USA > Connecticut > New London County > A modern history of New London County, Connecticut, Volume III > Part 66
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FREDERICK VAN REED KNOUSE-Holding a responsible position in the business world of Nor- wich, of which city he has been a resident for more than a decade, Mr. Knouse has been definitely instru- mental in keeping this city in the lead commercially, through his influence in the establishing of the present steamship line between Norwich and New York City.
Descended from a line of prominent men, Mr. Knouse is a son of the late Rev. William Henry Knouse, widely known in Middlesex county, this State, as a Congregational clergyman. Rev. Mr. Knouse was born in New York City, and prepared for his career in the educational institutions of that city, his course in letters having been at the New York University, and his course in theology at the Union Theological Seminary, also of that city. After his ordination he entered upon the duties of his first charge, at Greenwich, Connecticut, and later served in Cutchogue, Suffolk county (Long Island), New York. Remaining there, however, but a short
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period, Rev. Mr. Knouse accepted a call to Deep River, Connecticut, where he served for a period of thirty-three years, or until his death. He was deeply and sincerely devoted to the welfare of the people, and was greatly beloved by them, his death cansing wide regret throughout the section in which he was so well known. He married Frances Odelia Car- penter, who was also born in New York City, and died in Deep River, and they were the parents of five children, of whom Mr. Knouse of Norwich was the fourth.
Frederick Van Reed Knouse was born in Cut- chogne, Long Island, December 29, 1869. Attend- ing first the public schools of his native place, he completed his education at Wesleyan College, then for one year served as a clerk in the Deep River National Bank. Next going to New Haven, he acted as clerk at the Yale National Bank of that city for about one year, then about 1891 went to New York City. He was there engaged in the offices of the Cromwell Steamship Company, until the outbreak of the Spanish-American War. Enlist- ing early, he served during the period of the war as private, in the 14th Regiment, New York Volunteer Infantry, at various camps, but saw no active serv- ice. Returning to New York City at the close of hostilities, he became connected with the Clyde Steamship Company, in the capacity of clerk, con- tinuing for several years, then for three years there- after, acted as manager of a hotel at Fire Island, New York. In 1903 Mr. Knouse entered the employ of the Mallory Steamship Company, of New York, taking charge of the clerical department, and re- maining with this concern until 1911. At that time he came to Norwich to accept the office of agent and manager of the Norwich office for the Chelsea Steamboat Company. The bankruptcy of this con- cern in 1917 placed Mr. Knonse at liberty, and de- spite the abnormal conditions he was able to interest the Cape Cod Steamship Company in water trans- portation from this point, and they established the present line from Norwich to New York, placing Mr. Knouse in the office of agent and manager, in full charge of their affairs here. This position he still holds, successfully carrying forward the inter- ests of the line.
A member of the Norwich Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Knouse serves on the transportation committee of that body. Politically, he supports the Republi- can party, and fraternally holds membership in Som- erset Lodge, No. 34, Free and Accepted Masons, of Norwich, also being a member of Norwich Post, Spanish War Veterans. He and his family attend and support the Congregational church.
Mr .Knouse married, in Norwich, in December, 1915, Catherine Birraecree, of this city, and they have three children, all born in Norwich: Miriam Frances, Catherine Grace, and Dorothy Winifred. The family reside at No. 52 Church street, Norwich.
NATHANIEL BOYNTON ROYALL-There is now and then a man who, after he has passed away,
lives in the minds of many, not only by reason of results accomplished, but also in consequence of a singularly vivid personality. So survives the mem- ory of the late Nathaniel Boynton Royall. He was born in Elmira, New York, in 1844, and acquired his education in the public schools of his native place. For a number of years he was in the govern- ment employ at the New York City Post Office, after which he established himself in the manufacture of wagons at Hughville, Pennsylvania, later remov- ing to Glenhazel, where his business was destroyed by fire. Mr. Royall then returned to New York City, and after remaining there for a short period came to Lebanon, where he passed the last twenty- three years of his life.
Always dignified in bearing, Mr. Royall was also singularly approachable, and his loyalty in friend- ship inspired a like sentiment in all who were brought into close relations with him. Actuated in public and private by one high motive, the welfare of all whom he served and of all with whom he served, he was a genial, kindly gentleman, and by his death, which occurred in November, 1917, Leb- anon was deprived of one of her representative citizens.
