USA > Connecticut > New London County > A modern history of New London County, Connecticut, Volume III > Part 6
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lan's excellent taste, and his talent for fine effects, have placed his work in a class by itself, and many very beautiful memorials have been produced under his eye. He is a member of the National Associa- tion of Retail Monument Dealers.
Mr. Quinlan always keeps in touch with public affairs, and is a staunch Democrat, although he lias never sought nor accepted public office. He is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Lodge No. 430, of Norwich, and a member of the Woodmen of the World, Camp No. 90.
Mr. Quinlan married, in Norwich, on June II, 1905, Nellie M. Corcoran, of that city. She is the daughter of Morris and Ellen (O'Brien) Corcoran, both natives of Cork, Ireland. The family have always been devout members of St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church.
JOHN PATRICK GORMAN-A prominent fig- ure in the business life of Jewett City is John Patrick Gorman, owner and manager of the Gor- man Drug Store, which is located at No. 60 Main street. From the time of his coming to this com- munity he has given his carnest support to all movements calculated to advance the welfare of the place which lie has chosen for his residence and field of business activities.
John Patrick Gorman was born in Greenville, town of Norwich, Connecticut, September 14, 1855, the son of Patrick and Beezy (Battle) Gorman. Patrick Gorman was born in Sligo, Ireland, and came to this country in 1848, locating in Norwich, where he secured a position as overseer of one of the departments of the Chelsea Paper Mills, and continued here until his death, which occurred in Norwich. To Mr. and Mrs. Gorman were born three children: Catherine, wife of Anthony J. Mur- phy, of Norwich, Connecticut; George D., deceased; and John Patrick, of further mention.
After completing his studies in the public schools of Greenville, John Patrick Gorman worked in various places, but in 1884 he entered the employ of Dr. William Soule for the purpose of learning the drug business, and passed the examinations of the Connecticut State Board of Pharmacy in 1904. He then returned to Dr. Soule's drug store as a registered pharmacist and remained there until 1914, when he established himself in the drug business at his present location on Main street. He has been highly successful in his business venture, which Is due to his own indefatigable effort and his unfailing belief in his ability to succeed.
In politics he is a Republican, and for ten years has been justice of the peace. He affiliates with Mt. Vernon Lodge, No. 75, Free and Accepted Masons; Franklin Chapter, No. 3, Royal Arch Ma- sons; Franklin Council, No. 4, Royal and Select Masters; Columbian Commandery, Knights Temp- lar; Sphinx Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; and Connecticut Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, thirty-second de- grec. He is also a member of Reliance Lodge, No. 29, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Norwich
alfred H. La Barre
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Nest of Owls, and Undaunted Lodge, No. 34, Knights of Pythias, of Jewett City. He is a mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Jewett City.
ALFRED HENRY LA BARRE - Born and reared in New London county, and with an honor- able record in the great World War, Alfred Henry La Barre, of Taftville, Connecticut, is now his father's assistant in the Rock Water Soda Company plant in Taftville. Mr. La Barre is of French de- scent, his parents being the first of the family to come to this country.
Albert La Barre was born in the Province of Quebec, Canada, on April 17, 1866, and received his education there in the parochial schools. He came to the United States when sixteen years of age, coming directly to New London county and locating in Jewett City. There he entered the employ of R. R. Church, the leading coal dealer of the Jewett City of that day. The young man soon became manager of the business, and remained with Mr. Church for several years. He then turned his atten- tion to farming, at Griswold, near the village of Pachaug, for eight years, then, in the early nineties, he conducted a bakcry in Jewett City, following along this line for a period of two years. Remov- ing at the end of that time to the adjoining town of Plainfield, Mr. La Barre engaged in farming for about one year. After that he lived in several dif- ferent places until 1910, during all of that time actively engaged in useful endeavor. He then lo- cated permanently in Taftville, and established him- self in the manufacture of bottled soda. He has been very successful, the product being a popular one throughout an extensive territory. The busi- ness was recently incorporated, with Mr. La Barre as president, and is in a most flourishing condition. Mr. La Barre married Mary Le Roux, and they are the parents of thirteen children, all living except one, as follows: Albert, Jr .; Alfred Henry, whose name heads this review; Napolcon, Rose, Albina; George, deceased; Alvia, Diana, Wilfred, Agnes, Theodore, Delina, and Mary. All of these children are still at home (1921).
