USA > Connecticut > New London County > A modern history of New London County, Connecticut, Volume III > Part 54
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At first he rented a small farm, then a large one. A tireless worker, and thrifty in his habits and tastes, he saved his money, and in 1898 bought a fine farm of one hundred and seventy acres near
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Preston City, where he still lives. For many years he bore the brunt of the farm work, constantly en- farging his operations and improving the property, but now for some years past he has been obliged to leave the heavy work to his son, to whom he has given charge of the farm. He is remarkably well preserved for a man of his years, and is still keenly interested in every phase of the world's progress, his excellent education and his lifelong habit of always keeping abreast of the times, giving him a comprehensive grasp of affairs in every realm of human interest. In the public interests of the town of Preston, Mr. Geisthardt was long since called to bear a part. By political choice a Republican, he served as first selectman of the town for three years, and was the incumbent of this office when the Preston-Norwich State road was in process of construction. He has served as tax col- lector, has served on the Board of Relief, and in other offices to which the vote of the people has called him. He is a devout member of the Lutheran church.
Godfrey Andrew Geisthardt married, at Eisefeldt, Germany, on August 30, 1864, Rosalie Tower, who was also born in Eisefeldt, and was a milliner by trade. She is still living at the home farm in Preston. They are the parents of four children: Stephen Leonhardt; Emma; Charles Moritz; and Julia Augusta.
Stephen Leonhardt Geisthardt, the eldest child of Godfrey Andrew Geisthardt, was born in Eise- feldt, Germany. He came to this country with his parents, and received his early education in the district schools of Preston, New London county, Connecticut. Going thereafter to the Norwich Free Academy, he was the second in his class on his graduation. Later he entered Yale College, and although he worked his way through the University through his own efforts as private instructor to the grandchildren of Henry Ward Beecher, he stood second in his class upon his graduation from Yale. He then went to the New York University Law School, working his way through this institution also, in the capacity of French interpreter for a Wall street firm. He completed the course here, and was graduated from the New York Law school, then was advised by Henry Ward Beecher to go West. Acting upon this advice, he went to Lin- coln, Nebraska, where he entered the University of Nebraska, as instructor in the law department. After two years he resigned to engage in the pri- vate practice of law, and is now one of the most noted attorneys of the State. Before the World War Mr. Geisthardt was appointed vice-consul for Nebraska, and while holding that office made five trips to Germany in connection with his duties.
Emma, elder daughter of Godfrey and Rosalie (Tower) Geisthardt, was born in Norwich, and now resides at the home farm in Preston.
Charles Moritz, the younger son, was born in Preston, and now has considerable interests there in a saw mill, and assists on the home farm.
Julia Augusta, the younger daughter, was born in Preston, and is now the wife of Guy Dawsey, a civil engineer, of Omaha, Nebraska, and they have one child, Stephen L.
GEORGE ANDREW MILLS-There is now and then a man, who after he has passed away lives in the minds of many not only by reason of results accomplished, but also in consequence of a singu- larly forceful personality. So survives the memory of the late George Andrew Mills, for many years a successful farmer in the town of Lebanon.
George Andrew Mills was a native of Colchester, his birth having occurred there, February 3. 1853. He received his education at the Bacon Academy, from which institution he was graduated in 1866, at the age of thirteen years, and then secured a posi- tion as a clerk in the Hubert Aborn grocery store at Norwich, where he continued for four years. In the meantime having chosen to devote himself to agricultural pursuits, he came to Lebanon to the farm known as "Haynes Corners," and as the years went on took his place among the leading farmers of the community. In politics he was a Republi- can, and ever manifested that lively interest in everything relating to the public welfare which is demanded of every good citizen. In 1897 he was clected a member of the school board; represented his town in the Legislature, and was one of the assessors for a long period of years; for five years was first selectment of the town; for three years was second selectman and at the time of his death was constable and health officer. The unaffected dignity of his manner was combined with a cordiality and a consideration for others which gave to his per- sonality a singular attractiveness.
Mr. Mills married, May 23, 1872, Annah M. Porter, and they became the parents of six children: George A., died in infancy; Mary Louise, who became the wife of Clifford King, of Lebanon; Charles A., de- ceased; Anna B., who married J. A. Thomas, of Lebanon; Olive H., who married George Judd; and Bertha B., deceased.