Mr. Royall married, May 5, 1869. Mrs. Royall was born in Liberty, Sullivan county, New York, November 30, 1846. She obtained her education in the Hancock public schools and the Liberty Normal School, after which she removed with her father's family to Newark Valley, where her father was a sole leather manufacturer. Here she remained until her marriage in 1869. To Mr. and Mrs. Royall were born three children: Ralph, born July 8, 1871, in Brooklyn, New York, is now practicing law in New York City, with the law firm of Sullivan & Crom- well; Edson D., born December 1, 1875, was gradu- ated from the College of Physicians and Surgeons, and died in Lebanon in 1907; and Eunice Natalie, who died at the age of eleven years, at Hughville. Mrs. Royall survived her husband, but is now deceased.
CLINTON ELLIOTT LANE-Henry Clinton Lane, father of Clinton E. Lane, of Norwich, Con- necticut, was born in Clinton, a banking town of Huron county, Ontario, Canada, on the Grand Trunk railroad, and there spent the first fourteen years of his life. He was also of Springfield, Massachu- setts, later of Canada, and eventually settled in Dodgeville, Wisconsin, where he conducted his blacksmithing business in his own shop after a term of journeyman blacksmith with Stratman Brothers. He married in Dodgeville, and in 1890 came East, locating in Norwich, Connecticut, where he bought the Charles Scolt blacksmith shop at No. 17 Chestnut street. For twenty-five years he continued in business, then moved in 1915 to his present well known shop in Durke lane. He mar- ried Mary Louise Elliott, born in Dodgeville, Wis- consin, now residing in Norwich.
Clinton Elliott Lane was born in the town of Cobb, Iowa county, Wisconsin, March 25, 1886, and
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in 1890 was brought to Norwich, Connecticut, by his parents. He was educated in Norwich schools, and after completing school years began a regular apprenticeship at the blacksmith trade under his capable father, and seven years later, when that apprentiveship ended, he was a skilled worked in metals. He established a shop for vulcanizing auto- mobile tires and tubes in the rear of his father's blacksmith shop at No. 17 Chestnut street, which was the first tire repair shop to be opened in Norwich. This was in 1909, and six years later, in 1915, he moved to No. 60 Franklin street, adding tires and auto accessories, etc. He opened another store at No. 59 Franklin street, and continued the management of both until July 1, 1918, when he sold both to the Todd Rubber Company, of New Haven, Connecticut, and became the Norwich resident man- ager for the company, moving the business to No. 324 Main street. This arrangement continued one year, then on August 1, 1919, he repurchased his business from the Todd Rubber Company and has since con- ducted it under the name of the Lane Rubber Com- pany, at the same address. Mr. Lane is a dealer in tires and automobile accessories, and has a mod- ernly equipped plant for the vulcanizing of tires and tubes, the recharging of batteries and work of a similar nature. This is the pioneer shop of its class in Norwich, and one that is well patronized.
Mr. Lane is a successful business man, and is highly regarded in the city to which he came as a boy. He is master of his business, and of such genial friendly nature that he makes many friends. He is a member of the Norwich Rotary Club; Cham- ber of Commerce; Somerset Lodge, No. 34, Free and Accepted Masons; Franklin Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Franklin Council, Royal and select Masters; Columbian Commandery, Knights Tem- plar ; King Solomon Lodge of Perfection ; Van Rens- selaer Council, Princes of Jerusalem; Norwich Chapter of Rose Croix; Connecticut Consistory, Sovereign Princes of the Royal Secret; Sphinx Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Hartford); and Norwich Lodge, No. 430, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. In politics he is a Republican, and in religious preference an Episcopalian.
Mr. Lane married, April 15, 1915, at Norwich, Ella Frances Brooks, born in Providence, Rhode Island, daughter of Crawford A. Brooks. Mr. and Mrs. Lane are the parents of two children: Mary Frances and Elliott Clinton.
BYRON JOSEPH BLAKESLEE-Though his residence in Lebanon township has been of only a limited time, and his early years spent in various business ways, yet Byron Joseph Blakeslee has made a success of his recent venture, that of farming.
Byron Joseph Blakeslee is the son of Albert Tay- lor Blakeslee, who was born in Northfield. Con- necticut, February 28, 1843, and his wife Marion (Abbott) Blakeslee, born in Watertown, Connecti- cuut, October 24. 1842. They were the parents of four children: Byron Joseph. of further mention ;
Anna Nettleton, Harry Seeley, and Ida Marion.
