USA > Connecticut > New London County > A modern history of New London County, Connecticut, Volume III > Part 69
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NEW LONDON COUNTY
increases. After leaving Waldron, Wightman & Company, Mr. Jodoin formed a connection with Daniels & Cornell (later Humphreys & Cornell), wholesale grocers of Providence, they allowing him as his territory, Eastern Connecticut, Southern Massachusetts, and Western Rhode Island. He has been very successful in business, turning in a large volume of business from his territory, and winning friends wherever he goes. He has built up his trade on confidence, never betraying the men who trust lıim.
Mr. Jodoin, as he began having a balance of in- come over expense, decided that Baltic real estate was a good investment and he has never changed his opinion. He has seen his investments increase in valuc, and he is known as the largest individual real estate owner in the village of Baltic. He built the Sprague House, a modern hotel in Baltic, also a large theatre, and prior to this had, in 1898, built the Roderick Block in Baltic. The same year he built his own residence in Baltic, and at Pleasure Beach, built a summer home.
A Democrat in politics, Mr. Jodoin, in 1899 and 1900, served as chairman of the Board of Select- mien, and in 1903 was again elected. He has served as first selectman and also represented his town in the State Legislature. In the Legislature he was instrumental in securing the passage of an act allowing the motorman to sit, and compelling the car companies to furnish them with suitable seats. He is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and a man thoroughly esteemed.
Mr. Jodoin married Azilda Bourque, born in Bal- tic, Connecticut, daughter of Julian Bourque. They have two adopted children: Antonia and Roderick. Antonia was educated in the Convent of Saint Marie in Canada, spending five years there, finishing at the Convent of the Holy Family, at Baltic. Roder- ick, the son, was well educated in Baltic schools, and during the World War period, 1917-18, served in the United States army.
ARTHUR EDWIN HEWITT was the fourth generation of this branch of the Hewitt family to be born in the old homestead at Lebanon, his birth occurring June 20, 1881. He is the son of Erwin and Nellic Elizabeth (Styles) Hewitt, both natives of Lebanon, the former having been born October 10, 1858, the latter in 1864. To Mr. and Mrs. Hewitt were born seven children: Arthur Ed- win, of further mention; Rodney; Everett; George; Bernice; Gladys; Charlotte, deceased.
Arthur E. Hewitt obtained his early education in the schools of Lebanon, and then went to Morse's Business College. After terminating his studies at this latter institution, he returned to his father's farm and has since been actively engaged in follow- ing this particular line of occupation. As a boy he gained a wide experience in agricultural subjects while at work with his father, and then with the training which he acquired at school he became well skilled in business management, thus this combina-
tion has well fitted him to conduct affairs with excellent results, and as well may be imagined he has met with unbounded success. In politics, Mr. llewitt is a Republican, and while he is no office seeker, he has ever by his vote and influence aided the community in whatever has seemed in his judg- ment best for its welfare.
Arthur Edwin Hewitt was united in marriage with Elsic Louise Gardener, born in Colchester, May 12, 1879, daughter of William and Mary Jane (Whipple) Gardener, of Colchester, Connecticut. Mr. and Mrs. Hewitt are the parents of one child, Dorothy Garde- ner, born July 17, 1904.
JOSEPH FRED ENOS-After a number of years spent in other practical branches of business activ- ity, Joseph F. Enos has for the past two years carried on a successful garage at Quaker Hill.
He is a son of Richard Enos, who was born in New London, in the year 1851, and died there in 1915. He married Nellie Briggs, of New London, and they were the parents of six children: Richard; Nellie, now the wife of Arthur Beckwith, of Water- ford, this county; Joseph F., of whom further; Fan- nie, Arthur, Gertrude.
Joseph F. Enos was born in New London, Con- necticut, December 27, 1876. He received his edu- cation in the public schools of his native city, after which he assisted his father in the trucking business. When he was twenty-three years of age he began to learn the carpenter's trade, and as an apprentice and journeyman spent about fourteen years in this occupation. On December 16, 1919, Mr. Enos came to Quaker Hill, Connecticut, and established a gar- age and by so doing met a very acute need of the community. He has been very successful, and his garage is one of the most popular in a large section. In fraternal circles, Mr. Enos is well known, being a member of Fairview Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and of New London Lodge, Loyal Order of Moose.