So strong were Mr. Mills domestic affections that they might be said to constitute the governing mo- tive of his entire life and the mainspring of his actions. The crowning blessing of his years was his union with a woman who was his helper, and the presiding genius of his fireside. On May I, 1920, this truly good and useful man passed away, mourned by many and followed by the blessings of many to whom he had been a friend in time of need. The name of Mills is inscribed with honor in the local records.
FRANK GAUDREAU-Meeting the daily needs of the motorist, whether the casual tourist who stops in passing through the village, or the resident whose car must receive daily care, Frank Gaudreau has developed in a few years in Taft- ville a very prosperous and steadily growing busi- ness interest.
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Mr. Gaudreau was born in Manatee, Canada, in the year 1881, and received his education in the public schools of the Dominion. Learning the busi- ness of electrician in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, he was active in that field of endeavor for a number of years before coming to New London county. lu 1908 he came to Taft's Junction, where he was employed by the J. B. Martin Company as electri- cian until 1918, then he established the present busi- ness under the firm name of the Taftville Public Garage. Although he anticipated a struggle to gain a foothold in the business, his success was definite from the start, and in April of the same year he built the present structure, a two-story building, 45 x 45 feet in area, and he occupies the entire build- ing, requiring the full space for handling the va- rious branches of work included in his activities. He does a general garage business, and carries ex- tras and supplies of all kinds. He handles a great deal of business in the regular care of cars for mercantile and industrial concerns, also for resi- dents of this section, and handles gas and the various lubricating oils in general demand. He is highly esteemed as a citizen, and is counted among the enterprising and progressive men of the com- munity.
Mr. Gaudreau married, in Pawtucket, Rhode Is- land, Theresa Collette, of that city, and they are members of the Roman Catholic church.
WILLIAM HENRY STEBBINS-The J. B. Martin Company, of Norwich, Connecticut, suc- ceeded to the plant of Hopkins & Allen, after that plant had been used for making machine gun parts during the World War. The J. B. Martin Com- pany purchased the mill after it had ceased making munitions of war and converted it into a more peace- ful purpose, the manufacture of velvet. It is with this company that William H. Stebbins is connected as plant engineer and purchasing agent of supplies, having been with the J. B. Martin Company in Taftville, Connecticut, in the same capacity since 1913. He is a son of Henry D. and Mercy (Wheeler) Stebbins, his father of Western birth, and a member of a large family. Henry D. Stebbins located in Lebanon, Connecticut, and was a successful busi- ness man, the owner of an establishment combining blacksmithing in all its branches, wagon-making, and dealings in all makes of vehicles. He retired from active life in 1891. His wife, Mercy Wheeler, born in North Stonington, Connecticut, was one of a family of twelve children. Mr. and Mrs. Stebbins were the parents of two sons: William H., of further mention; and Alfred L., of Jewett City, Connecti- cut, assistant superintendent of the Ashland Cotton Company.
William H. Stebbins was born at Lebanon, Con- necticut, September 22, 1881, and was educated in the public schools of Lebanon and Norwich. After school years were over he learned the machinist's trade with the company with which he is now asso- ciated, and followed this until 1906, at which time
he accepted a position as motorman with The Con- necticut Company in Norwich. A short time there- after he was chosen for the duties of dispatcher and remained with the company until 1913. In this year lie was appointed master mechanic at the J. B. Martin Company mill in Taftville, and when this company widened its operations, obtaining control of the previously mentioned Hopkins and Allen plant on Franklin street, Norwich, and the l'equot Mills at Montville, Mr. Stebbins became plant engi- neer. His duties include supervision of power, equipment, and mechanical repairs, and the purchas- ing of all mill supplies for the three plants men- tioned, with headquarters at the Franklin street plant.
Mr. Stebbins is a member of Somerset Lodge, Frec and Accepted Masons; Franklin Chapter, No. 4, Royal Arch Masons; Franklin Council, No. 3, Royal and Select Masters; Columbian Commandery, Knights Templar, all of Norwich, and Sphinx Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mys- tic Shrine, of Hartford. He is a regular attendant of the Greenville Congregational Church, and a member of Norwich Grange. Mr. Stebbins is a staunch Republican and interested in the affairs of the community, supporting all progressive move- ments.
He married Mabel A. Murray, of Norwich, Sep- tember 15, 1914, daughter of Peter and Eliza (Math- ews) Murray.
ANDERSON OLIVER MARTIN-Among the older generation of representative citizens of Leb- anon, Connecticut, is Anderson Oliver Martin, a native of this place, where he was born on the old homestead, December 27, 1850, the son of William and Mary (Champlain) Martin.
