USA > Connecticut > New London County > A modern history of New London County, Connecticut, Volume III > Part 67
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The early education of Clayton Huntington Lath- rop was received in the schools of his native place, after which he attended Natchave Grammar School, in Willimantic, and later entered Windham High School, from which he graduated. He then engaged in farming for two years, after which he went into the automobile business, working in the capacity of mechanic for several concerns, filling the position of head mechanic at the Griswold Hotel. In 1915, Mr. Lathrop was chosen representative from the town of Franklin, and held the distinction of being the youngest member of that body, being at that time but twenty-three years old. He has also served as grand juror, auditor, and registrar of voters. He is affiliated with Uncas Lodge, No. 11, Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows, and is also a mem- ber of Franklin Grange, No. 184. In politics he is a staunch Republican.
Clayton Huntington Lathrop married, October 31, 1917, Anna Harriet Mosher, of Willimantic, born in Moodus, Connecticut, June 1, 1896, daughter of Charles H. and Ella (Rogers) Mosher. Mr. and Mrs. Lathrop are the parents of one child, Clayton Elliot, born November 21, 1918.
HARRISON HUBERTA WARD-Since 1914, when he joined the rank of farmer, Mr. Ward has devoted his entire time to this occupation, and the success which he has already attained within these comparatively few years is ample proof of the wise choice which he made in his life work.
Thomas Henry Ward, father of Harrison Huber- ta Ward, was born July 14, 1859, at Lebanon. Here he has resided continuously up to the present time, and has been engaged in agricultural pursuits. He married Edith Frances Manning. Mrs. Ward is also a native of Lebanon, and the daughter of Ben- jamin and Senith (Robinson) Manning. To Mr. and Mrs. Ward have been born eight children: Har- rison Huberta, of further mention; Albert A., born November 25, 1885; Millicent Huntington, born July 26, 1888; Helen Louise, born November 24, 1890; John Philip, born June 8, 1896; Paul Arthur; N.L .- 2.30.
Annette Stella, born June 23, 1900; and Edith Fran- ces, born June 6, 1906.
Harrison Huberta Ward was born at Franklin, Connecticut, January 21, 1884, the eldest child of Thomas Henry and Edith Frances ( Manning) Word. He attended the select school of Lebanon until he was twelve years of age, when without the usual time allotted to the growing youth for play, he left school and went to work on his father's farm. Some years later, desirous of trying other lines of em- ployment, he secured work with the electric road, and also spent six months in the study of teleg- raphy. In 1914, however, he purchased his present place and has continued to reside here ever since, devoting his entire time to his farm. Having pre - viously gained a wide and extensive knowledge of agricultural methods, which has stood him in good stead, he now carries on successful farming operations which are the outcome of these years of tireless devotion which he has given to his work. Mr. Ward has never taken any active part in public affairs, but in a quiet and unassuming way gives his best influence to whatever he deems is worthy of consideration.
CLARENCE EUGENE BARBER, of Norwich, Connecticut, is one of the younger men in mechan - ical lines of work in the city, but is making his shop on North Main street a genuine force for industrial progress. Mr. Barber is a son of Michael Angelo and Fannie (Burnett) Barber. Elsewhere in this work is found a sketch of the life of Michael A. Barber, who has always followed the same line of work; and whose father, Julius E. Barber, spent his entire life in mechanical work. Thus three gen- erations of this family have been and are identified with the manufacturing industries of the city.
Clarence Eugene Barber was born in Norwich, on September 28, 1881. He received his education in the public schools of the city, and the Norwich Free Academy, the institution from which he graduated, in 1901. From boyhood he planned to follow the same line of work in which his father and grand- father had always been actively engaged; but was resolved to gain special training to fit him for dis- tinctive branches of the work. So in the fall of 1901 he entered the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, for a three years' course. He gradu- ated in 1904, and returned to Norwich, where he went into his father's shop and worked with him. Then in 1907 he entered the employ of the Fore River Ship Yard, to gain experience on marine en- gines and that class of work. He remained for one year, then went to the William A. Harrison Com- pany, of Providence, Rhode Island, working as road engineer. Here he remained until 1911, when he returned to Norwich, and became foreman in his father's shop. Later he worked for others in vari- ous places for a short time, then in 1913 he went into the automobile business, handling the Dodge and Hudson cars, and the Stewart trucks, also a general line of accessories. He followed this until
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1918, then opened a machine shop on North Main street, under his own name. He has been very suc- cessful thus far, and the future looks most promis- ing. Ile handles a fine grade of work, and is equipped for every branch of machine work, and for engineering covering a broad scope.