Mr. Enos married Cassie May Nagel, who was born in Greenport, Long Island, in 1878, a daughter of Jacob Nagel.
DANIEL MARKHAM PECK, one of the repre- sentative citizens of Baltic, Connecticut, where he is engaged in the farming business on a large scale, is a member of a family which for generations has been identified with the State of Connecticut, and has been represented here by many men who have stood high in the esteem of the community. It was founded in this country at a very early date in Colo- nial history, the progenitor being among the first settlers of Connecticut.
George Peck, father of Daniel M. Peck, was born at East Haddam, Connecticut, December 25, 1843, and died there March 26, 1905. Mr. Peck married Harriett Emeline Markham, born at Chatham, Con- necticut, September 15, 1848, the daughter of Daniel Niles and Mary (Skinner) Markham. Mr. and Mrs. Peck were the parents of two children: Daniel
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Markham, of further mention; and Olmstead, born June 6, 1884.
Daniel Markham Peck was born June 6, 1883, at Colchester, Connecticut, and here received the pre- liminary portion of his education, later supplement- ing this with a course at Bacon Academy. After completing his studies he engaged in farming, gain- a wide and extensive knowledge of this subject and becoming well skilled in agricultural methods gen- erally. With his brother Olmstead, he purchased the property known as the Plain Hill Farm, and here he has resided continuously up to the present time. This property was naturally a fertile one, and they have developed and cultivated it until it is now in a highly productive state. This homestead was the original Peck home and is two hundred years old, fifty years of this time, however, it passed out of the family, only to be bought back again by Daniel Markham Peck and his brother, Olmstead Peck. The house contains various articles of interest, and many antiques, some two hundred years old, among them many pieces of mahogany, all of beautiful dc- sign. Many relics of rare interest have also been picked up around the farm, such as ancient Indian implements of war and peace. Mrs. Peck, the mother, guards and cherishes these valuables, but with a rare hospitality is ever ready to show her treasures to the interested visitor. Unlike his father, who was a staunch Republican, Mr. Peck is a Democrat, and gives to the affairs of the com- munity the interest and attention demanded of every good citizen. Mr. Peck is unmarried.
JAMES E. F. BROWN-Born on his father's farm and brought up on it, James E. F. Brown early in life became an expert in the care and training of horses, and especially in judging horses, their valua- tion, etc. Therefore, it was quite a natural thing that he should, in manhood, become a dealer in horseflesh.
James E. F. Brown was born in the town of Gro- ton, Connecticut, November 19, 1861. His parents were Roswell and Catherine (Chesbro) Brown, of Groton, the former a native of North Stonington, the latter born in Groton. Roswell Brown attended the district school for some years, then took up farm- ing, in which he was engaged nearly all his life. He was a very prominent worker in the politics of his borough on the Republican ticket, and at different times held public offices. For thirteen years he was deputy sheriff under Sheriff Richard A. Wheeler, also served as a member of the Board of Select- men. At another time Mr. Brown was chosen tax collector, and filled various other offices. In his later life he retired from active work, and moved, with his family, into the town of Mystic, his death occurring there at the age of seventy-four years. His wife died in Mystic, aged seventy-six years. They had a family of five children: I. Roswell, who dicd in early childhood: 2. Charles, also died when very young. 3. Daniel C., a farmer living in Groton; his wife, Sybil Halstead, was a native of Cuba,
New York. 4. James E. F., of whom further. 5. Rosie E., deceased.
Having attended the district school of Mystic for some years. James E. F. Brown completed his educa- tion at the Mystic Valley Institute. Following this lic became interested in dealing in horses and has continued in this line ever since, now owning large sales stables and also conducting an extensive livery business. Many of his horses he buys in Boston, Massachusetts, and Providence, Rhode Island, ship- ping them to Mystic for sale.
Like his father, James E. F. Brown has been much engaged in local politics and is well known in the Republican ranks. He was at one time ap- pointed deputy sheriff under Sheriff Sidney A. Brown, and afterward elected for a second term; he held the office for eight years. Mr. Brown is also interested in fraternal matters, and is a member of Stonington Lodge, No. 26, of Mystic, Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
James E. F. Brown married, on October 26, 1888, Mary S. Togee, at Danielson, Connecticut. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James R. Togee, resi- dents of Danielson. Two children have been born of this marriage: 1. Frank Harris, who died in 1916. 2. Albertus Bruce, who is an electrical engi- neer at Meridan, Connecticut. Mr. Brown and his wife are members of the Protestant Episcopal church.