Anderson Oliver Martin was educated in the select schools until he had reached the age of sixteen years, when he terminated his studies and entered upon his business career, securing employment in the pharmacy of Lanmau & Sevens, at Norwich, Connecticut, where he remained for six months, subsequently returning to the home farm, where he remained for one year on account of his father's death, which occurred at this time. He then re- turned to Norwich, this time accepting a position with Staples & Pressey, acting in the capacity of manager of the firm for two years, after which he bought out the enterprise and established him- self in the wholesale fruit business. He afterwards sold this business in order to enter the employ of Austin & Nichols, wholesale grocers of New York City, subsequently entering the employ of Dunn's Mercantile Rating Agency, where he remained for a short period, at the end of which time he re- moved to Staten Island, where he improved the es- tate of his uncle, John M. Martin, who was a lawyer in New York. He remained here twenty-three years. In 1902 he again returned to his native place in order to buy the old homestead and an adjoining farm upon which he now resides.
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It is with the Republicans that Mr. Martin casts his vote, and no man has more at heart the welfare and true progress of his home community, but office-seeking is something for which he has no inclination. Mr. Martin was first selectman of the town of Lebanon for a short period, and also chair- man of the school board, but resigned because of the serious sickness of his wife. In religion he is an Episcopalian and attends the church of that denomination in Windham.
In 1873 Mr. Martin married (first) Emma House, daughter of John C. and Almeda (Bidwell) House, natives of Salem, Connecticut. Mrs. Martin died December 26, 1907. To them were born four chil- dren: John William, a resident of Wyoming; An- derson O., a resident of New York City; Haywood Champlin, resides on the old homestead; Ralph E., a resident of New Jersey. Mr. Martin married (sec- ond) Annie Louise King, on February 27, 1911, daugliter of John S. and Susan (Cross) King. Mrs. Martin is a teacher of the piano and organ, and has played in the local churches for many years.
GEORGE GEER, one of the most influential citizens of Sprague township, where he has held many positions of responsibility and trust, and where he is engaged in farming on an extensive scale, is a native of the town of Franklin, where his birth occurred, May 7, 1858. He is the son of Nathan and Mary Geer. Nathan Geer was born in Gris- wold, April 7, 1825. At the age of eighteen he came to Franklin, where he purchased the home in which his son George was born. He was engaged in agri- cultural pursuits throughout his entire lifetime, and died October 30, 1905. Mrs. Geer was born at Preston, August 24, 1821, and died Augst 31, 1904. To Mr. and Mrs. Geer were born two children: George, of further mention; and Mary Abbie, de- ceased.
George Geer obtained his education in the public schools of Sprague and Norwich. After terminat- ing his studies he returned to Sprague, and later purchased his present farm and has here resided continuously ever since. This property was a fer- tile one and he developed and cultivated it until he has brought it to its present highly productive state. The home on the farm is large and extremely attractive, being among the very best in the town- ship. Mr. Geer is one of those men who are in- stinctively interested in the welfare of the com- munities where they reside, and he has given no little time and energy to the conduct of public affairs. He has served as third selectman of the town, and as justice of the peace. But it is to the religious affairs that Mr. Geer gives the greater part of his time and interest, and is very prominent in the affairs of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he is a member, holding the offices of treas- urer, trustee, and steward, and secretary and treas- urer of its Sunday school.
Mr. Geer married Grace Elizabeth Parker, daugh- ter of Daniel and Josephine (Rice) Parker, of Paw-
tucket, Rhode Island. Mr. and Mrs. Geer have no children.
OZRO DEWEY FULLER-Ozro Dewey Fuller, one of the prominent citizens of Lebanon, Connecti- cut, where he has resided since 1876, is a member of an old New England family, his maternal ances- tor, - - Dewey, having come over on the "May- flower." To this same branch of the family be- longed Admiral Dewey, of Manila Bay fame.
Ozro Dewey Fuller was born August 4, 1850, at Columbia, Connecticut, the son of Lawson Hill and Mary Little (Dewey) Fuller. The boy received his education in the schools of his native place and on terminating his studies at the age of four- teen, began immediately to work on his father's farm. At the age of twenty-six he came to Leb- anon, bought a farm and has continued in agricul- tural pursuits ever since. As a true citizen, Mr. Fuller willingly gives his support and influence to the furtherance of all good measures that conserve the interest of good government. He has always taken an active interest in educational matters, and for many years served as a member of the school committee.