Their son, Byron Joseph Blakeslee, was born in Watertown, Connecticut, November 23, 1868. Attend- ing the public schools in his native town, he acquired an education, then finding employment in the clock shop of Seth Thomas, in Thomaston, Connecticut, remaining there for some time. He was later cm- ployed by the Waterbury Brass Company, Water- bury, Connecticut, where he continued for twelve years as toolmaker. After leaving this plant, Mr. Blakeslee was connected for eight years with the Blake & Johnson Manufacturing Company of Wat- erville, Connecticut, as foreman. Wishing to make a change in his business affairs, he came to Leb- anon, Connecticut, and engaged in farming. Mr. Blakeslee has not taken any active part in political affairs of the locality, but is a member of the Re- publican party.
On June 13, 1894, Byron Joseph Blakeslee was united in marriage to Lillian Wellman Peckham, only daughter of Asa Coggeshall Peckham, who was born in Lebanon, Connecticut, July 5, 1842, and his wife Nancy (Wellman) Peckham, born in Town- send, Vermont, November 23, 1841. To this union two children have been born: Edith Lillian, born in Waterbury, Connecticut, and Wallace Peckham, born in Waterbury, Connecticut.
THOMAS F. DORSEY, JR .- Among the enter- prising and progressive young men of New London, Mr. Dorsey is well known, his chosen line of ac- tivity identifying him constantly with the growth of the new city which is gradually replacing the old. Mr. Dorsey is a son of Thomas F. and Char- lotte (Whalen) Dorsey. His father is one of the most prominent figures in the professional world of New London, having been active in the practice in this city for the past thirty years.
Thomas F. Dorsey, Jr., was born in New London, October 18, 1897. After covering the elementary and high school courses in the New London schools, in 1919, he entered the business world with offices in the Harris building. He has since handled real estate and insurance brokerage, and has been iden- tified with many important transactions. He is now taking a leading place in this field. In civic affairs Mr. Dorsey takes a general interest, and politically holds independent convictions. During the World War he served from March 1, 1918, to July 1, 1918, with the Construction Division, Quartermaster Corps, stationed at Fort Wright, New York, From July 1, 1918, to January 18, 1919, he was a member of the 44th Headquarters Brigade, stationed at Fort- ress Monroe, Virginia.
Fraternally he is well known, being a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, No. 360, of New London. He is a member of the Rotary Club of New London, of the Knights of Columbus, Sea Side Council No. 17, and is also prominent in social affairs. His favorite recreative interests take him into the great out-of-doors, fish- ing being his chief sport. He is a member of the Roman Catholic church.
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THOMAS FRANCIS KELLY-Since 1899, Thomas Francis Kelly has been a resident of Bal- tic, Connecticut, and in everything pertaining to the welfare and advancement of the town, Mr. Kelly has taken an active interest, being recognized today as one of her foremost citizens.
John Kelly, father of Thomas Francis Kelly, was born in Ireland, in 1827, and came to this country when a young man, settling finally in Uxbridge, Massachusetts. He married Katherine Kcarns born in 1830, a native of Dublin, Ireland, and to them were born three children : Thomas Francis, of further mention ; Mary Anne, and Anne Elizabeth.
Thomas Francis Kelly was born in Uxbridge, Massachusetts, September 15, 1862, and attended the public schools of his native place until he was thirteen years of age, when the business of life commenced for the boy. His first employment was with the Woonsocket Lumber Company, where he continued until 1899, when he came to Baltic, Con- necticut, and found a position with the Shetucket Mills, where he is located at the present time. In politics Mr. Kelly is a Democrat, a firm believer in the principles of his party, and a loyal supporter of its welfare. He is a member of the local school board, and the board of assessors, and for twelve years he has been justice of the peace. He has always been industrious and zealous in the per- formance of his public duties, and curteons and honorable in all his dealings.
Mr. Kelly married Katherine Agnes Brown, daughter of John and Katherine Brown, of Ux- bridge, Massachusetts. Mr. and Mrs. Kelly are the parents of three children: Edward Joseph, who is employed as a railway mail clerk; Thomas Francis Jr .; Katherine, who is employed in the income tax office at Washington, D. C.
JAMES HYDE HAZEN-In the town of Frank- lin, New London county, Connecticut, James Hyde Hazen was born, and there, after a lifetime of use- fulness, died. He was a son of Charles Thomas and Mary (Armstrong) Hazen ; grandson of Simeon and Temperance (Sabin) Hazen; great-grandson of Moses and Joanna (Sampson) Hazen ; great-great- grandson of Thomas (2) Hazen; son of Thomas (1) Hazen, son of Edward Hazen, the American an- cestor, who is recorded in Rowley in 1649, in con- nection with the burial of his wife, Elizabeth. They came from Northampton, England. His second wife was Hannah Grant, daughter of Thomas and Hannah Grant. Edward Hazen was selectman sev- eral times, and a man of means and influence. His son Thomas Hazen, born February 29, 1657, was the first of this branch to settle in Connecticut, his home being in latter years in the town of Norwich, not the town of Franklin, New London county. Moses Hazen of the fourth American generation owned the farm in Franklin, which was later owned by his grandson. Charles Thomas Hazen, and later by his son, James Hyde Hazen.