Alfred Henry La Barre, son of Albert and Mary (Le Roux) La Barre, was born in Jewett City, Con- necticut, on December 22, 1890. He received his education in the excellent public schools of that place, and grew up to be a representative American young man. When the call for men overseas came to American manhood, he responded, enlisting on May 19, 1918. He served in Company K, 313th Regiment, 79th Division, American Expeditionary Forces. He was gassed at Montfaucon, France, and suffered severely from the effects of this in- sidious poison. Discharged at Camp Upton, New York, on May 19, 1919, he returned at once to his home, and is now associated with his father in the prosperous business in Taftville. His business abil- ity and native industry bid fair to make his posi- tion in the management one of power and progres- sive achievement.
Mr. La Barre is well and favorably known in this vicinity, interested in all public activity and community progress. Politically an Independent, he thinks for himself on all subjects of general interest. He is a member of Poncmah Council, Knights of Columbus, of Taftville, Connecticut; Court Wequonnock, No. 88, Foresters of America, of Taftville; Aeric No. 367, Fraternal Order of Eagles, of Norwich; Robert O. Fletcher Post of the American Legion, of Norwich; and Union St. John the Baptiste Society of Taftville. The La Barre family have always been members of the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church.
LEWIS ROBERT CHURCH, cashier of the Nor- wich Water Company, was born in Montville, Con- necticut, September 23, 1860, the son of Periz and Jane (Parker) Church. Periz Church was born in Montville, Connecticut, in 1839, and dicd in 1872. For many years he was a pilot on the steamer "City of Lawrence," which ran from Norwich to New York City. To Mr. and Mrs. Church were born nine children, and four of the number are still living: Louise P., widow of Henry E. Silcox, of Norwich; Frank P., a cigar manufacturer of Nor- wich, Connecticut, who married Annic E. Pettigrew; John H., a resident of Middletown, Connecticut; and Lewis Robert, mentioned below.
The education of Lewis Robert Church was ob- tained in the public schools of his native place, after which he worked on his father's farm until ISSo, when, together with his brother, Frank P. Church, he engaged in the manufacture of cigars in Norwich, continuing in this line of industry until 1899, when the two brothers bought out the coal business on Thames street from the A. W. Gibbs cstate. In 1912 Lewis Robert Church bought out his brother's interest in this business and con- tinved it himself until 1917, when he became manager of the real estate business of A. M. Avery. In 1920 he accepted his present position as cashier and clerk of the water department of the city of Nor- wich. He is prominent in Masonic circles, being affiliated with St. James Lodge, No. 23, Free and Accepted Masons; Franklin Chapter, No. 3, Royal Arch Masons; Franklin Council, No. 4, Royal and Select Masters; and Columbian Commandery, Knights Templar. In religion he is a Baptist, and attends the Central Baptist Church of Norwich.
Mr. Church married, in Norwich, November 16, 1888, Elizabeth Maynard, daughter of Jedediah and Julia (Rockwell) Maynard. Mr. and Mrs. Church are the parents of two children, both born in Nor- wich, Connecticut: Lloyd Maynard, sales agent for the Automatic Refrigerating Company of Hartford, Connecticut, married Pauline Huff, of Rochester, New York; Robert Huntington, who served with the United States navy during the World War and was stationed at the submarine base at New Lon- don, Connecticut.
ROBERT BOISSON - Although having been identified with Norwich, or in fact the United
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States, but a very short time, having come here in 1917, Mr. Boisson has not only identified himself with the business interests of the community which he has chosen for his home, but also as a citizen he is always ready to do all in his power to pro- mote her best welfare and truest progress.
Robert Boisson was born in Lyons, France, October 19. 1890, the son of Felix and Eugenia (Fronbat) Boisson. For a number of years Robert Boisson has been engaged in his present business, that of novelty manufacturer. To Mr. and Mrs. Boisson have been born twelve children, and ainong the number were Marcel and Rene, who were killed in action during the World War, French army; Felix, an importer in China; Robert, men- tioned below.
