USA > Connecticut > New London County > A modern history of New London County, Connecticut, Volume III > Part 65
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Adelard Gadue married (first) Mrs. Josephine Desmanes, who died about 1902, the mother of two children: Hilda, now Mrs. A. Roundau, and Irene, now Mrs. Paul Touchette. Mr. Gadue married (second) Alfonsine Savagau, and they are the par- ents of six children: Leona, Agnes, Mary, Ade- lard, Almira, and Margaret.
JOHN DEAN AVERY-Nine generations of Averys have lived in New England, tracing from Christopher Avery down to Joh'n Dean Avery, of Nortli Stonington, New London county, Connecti- cut. Christopher Avery came from England at a date unknown, but he was a selectman of Gloucester, Massachusetts, in 1645, 1652, and 1654, and took the oath of fidelity, June 29, 1653. In 1658 he sold land in Gloucester, and in the same year he moved to Boston, buying real estate in what is now the center
of the city, and on which the Boston Post Office building is now located. For that land (the deed acknowledged before Governor Endicott) he paid forty pounds. He moved, with his son James, to New London, Connecticut, and there died, March 12, 1678.
(II) Captain James Avery, the only son of Christ- opher Avery, was born in England in 1620, and came to New England with his father, his death occurring in New London, Connecticut, April 18, 1700. He was granted, in New London, October 19, 1650, a town lot on Cape Ann Lane, and in addition "Little Owle Meadow." In 1652 he obtained a grant of land in South Groton county, and in 1653 became the owner of a farm on "Pocketannock Grants" on the River Thames. In 1684 he bought the "Unadorned Church and watchtower of the Wilderness," and from the timber he constructed a dwelling which stood until destroyed by fire in 1902. In the Indian wars of his period he bore an active and foremost part, ranking as captain. He was in charge of the three towns, New London, Stonington, and Lyme, during King Philip's War, and in the stubborn fight at South Kingston, Rhode Island, Sunday, December 19, 1695, against the Narragansetts, he commanded the friendly Pequot Indians. He was equally prom- inent in civil life, serving as selectman twenty years, was commissioner of the peace, twelve times elected member of the General Court, and filled many tempo- rary positions on committees and commissions. He was active in the church and was one of the strong men of his day, eminent in all the relations of life, a man of whom his descendants may be proud. Captain James Avery married, November 10, 1643, Joana Greenshade, of Boston, who died in 1714, the mother of six sons, this branch descending through the eldest son, James (2), who is also Captain James Avery.
(III) Captain James (2) Avery was a man of affairs in his section, serving as deputy to the General Court for New London six terms, was commissioner of the peace, captain of the train band, and counselor to the Pequot Indians. He appeared before the Gen- eral Court in 1695, in behalf of the inhabitants of the east side of the river, who wished to establish a church, and that was the beginning of the church in Groton. He married Deborah Stallyon, and their tombstones, in a fair state of preservation, may be seen near the center of the burying ground at Po- quonock. He died in Groton country, August 22, 1748, in his one hundredth year. His wife died March 27, 1729. The line of descent from these won- derful old pioneers is traced thus: (IV) James (3) Avery; (V) John Avery; (VI) Elijah Avery; (VII) John J. Avery; (VIII) Albert Lay Avery; (IX) John Dean Avery; head of the present generation.
(VIII) Albert Lay Avery was born at Eastern Point in the town of Groton, New London county, Connecticut, and died in the village of Groton, in 1885. At one time Mr. Avery's farm included the en- tire area of Eastern Point, some five hundred acres, and until the day of his death he was one of the lead-
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ing influential men of his town. He married Johanna B. Wheeler, born in North Stonington, Connecticut, who died in 1867, and they were the parents of nine children: 1. Albert, married Mary A. Maine, and died in 1893. 2. Rebecca Williams, died January 6, 1900. 3. Maria Lay, married Judson Avery, both deceased. 4. Martha Wheeler, died aged seven years. 5. Augustus Pomeroy, married Clara Weed, and resides in Brooklyn, New York. 6. John Dean, of further mention. 7. Jerusha Pomeroy, married William A. Farran, and resides in Providence, Rhode Island. 8. Thomas Wheeler, a sketch of whom fol- lows. 9. Annie Hine, a resident of New London county.
(1X) John Dean Avery, sixth child of Albert Lay and Johanna B. (Wheeler) Avery, was born at the homestead in the town of Groton, New London county, Connecticut, June 6, 1852. After completing the courses of study available in the district school, he entered the State Normal School at New Britain, Connecticut, whence he was graduated a qualified teacher. In 1875 he leased the William Pilts farm in North Stonington, and for fifteen years tilled the acres very profitably. In 1890 he bought the Alfred Miner farm of two hundred and eighty-eight acres near the village of North Stonington, and for thirty- three years he has devoted his energies to its culti- vation and improvement. He has brought the farm to a high state of productiveness, has made many improvements of a modern and substantial nature, and has made the farm one of the best in the town.