Mr. Barber is a Republican by political choice, and was elected councilman in 1919; his term of office not yet being expired. He is connected with many fraternal and social organizations ; is a mem- ber of Somerset Lodge, No. 34, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons; Franklin Chapter, No. 4; Frank- lin Council, No. 3; Columbian Commandery, of Nor- wich; and Sphinx Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of Hartford. He is a member of all Scot- tish Rite bodies, of the thirty-seocnd degree; and a member of the Eastern Star, No. 57, of Norwich. He is also a member of the Arcanum Club.
He married, on November 20, 1907, Ella Halt, of Norwich, daughter of Thomas J. and Lucy (Stock- ing) Halt, both natives of Providence, Rhode Island. Mr. and Mrs. Barber have one son, Sherman H. They are members of the Universalist church.
OWEN LINCOLN STEWART-In the affairs of Sprague, Owen Lincoln Stewart has always taken a keen interest and has ever given substantial aid as well as influence toward the advancement of civic welfare, being recognized as a leader among the progressive men of the town.
Owen Lincoln Stewart was born December 14, 1864, in the town of East Lyme. He was the son of Lyman and Mary Alice (Maynard) Stewart, the latter a daughter of Gordon Maynard, of East Lynne. The boy attended the public schools of his native place until he was seventeen years of age, when he chose to follow in the footsteps of his father, to become a farmer. Having gained a thorough practical knowledge of this occupation when a boy upon his father's farm, he followed this particular line with considerable success, and when the elder man died in 1910, the son purchased the home farm. The ground was naturally very fertile, and its continued cultivation has brought Mr. Stew- art much remuneration.
Mr. Stewart has always been active in the politi- cal life of Sprague. He is a member of the Re- publican party, and for several years served on the local public school board. He holds membership in the Grange, and affiliates with the Ancient Order of United Workmen.
Owen Lincoln Stewart married (first) Maud Watson, who bore him five children: Ethel, Hugh Miller, Herbert, Bernice and Allan. He married (second) Mary Alice Stocz, a native of New Lon- don, Connecticut, the daughter of Ludwig and Estelle Stocz. Mr. and Mrs. Stewart are the par- ents of one child, Doris Estelle, born in June, 1911.
LOUIS RAYMOND ABEL-The World War that engulfed Europe in 1914, and swept over all
our land ere its course was run, took its grim toll of lives from every walk of life, every profession, every vocation, every science, and every art gave of its all, that civilization might conquer its dead- liest foe. One of the brave spirits that went out over a battle field of France was Louis Raymond Abel, to whose memory this review is dedicated. Ile was a grandson of Edwin Leroy and Jane (Car- penter) Abel (the former born in Lebanon, Con- necticut, the latter in Brooklyn, New York), and son of Joseph Payson and Ida M. (Peckham) Abel.
Joseph Payson Abel was born in Brooklyn, New York, December 3, 1853, died in Lebanon, Connecti- cut, November 11, 1908. He attended the public schools until sixteen years of age, then entered upon his business career, his first employment be- ing with the Western Union Telegraph Company in New York City. He became prominent in the busi- ness world and in Freemasonry, holding the thirty- second degree of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, and eminent in the northern jurisdiction of the United States, supervising that rite. He mar- ried Ida M. Peckham, daughter of Benjamin and Alice (Spink) Peckham, and to them were born three children : Louis Raymond, of further mention ; William Hurlbert, and Eugene Peckham.
Louis Raymond Abel was born in Brooklyn, New York. August 11, 1881, and obtained his education in the public schools. Terminating his studies at an early age, he entered upon his business career in New York City, subsequently becoming associated with the Westinghouse Company, by whom he was sent to South America in the employ of the Elec- tric Engineering Corporation, later going to Chi- cago. While there he enlisted in the United States army, subsequently being sent in May, 1917, to the officers' training camp at Madison barracks, re- maining there for one year, training at Camp Han- cock. On May 1, 1918, he embarked on the trans- port "Aquatania," going overseas as first lieutenant with the 112th Regular Infantry, with the Twenty- eighth Division. Upon landing in France, he took active part in some of the important engagements down to the Argonne, where he was killed in action on the first day of the offensive, on the plains of Montdidier, September 27, 1918. He was buried in the Argonne Cemetery in France. It is interesting to note here, that a thirty-second degree Mason's ring, which was taken from the finger of a dead German on the Argonne front October 4, 1918, had inscribed the name of Joseph P. Abel; a Ma- sonic brother, in turn taking the stolen ring and returning it to Lieutenant Abel's widow.
