USA > Connecticut > New London County > A modern history of New London County, Connecticut, Volume III > Part 62
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Albert Boardman was born in Lowell, Massachu- setts, December 8, 1870, and was educated in the public schools of his native State and the New Britain (Connecticut) State Normal School, from which he was graduated in the class of 1895. Hav- ing completed his education, Mr. Boardman taught school in New Britain and other places for about ten years, entering the business world at the end of that period. Coming to Norwich he established, in association with his brother, Horace P. Board- man, what has since been known as the Household Store, in Norwich, this being a general hardware store, carrying a very complete and comprehensive stock of such goods as are ordinarily included with- in the scope of this general term. This has become one of the successful business interests of the city, and is still going forward. Holding advanced ideas regarding the imminence and the practicability of a mutually benevolent social order, and possessing the courage of his convictions, Mr. Boardman has long been one of the most fearless and outspoken advocates of Socialism in this county. He has suf- fered prosecution several times in Norwich for dis- semination of the principles of his party in public specches, but in no way have his convictions been shaken, and he speaks with pride of his vicissitudes in defence of his principles.
Mr. Boardman married, in Waterville, Connecti- cut, Grace Lillie Melville, daughter of George H. and May (Dilworth) Melville, both natives of this country. Mr. and Mrs. Boardman are the parents of four children, of whom all are living: Bessie Alice, born in Westerly, Rhode Island; Gladys Lil- lian, born in Windsor, Connecticut; Grace Alberta, and Mary Dilworth, born in Westerly, Rhode Island.
Mrs. Boardman and children are members of the Methodist Episcopal church of Norwich, and active in all the social and benevolent organizations of the church.
HORACE PETER BOARDMAN-From his first residence in Norwich, Connecticut, some twenty- seven years ago, through his activities in the in- dustrial and business world since that time, Horace Peter Boardman, junior partner of the Household Store, in Norwich, has always borne a definite share in the general progress, working for the good of the people at all times and in all places.
Mr. Boardman is a son of Peter and Saralı Ann (Pettinger) Boardman, and brother of Albert Boardman (see preceding sketch). Ilorace P. Boardman was born in Newburyport, Massachu- setts, January 2, 1872, and received a practical pub- lic school education. About 1895 Mr. Boardma :: came to Norwich, and here entered the employ of the Vaughan Foundry Company, as an apprentice iron moulder, serving four years in learning this trade. For the next six years he worked as a moulder in various places, then, in association with his brother, Albert Boardman, established the pres. ent business, which is located at No. 74 FrankI'n street. With a complete stock of hardware and tite various merchandise usually handled by a store of this class, the concern has achieved a marked suc- cess, and is one of the substantial and widely known business enterprises of this city.
As an individual Mr. Boardman is deeply inter- ested in every phase of public advance, and politi- cally endorses the principles of the Socialist party, being one of the most ardent advocates of that doc - trine in this section, and a staunch supporter of the party. He is a member of the Congregational church, his family also holding membership in that church.
Mr. Boardman married, in Taftville, Connecticut, Melissa Crosby, of Norwich, daughter of John Crosby. Mr. and Mrs. Boardman have two chil- dren : Ruth, born in New Bedford, Massachusetts, now the wife of Fred Gabeille, of Norwich; and Viola, born in Valley Field, Province of Quebec, Canada. The family residence is at No. 17 Arnold street, Norwich.
HORACE PALMER LANPHEAR and his father, Captain Horace Clark Lanphcar, both made high reputation in the service of the public, the father as a captain of sound steamboats, the son as a locomotive engineer, and when a change of occu- pation seemed desirable, both retired to a farm, the father long gone to his reward, the son yet tilling the fertile fields of "Pleasant View" farm, overlook- ing Long Island sound.
Lanphear is an ancient Rhode Island family name, this branch tracing to George Lanphear, who was of Westerly, Rhode Island, in 1669. He bought land in that year, took the oath of allegi-
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ance in 1671, was baptized in 1678, and had two hundred acres laid out to him in 1704. He died October 6, 1731. The name of his wife is unknown.
From George Lanphear the line of descent is through his son, John Lanphear, who was a resi- dent of Westerly, Rhode Island, and there died in 1757. His wife, Ruth, died in 1730, the next in line being their son, Nathan.
Nathan Lanphear married, June 22, 1739, Mary Langworthy, and reared a large family, all born in Westerly. Descent is traced through their son, Nathan (2).
