge, No. 430, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; White Cross Council, Knights of Pythias; and is first vice-president of the Bankers Trust Company of Norwich. His religious affiliation is with the Roman Catholic Church.
Mr. Murphy married (first) Elizabeth N. Flood, of Norwich, who died, the mother of four children, two of whom are living: Catherine, wife of Henry D. Busicy, of Norwich; and William P., asso- ciated with his father in the clothing business. Mr. Murphy married (second) Isabelle A. Flood, of Worcester, Massachusetts, and they are the par- ents of three children, two of whom are living: Isabelle A., wife of Dr. William T. Driscoll, of Norwich; and Alice M., residing with her parents.
WARREN WEBSTER CHURCH-The Church family is one long known in New London county in the Montville, Preston, and Norwich sections, Colonel Benjamin Church being one of the military men of the town who drove the Indians from Mount Hope in Montville. Jonathan Church, the American ancestor, was an early settler in North Parish, New London, and the family have always been of promi- nence in their communities.
Elisha R. Church, a descendant of Jonathan Church, was born in the town of Montville, New London county, Connecticut, and there passed his boyhood and youth. His father, a farmer, claimed his services during his minority, but later the young man located in Norwich, and there established a fish and oyster market, a business that is yet con- tinned by his son, Theodore Nelson Church. Elisha Church conducted this business in Norwich most successfully until his death in 1891, but he ever continued his residence in Preston, then a part of Norwich, and there his death occurred. He mar- ried Melissa Williams, born in Montville, died in Norwich, Connecticut.
Warren Webster Church, son of Elisha R. and Afelissa (Williams) Church, was born in the town of Preston, New London county, Connecticut, Feb- rnary 14, 1871. He was educated in the public school of Preston, and when school years were over he entered business life as clerk in Norwich busi- ness honses. He was later employed by his brother, Theodore N. Church, in his fish market at Norwich, remaining with him until the year 1900, when War- ren Church entered the clerical employ of the Ed- ward Chappell Lumber Company, of Norwich. In October, 1901, he was appointed foreman of the coal department of the company's business, a position he has now most acceptably filled for twenty years, being the oldest employe of the Edward Chappell Company in point of years of service. Mr. Church is a Republican in politics; member of the Norwich Chamber of Commerce; the Colonial Club, and an attendant of the Baptist church.
He married (first) Minnie Gray, deceased; (sec- ond) Nettie Gray, divorced; (third) Elva Twist, de- ceased.
JAMES MARION OSTEN, one of the prominent automobile dealers of Norwich, Connecticut, was born in Passaic, New Jersey, April 19, 1892, and is a son of Frank and Wanda Osten, both of his par- ents being born in New Jersey. Mr. Osten's father was for many years a real estate dealer in Yonkers, New York. He died in 1908, and his wife in 1902. They were the parents of four children, of whom three are living.
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