USA > Connecticut > New London County > A modern history of New London County, Connecticut, Volume III > Part 55
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Mr. Bottomley received his education in the public schools of Greenville, Connecticut, then served an apprenticeship as millwright. He followed this trade in the employ of the Aspinook Company, of Jewett City, Connecticut, until the year 1908. He then opened a general repair shop there, doing busi- ness under his own name. A skilled workman, and industrious, always attending promptly to the re- quirements of his patrons, he was very successful. But as time passed he concluded that he would be
more advantageously placed in a larger community, so, in 1916, he removed to Norwich, where he opened a garage in the Majestic building. This is an excellent location, and with Mr. Bottomley's business qualifications, his future was assured. He still remains at this location, and is doing a con- stantly increasing business, in fact, is one of the leading men of his line in the city. Mr. Bottomley is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, and while never seeking nor accepting office, is a staunch supporter of the Republican party.
Mr. Bottomley married Anna A. Card, of Auburn, Rhode Island, the daughter of Samuel and Amy (Austin) Card, and they have two sons: Joseph S., who is married, and is associated with his father in business; and Henry H., who is employed by the United States Finishing Company, of Norwich.
ROWLAND STANTON BROWNING has lived "near to nature's heart" for as many years as his life numbers. Born on his father's farm at Babcock Hill, Lebanon township, Connecticut, July 20, 1883, he grew up accustomed to the constantly recurring tasks of the farmer, the yearly sowing and reaping, and the many pleasant incidents which go to make up the life of the average "man with the hoe."
The parents of Rowland Stanton Browning were both New Englanders, the father, Ezekial Howard Browning, having been born in South Kingston, Rhode Island, in 1825, and the mother, Mary Eliza- beth (Gould) Browning, was born in Wofield, Rhode Island, the daughter of Daniel and Penelope (Rod- man) Gould. Both father and mother are dead; the death of Ezekial Howard Browning occurring at Lebanon in February, 1914, and that of his wife in April, 1919. During his boyhood Rowland Stanton Browning attended the public schools of Lebanon until he had finished the course of study, then started a man's work on his father's farm. Here he continued until he purchased, three years ago (1919), a farm in North Franklin township, where he and his family are now living.
Mr. Browning married Alice Bessie Meech, born in Griswold, July 11, 1882, the daughter of Charles and Emily K. (Kegwin) Meech. Mr. and Mrs. Browning became the parents of seven children: Robert Stanton, born in 1904; Ruth, born Decem- ber 15, 1905, died June 17, 1922, at the age of sixteen years; Rowland, born May 24, 1907; Marion, born December 25, 1911; William H., born January 24, 1915; Alton Monroe, born March 15, 1916; and Alice Bessie, born in July, 1919.
In the matter of politics Mr. Browning follows the dictates of his conscience when voting and is not bound to any political party whatever. He is interested in several of the village societies, being a member of the Grange, and of the local lodge of the Junior Order, United American Mechanics.
GEORGE HENRY TETREAULT, who conducts a prosperous grocery and general merchandise busi- ness in the village of Occum, in the town of Sprague,
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Connecticut, should be numbered among the pro- gressive men of New London county.
Mr. Tetreault's father, Joseph Tetreault, was born in Canada, and as long as he remained in that coun- try was a mill worker. He came to the United States when he was a young man and located in Moosup, Connecticut. He is now a resident of Dan- ielson, Connecticut, a capable, active man at the age of sixty-five years, regularly employed in the mills of that town. He married Margaret Lusnow, who was born in Canada, and died at White Rock, Rhode Island, in 1889.
George Henry Tetreault was born in Moosup, Connecticut, July 27, 1883. The family removing to Montville, in this county, it was there that he at- tended the public schools, receiving a practical preparation for the battle of life. This education was supplemented by one year at high school in Westerly, Rhode Island, then the boy entered the cotton mill at Montville, and made his start in the world of industry. Not long afterwards, when fifteen years of age, he went to Versailles, near where he is now located, and entered the employ of the Brown Bake Shop. He remained in this connection for fourteen years, then nine years ago established the present business, in which he has made more than ordinary success. He is now counted among the solid business men of this section. Mr. Tetreault is interested in all public progress, his political con- victions leading him to support the Democratic party. He is a member of the Loyal Order of Moose, Norwich, Connecticut, and of the Modern Woodmen of the World.