Nathan (2) Lanphear was born February 18, 1742. His second wife, Sarah (Landers) Lanphear, whom he married October 31, 1771, bore him a son, Enoch.
Enoch Lanphear, born January 14, 1782, married Susanna Berry. He followed the water most of his life, but also was a farmer and a shoemaker. He died at the age of seventy, his wife at the age of sixty.
Captain Horace Clark Lanphear, youngest son of Enoch and Susanna (Berry) Lanphear, was born in Westerly, Rhode Island, June 24, 1826, died in Waterford, Connecticut, July 16, 1902. At the age of ten he made his first voyage, going as cook for Captain Brand, who for nine months paid the boy two dollars monthly wages. Five dollars per month was his next pay, then seven, and as second mate with Captain Berry he was raised to ten dollars. He was mate of the smack "Herald," for three years, then bought the smack "Commerce," and was his own captain. He sold the "Commerce" in October, 1844, and went on a whaling voyage on the "Robin Hood," the first vessel to enter the Ochotsk Sea in quest of whales. The ship was thirty-four months on this voyage, but brought back oil and whale bone in large quantities. In October, 1849, he engaged as pilot and sailing master of the sloop "Catherine Hale," running between Westerly, Stonington, and New York City. In 1852 he became captain of the sloop "Leader," and in 1853-54-55 was captain and part owner of the sloop "E. W. Babcock." In 1856- 57 he was captain and part owner of the schooner "Orlando Smith," running between Boston and Philadelphia, touching at New York.
In 1858 he changed to steam and was captain of the "Richard Law;" in 1859 was first pilot of the steamer "Commodore," running from Stonington to New York. He was with the Stonington Line until January 1, 1865, serving as first pilot on the "Commodore," "Vanderbilt," Commonwealth," "Ply- mouth Rock," and "State of Maine." His first posi- tion with the Norwich Line, January 1, 1865, was as first pilot of the "City of Boston" (two and one-half years). He was then made captain of the "City of New London" (six years), captain of the "City of Lawrence" (two and one-half years), "City of New York," which he commanded until assigned as cap- tain of the "City of Worcester," which, at the time of her building, was considered the finest and hand- somest of all sound steamboats. He was then senior captain of the line, and it was a reward for
long and faithful service that he was given the new and handsome "City of Worcester." He retired from the service of the Norwich line, having never had an accident in all his many years in command of sound steamboats. During his term, there was one service he rendered which should always be cred- ited to his memory. This was the rescue of the passengers of the "Narragansett," after her col- lision with the "Stonington" on a foggy night in June, 1879. Captain Lanphear heard signals of dis- tress and quickly brought his boat, the "City of New York," to the scene of the collision, the "Nar- ragansett's passengers then being in the water clinging to boxes, planks or anything that would float. For three and one-half hours the boats of the "City of New York" were engaged in their work of rescue, taking two hundred and forty out of the water and placing them on the "City of New York." How many lives were lost was never known, but the world rang with the praises of the gallant captain and his men. Captain Lanphear received testimonials from all over the country, and a hand- somely engraved set of resolutions from the dircc- tors of the Norwich Line.
Captain Lanphear served as captain of every steamer of the Norwich line except the "City of Lowell," which was built after his retirement. He was a man of rugged constitution and a thorough sportsman. In 1882 he entered a race off Ocean Beach in the sound, the craft being half hogsheads propelled by an oar. Captain Lanphear enjoyed the sport all the more as he won the race and re- ceived a silver ice pitcher as a prize. When captain of the "City of Boston" he broke all speed records between New London and New York, making the run in six hours and five minutes. That record stood until the "Greyhound of the Sound," the "City of Lowell," lowered it.
After his retirement, Captain Lanphear resided at his farm overlooking Long Island sound, "Pleas- ant View," an ideal home for a retired mariner.
Captain Lanphear married, January 28, 1850, Abby M. Owen, who died February 25, 1903, in Waterford, daughter of Josiah and Rhoda M. Owen, of Cov- entry, Rhode Island. They celebrated their golden wedding, January 28, 1900, but two years later the gallant captain passed away, his widow surviving until 1903. They were the parents of three chil- dren, only one of whom survived childhood, Horace Palmer.