Mr. Avery is a member of the New London County Farm Bureau, for three years its vice-presi- dent, for one year president, and for seven years has been a member of the board of directors. He is a member and for two years was master of North Stonington Grange, No. 138, Patrons of Husbandry. He was superintendent of the Sunday school of the North Stonington Congregational Church for thirty- three years. He united with the Groton Congrega- tional Church when fourteen years of age, and when he settled in North Stonington took a letter from the Groton church to the North Stonington church. He is a Republican in politics, and for two terms served as selectman.
Mr. Avery married, December 2, 1885, Mary A. Rice, of Meriden, Connecticut, daughter of Benja- min F. and Abbie (Harvey) Rice. They have an adopted daughter, Alice E., wife of Samuel L. Root, of Farmington, Connecticut.
THOMAS WHEELER AVERY-On the old Eastern Point homestead of Albert Lay Avery, his son, Thomas Wheeler Avery, was born, and when the father laid down life's burdens in 1885, the son assumed the management, and there resides, never having known any other home. He is a descendant of Christopher and Captain James Avery, and the son of Albert Lay and Johanna B. (Wheeler) Avery, their eighth child and youngest son (see preceding sketch).
Thomas Wheeler Avery was born in the town of
Groton, New London county, Connecticut. He was educated in the public schools of Groton and early hecame his father's farm assistant. He is a member of the Congregational church of Groton, a Republi- can in politics, and influential in his town.
Mr. Avery married, March 6, 1884, Mary Alice Maine, daughter of Charles Henry and Louisa (Miner) Maine, granddaughter of Richard H. and Abby (Stanton) Maine, and great-granddaughter of Simeon T. and Martha (York) Maine, all these gen- erations residents of North Stonington, and farmers. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Wheeler Avery are the par- ents of two sons: Albert Thomas Avery, a sketch of whom follows; and John Dean (2) Avery, who dur- ing the World War, 1917-18, enlisted in the United States Aviation Corps, and was in training at the Aviation Officers' Training School at Dallas, Texas, afterward flying instructor. He is now a partner with his brother in the firm, John D. Avery & Com- pany, Incorporated, automobile dealers of New London county. He married, at New London, Irene Wood.
ALBERT THOMAS AVERY-On June 25, 1890. on the old Wheeler homestead at Eastern Point, town of Groton, New London county, Connecticut, Albert Thomas Avery was born, his father, Thomas Wheeler Avery, having also been born there, the son of Albert Lay and Johanna B. (Wheeler) Avery, (see two preceding sketches).
Albert Thomas Avery grew up at the homestead at Eastern Point, and after attendance at the public school of the district, he entered at the Norwich Free Academy and finished preparatory study there with the class of 1909. He entered Cornell Uni- versity, whence he was graduated mechanical engi- neer, class of 1914. During the four years of the World War, 1914-1918, he was in the employ of the Electric Boat Company, at Fore River, Massachu- setts, and Montreal, as engineer in submarine con- struction, and in 1919, in association with his brother, John D. Avery, he formed the firm, John D. Avery & Company, Incorporated, and established an automobile business in New London, Albert T. Avery as manager. The company is agent for the Marmon and Nash cars, and operates one of the largest garages in the State, with well-equipped service, supply, and repair departments. Mr. Avery is a Republican in politics, a member of Groton Congregational Church, and of the Harbor Club of New London. In his business relations with the public, he has established high reputation as a man of ability and integrity.
Mr. Avery married, September 11, 1916, Rachel White, daughter of Charles E. and Mary (Wheeler) White, of Groton, Connecticut. Mr. and Mrs. Avery are the parents of a daughter, Patricia, born March 16, 1918.
LEWIS ANTHONY ANDREWS-Among the successful merchants of Norwich, Connecticut, is Lewis Anthony Andrews, a member of the firm of
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Chiarbennean & Andrews, shoe dealers at No. 159 Main street. A native of this city, he gives his support to all measures calculated to advance busi- ness development.