He married, May 6, 1902, Marie Lucier, daughter of Joseph and Selinger Lucier, and they have six children, one son and five daughters, all at home: I. Nancy Mary, born April 1, 1903. 2. Stella Mar- garet, born October 7, 1906. 3. Aldea Alma, born November 29, 1908. 4. Leo Harry, born February 4, 1910. 5. Alice Grace, born May 25, 1915. 6. Rita Medora, born June 14, 1919.
OLIVER RUDD TRACY-Among the families of note in this section of the country, none are more highly regarded than that of Tracy. This family was represented in the colonies by one John Tracy, who married Mary Winslow, the daughter of the first woman to land from the "Mayflower." The Tracy farm was a grant from Chief Uncas and originally comprised one thousand acres, a portion of which, including the homestead, has descended through the eldest son to the present owner. New England has remained the home of various branches of the Tracy family to the present time. Almond Tracy, father of the subject of this review, was born upon the farm in 1800, and died here in Aug- ust, 1861. He married Abby Jane Huntington, a native of Franklin; she died April 1, 1904. To Mr. and Mrs. Tracy was born one son, Oliver Rudd, of further mention.
Oliver Rudd Tracy, son of Almond and Abby Jane (Huntington) Tracy, was born October 23,
1848, upon the old homestead at Yantic, where nine of his forebears had been born. The lad acquired his education at the Franklin Hill School, and later went to work upon his father's farm, following agri- cultural pursuits throughout his entire lifetime. As a public-spirited citizen, Mr. Tracy has always read- ily given practical aid to any movement which in his judgment would advance the public welfare. In politics he is a Republican, and has served on the school board for many years. He is also a justice of the peace. In religion he is a Methodist and attends the local church of that denomination.
On May 30, 1877, Mr. Tracy was united in mar- riage with Ada R. Mott, daughter of Albert Mor- gan and Clarissa C. (Graves) Mott, of Lebanon. To Mr. and Mrs. Tracy have been born one child, Mabel A., who resides with her parents.
ALFRED HUNT-Since 1890 Alfred Hunt has been identified with the business cricles of Norwich, Connecticut, as a landscape gardener. His ability is widely recognized and the success which he en- joys is well deserved.
Edward Hunt, father of Alfred Hunt, was born in Hampshire, England, and died in Newark, New Jersey, in 1895. He obtained his education in his native town, after which he studied landscape gar- dening, working on some of the largest estates in that locality until he was thirty years old, when he set sail for America. Upon landing in New York he went first to Fishkill, New York, where he remained for a short time only, subsequently re- moving to Long Island, and thence to Newark, New Jersey, where for a number of years he was super- intendent of a large estate. He then established himself in business as a landscape gardener and continued in that line successfully until his death. In religion he was an Episcopalian and was an active worker in the Episcopal church at Newark. Mr. Hunt married Jane Gould, and to them were born six children, three of whom are still living: Alfred, mentioned below; Lena E., married A. M. Peaves, of Newark, New Jersey; Ida S.
Alfred Hunt was born in Southhampton, England, March 4, 1858, the son of Edward and Jane (Gould) Hunt, and was brought by his parents to Newark, New Jersey, when he was two years of age. Here he attended the public schools until he was twelve years of age and then started to work with his father, they being partners in business for many years previous to Mr. Hunt senior's death. In 1890, Alfred Hunt removed to Norwich, Connecticut, and established himself in his present florist's business at No. 110 Lafayette street. The flourishing condi- tion of the business and its continued prosperity during the many years that it has been in existence testifies to the sound judgment and untiring energy which Mr. Hunt has brought to the discharge of the duties of this enterprise.
In politics, Mr. Hunt is a Republican, but the in- fluence which he exerts as a citizen is of the quiet- est and most unobstrusive description, for publicity
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in all forms, has always been distasteful to him. He affiliates with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, having been its past exalted ruler and sec- retary for three years; and is also a member of the Loyal Order of Moose; and of the Foresters of America. In religion he is an Episcopalian, and at- tends Christ's Episcopal Church of Norwich.
On October 23, 1888, Mr. Hunt was united in mar- riage with Martha A. Prest, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Armitage) Prest, formerly of Newark, New Jersey, but now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Hunt are the parents of four children: I. Jane E., born in Newark, New Jersey, February 3, 1890, died in Norwich, March 19, 1913. 2. Alfred G., born in Norwich, November 11, 1892, and died in Norwich, February 14, 1920; married Isabelle May Douglas, of Colchester, Connecticut. 3. Child, died in infancy. 4. Homer F., born in Norwich, October 9, 1902, is now engaged with the Telephone Company of Norwich.