On November 7, 1902, Louis Raymond Abel was united in marriage with Anna M. Hallen, of Leb- anon, Connecticut, and to them was born a son, Edwin Leroy, June 16, 1904. The death of Lieuten- ant Abel at the beginning of a promising career is one of the tragedies of war, but he died a hero on the field of battle, and his death was mourned as a personal loss by the officers of the American forces, who paid eloquent tribute to his services.
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CHARLES A. PERKINS-Descended from a family of ancient lincage, tracing back in this country to the year 1630, Charles A. Perkins, promi- nent in the affairs of Lebanon, Connecticut, agri- cultural, political and social, demonstrates in his career the value of heredity, displaying the char- acteristics which make for success in any linc of work.
John Perkins, the first American ancester of whom we have record, was born at Newent, Eng- land, in 1590, and died in Ipswich, Massachusetts, in 1654. He embarked for the New World in the ship "Lyon," his destination being Boston, Massachu- setts, where he arrived in February, 1631. He was accompanied on the journey by his wife, Judith Perkins, and their five children. Two years later he removed to Ipswich, Massachusetts, and there spent the remainder of his days. He served several times as deputy to the General Court. One of his children was Sergeant Jacob Perkins, born in Eng- land in 1624, and died in 1699-1700. He married (first) Elizabeth ,and (second) Mrs. De- maris Robinson. The three sons of Sergeant Per- kins: Joseph, Jabez, and Mathew Perkins, were the progenitors of the family in the State of Connecti- cut, removing in 1695 to that part of Norwich which later became Lisbon.
Samuel Perkins, a descendant of one of the above, and father of Charles A. Perkins, of this review, was a resident of Lisbon, New London county, Connecticut. He spent his boyhood and young manhood there, then changed his place of residence to Bozrah, same State, where he engaged in the lumber business until 1876, then removed to Leb- anon, and there engaged in agricultural pursuits, continuing the same until his death, April 11, 1878, his remains being interred in the Dr. Johnson Cemetery at Bozrah. He was a Democrat in poli- tics, and was a member of the old military company at Bozrah until it was disorganized. His wife, Philura H. (Miner) Perkins, a native of Bozrah, daughter of Thomas and Freelove Miner, survived her husband until March 30, 1892. She bore him thirteen children, as follows: Alfred, Horace C., Mary, Frank S., Ellen, John G., George L., Nancy M., Hattie, Charles A., Jared, James B., Byron.
Charles A. Perkins, sixth son of Samuel and Philura H. (Miner) Perkins, was born in Bozrah, Connecticut, October 25, 1863. He attended local schools at Bozrah and Lebanon until fourteen years of age, at which time his parents took up their resi- dence in Lebanon, and after the death of his father, when the lad was fifteen years of age, he assumed the management of the home farm, so continuing for four years, when his mother disposed of the property. He then secured employment in the Yantic Paper Company as fireman, rising to the position of engineer, and remained an employee of that company until 1885, resigning then on account of impaired health. Feeling that out-door employ- ment would prove of benefit to him, he rented a farm in Lebanon, which he worked for one year, then removed to another farm, where he remained
for four years. He then turned his attention to the trade of carpenter, at which he worked until the year 1897, when he purchased his present farm, consisting of fifty acres, and in the interval has improved his property considerably, deriving there- from a lucrative livelihood, to which he adds by working at the trade of carpenter, for which he has a special liking and aptitude.
He has taken a prominent part in the social and political life of the community, and in 1907 his associates chose him as their representative in the Legislature, where he served the usual term; he has also served as a member of the Board of Re- lief, and for five years as tax collector, the duties of these offices being performed in a most satis- factory manner. His political affiliations arc with the Republican party, and fraternally he is con- nected with the Knights of Pythias, William Wil- liams Council, No. 72, Order of United American Mechanics, passing all the chairs in the latter order, also representing the council at State convention several times, and a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen.