Lewis Anthony Andrews was born in Norwich, Connecticut, May 2, 1891, the son of Lewis and . (Lucier) Andrews. Lewis Andrews, Sr., was born in Vermont, and obtained his education in the district schools there, after which lie became a inoulder and has followed this trade up to the present time. To Mr. and Mrs. Andrews have been born four children: Flora, deceased; Lewis An- thony, of this review; Arthur J., a resident of Pawtucket, Rhode Island; and Lena, died in in- fancy. The education of Lewis Anthony Andrews was obtained in the public schools of Norwich and Norwich Free Academy. After graduation in 1904 he entered upon his business career as a clerk for the J. F. Cosgrove Company, at Norwich, and here he remained until 1914, when he became associated with Mr. Charbennean, which partnership has con- tinued up to the present time.
In politics, Mr. Andrews is a Republican, giving to the affairs of the organization the interest de- manded of every good citizen. He is prominent in the local fraternal organizations, being affiliated with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Lodge No. 430; the Knights of Columbus, White Cross Council, No. 13; Loyal Order of Moose, Lodge No. 950, of which he is the secretary; Fraternal Order of Eagles, No. 67; and past chief ranger of the Foresters of America.
On March 31, 1913, Mr. Andrews was united in marriage with Viola M. Lanoie, of Franklin, Massa- chusetts, the daughter of Napolean and Mary (Cre- peau) Lanoie. Mrs. Andrews passed away in Febru- ary, 1920. To Mr. and Mrs. Andrews were born four children: Hazel V .; Lewis A .; Lena L .; and Richard N.
ALFRED GREENE LILLIBRIDGE-Norwich has no more aggressive representative of the auto- mobile industry than she possesses in the man whose name stands at the head of this article. Mr. Lilli- bridge is a useful citizen, always ready to do his ut- most toward the furtherance of any project which promises improvement of municipal conditions.
Christopher Lillibridge, father of Alfred Greene Lillibridge, was a carpenter and builder, and all his life followed his trade in Norwich. He was a Re- publican, and at one time served on the district school committee. He affiliated with the Indepen- dent Order of Odd Fellows, of Norwich, holding the office of clerk of his lodge. His religious member- ship was in the Congregational church. Mr. Lilli- bridge married Abbie McCullen, a native of Nor- wich ,and their children were: Georgie, married Thomas Young, of Norwich; Ida, now living in Nor- wich, where she was born, as was her sister; and Alfred Greene, mentioned below. Mr. Lillibridge
died in Norwich in 1913, and his widow now resides there.
Alfred Greene Lillibridge, son of Christopher and Abbie (McCullen) Lillibridge, was born in Decem- ber, 1884, in Norwich, and attended the public schools of his native city, graduating from the Nor_ wich High School. He then spent three years with the Ponema Company, of Norwich, acquiring a thorough knowledge of the machinist's trade. Hav- ing finished his apprenticeship, Mr. Lillibridge en- tered the service of the Stevens-Duryea Company, of Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts, for the purpose of learning the automobile business. After remaining with the company for the space of a year, he felt competent, in all respects, to go into business for himself, at least, before very long. Returning to Norwich, he was employed as a driver in the town until 1913, when he associated himself with the auto- mobile business of Amos C. Swan, of Norwich. Al- most from the first he proved himself of value to the concern, and after the death of Mr. Swan he was advanced to the position of general manager, which he has since retained. By his able fulfillment of the duties of this responsible post, Mr. Lilli- bridge has done much for the upbuilding of the business on a sure and substantial basis and for the extension of its transactions in different directions and along various lines.
In politics, Mr. Lillibridge is a Republican, but has never had either time or inclination for office- holding. He affiliates with Somerset Lodge, No. 34, Free and Accepted Masons, of Norwich, and attends the Congregational church.
Mr. Lillibridge married, in Norwich, Bonnielyon Corey, born in that place, daughter of Eli Corey. Mr. Corey is now deceased, but his wife resides in Norwich. Mr. and Mrs. Lillibridge are the parents of two children, both of whom were born in Nor- wich: Alfred, Jr., born June 23, 1911; and Donald, born September 16, 1914. A fine type of the self- made man is Alfred Greene Lillibridge. He is one of the men who are helping to build up the indus- trial future of the city of Norwich.
DAVID AUSTIN RICE-In the prosperous farming community of Waterford, one of the most attractive environs of the city of New London, Con- nectient, the name of Rice is well and favorably known, and David Austin Rice is one of the suc- cessful citizens of the town.