ALVIN LEO DARGATZ was born in Chicago, Illinois, June 5, 1891, son of Rudolph and Frederica Dargatz. He was educated in Chicago schools, and took courses at Crane Technical School and Armour Institute, and completed a course at Chicago Busi- ness College. He was variously employed until 1908, then enlisted in the United States Navy, serv- ing cleven years, until honorably discharged, De- cember 17, 1919, being then a warrant officer. In 1920 he was appointed assistant superintendent of the State Pier at New London, and is still serving in that capacity. During his life in the United States Navy, Mr. Dargatz was "made a Mason" in Naval Lodge, No. 24, of Florida. He is a thirty-second degree Mason of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite at Norwich, Connecticut; a noble of the Mys- tic Shrine (Palestinc Temple), Providence, Rhode Island; a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and the Ma- sonic Club of New London. In politics, he is a Re- publican; in religions preference a Lutheran.
Mr. Dargatz married, November 5, 1911, Dorothy M. Barrie, of Newport, Rhode Island. The family home is at No. 6 Oneco avenue, New London.
MICHAEL ANGELO BARBER, proprietor of a machine and engineering shop on Chestnut street, Norwich, was born in New London, Connecticut, June 19, 1854. Mr. Barber's father, John Elliot Barber, was for many years a resident of Norwich. He was an expert machinist, having learned the trade in his youth, and being by nature of a mechani- cal turn of mind. He conducted a machine shop in Norwich for many years, but is now deceased. In 1843 John Elliot Barber built the first typewriter, known as the Therbur typewriter. He married Elizabeth D. Sherman, a descendant of Roger Sher- man, of Rhode Island; she still survives him, re- siding in Norwich at the age of ninety. They had two children: Michael Angelo, and Elliot B. The latter married Minnie Brennan, of North Orange, New Jersey, where they reside.
Michacl A. Barber received his education in the publie schools of New London. He was always deeply interested, as a boy, in his father's work, and when he had completed the school course he served an apprenticeship with his father, learning the trade of machinist. Ilis father had opened a shop in Nor- wich in 1857, and when the older man died, his son took over the shop. Up to that time the business had been under the name of J. E. Barber, but when the son became sole proprietor he continued the business under his own name. This business has endured well the test of time, and has continued to prosper, until now it is one of the foremost establishments of its kind, doing all manner of machine work and handling extensive interests in the engineering line. Mr. Barber is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, and of the Arcanum Club. He is a staunch supporter of the Republi- can party.
He married (first), in 1880, Fannie Burnett, of Norwich, who died in 1892. They had one son, Clarence E., a sketch of whose life appears else- where in this work. He married (second) in 1894, Theodora A. Hill, of Norwich. The family are members of the Universalist church.
WILKES MALCOLM. CASWELL-A lifetime resident of New London county, Connecticut, Wilkes Malcolm Caswell is a well known member of that large group of successful agriculturalists who com- prise the very foundation of the prosperity of this section. Mr. Caswell is a son of Samuel John Cas- well, who was born in North Stonington, in this county, on July 26, 1841. He brought his little fam- ily to Ledyard, when the son was a child of four years, purchasing the farm which has been in the family ever since. He is now retired from all active participation in the management of the farm, and was recently very ill, but is still interested in all the vital questions of the day. He married Eliza Jane Holdrige, of the prominent Holdrige family of Ledyard, who was born on September 23, 1847. She is a daughter of Daniel and Eliza (Maine) Holdridge, of North Stonington. Samuel J. Caswell was a son of David Caswell.
Wilkes Malcolm Caswell, only son of Samuel John and Eliza Jane (Holdrige) Caswell, was born in North Stonington, New London county, Connec- ticut, on June 15, 1869. Being only four years of age when the family moved to Ledyard, it was here that he received the practical education of the district schools, completing his studies at the age of sixteen years. He immediately, thereafter, took up the farm work with his father, and while at va- rious times he has worked out on different farms, his lifetime has been spent at the homestead. As his father became advanced in years he took over the management of the farm, and for some years has conducted it himself.
Mr. Caswell married Harriet Ingram, who was born in North Stonington on August 13, 1879, and is a daughter of Henry and Eliza (Donnelly) In-
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gram. Her father was born in Preston, Connecti- cut, and her mother in New York City. Mrs. Cas- well's sister, Mabel, who is the widow of William Clark, resides in North Stonington. She had four brothers, who are all now deceased: Charles, John, Frank, and William.