Horace Palmer Lanphear was born in Westerly, Rhode Island, November 17, 1851, and until the age of fifteen attended public schools in Westerly, Gro- ton, and New London, finishing in Bartlett High School, Groton being for a time the family home. At the age of sixteen he entered railroad employ, beginning as fireman on the Providence & Stoning- ton, going thence two and one-half years later to the New London & Northern railroad as fireman. He now became a qualified engineer, and for about two months ran a train on the New Jersey South- ern railroad from the boat junction at Sandy Hook. While there he had the honor of running the spe-
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cial train which carried President Grant from Sandy Hook to Long Branch, New Jersey, then known as the "Summer Capitol." After leaving the New Jer- sey Southern railroad, he became an engineer ou the Pennsylvania railroad, and for three years ran a freight and passenger train between New York and Philadelphia. In 1876 he married, and in 1877 he settled on the farm in Waterford, which was the home of his father after his retirement and the home of Horace P. Lanphear from 1877 until the present, 1921. The original house burned down and has been replaced by a splendid modern residence built near the site of the old house. The fifty acres comprising the farm are principally devoted to dairy farming, the place being near Pleasure Beach, near the sound, and is widely known as "Pleasant View" farm. Mr. Lanphear is a Republican in politics ; a member of the First Baptist Church of Water- ford; Union Lodge No. 31, Free and Accepted Masons ; Pequot Lodge, No. 85, and Orion Encamp- ment, No. 4, Independent Order of Odd Fellows ; Waterford Lodge, Ancient Order of United Work- men; and Fraternal Benefit Lodge, of Waterford.
Mr. Lanphear married, December 20, 1876, Ursula Judson Potter, born April 27, 1855, daughter of John S. and Mahala (Crandall) Potter, of Westerly, Rhode Island. Mr. and Mrs. Lanphear are the parents of three children: I. Mabel Clark, born September 25, 1880; married, June 8, 1904, Leonard F. Williams, of Waterford, now his father-in-law's assistant ; he is a son of William and Jessie (Moses) Williams, who had two other sons, Leslie and Fred- erick. Mr. and Mrs. Williams have three children : Clara Ursula, born December 2, 1906; Leonard Hor- ace, born October 4, 1909; Flora Lanphear, born August 17, 1916, all born in Waterford. 2. Everett Potter, born November 19, 1885, in Westerly, Rhode Island, died July, 1918, 3. Alice Judson, born May 20, 1887, residing at home.
CHARLES NATHAN BROWN-Identified for many years with the business interests of New London county, Connecticut, then after his retire- ment residing in North Stonington, Charles Nathan Brown has long been a leading factor in the prog- ress and prosperity of this vicinity.
Mr. Brown is a son of Jedediah and Eunice (Bailey) Brown, of North Stonington, Connecticut. Jedediah Brown was born in this town, and re- ceived his education in the district schools near his home. After completing his studies, he took up the work of the farm homestead, and all his life lived upon this place, which he inherited from his father. He died there in 1891. His wife, who was also born in North Stonington, died at the homestead in 1881. They were the parents of ten children, of whom five are now living, Charles N. being the seventh child.
Charles Nathan Brown was born in North Ston- ington on March 30, 1856. With the practical edu- cation of the district schools his only preparation for life, he worked on the farm with his father until he became twenty-one years of age, then rented a
farm in Voluntown, Connecticut, also in this county, which he conducted for one year. At the end of this time he made a radical change in his line of effort, and this change was amply justified by his later success. He removed with his family to New London, and in that city established a livery and sales stable. This business he found profitable, and for twenty years continued along this same line. The advent of the automobile found him, at the height of a satisfactory success, ready to retire to the less active interests of country life. He returned to North Stonington, where he con- ducted a general store, establishing this business in 1903, and continuing same until 1920. During all this time he was widely interested in real estate, largely in this county, amounting to a business of considerable importance. Mr. Brown is now retired from all active participation in business interests of any kind, and still resides in North Stonington.
Mr. Brown has responded more than once to the call to public service. He has thrice been selectman of the town of North Stonington, and was also elected tax assessor at one time. He has long been an active member of the North Stonington Grange, No. 138, and for four successive years was presi- dent of the Grange Fair, of North Stonington. Politically, he is a Democrat.
Mr. Brown married (first) Lydia Ann Dougherty, of Rhode Island. He married (second) Iphogenia Whitford, of Mankato, Minnesota. They attend and support the Congregational church.