Mr. Fuller married Mercy Cobb, a native of Willimantic, where she was born, September 1845, the daughter of Charles H. and Elizabeth (Tilden) Cobb. Mrs. Fuller died at Lebanon in 1915, at the age of seventy years. To Mr. and Mrs. Fuller were born four children: Harley Tilden, deceased; Wil- lis Ozro, married, and has three children: Charles D., Lena, and Allen; Hortense Elizabeth, married Otto Pultz, superintendent of the Lebanon Cream- ery, and has one son, Laverne; Gertrude A., married Monroe Pultz, and has two children: Florence, and Merton Pultz.
LOUIS S. DOYLE-Now proprietor of a garage and service station at Mystic, Connecticut, Mr. Doyle is well established after a life of considerable change in occupation and residence. Born on Prince Edward Island, a maritime province of Canada, his mother a native of that island, his father born in the State of Maine, the lad was early brought to the United States, and in Maine, Rhode Island, and Connecticut, he gained the experience which well fits him for his present business. His father, David E. Doyle, was a shipyard worker and contractor of the State of Maine, but not long after the birth of his youngest son, Louis S., moved to Noank, Con- necticut, where he yet resides and conducts a truck- ing business. He married Alice C. Breem, and they are the parents of six children, Louis S. the sixth in order of birth.
Louis S. Doyle was born September 9, 1880, and began his education in the schools of Bath, Maine. In 1890 the family moved to Noank, Connecticut, where the lad completed his studies in the public schools. After he left school he spent several years in Providence, Rhode Island, becoming a thoroughly capable stationary engineer and machinist. He con-
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tinued in Rhode Island until 1909, thien moved to Mystic, Connecticut, where he built a garage and service station, 46 by 60 feet, and is well estab- lished in business as proprietor of same.
Mr. Doyle is a member of Stonington Lodge, No. 26, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is past chief of Mystic Encampment of the same order. He also is a member of Oriental Lodge, Indepen- dent Order of Odd Fellows, of Providence, and Canton Arane Patriarchs Militant, of Mystic. He is a member of the Mystic Hook and Ladder Com- pany. In his religious belief he is a Baptist, and in politics a Republican.
Mr. Doyle married, March 22, 1909, Louise J. Davis, of Westport, Massachusetts. Mr. and Mrs. Doyle are the parents of three children: Clarence, associated in business with his father; Louis, and Chester, both deceased.
WILLIAM WEAVER was born in Fitchville, Connecticut, December 17, 1856, the son of Melger and Marion (Uprest) Weaver. Melger Weaver, or Weber, as it was known in Switzerland, where he was born March 4, 1814, came to this country when a young man, bringing with him his wife, who was also a native of Switzerland. To Mr. and Mrs. Weaver were born ten children: Harriett, de- ceased; Mary; Harriett; Catherine; Rosina; God- frey; John; William, deceased; Pauline; and William, the subject of this review.
The boy William obtained his education in the public schools of Columbia, Connecticut, after which he entered the employ of the firm of Terry & Brown, cabinet makers at Willimantic, with whom he remained for many years. In 1913 he came to this community as caretaker of an estate. Mr. Weaver is a man of industry and good judgment. In politics he is a Republican, and, always public- spirited, he has consented at the solicitation of his fellow-citizens to serve them on the school board and as tax collector while residing in Columbia, Connecticut.
William Weaver married, February 25, 1890, Ella Brown, a native of Baltic, Connecticut, and the daughter of Isaac Newton and Harriett (Reynolds) Brown. Mr. and Mrs. Weaver were the parents of one child, William Raymond, who died in infancy.
NATHANIEL H. AVERY-The Averys of New London county descend from Captain James Avery, who came from England with his father, Christo- pher Avery, and, after living for a period in Massa- chusetts, came, in 1650, to the Pequot Plantation (New London, Connecticut), where he acquired large tracts of land in what is now Poquonock Bridge, Groton, east of New London. About 1656 he built the home of the Averys at the head of Poquonock Plain. Some additions were made to this house in 1684, and it was occupied for more than two centuries until destroyed by fire in 1894. On the spot now stands a monument to the memory of Captain James Avery, who, in 1676, was captain
of one of the four companies which protected the frontier, and for twenty-six years was an officer of the town. Twelve times, from 1656 to 1680, he was deputy to the General Court; also assistant judge in the Perogative Court, and prominent in the church. From Captain James Avery came La- tham Avery, born in Groton, Connecticut, now re- tired, after an active life as a banker and broker of New York City. He now resides in Groton. He married Mary Jane Hillyer and they are the parents of four children, Nathaniel H. being the youngest of the family.