Robert Boisson, when a young lad, entered the public schools of his native place, and passed through the consecutive grades to his graduation from the Lyons High School, after which he secured a position as clerk in a bank near his native city, remaining there for five years. He then enlisted in the French army, and in 1910 he was called for military duty, for two years served in the Thirtieth Battalion, Chasseurs Alpins, was relieved, and in August, 1914, called back to same regiment and served until July, 1916. He was wounded, July 19, 1916, at the battle of the Somme, was three months in hospital, discharged in March, 1917-lost his left arm. He saw service in the Vosges Mountains, and during this time was in many battles. The Thirtieth Battalion were the Blue Devils. He served as first lieutenant. After his discharge from the war he came to America, landing in New York, accompanied by his wife, Gabrielle (Bietrix) Boisson, whom he had married just previous to sailing; he immediately came to Norwich, Connecticut, sub- sequently entering into his present position as as- sistant manager with the J. B. Martin Company, velvet manufacturers.
To Mr. and Mrs. Boisson, who were married in Lyons, France, February 2, 1917, have been born two children: Jeanne, in France, November 16, 1918; Henri, January 5, 1920. The family attend the Sacred Heart Church of Norwich.
HENRY A. MÜLLER-The ancestry of Mr. Müller is German on both the maternal and paternal sides of his family, though Mr. Müller is an Amer- ican citizen by birth. He is the son of August and Barbara (Scheinlein) Müller, the former a native of Torgua Krais, Daletzsch, Kingdom of Prussia, Ger- many, where he was born April 19, 1820. August Müller attended the public school in his province until he was seventeen years of age, when he left to become an apprentice in the shop of a cabinet maker at Torgua. After serving his time at this trade he went to Leipzig, Germany, obtaining work in that line and remaining there for six years.
Stonington, Connecticut, where he went into busi- ness as a furniture dealer and also conducted an undertaking establishment in connection with it. He was very successful in both these lines and carried them on until his death, which occurred in Stonington, July 12, 1903. August Muller was quite prominent as a Freemason, being a Master Mason for thirty-five years in Stonington. He was married, in New York City, October 26, 1853, to Barbara Scheinlein, and their son, Henry A., was born there. Mrs. Barbara (Scheinlein) Müller was born in Ba- varia, Germany.
While still an infant, Henry A. Müller's parents moved to Stonington and there the lad grew up, attending the public school, and when old enough assisting his father in the furniture store. In 1879 the younger Mr. Müller went out West and, lo- cating in Missouri, became engaged in the furniture and undertaking business, staying there for ten years. Returning to Stonington in 1889, he again joined his father, remaining with him until the death of the elder Mr. Müller, when Henry A. Müller took over the business and has continued it up to the present time (1921).
In politics Mr. Müller is a Democrat, and for the last five years has served on the Board of Burgesses. He is a member of Union No. 50, Ancient Order of United Workmen, of Stonington, and a member of Pequot Council, Royal Areanum, of the same place.
Mr. Müller married, May 16, 1888, Elizabeth Owens, who was born in Springfield, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Mül- ler are the parents of four children : 1. August O., now in business with his father. 2. Grace, who married Albert G. Randell, and resides at New Rochelle, New York. 3. Frank, who resides at Bridgeport, Connec- ticut ; he served in the World War, in the Medical Corps, and was stationed at Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia. 4 Elizabeth, who is a teacher in Westerly, Rhode Island, and resides at home; she graduated from the State Normal School at Willimantic, Connecticut. Mr. and Mrs. Henry A. Müller and their family are members of the Second Congregational Church of Stonington.
BURDETT SILAS DOUBLEDAY-Since 1912, Mr. Doubleday has been a resident of Colchester, Con- necticut, and during these few years has already become recognized as a citizen who takes a keen and active interest in all things pertaining to the welfare of the community.
Dwight Doubleday, father of Burdett Silas Double- day, was born in Columbia, Connecticut, in 1846, and has followed agricultural pursuits throughout his entire lifetime. He married Martha Wheeler, who was also a native of Columbia, and to them were born the following children: Roy, Ida, Amos, Hubert, Hyde, Walter Richard, Martha, and Burdett Silas, of further mention.
Burdett Silas Doubleday was born at Lebanon, Con- necticut, May 8, 1880. His childhood was spent on his father's farm, where most of his spare time from school was spent in aiding the elder man with his work about
Emigrating to the United States on September 28, 1852, August Müller located in New York City, November 10, 1852, becoming employed at his trade. After remaining there for three years he moved tothe farm. At the age of eighteen years he terminated
Michael Jacob
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his studies and returned to the farm to give his entire time toward gaining a wide knowledge of agricultural methods. In 1912 he came to Colchester, Connecticut, where he purchased his present place, which has been his residence continuously up to the present time. This farm land was naturally fertile, and he continued to cultivate it until he has brought it to its present highly productive state.