FRANK ALBERT VINING-With long experi- ence in various branches of endeavor, Frank Albert Vining, of Sound View, Connecticut, is now success- fully conducting a grocery business in this com- munity.
Mr. Vining was born in Springfield, Massachu- setts, October 27, 1865, and the family removing to New Haven, Connecticut, in his childhood, it was in that city that he acquired his education. After he had completed his studies the young man entered the employ of the Whitney Arms Company, where he learned the gun business, and was employed there for some years. Later he conducted an extensive dairy business in New Haven, Connecticut, being engaged thus for a period of seventeen years. In IgII he sold out his interests here, and for two years thereafter devoted his time to rest and travel. In 1915 he came to Sound View, a popular summer resort in the town of Old Lyme, purchasing a gro- cery business, later also leasing a small farm near the store, where he carries on farming in a modest way, as he has opportunity to do so in connection with his constantly growing business.
In public affairs Mr Vining is broadly interested, and politically, supports no party unqualifiedly, thinking and acting for himself. During the World War he was employed, for the winter of 1918-19, by the General Motors Corporation, of Bristol, Con- necticut, making airplane parts for the United States Government. Fraternally, Mr. Vining holds mem- bership with Day Spring Lodge, No. 30, Free and Accepted Masons, and he is a member of the Con- gregational church.
On May 27, 1889, Mr. Vining married Jennie Eliza Hopcroft, who was born in New Haven, August 30, 1872, and is of English extraction. They are the parents of seven sons: 1. Albert L., who was born in Hamden, Connecticut, in 1891, and is now chief clerk of the Great Northern railroad; he married, and has one son, Albert. 2. Frank Latham. 3. Pearly Howell, who is married, and has two chil- dren. 4. Robert Bruce, born May 25, 1902. 5. Thomas Clifford, born May 27, 1907. 6. A child, who died in infancy. 7. Walter Clifford, who was born in 1914.
HUGH MAC KENZIE, one of the most success- ful farmers of this community, was born in Perth- shire, Scotland, April 7, 1884. He was the son of Donald and Margaret (Buchanan) Mac Kenzie. Don- ald Mac Kenzie was a native of Argyleshire, Scot- land. For many years previous to his death, which occurred in 1907, he managed an extensive sheep farm in Perthshire. He married (first) Margaret Buchanan, who bore him three children: Peter,
William, and Hugh. She died in 1886. He married (second) Mary Drummond, a native of Buchlyrie, Scotland, and to them have been born five chil- dren: Donald, Isabella, Mary, Jessie, and John.
Huglı Mackenzie spent his childhood on his fath- er's farm, and most of his time was given to aiding the elder man in his work about the place. He came to this country in 1906, and later revisited Scotland, and while there was married, as hereinafter noted. Upon his return to this country, Mr. Mac Kenzie went to Rockland county, where he secured employ- ment on the William Pierson Hamilton estate, and later became foreman of the farm. He was there for five years, then resigned and came to the town of Waterford, to the Stillman place, starting a dairy business, subsequently going to Groton. While at this last place he purchased the Sound View Farm, one of the best farms in New London county, on Durfey Hill, at Waterford, and lives there at the present time. This property was naturally a fer- tile one, and he developed and cultivated it until he has brought it to a highly productive state. He is a member of the Grange and the Farm Bureau. In politics he is a Republican, and in religion a Congregationalist.
On November 2, 1907, at Aberfoyle, Scotland, Hugh Mac Kenzie married (first) Jean Gilfillan McArthur, a daughter of John and Helen (Edmund) McArthur, of Stirlingshire, Scotland. Mrs. Mac- Kenzie died January 5, 1921. On June 25, 1922, Hugh Mac Kenzie married (second) Nettie Viola Edwards, a resident of Waterford, Connecticut, and principal of the Jordan School.
GEORGE ROBERT DEAN-Widely known in the farming section which comprises the south- western part of New London county, Connecticut, George Robert Dean, the blacksmith, conducts a thriving business in the little village of Niantic. Mr. Dean is a son of Robert and Elizabeth (Beck- with) Dean, old residents of that part of Lyme known as Niantic Hill.
Robert Dean was born in Hamburg, Connecticut, September 16, 1854, and has resided in this part of New London county throughout his lifetime. He is one of the leading farmers of this community, and is still actively engaged in general farming. His wife was born in 1856, and they are the parents of seven children.