Simeon Hazen of the fifth generation was born at the home farm in Franklin, New London county,
June 10, 1769, and there died July 22, 1864, having spent his entire life on the farm. He was a suc- cessful farmer and became quite wealthy. He was a Democrat in politics, was selectman several terms, and a man of a good deal of influence. He is buried in Portipang Cemetery. Simeon Hazen married (first) December 16, 1790, Nabby Sampson; Febru- ary 28, 1810, he married (second) Temperance Sabin, of New Hampshire, and had children by both marriages.
Charles Thompon Hazen of the sixth generation was born at the old homestead in the town of Franklin, New London county, Connecticut, July 13, 1818, and there lived to a very old age. He attended the district schools each year until the age of seventeen, and at the age of nineteen began to teach, and continued in different localities until he had taught eight terms. He then married and rented a farm in Franklin (later owned by D. W. Grant), and there he remained seven years. He then returned to the home farm and managed it for his father, and when the latter passed away in 1864, he became the owner of its one hundred and forty acres. He continued its operation until old age overtook him, when he retired and was suc- ceeded by his son, James Hyde Hazen. In 1866- 1867 he erected a new house on his farm, and dur- ing his years of ownership, made many improve- ments. He was a Democrat in politics and for twenty-five years served as justice of the peace. He was selectman many years, a member of the State Legislature in 1860, and held about every other town office.
He married, January 9, 1842, in Franklin, Mary Armstrong, born January 29, 1817, and died Janu- ary 24, 1903, after a happy married life of sixty-one years. Mr. and Mrs. Hazen were the parents of three children: May Elizabeth, married Daniel G. Tucker, and moved to Columbia, Connecticut ; Phoebe E., married Adelbert R. Young, and moved to Jewett City, Connecticut, their children are: Mabel and Irene Young; James Hyde, of further mention.
James Hyde Hazen, only son of Charles Thomas and Mary (Armstrong) Hazen, was born in the town of Franklin, New London county, Connecticut, May 10, 1848, his parents at that time renting the D. W. Grant farm. He died at the farm inherited from his father in the same town. He grew up on the home farm to which his parents moved, that property lying on Portipang Hill. He was well edu- eated in private schools, but at the age of eighteen became his father's farm assistant. He resided in Syracuse, New York, for several years, then re- turned to the farm succeeding his father in the management when the years grew heavy. He con- tinued at the farm until his death, operating it very successfully.
James Hyde Hazen married Emma Barlow, born in Meriden, Connecticut, who died leaving two chil- dren: (1) Mary Westerly, born July 10, 1876, in Meriden, Connecticut, wife of Joseph W. Welling- ton, born December 5, 1879, in Bridgeport, Connecti- cut, son of George Wellington, of Bridgeport, born
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March 6, 1852. Mr. and Mrs. Wellington reside on their farm at Portipang Hill in the town of Sprague, and have a son, Joseph Hazen Wellington, born in New Haven, Connecticut, September 26, 1903. Mr. Wellington was a member of the town school board, and is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. (2) Florence Edna, born December 15, 1880, mrried Leroy Moulthrop and has a son. They reside in Shetton, Connecticut.
J. FRANK COREY-In the public life of Nor- wich, an interesting figure is J. Frank Corey, at present clerk of the Court of Common Pleas. Mr. Corey's father, John Fenner Corey, was born in Southbridge, Massachusetts, and received his edu- cation in the public schools of that town. When a young man he came to Westerly, Rhode Island, where he worked as a machinist for various plants in that city for a time. He then came to Norwich, where he followed the machinist's trade the greater part of his life. At the time of the great Boston fire of 1872, he was stoker of the Wauregan steamer, of the Norwich Fire Department. Mr. Corey went to Boston with this steamer, the transportation he- ing accomplished by rail. At this fire he contracted small pox, and falling ill after arriving home, he died on December 5, 1872. He married Jeannette H. Crandall, who was born in Voluntown, Connecti- cut. She died in Norwich in December, 1915. They were the parents of two children: J. Frank, and Emma, who died in infancy, of the dread disease which her father contracted in the course of per- forming his duty, costing the life of both.