Mr. Perkins married, September 10, 1884, Julia A. Sisson, of North Stonington, Connecticut, who was born there, September 10, 1863, daughter of Albert B. and Amclia (Dunbar) Sisson. The family of Sisson originated in North Stonington, and its his- tory is full of interesting tales. William Sisson, uncle of Mrs. Perkins, was lost while serving as ice pilot on the ship "Genetta," while exploring in the Arctic region, and Gurdon Dunbar was lost on Desolation Island, remaining there for three years before he was rescued. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Perkins: 1. Frank Charles, born November 22, 1888; is located in Springfield, serving as foreman for the Westinghouse Company, manufacturers of the Browning machine guns. 2. Fannie Clara, born February 12, 1891, resides at home. The family arc members of the Congre- gational church, Mr. Perkins having served at one time as assistant superintendent of the Sunday School connected therewith.
JOHN HENRY ROSE-Descended from grand- parents who were born in different kingdoms in Europe, John Henry Rose has inherited from his father's family the characteristics of the Holland Dutch people and of the Germans.
His grandfather was Adam Rosc, born in Holland, who cmigrated to the United States in the early part of the last century and, settling in New Lon- don, Connecticut, bought property and built the old Rose homestead there, he and his wife and children being one of the pioneer families of that section of Connecticut. His wife was a native of Germany, but came to this country when quite young. They had several children, one of whom was Charles Henry, of whom further.
Charles Henry Rose was born upon the home- stead, February 19, 1845. He was educated in the local schools, and some years afterward became engaged in the trucking and transfer business, which he carried
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on extensively for a number of years, but for the past few years he has retired from active business and lives quietly at his home on Rosemary street, New London. He is assistant chief of the New Lon- don Fire Department, and is also fire marshall. He is a member of the Order of Eagles, and of Nona- wantick Tribe, Improved Order of Red Men. The wife of Charles Henry Rose, Saralı Rose, was born in Jersey City, New Jersey, about fifty-five years ago, and is a member of the well known Nieve family of that city. Their children were as follows: 1. Maude, born in Jersey City; she is the wife of Frank Howard, of New London, and has two chil- dren: Ella May and Edgar Howard. 2. John Henry, of whom further. 3. Goldie Elizabeth, born in New London; married James O'Connor, and resides in New York City; she is the mother of two daugh- ter: May and Vera. 4. Earl Nieve, born in New London; he married Doris Fournier, of New Lon- don, by whom he had one child, Charles Earl. 5. Sadie Iola, born in New London, where she now lives, at home, and is a teacher in one of the schools there. 6. Ruth Estelle, born in New Lon- don; living at home.
Jolin Henry Rose, son of Charles Henry and Saralı Rose, was born at the home of his grand- father in Jersey City, New Jersey, February 23, 1884, while his mother was on a visit to her former home. As soon as practicable the young mother returned to her husband's home in New London, Connecticut, where her son grew up.
Having acquired an education in the public schools of New London, John Henry Rose learned the trade of a carpenter, working at it for a number of years, then, joining his father in the trucking and transfer business, he assisted him for some time, and when thirty-two years old bought out the business from his father and has been conducting it himself for the last five years, having made a great success of it.
John Henry Rose married, in New London, Sep- tember 7, 1909, Bessie Ray Morey, born in Willis- ton, Vermont, April 21, 1888. She is the daughter of John Irwin and Adelaide (Goodrich) Morey, the former in his youth a farmer in Vermont, but in later manhood he became engaged in railroad busi- ness, continuing for several years, and is now re- tired from active service, living at his home in New London. John Irwin Morey's great-great- grandmother was an Indian princess before her marriage to John Morey, the great-great-grand- father of John Irwin Morey.
Mr. and Mrs. Jolin Irwin Morey had five children: 1. Earl Ralph, born in November, 1886, at Willis- ton, Vermont, and died June 16, 1914; he is buried in Jordan Cemetery, New London. 2. Bessie Ray, wife of John Henry Rose. 3. Mary Teresa, born in Williston, Vermont, August 3, 1890; she mar- ried (first) William Valley, by whom she had two children: Muriel and Irwin; married (second) Al- bert Dunster, a native of England; they have two children: Dorothy and Pershing Albert. 4. Cecil
Irene, born at St. Albans, Vermont; she married (first) John MacLaughlin, of New London; married (second) Joseph Towen. 5. John Timothy, born in St. Albans, Vermont; married Anna Quinn, and has one child, Earl Ralph.
After the marriage of Jolin Henry Rose and Bessie Ray Morey, in 1909, they went to California to live, remaining there for several years. While there two of their children were born. They have three daughters and one son: I. Dulcie Emmeline Adelaide, born February 2, 1912, in Los Angeles, California. 2. Keil Emmerson, born February 10, 1914, in Los Angeles, California. 3. Winifred Ara- bella, born March 21, 1916, in New London, Connec- ticut. 4. Gwendolyn Elizabeth, born August 4, 1918. Mr. and Mrs. Rose, with their children, reside at No. 96 Raymond street (extension), while Mr. Rose has his trucking business located at the corner of State and Bradley streets.