Mr. Doubleday has never taken any active part in public affairs, but has always shown particular interest in the welfare of the community, and there is no good work done in the name of charity or religion but finds in him an earnest supporter.
Mr. Doubleday married, September 10, 1906, Emma Baumberger, daughter of Arnold and Emma Baum- berger, natives of Hebron, Connecticut. Mr. and Mrs. Doubleday are the parents of seven children: Clara Emma, Alma, Mary, Theodore, John, Helen, and Ernest Silas, deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Doubleday are members of the Congregational church.
WALLACE H. PAYNE-The Paynes of Jewett City, Connecticut, father and son, are well known, the father as a soldier of peace, as taught by the church of which he was long a devoted minister, the son as a militant soldier who fought the "Hun" on his chosen battlefields, inhaled his deadly gasses, and returned to his native United States the victor over his savage foe and his barbarous weapons. Father and son have now joined forces again, and are the editors and publishers of the Jewett City "Press," the elder Mr. Payne having bought that paper in 1907.
Rev. John W. Payne, father of Wallace H. Payne, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, and there completed a course in public school study. He then was a student at Granville Academy and College, Granville, Ohio, whence he was graduated A. B., becoming later an A. M. He studied divinity at Rochester (New York) The- ological Seminary, and was duly ordained a minister of the Baptist church. He accepted calls from various churches of that faith, which he ably administered until 1889, when he was called to the pastorate of the Jewett City Baptist Church. He accepted the call, and for fourteen years was the loved and honored pastor of that congregation. From 1883 until 1889 Rev. John W. Payne was associated with Dr. W. R. Harper, former president of the Chicago University, Chicago, Illinois, as proof reader and specialist in Semitic publications. From 1904 to 1907 he had a small printing business in Jewett City, and in 1907 he purchased the Jewett City "Press," which he has since most ably edited. He mar- ried Anna B. Tunison, and they are the parents of three children : Ivah M., wife of Benjamin R. Gardner, of Jewett City; Herbert E., deceased; and Wallace H., of further mention.
Wallace H. Payne was born in New Haven, Con- necticut, February 4, 1889. He passed through the public schools of Jewett City, and after finishing his studies, became associated with his father in the pub- lishing of the Jewett City "Press." His newspaper work was interrupted by his service in the United States army, which he entered February 27, 1918, for service
in the war against Germany. He was assigned to Company B, 308th Regiment, 77th Division, was sent overseas, and saw hard service in France; was severely burned by mustard gas, but survived every peril of that infernal period in the world's history; returned to the United States, and was honorably discharged and mus- tered out at Camp Upton, Long Island, April 1, 1919. Since his return, Mr. Payne has resumed newspaper work in Jewett City with his father.
Under its scholarly editor, Rev. John W. Payne, and his son, Wallace H., the Jewett City "Press" has re- flected in its pages and in its prosperity the ability of the men who since 1907 have guided its destinies. They have made it a force for good in New London county, and a credit to journalism.
Mr. Payne is a past master of Mount Vernon Lodge, No. 75, Free and Accepted Masons, of Jewett City, and is a member of Jewett City Post of the American Legion, and of the Jewett City Baptist Church.
MICHAEL JACOB-A prosperous farmer and business man, Michael Jacob was one of Taftville's highly respected citizens, and one whose public spirit and co-operation could always be relied upon. He was born in Bavaria, Germany, December 26, 1865, and died at his farm near Taftville, town of Norwich, New Lon- don county, Connecticut, February 4, 1918.
He was educated in the schools of his native district, and grew to adult years there. From January 29, 1895, to 1899, he served in the German army, attaining the rank of lieutenant. From 1899 until 1903 he was en- gaged as a lumber salesman, then came to the United States, joining his father, who had preceded him and was engaged in business in Taftville, Connecticut. Michael Jacob, soon after coming to New London county, bought a farm near Taftville and conducted very profitable farming operations. He also established a meat market in the village, and until his death con- tinued both lines of business. He prospered abundantly, and when death removed him his farm and business affairs were in such good condition that his widow has since conducted both along the same lines. He was a man of industry, and by good judgment and energy won success as a business man, while his virtues as a man insured the respect and esteem of all who knew him. He was a member of Norwich Lodge, No. 430, Benevo- lent and Protective Order of Elks, and while he met all the demands of citizenship took no active part in political affairs.