Mr. Rice is a son of James Rice, who was born May 2, 1818. Coming to the United States in his childhood, James Rice was reared and educated in the northwestern part of New York State, where the family settled. As a young man he engaged, with an elder brother, in the manufacture of brick, their yards having been located at Albany, New York. This business became very successful, and was carried on for some years, under the name of Rice Brothers. Later in life James Rice came to
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New London, and here he married Amy Copron Whipple, the ceremony taking place on April 6, 1858. Mrs. Rice was a daughter of Anthony and Hannah (Fargoe) Whipple, a member of an old pioneer family of New London county. Upon their marriage, Mr. Rice became a resident of the old Whipple homestead, in the Gilead section of Water- ford, one of the very old houses in this section, built by one Anthony Whipple, in 1642. They were the parents of four children, all born at Waterford, Connecticut: John, born December 17, 1861; Mary Jane, born February 20, 1863; William, born March 20, 1865; and Thomas, born August 29, 1868. The mother died on the day that the youngest child was born. James Rice married (second) Mary Delia Hawkins, who was born in England, and was a daughter of the eminent English surgeon, Dr. Edwin Hawkins, and his wife, Nancy (McDonald) Haw- kins. There were six children born to the second union: Amy Jane, born May 16, 1870, who became the wife of Charles Griswold; David Austin, of whom further; Austin David, twin brother of David Austin; James H., of whom further; Josephine, born December 24, 1881; 'and Lillian Ada. Mary Delia (Hawkins) Rice died in Waterford, December 13, 1917, in her ninetieth year.
David Austin Rice, son of James and Mary Delia (Hawkins) Rice, was born December 25, 1872, in Waterford, Connecticut, and is a twin brother of Austin David Rice, widely famous in pugilistic cireles, and one-time holder of the lightweight belt. Mr. Rice was reared in his native town, and received a practical education in the public schools of Water- ford. After completing his studies he took up the work of the farm in association with his father, and bore the burden of farm operations during his father's declining years. He had lived on the home farm all his life, and since his father's death has owned the property, which is one of the finest farms in this part of the county, taking great pride in keeping abreast of the times in all matters of agri- cultural progress. He has never married, and lives very quietly, taking only the interest of the citizen in public affairs.
James H. Rice, son of James and Mary Delia (Hawkins) Rice, was born Juns 11, 1876. He mar- ried Flora Daton, of Waterford, Connecticut, and five children were born of this union: Alice, Edna May, Nelson Daton, Kenneth, and Cora Valentine.
JOSEPH MARION was born at Joliette, Province of Quebec, Canada, April 19, 1882. He is the son of Isaac Marion, who received his education in the parochial schools of the Province of Quebec, after which he came to the United States, locating in Putnam, Connecticut, where he has since been ac- tively employed in mills. To Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Marion were born the following children: Joseph, of further mention; F. O., owner and manager of a store at Putnam; and Leon P., who married Helen
E. Dawley, of Voluntown, Connecticut, May 30, 1920, and is associated with Joseph in business.
The education of Joseph Marion was obtained in the public schools of Putnam. At an early age he completed his studies and then worked as a clerk in the store of his brother, F. O. Marion, at Putnam. In 1918, together with his brother, Leon P., Joseph bought the store of J. L. Herbert & Son, of Vol- untown, Connecticut. The venture proved success- ful, the business consistently growing to its present- day extensive proportions. The local postoffice is situated in this store, Joseph Marion having been in- stalled as postmaster. In politics, Mr. Marion has always been a Democrat and active in civic affairs. He affiliates with the Putnam Nest of Eagles, and in religion is a Roman Catholic.
Joseph Marion married, on April 8, 1906, Delia Paquett, of Putnam. Mr. and Mrs. Marion are the parents of three children: Gertrude D., Mary Louise and Gerald P.
HOWARD JAMES WIGHT-After being en- gaged in the cabinet business for some time, How- ard James Wight gave it up to become a farmer, locating in Baltic, Sprague township, where he is still interested in farming.
Born in West Greenwich, Rhode Island, August 2, 1889, Howard James Wight afterward came to Connecticut to live, attending the public schools of Jewett City in his boyhood. After his school days were over the young man learned the trade of a cabinet maker, and for several years was employed in Hartford, Connecticut, in that line of work. In 1916, abandoning his trade, Mr. Wight came to Sprague township where he has been ever since. The father of Howard James Wight is Howard Myron Wight, born in Natick, Massachusetts, in May, 1852. He now resides in Taftville, Connecti- cut. His wife is Sarah Jane Wight, a native of Preston, Connecticut, where she was born on De- cember 3, 1860. They had a family of ten children, four sons and six daughters: Howard James, whose name heads this review; Otis Harmond, born in May, 1895; George Lester; Royal, born in 1903. Of these sons, two were engaged in the World War, Otis Harmond serving in the 137th Engineers overseas, where he was slightly wounded. George Lester served with the Marines, and died of "Flu" while in service. The daughters are: Mary, deceased; Emilie, also deceased; Annie; Olive; Etta; and Ethel, deceased.