CHARLES BUTTOLPH DAVIS-Among the representative citizens of Franklin, Connecticut, is Charles B. Davis. Since coming to this community in 1890, he has taken a keen and active interest in the welfare of the place, and has ever by his vote and influence furthered whatever pertained to civic betterment.
Charles Crandall Davis, father of Charles B. Davis, was born in Rhode Island, and died in 1917. He followed agricultural pursuits throughout his entire lifetime. He married Harriett Frances Barnes, a native of Preston, her birth having oc- curred there September 1, 1832; she died May I, 1920. Mr. and Mrs. Davis were the parents of ten children: Joseph Elmer, Edwin Gardner, Nancy G., A. Barnes, Gilbert Smith, George Warren, Chauncy Crandall, Harriett Isabel, John Mason, de- ceased; Charles B., of further mention.
Charles B. Davis was born at Preston, Connecti- cut, December 20, 1853. His childhood was spent on his father's farm, but his educational advantages were exceptionally good and after obtaining his pre- liminary schooling in the district schools of his native place he entered a literary institution from which he graduated in 1875, at the age of twenty-two years. Having already gained a wide and extensive knowledge of farming while at work with his father on the farm, he decided to continue in this line. In 1890 he came to Franklin, where he purchased his present place, and has here resided continuously up to the present time. He has developed and cul- tivated it until he has brought it to its highly pro-
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ductive state, and has since carried on successful farming operations. Mr. Davis is one of those who are instinctively interested in the welfare of the communities where they reside, and has given no little time and energy to the conducting of public affairs. He is justice of the peace, chairman of the town school committee, and for twenty-one years was selectman of the town. Mr. Davis is also master of Bozrah Grange.
On January 21, 1883, Charles B. Davis was united in marriage with Sarah Emma Palmer, a native of Perryville, Rhode Island, her birth having occurred there January 9, 1862. To Mr. and Mrs. Davis have been born four children: Carrie, married Clifford Lathrop; Benjamin P., mentioned elsewhere in this work; Charles Emerson, and Clarence Howard.
STANTON LEROY BRIGGS was born at Leb- anon, Connecticut, May 9, 1892. His early education was obtained in the schools of his native place, after which he supplemented this with a course at a business college in Norwich, Connecticut. Upon terminating his studies at last named institution, he became engaged in farming, which he has continued up to the present time. Mr. Briggs has also de- voted much of his time to auctioneering, and is credited with having attained much success in this particular line at North Franklin, which is his place of residence.
On April 26, 1918, Stanton Leroy Briggs enlisted in the United States army and was ordered to Camp Devens, where he was assigned to the Twen- ty-sixth Division of the IOIst Massachusetts Regi- ment. Three months later, on July 4, 1918, he sailed for France on the transport "Burma Glasgow." While overseas he took an active part in many of the important engagements, and after the signing of the armistice returned to this country upon the transport "America."
Mr. Briggs has always been active in public af- fairs in Lebanon, and I:as been identified with sev- eral movements for the advancement of the com- munity's welfare. He is a Republican in politics, and at the time of the writing of this article was nominated on the ticket of his party for representa- tive from this district. He was constable, but is now deputy sheriff. Although comparatively young in years, Mr. Briggs has won for himself a place in the community which might well be the envy of a much older man. He has given liberally to every undertaking, the aim of which is the good of the community, having ever shared his fortunes with his fellow-men. Mr. Briggs is unmarried.
VICTOR MARC AURELE-Victor Aurele, born in Quebec, Canada, came to Taftville, New London county, Connecticut, and there was employed in the cotton mills. He married Virginia Sury, born in Quebec, and they were the parents of fifteen chil- dren, the eldest a son, Victor Marc, now a retired farmer of Taftville, Connecticut.
Victor M. Aurele was born in Quebec, Canada, in 1854, and there spent the first fifteen years of
his life. He then came to the United States, finding a home in Northampton, Massachusetts, where he learned the carpenter's trade and remained eleven years. In 1880 he came to Taftville, Connecticut, where his father and family were living, and there he became carpenter with the Pomona Mill Com- pany, and for nine years remained in the employ of that company. He then bought a farm on School street from the Pomona Mill Company, which he cultivated very profitably until 1921, when he re- tired. He is a member of the Roman Catholic church, of Taftville, and a Republican in politics.