FRANK WASHBURN SPENCER-A conspicu- ous figure in the life of South Windham, where he resided for many years, was the late Frank Wash- burn Spencer. He never took an active part in public affairs, but in his quiet and unassuming way could always be counted upon to give his earnest support to everything pertaining to the welfare of the community.
Frank Washburn Spencer was born at Lebanon, Connecticut, January 11, 1869, son of Charles Ed- ward and Harriet (Haskell) Spencer. He attended the schools of his native place for several years, and then engaged in the occupation of farming, which he followed throughout his entire lifetime, and to which he devoted his entire time. His place was regarded as one of the well conducted places of the region, and no expense was spared in the cultiva- tion of the propery, which was brought to a highly productive state long before he passed away.
Frank Washburn Spencer married Edna Wood- mansee. She was born at North Franklin, Connec- ticut, May 20, 1879, the daughter of Sylvester and Lucy Anne Woodmansee. Mrs. Spencer survives her husband and resides on the farm. She, like her husband, is ardently devoted to the place, and readily gives substantial aid to all things pertaining to the advancement of civic betterment.
FREDERICK ROHMELING-To the many guests who have patronized the Morton House at Niantic, Connecticut, during the past seven years, the name Rohmeling recalls a delightful experience, for as owner and proprietor of that well known summer hotel he lias not only made it a most de- sirable stopping place for those who delight in beautiful surroundings and a good cuisine, but also for those who value that intangible thing which is sometimes called "atmosphere" and "homelike." The Morton House has become popular under his management, and its fine location on the Shore road, its well decorated rooms, and a famous chef and
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cook in the person of Mrs. Rohmeling, insures it a permanent patronage.
Frederick Rohmeling was born in Brooklyn, New York, May 30, 1877, a son of Frederick Rohmeling, born in Denmark, a builder, who came to the United States, working in Brooklyn for a number of years. Later he returned to Denmark, where his death occurred. Frederick and Wilhelmina Rohmel- ing are the parents of four children: Ernest Wil- liam, born in the old country; Amelia, born in the old country; Frederick, born in Brooklyn, New York; Bertha, born in Brooklyn, New York. Mrs. Rohmeling did not return to Denmark with her husband, but still occupies the old home in Brook- lyn.
Frederick Rohmeling was educated in the schools of Brooklyn, and after school years were over, he learned the painter's trade with especial reference to interior decoration. For several years he was em- ployed as a decorator in Brooklyn, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, then hav- ing capital at his command he opened a restaurant in Brooklyn, New York, at the corner of Lafayette and Franklin avenues. In 1916, he sold his restau- rant and came to Niantic, Connecticut, purchasing the Morton House, which he completely renovated and beautifully decorated. It is a large commodious house, well situated on the Shore road in Niantic, and there he has been very successful.
Mr. Rohmeling married, March 30, 1910, Jean- ette Stenzel, born in St. Louis, Missouri, December 12, 1888, daughter of Herman and Clara Stenzel, who were also the parents of Oscar, William, Otto, and Herman Albert Stenzel. Mrs. Rohmeling is a famous cook and has a great deal to do with the popularity of the Morton House.
JOHN FRANK YERRINGTON-The Yerring- tons, of Norwich, are of English descent, Edwin Frank Yerrington having come from his native England to the United States in boyhood. He found a home in New London county, Connecticut, and during his lifetime was employed in farming in various parts of the county. He died in 1915, aged sixty-eight years, and is buried in the town of Led- yard. He married Happy Eccleston, born in North Stonington, Connecticut, of an old and honored county family, who died July 10, 1884. They were the parents of six sons: John Frank, Charles Ed- ward, Erastus Williams, Edgar Elmer, George Ran- som, and James Byron Yerrington.
John Frank Yerrington, of this family of sons, was born at the home farm in the town of Ledyard, New London county, Connecticut, May 17, 1872. He attended the public schools of his district, but at the age of twelve left home and began life for himself as an employe of James Allan, of New Lon- don. He was variously employed until the year 1904, one of his positions being on a Sound steamer. In 1904 he became engineer at the State Hospital in Norwich, and there has served continuously dur- ing the seventeen years which have since intervened,
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