GEORGE. EVERETT MARTIN -- The Martin family is found in New England from the coming of the "Mayflower," although Christopher Martin, who came on that ship, left no descendants, the entire family being carried away by the "first sick- ness." A dozen of the name came before 1650, and in this branch, Massachusetts was the family State until the coming of Anderson O. Martin to Col- chester, in New London county, Connecticut, he the father of William C. Martin and grandfather of George Everett Martin, of Lebanon, Connecticut, the principal character of this review. The sur- name Martin is derived from the baptismal name Martin and is traced to ancient origin. In Eng- land the family is a large and important one, thirty- nine families by the name of Martin having coats of arms ; fifty Martin families may be added to the list in the United Kingdom.
Anderson Oliver Martin, the first comer of this branch in Connecticut, was a son of Anderson Oliver Martin, of Massachusetts, in which State Anderson O. (2) was born. Upon coming to Con- necticut, he settled in Colchester, New London county, Connecticut, and became an extensive dealer in horses. In that business he was later assisted by his father and his fame as a horse dealer spread through all New England. He mar- ried Elizabeth Stanton, a sister of Joseph Stanton, a Revolutionary hero. Among their children was a son, William Charles Martin, of further mention. William Charles Martin was born in Lebanon,
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Connecticut, and there educated in the public schools. After completing his own education he became a school teacher, so continuing for several years. He then engaged in the real estate business, dealing in New England farms and building up an extensive business. He also owned a farm which he cultivated until his passing at Lebanon. He married Mary C. Champlain, who died in Lebanon, Connecticut, March 29, 1897. Mr. and Mrs. Martin were the parents of six children, all born in Leb- anon: 1. Anderson Oliver (3), married (first) Emma House, who died in Lebanon, leaving four children ; he married (second) Annie S. King, and resides at Lebanon, a farmer. 2. Charles William, married Alice Wood, and resides in Lebanon, retired. 3. John Milton, deceased, married Mary Hurley. 4. Frank Stanton, deccased, married Anna Ford. 5. George Everett, of further mention. 6. Ernest Lin- oln, now residing in Williamantic, Connecticut.
George Everett Martin, fifth child of William Charles and Mary C. (Champlain) Martin, was born in Lebanon, Connecticut, April 22, 1858. He was educated in the public schools of Lebanon, finish- ing in high school. After leaving school he learned the painter's trade, serving an apprenticeship as painter and paperhanger with Hull & Beckwith, in Newark, New Jersey. He then read law under his uncle, John M. Martin, an eminent member of the New York bar, his office at No. 10 Wall street, where he specialized in the law of real estate. In 1877 George E. Martin returned to Lebanon, Con- necticut, where he spent four years in the employ of the Norwich Lock Manufacturing Company, then for two years was in Willimantic, employed by the Willimantic Linen Company. He was on the road as a traveling salesman for different firms between 1883 and 1890, retiring to engage in the manufac- ture of a cough syrup known as The Gem Cough Remedy, in Lebanon. He continued in that business for five years, returning in 1895 to his original trade, painter and paper hanger, and there con- tinues (1921). In 1915 he opened a confectionery store at his home on Lebanon Green, which he still owns. He has built up a good business and is one of the highly esteemed men of his commu- nity. He is a Republican in politics, a member of George S. Hull Lodge, No. 72, Knights of Pythias, the Junior Order of United American Mechanics, and attends the Baptist Church.
Mr. Martin married, June 28, 1892, in New Haven, Connecticut, Anna S. Santry, daughter of John and Anna Santry, of New Haven, Connecticut.
ALFRED OBEN COLBY-It is not often that one man is the possessor of three different means of earning a livelihood, but Alfred Oben Colby is particularly fortunate in that respect, having stud- ied art and pharmacy in addition to having been engaged in mercantile life and in clerical work.
Alfred Oben Colby is the son of Amos George and Alice Pierce (Oben) Colby, the former a native of Harrington, Maine, where he lived as a boy and where he acquired an education in the district
school. In his early manhood he led a sea-faring life and became captain of a vessel engaged in coastwise shipping. Amos G. Colby was among those who volunteered for service when the Civil War broke out and was assigned for duty in the First Battery, Field Artillery, Maine Volunteers. He was engaged in twenty-one different battles, some of them the most famous of the rebellion, among them being Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, Petersburg, Virginia, and Bull Run. After the close of the war, Amos G. Colby was discharged from duty, his rank being duty sergeant. Locating in Boston, Massachusetts, he became an interior dec- orator, an occupation in which he was very success- ful, following it until his death in 1914 at the age of seventy-two years. His wife, Alice Pierce (Oben) Colby, was born in Stonington, Connecticut, in 1841. Slie survived her husband by one year, dying in 1915, aged seventy-four years. Alfred Oben Colby was their only child.