Mr. Aurele married, in Canada, Mary Dapot, of Quebec, and they are the parents of nineteen chil- dren, nine of whom are living, namely: Joseph and Henry, living in Greenville; Frederick and Tusant, of Taftville; Alexsena, married Louis Pouta, of Taftville; Albertine, residing at home; Cora, mar- ried John Michon, of Taftville; Bernodett, married L. De Bouve; Beatrice, married Clifford Crary.
JAMES WILLIAM HUNTINGTON was born at Bozrah, Connecticut, December 15, 1877, in the old homestead which is directly across the road from his present farm. The road which divides these two homes runs directly in front of each and is the dividing line between the towns of Bozrah and Franklin. He is the son of Benjamin Franklin and Henrietta (Ladd) Huntington. Benjamin Franklin Huntington was born in Columbus, Ohio, August 28, 1839, and was brought by his parents to Bozrah in March, 1840, when he was but one year old. It is interesting to note here that his father drove a three-horse prairie schooner from Ohio to Bozrah, Connecticut.
The childhood of James William Huntington was spent on his father's farm and most of the time was given to aiding the elder man in his work on the farm. The lad attended the district school until he was fourteen years of age, when he ter- minated his studies and devoted his entire time to farming. Having in the meantime gained an extensive knowledge of the subject, he soon be- came well skilled in agricultural methods generally, and his present farm which he purchased has proven highly successful. In politics Mr. Hunting- ton is an Independent, and has not identified him- self with any political party, preferring to remain free from all partisan influences in the exercise of his own judgment on public issues. Mr. Huntington is unmarried.
NOE ISIDORE CARON-Especial interest at- taches to the business enterprise which follows out- of-the-ordinary channels, and such is the confec- tionery business in Norwich, in which Mr. Caron is interested, and in which he has been a partner for upwards of seven years.
Mr. Caron is a son of Noe I. Caron, Sr., who was born in St. Aisne, Quebec, and educated in the parochial schools of that community. At the age of seventeen years he came to the United States and settled in Baltic, Connecticut. This was in
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1873, and the young man learned the carpenter's trade here, afterwards becoming a successful con- tractor and builder in this county. He retired from business in 1916, and is now a resident of Baltic. He married Rosana Bonget, daughter of Benjamin and Rosalie (Cartier) Bouget, Benjamin Bonget being a brother of Bishop Ignace Bouget, who at the time of his death, which occurred in Montreal, was bishop of the diocese of the Province of Que- bec. A beautiful monument to the memory of Bishop Bonget stands on the grounds of the ca- thedral in Montreal.
Noe Isidore Caron, third in order of birth of the thirteen children of Noe I. and Rosana (Bonget) Caron, was born in Baltic, in the town of Sprague, in this county, October 18, 1886. Educated in the parochial schools of this community, Mr. Caron's first employment was in the capacity of clerk in the grocery store of H. F. Frink, of Norwich, and here he remained until 1911. At that time he formed his first connection with Mr. Anson R. Grover, his present partner, whose life is also reviewed in this work, and who was then prominent in the whole- sale confectionery business. Mr. Caron acted as salesman for Mr. Grover for about four years, then in 1915, uniting in a partnership, they purchased the present business, Mr. Grover coincidentally re- tiring from the wholesale confectionery business he had theretofore conducted. The Connecticut Pop Corn Company, which they then absorbed, was es- tablished in Norwich in 1866, and prior to 1911 was for many years carried on by W. H. Vincent. The present concern has been most successful, broaden- ing the scope of the business until their popcorn confections are familiar practically all over the United States.
In the public affairs of the city Mr. Caron is deeply interested, and supports the Democratic party, but takes no leading part in political mat- ters. He is a member of Norwich Lodge, No. 430, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and of the Union of St. John the Baptist, of Taftville. He is a member of St. Mary's Church, of Baltic, where he resides.
On September 7, 1920, Mr. Caron married, in Taft- ville. Josephine Molleur, daughter of Joseph and Argellia (Gregory) Molleur, of Taftville.
WALTER EATHEL BURGESS-The American surname of Burgess is a variation of the ancient English name Burgh, and the family was originally settled in Salem, Massachusetts, in 1620, the Am- erican progenitor, Thomas Burgess, having served the town of Salem in every public office. He died February 13, 1685, at the age of eighty-two years, highly respected and honored by his fellow-citizens.