Mr. Jacob married, June 14, 1912, Mrs. Lena Krodel, born in Bavaria, Germany, widow of Andrew Krodel, who died in Taftville, September 28, 1911, leaving a daughter Rose, who died November 27, 1913, aged three years. Mrs. Jacob is a good business woman and ably manages the estate committed to her care. She is interested in church and charitable work, and has many friends.
ERASTUS WILLINGTON CARTER-It was not until 1907 that Mr. Carter came to Norwich, Con- necticut, but during the fourteen years which have since elapsed he has established and built up a strong general
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insurance agency. He is of Rhode Island birth and parentage, his parents, Gideon W. and Elizabeth (Free- man) Carter, being residents of North Providence at the time of the birth of their son. Gideon W. Carter was born in Westport, Rhode Island, but when a young man moved to North Providence, where he became a cotton mill worker and finally overseer of the weaving room at the Dyerville mill. When war broke out be- tween the states, he enlisted in Company I, Seventh Regiment, Rhode Island Volunteer Infantry, and served with honor. He returned to Rhode Island after his military service, and heing an expert weaver, he con- tinued in the textile mills as overseer until his death, which occurred in February, 1918. His wife died in Danielson, Connecticut, in June, 1905. They were the parents of three children : Erastus W., of further men- tion ; Ida, wife of Benjamin Russell, of Danielson, Con- necticut ; and George LeMar, who married Elizabeth Whipple, and resides in Providence, Rhode Island.
Erastus W. Carter was born in Providence, Rhode Island, September 2, 1852, and there educated in the public schools. After school years were over he became a cotton mill worker and an expert weaver. He did not confine himself to any particular mill, but, being an expert, could always be sure of a good position wherever he went. He served as oversecr of weaving in several New England cotton mills, continuing in the textile business until 1900. He then located in Willi- mantic, Connecticut, and there established a fire insur- ance agency, which he successfully conducted until 1907, when he sold his business and located in Norwich, where he yet resides. In Norwich he has conducted a general insurance business, also dealing to a limited extent in real estate. During his earlier years he was always a member of some musical organization, his own specialty being the snare drum. In the various towns in which he lived he belonged to several orchestras and bands, some of them well-known and famous.
In Norwich he is a member of the Fire Underwriters' Association ; is a Republican in politics; member of Norwich Lodge, No. 430, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; and an attendant of the Episcopal church.
Mr. Carter married, October 4, 1874, Mary A. Gough, daughter of Hugh and Tresia (Newton) Gough, of Plainfield, Connecticut. Mr. and Mrs. Carter are the parents of six children: 1. Geneva, born in Norwich, died at the age of four years. 2. Gertrude L., wife of Arthur A. Thomsette, a civil engineer, of Providence, Rhode Island. 3. Willington H., who married Mary E. Mulholland, a contractor and builder in Miami, Florida. 4. Theresa M., who died at the age of eighteen years. 5. Joseph F., who married (first) Jennie Keon, (second) Lovenia White; an automobile dealer in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. 6. Inez Mae, who lives at home.
JOSEPH FRANCIS LEAHY-In or about 1851 a young emigrant from Ireland landed in the United States, locating in Mystic, Connecticut. He was James Leahy, and he found employment as a stationary en- gineer in one of the industrial plants in Mystic. He continued there, occupied in various places, until his
death in 1888. His wife, Sarah (Carey) Leahy, died four years earlier (1884). They were the parents of twelve children, their son, Joseph Francis, being the eleventh child in this large family.
Joseph Francis Leahy was born in Mystic, New Lon- don county, Connecticut, May 22, 1864. He attended the public school in the village and when older went to Stonington, Connecticut, where he became an em- ployee of the Atwood Machine Company. Some time later he was promoted to the position of foreman of the moulding department, holding this position for sev- enteen years. On March 22, 1915, Joseph Francis Leahy received the appointment of postmaster in the post office at Stonington, where he is located at present.
Always a Democrat in politics, Mr. Leahy has taken a great interest in the village welfare. He has served on the Board of School Commissioners for five years, having been secretary of the board for three years. Joseph Francis Leahy is a prominent member of the Knights of Columbus and is connected with Nina Coun- cil, No. 43, in which he is a past grand knight.
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