J. Frank Corey was born in Norwich, on Febru- ary 11, 1865, and received his education in the pub- lic schools of the city. Left fatherless at an early age, he started out in life to make his own way as soon as he had finished school. He worked in various plants as a shipping clerk, continuing along this line until 1885, when he became a clerk for the Norwich & Worcester railroad. In 1893 he was station master at Norwich for a short period. All this time the young man was improving his spare time to increase his efficiency along the line of his chosen work, and now an opportunity offered to take a step forward. He accepted a position with John C. Averill, clerk of the Common and Superior courts, as private secretary, and filled this position from 1894 to 1915. In 1909 he was appointed as- sistant clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, which office he still ably fills.
Mr. Corey is a Republican by political choice and a staunch supporter of its principles. He is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, Somerset Lodge, No. 34, and has been musical direc- tor of the order for the past thirty-one years. He is a member of Franklyn Chapter, No. 3, and Frank- lyn Council, No. 4; was past commander of the Council in 1900 and 1901. He is secretary of the four Scottish Rite bodies, and secretary of the Connecticut Consistory. of which he is a thirty-sec- ond degree member. He was clerk of the parish of Christ Episcopal Church from 1897 to 1920.
Mr. Corey married, on October 15, 1899, Sarah E. Hilton, daughter of Charles O. and Lydia S. (North- rop) Hilton, of Norwich. They have two children : Herbert H. and Grace M.
J. HYMAN LONDON-Rabbi Fabyan London, father of J. Hyman London, of Colchester, Connecti- cut, was a learned and devout exponent of the Jew- ish faith, living at the time of the birth of his son (1867) in his Russian Poland. In 1875 Rabbi London migrated to London, England, where his wife, Jen- nie C. Goldberg London died. He remained in Lon- don until 1895, then came to the United States where he is now living (1921).
J. Hyman London, son of Rabbi Fabyan and Jen- nie C. (Goldberg) London, was born in Russian Poland, February 3, 1867, and there he spent the years until 1875, when the family moved to London, England. He was instructed by his father in the letter of the law, and all this education was pre- paratory to his filling a rabbi's place in the syna- gogue. His education continued in Jewish institu- tions until 1889, when the young man went to South Africa, where he remained until 1904, engaged in various kinds of business in different cities. In 1904 he came to the United States to the Colchester colony, where he engaged as a farmer and later bought his own farm. In 1919 he bought out a garage and service station in the village of Col- chester. In 1920 he sold his farm and now devotes himself entirely to his garage. In politics Mr. London is an Independent, and has served his town as constable. He is a member of the Jewish church, and a man greatly esteemed.
Mr. London married, in London, England, March 10, 1890, Sarah Lando, born in Russian Poland, and they are the parents of a son, Joseph, born in Lon- don, England, February 4, 1891, who has traveled over a great part of the world. He married Lena Turner, born in Austria, Europe, and they have two children : Leon and Charles, both born in Col- chester, Connecticut.
WILLIAM EDWARD BABBITT-Having spent the early years of his life engaged in one or another of the many mills in Connecticut, William Edward Babbitt has, for the past several years, been a tiller of the soil. The youngest of a family of six chil- dren, William Edward Babbitt is the son of James Monroe and Sarah Babbitt ; the former was born in Danielson, Connecticut, and for most of his life has been employed in various parts of New London county as a worker in the mills. He and his wife are the parents of four sons and two daughters: Albert Zachariah, Julia, James Monroe, Welcome Barnes, Captola, and William Edward.
William Edward Babbitt was born in Montville, Connecticut, growing to manhood there. His edu- cation was acquired in the public school of his native town, and there he became a mill operative, continuing as such until 1912, when he left Mont- ville, and coming to Baltic, Sprague township, be- came interested in farming. Mr. Babbitt has con-
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tinued in this line of work ever since he came to Baltic.
While living in Montville, William Edward Bab- bitt was married to Louise Beckwith, a native of Montville, the daughter of Allan and Mary (Hy- land) Beckwith. Mr. and Mrs. Babbitt have one child, Lottie May, born in Montville, February 2, 1908.
CLAYTON HUNTINGTON LATHROP was born at Franklin, Connecticut, November 11, 1892, son of Clayton Hyde and Estelle J. (Smith) Lath- rop. Clayton Hyde Lathrop was born in Colchester, Connecticut, and died in Franklin, in 1900, at the age of forty-three. He taught school for many years, and also engaged in farming on a large scale. Mrs. Lathrop, who now resides with her son, Clayton H. Lathrop, was born in Franklin, August 30, 1856.
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