George Robert Dean was born in Hamburg, July 5, 1883, and received his education in the public schools of the community. As a boy he became interested in the work of the farm, and assisted his father for several years. He then struck out for himself and learned the trade of blacksmith, even- tually becoming the owner of his present shop in Niantic, which is well equipped and advantageously located. He has won not only the patronage of the people in a business way, but their sincere esteem. Of fine physique and remarkable strength, he is also a man of fearless spirit and broad sympathies. He looks upon every phase of life and progress through
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his own eyes, and brings to bear his individual con- victions on all matters of public responsibility, poli- tical or otherwise.
On April 10, 1905, Mr. Dean married Mia Lena Daniels, and they have six children: Olive Mazel, born in Lyme, April 8, 1906; George Robert, Jr., born in New London, June 14, 1908; Hazel May, born in Lyme, May 8, 1911; Laurence Brackett, born in Groton, December 9, 1918; Chelsea Roberta, born in East Lyme, June 5, 1920; and Clarence Ed- ward, born June 4, 1922.
CHRISTIE HASKIN FOSTER was born in New London county, Connecticut, June 8, 1887, the son of George H. and Sarah (Gardner) Foster. George H. Foster was born in Hopkinton, Rhode Island, and received his elementary education in the district school of his native place, after which he entered Eastman Business College at Pough- keepsie, New York, and upon completing his studies at this institution, kept books for several years, then took up the carpentry business, and later moved to Lebanon, where he became a successful dairy far- mer, and followed this occupation until his death, which occurred August 19, 1918. To Mr. and Mrs. Foster were born five children: Ada L., wife of Myron C. Peckham, of Manchester, Connecticut; John R., married Fannie Tucker, of Lebanon; Chris- tie Haskin, of further mention; Edith; Edwin D.
Christie Haskin Foster obtained his education in the district schools of Lebanon and the high school at Willimantic, and upon graduating from the latter institution he taught school for a year in the Bab- cock Hill district of Lebanon, after which he be- came associated with his father on the latter's farm. In 1914 Mr. Foster bought the Elmwood farm, which was owned by Dr. Henry Sweet, and this, together with his own farm, covers territory which comprises 285 acres, which he devotes to general farming and dairy products. In everything pertaining to the community's welfare, Mr. Foster's interest is deep and sincere, and no project which in his judgment tends to further that end, lacks his co-operation and support. He is an active member of the Republican party, and is now serving on the Board of Relief. He affiliates with Wooster Lodge, No. Io, Free and Accepted Masons; with the Order of United American Men, No. 72, of Lebanon; with the Knights of Pythias, No. 74; and with Lebanon Grange, No. 61, Patrons of Husbandry.
On August 18, 1914, Mr. Foster was united in marriage with Eva Brown, daughter of William B. and Harriett (Dunbar) Brown, of Mansfield, Massa- chusetts. Mr. and Mrs. Foster are the parents of two children: Ruth H. and George Bradford. The family are Congregationalists, and attend the church of that denomination at Lebanon.
HENRY FRANCIS BAMBER, of Norwich, Con- necticut, was born in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, No- vember 12, 1891, a son of Joseph B. and Julia (O'Rourke) Bamber.
Both Mr. Bamber's parents were born in Lanca- shire, England. His father was educated in the Na- tional schools of that country, and came to America when he was seventeen years of age. He located in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, where he still resides, and where he is a prominent figure in the building industry of the section, having been a contractor and builder for many years, and having handled many important pieces of construction work. His wife died in 1901. They were the parents of two chil- dren, of whom Henry Francis is the younger.
Henry Francis Bamber received his education in the public and high schools of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, and then entered the employ of the Provi- dence Autogenous Welding Company, of Provi- dence, as an apprentice. He served an apprentice- ship of three years, after which he was employed by the Capitol Welding Company in that city for seven years. In 1917 he came to Norwich, Con- necticut, and became associated with the Norwich Welding Company. This firm handles all kinds of welding and brazing, and Mr. Bamber is still with then. Mr. Bamber is a man of public spirit, inter- ested in all movements tending to advance the wel- fare of the people. He is a member of Lodge No. 401, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
He married, on June 12, 1912, Rachael McDade, of Saylesville, Rhode Island, and they have three chil- dren: Henry F., Jr., Rita, and Elizabeth R. The family are members of the Roman Catholic church.
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