Born in Boston, Massachusetts, August 7, 1869, Alfred Oben Colby was educated in the grammar schools there and later in the Boston High School, graduating from this in 1887. The young man then took up the study of art, taking a course in the private school of Charles H. Haden, of Boston, continuing it for two years. In 1889 Mr. Colby be- came interested in the drug business and for the next three years was employed in a store in Boston. From 1892 until 1895 he was engaged in the hard- ware trade, giving it up to become associated with his father in interior decorating work, continuing it until 1900. At that time Mr. Colby entered the employ of the Wilcox Fertilizer Company, located in Mystic, Connecticut, as their assistant secretary, remaining with them to date. Making his home in Mystic, Mr. Colby became greatly interested in the affairs of the town, joining the Baptist church there and becoming a member of Charity and Re- lief Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, of Mystic. He is an upholder of the principles of the Repub- lican party, though not active in its work.
In November, 1902, at Mystic, Connecticut, Alfred Oben Colby was married to Edna Elizabeth Bur- rows. She is the daughter of Benjamin F. Bur- rows, a resident of Mystic, whose wife was Miss Greene, also of that town. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Colby: I. Elizabeth, born 11. October, 1903; and Alice P., born in January, 1907.
FRED WHALEN HOXIE, numbered among the successful farmers and prominent residents of this locality, is a native of Lebanon. Connecticut, his birth having occurred December 5, 1871. He is the son of Albert and Mary E. (Tinker) Hoxie. Albert Hoxie was born in South Kingston, Rhode Island, in 1838, and died at Lebanon in 1918, having been engaged in farming throughout his entire lifetime. His wife was born in Lebanon in 1839.
Fred Whalen Hoxie obtained his education in the schools of his native place, after which he went to work on his father's farm and here continued until he was twenty-one years of age, when he
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bought what was then known as the Mason place. In 1915 he sold this farm and bought his present place, erecting buildings which have been fully equipped with every modern device used by success- ful farmers of the present day. That this venture has proven profitable is readily seen by the large material gains which he has acquired in the past five years, as well as by the beauty of his estate, which is recognized as one of the most beautiful in this community. Seldom is it that a man as successful in business as Mr. Hoxie takes the keen and helpful interest in civic affairs to which his record bears testimony. A man of action rather than words, he demonstrates his public spirit by actual achievement, which advance the prestige and wealth of the community, and is ever ready to respond to any deserving call made upon him. He served in the Legislature as representative from this district in 1912, and has also been a member of the Board of Relief, during the tenure of both offices aiding to the utmost of his power all move- ments and measures which in his judgment tended to further the community's welfare and promote the cause of good government.
Mr. Hoxie married Fannie Faith Mason, born in Lebanon, August 12, 1872, daughter of James Fitch and Fannie Mason. Mr. and Mrs. Hoxie are the parents of two children: Herbert Mason, born August 19, 1897; Mabel Gladys, born November 4, 1900. Mr. Hoxie is essentially a home-lover, de- voted to the ties of family and friendship.
ROBERT WEIR GOODFELLOW-Tracing de- scent from the founders of the Highland Clan Cam- eron through his mother, and of Scotch parentage and birth, Robert Weir Goodfellow possesses the sturdy brains of his honored race, and in his adopted city has gained the respect and esteem of all who knew him. He came to the United States via Canada, where his parents long resided, and in New London, Connecticut, his own home, he is now superintendent of the marine department of the United States Electric Heater Corporation, a position he assumed recently after selling his boat building plant in the Pequot avenue section of New Lon- don, to the above named corporation. He is a son of Joseph and Henrietta (Weir) Goodfellow, both of ancient Scottish lineage, and a grandson and namesake of a sturdy highlander, Robert Weir.
Joseph Goodfellow was born in Glasgow, Scot- land, and there became a ship caulker. He re- mained in Glasgow until after his marriage to Henrietta Weir, and the birth of their eldest son, Robert W., in 1867, then came to the United States with his family, settling in Adams, Massachusetts. From Adams he removed to Canada, thence in 1877 retracing his steps to his old home in Glasgow. About a decade later. Joseph Goodfellow with his family again crossed the Atlantic, ascended the St. Lawrence and found a desirable location in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. He and his son. Robert W., were both expert ship builders, and in Kings- ton found ample employment. In 1892 the family
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