Howard James Wight married Clara Louise Wullkay, who was born in Norwich, June 7, 1892. She is the daughter of Julius and Mary Wullkay. Two children have been born of this union: Ruth Marie, born in Norwich, July 9, 1916; and Myron Julius, born September 13, 1920.
DAVID JOSEPH TURNBULL-With experi- ence on both sides of the Atlantic in the textile in-
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dustry, David J. Turnbull is now filling an important position as manager of the Thames Dyeing & Bleaching Company, of Niantic, Connecticut.
Mr. Turnbull is a son of William and Isabella (Stokes) Turnbull. His father was born in New- castle-upon-Tyne, England, in 1836, has been a mill worker all his life, and now at the age of eighty- five years, is still actively engaged in the textile industry. The mother, who was also born in Eng- land, died in the year 1897. They were the parents of five children: David J., William, Mary, Anna, and Isabella.
David Joseph Turnbull was born at Newcastle- upon-Tyne, England, September 22, 1867, and re- ceived liis education in the schools of that city. After leaving school he became interested in the bleaching, dyeing, and printing of cotton fabrics, and spent ten years of his early manhood in this industry, in the famous mills of Yorkshire, Eng- land. In 1891 he came to the United States, locat- ing in Rhode Island. For some years lie was identified with the cotton mills of that State, at various localities, then became associated with the Aspinook Mills, of Jewett City, Connecticut, where he was employed for a period of twenty-five years. At the end of that time, in the year 1919, Mr. Turn- bull came to Niantic, to accept the position of man- ager of the Thames Dyeing & Bleaching Company, one of the leading plants of the day in this field. Mr. Turnbull is prominent in fraternal circles, be- ing a member of Reliance Lodge, Woodmen of America, of Jewett City, and of Norwich Lodge, No. 430, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
In April, 1894, Mr. Turnbull married Anna Gor- man, who was born in Providence, Rhode Island, and is a daughter of Thomas and Mary Gorman. Mr. and Mrs. Turnbull had the following children: William, born in East Greenwich, now deceased; Alice Mary, born in Jewett City; and George Joseph, also born in Jewett City.
CLARENCE ORVILLE REYNOLDS-Among the prominent business executives of Mystic is Clarence O. Reynolds, who has for upwards of two years been manager of the Holmes Coal Company. Mr. Reynolds is a son of Orville Augustus and Emma A. (Bissell) Reynolds. The father was born at Cross Rivers, Westchester county, New York, February 17, 1848, and was educated in the district schools near his home, thereafter working with his father on the farm. About 1868 he came to Water- bury, Connecticut, where he was employed in a rubber shop for a time, in the capacity of shipping clerk, then went to Danbury, to enter the mechanical department of the "Danbury News." In 1894 he again removed, this time to New Haven, where he acted as manager for the Babcock Oil Company, con- tinuing in that capacity until 1910, when he retired from active business. His wife, who was born in Waterbury, February 22, 1853, died in New Haven, June 22, 1915. They were the parents of four chil-
dren: Leita E., who married Eugene Clark, of New Haven, and died in 1908, in that city; Leila B., who. married William R. Bailey, of New Haven, and died in 1915; Clarence Orville, whose name heads this review; and Chares H., who married - Ver- seconer, and resides in New Haven. The youngest son served for seventeen months in France, during the World War, in the ordnance department of the First Division.
Clarence Orville Reynolds was born in Mount Kisco, Westchester county, New York, October 25, 1886. The family removing to New Haven, it was there that he received his education in the public and high schools. In 1901 he became associated with his father, but two years later chose a different field of endeavor, entering the employ of S. H. Moore, one of the leading florists of New Haven, and thoroughly mastering the business. He remained at the Moore plant for a period of seventeen years. On August 12, 1918, Mr. Reynolds joined the United States army, and was stationed at Camp Greenleaf, in Georgia, rated as a wagoner. He was later trans- ferred to the Motor Ambulance Corps (No. 4), which was a part of Field Hospital No. 65. They had just been assigned to duty overseas when the armis- tice was signed, and Mr. Reynolds was discharged from the service at Camp Upton, New York, Janu- ary 27, 1919. Returning to New Haven, he con- tinued with the Moores until January 12, 1920, when he came to Mystic, on that date entering upon the duties of his present position as general man- ager of the interests of the Holmes Coal Company. He has since held a prominent place in the business world of this community. Both Mr. Reynolds and his father now reside in Mystic. Politically, Mr. Reynolds supports the Republican party, although he has thus far taken no active part in political af- fairs. He is a member of the American Legion, and of the First Congregational Church, both of New Haven.
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