Nathaniel H. Avery was born in Groton, Con- necticut, November 10, 1887. He was educated in the public schools of Groton and New London, fin- ishing with the 1906 graduating class of Bulkeley High School, New London. After leaving school, lie became a clerk in the National Whaling Bank and rose through a series of promotions to the assistant-cashier's position. He continued with the bank until March 1, 1919, when he resigned, and the same ycar, in association with Arthur A. Greenleaf, bought the business of the G. M. Long Company, of New London, wholesale and retail fish dealers, and has continued the business under the same name with success during the year which has since clapsed. In politics Mr. Avery is a Democrat. He is also a member of the Thames Club and of the Chamber of Commerce, of New London, and his re- ligious affiliation is with the Congregational Church of Groton.
Mr. Avery married Martha H. Beckwith, and they are the parents of one child, Grace.
JOHN HENRY ECCLESTON-Always a resi- dent of New London county, John Henry Eccleston has, for the past twenty-one years, conducted his own farm in Waterford, and carried on an extensive and important milk business.
Mr. Eccleston is a son of George Eccleston, who was born in the year 1836, in North Stonington, and died in Waterford, December 7, 1900, aged sixty- three years. George Eccleston received his educa- tion in the schools of North Stonington, and was identified with farming interests there until the breaking out of the Civil War, when he enlisted in Company E, 21st Regiment, Connecticut Volunteer Infantry. He served in the army of the Potomac, taking part in fifty-two battles, and upon his dis- charge returned to his native town, where he was employed as a carpenter for a few years. Remov- ing to New London, he went to sea from that port on fishing schooners, and followed the sea for sev- cral years. Thereafter, he removed his family to Waterford, where he carried on farming operations in various sections of the town, renting the places he worked, and was thus engaged until his death. He married Eleanor Simons, and they were the parents of seven children: Nellie, George, Eliza- beth, John Henry, Harriet Noyse, Leander Wilcox, and Albert Warren, of whom the last three men- tioned died in infancy.
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John Henry Eccleston was born in Mystic, Con- necticut, and came to Waterford at the age of twelve years, the family becoming residents of this town at that time. He received his education in the district schools of Mystic and Waterford, and after he had finished his studies worked with his father on the farm, which was located in the Cohan- zie district of Waterford. Later he worked on other farms in different parts of New London county, then in 1900 took over his present place. He has de- veloped the farm into a high state of cultivation, produces milk on a large scale, and is considered one of the leading farmers in this section.
In public affairs Mr. Eccleston takes a deep in- terest, and although he has never sought public office, has served on the school committee of the town for a number of years. He supports no politi- cal party unreservedly, voting independently as he thinks best for the good of the community. He is a member of Waterford Grange, Patrons of Hus- bandry.
On November 13, 1885, Mr. Eccleston married Ruth Dana, who was born in Charlestown, Wash- ington county, Rhode Island, the only child of Henry and Susan Dana. Mr. and Mrs. Eccleston are the parents of four children: Clarence Henry, born in Waterford, January 7, 1889; Helen Chris- tine, born September 15, 1900; Eleanor Kenyon, who died in childhood; and Dana Lester, born July 15, 1907. The family are prominent in the social life of Waterford.
SAMUEL JAMES BOTTOMLEY, the genial proprietor of the Majestic Garage, of Norwich, Con- necticut, was born in St. John, New Brunswick, on May 31, 1868, the son of Joseph A. Bottomley, who was born in England, and came to this country when but twelve years of age. Joseph A. Bottom- ley located in Norwich, Connecticut, and was em- ployed in the Hopkins & Allen gun shop, then one of the leading industries of the city. He remained with them for several years, then was employed by the United States Finishing Company for a number of years. At length he bought a farm in Plainfield, Connecticut, and spent the remainder of his life there. He died in Norwich, on April 7, 1915, at the age of seventy-five years. He married Mar- garet Duncan, who was a native of St. John, New Brunswick, and still survives him, being now a resi- dent of Hartford, Connecticut. They had ten chil- dren, of whom nine are living, Samuel James being the fourth.
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