Philo Burgess, father of Walter Eathel Burgess, was born in Franklin, Connecticut, March 6, 1843. At the age of seven he was brought by his parents to Lebanon, where he followed agricultural pur- suits until his death, which occurred February 12, 1914. He always took an active interest in the public affairs of the community, and for fifteen
years was farm auditor, and eight years served as a member of the local school board. He married Emily F. Poilen, a native of Windham, her birth having occurred there, November 8, 1842. Mr. and Mrs. Burgess were the parents of four children : Walter E., of further mention; Grace, born March 21, 1874; Fred, born July 14, 1876; John Edward, born November 4, 1880.
Walter Eathel Burgess was born in Windham, Connecticut, December 28, 1872, and obtained his education in the schools of Lebanon, after which he entered upon his business career, securing a position at the Lebanon Creamery, where he remained until 1902, when he bought his present farm, and is re- cognized as one of the most successful farmers of the community. As a citizen Mr. Burgess manifests the same qualities which characterize him as a busi- nessman, steadfast loyalty to principle, and pronipt- ness and efficiency in the performance of duty. Taking no active part in politics, he is quietly in- fluential in the affairs of the community, and he is emphatically a man whose opinion carries weight. Mr. Burgess is unmarried.
REXFORD EDWARD CUMMINGS, one of the most prosperous farmers of this district, comes from a family who have long resided in this town, his ancestors being among the first settlers of Lebanon. He was born in the old homestead July 17, 1893, the son of Edwin and Ida (Lathrop) Cum- mings. Edwin Cummings spent his entire lifetime in his native town and devoted himself exclusively to farming. To Mr. and Mrs. Cummings were born nine children : Charles, Claude, Hazel, Kenneth, Bur- nett, Harold, Leo, Carlton and Rexford.
The education of Rexford Edward Cummings was obtained in the schools of his native place, and after leaving school he turned his entire at- tention to agricultural methods, having in the meantime, while a lad, helped his father with his work until he had acquired considerable knowledge of the various branches of this subject. He has continued in this particular line up to the present time, and the highly productive state of the land upon which the old homestead stands is due in no small measure to the labors of Rexford Cummings. Mr. Cummings has never taken any active part in the public affairs of the town, but nevertheless he is public-spirited to a large degree, and no good work which has for its aim the welfare of the com- munity ever fails to find in him an earnest supporter.
Mr. Cummings married Ruth Pulse, daughter of Elmer Pulse, a prominent farmer of this region. Mr. and Mrs. Cummings are the parents of two children : Shirley and Hazel.
THEODORE NELSON CHURCH-From boy- hood Theodore N. Church has been engaged in the fish and oyster business in Norwich, Connecticut, his father before him engaging in the same busi- ness from youthful manhood until his death. He taught his sons his business, and in 1880 Theodore N. and Henry E. Church established their own
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business, Theodore N. later becoming sole owner of that business and also of the business formerly owned by his father.
Elisha P. Church was born in the town of Mont- ville, New London county, Connecticut, and there passed his youth and early manhood, obtaining his education in the district school and assisting his father in the farm management. While still a young man he settled in Norwich, and there established a fish and oyster business which he con- ducted until his death in 1891. He made his home in the town of Preston, then a part of the town of Norwich, and there died. He married Melissa Williams, born in Montville, died in Norwich, Con- necticut. They were the parents of six children, Theodore N., the eldest.
Theodore Nelson Church, son of Elisha P. and Melissa (Williams) Church, was born September 14, 1859, and attended the district school near liis Preston home. At the age of twelve he became his father's helper in his fish and oyster market in Norwich, and has continued in the fish business until the present. He continued with his father's business until reaching legal age in 1880, then with his younger brother, Henry E. Church. established a fish business in Norwich. For twenty-two years the brothers continued their independent fish busi- ness, then in 1902 Henry Church sold his interest to his brother Theodore, the latter continuing the same until the present (1922), also being the owner of the old fish and oyster business founded by his father. For more than half a century Mr. Church has been connected with the fish business in Nor- which, and for the greater part of that time as pro- prietor. In politics he is a Democrat, and has served the city officially two years as a member of the board of relief; one year as councilman. In religious faith he is a Baptist, a member of Central Church, Norwich.
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