USA > Connecticut > New London County > A modern history of New London County, Connecticut, Volume III > Part 70
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78
Mr. Church married in August, 1880, Adelaide Josephine Souer, of Preston, Connecticut. daughter of Peter and Julia Souer. Mr. and Mrs. Church are the parents of two children: Ruby Souer, born in Preston, now Mrs. Richards, resides in Norwich ; Theodore Paul, born in Preston. now associated in business with his father. In 1885 the family moved from Preston to Norwich, which city is still the family home.
DWIGHT ELIOT SMITH, son of William and Charlotte Smith (Hammond) Smith, was born in the town of Bozrah, October 28, 1887. His child- hood was spent on his father's farm, and most of the time was given to aiding the elder man in his work about the place. His educational advantages were meager, but Mr. Smith is one of those men who are keenly observant, and he has learned much in the hard school of experience, especially about that all important subject, his fellow-men. He continued to reside with his parents until he was sixteen years of age, when he left the farm and sought employ- ment in the Palmer Brothers' Mills, where he worked for several years, finally resigning in 1920, when
he purchased his present farm, which he has under extensive cultivation at the present time. He now gives his entire time to farming, and his place is regarded as one of the well conducted properties in this region.
Mr. Smith married (first) Edith Iva Gardner, a native of Colchester, Connecticut. To Mr. and Mrs. Smith were born two children: Bertram Gardner, born in 1897; and Leslie Ely, born in 1898. Mr. Smith married (second) Olive Alice Jackson, a na- tive of Sweden, her birth having occurred there November 8, 1872. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are the parents of one child, Louisa Olive, born November 1, 1915.
CHARLES HARRISON FITCH, born at Lisbon, Connecticut, March 4, 1878, is the son of Charles and Esther (Wilcox) Fitch, the former a native of Preston, the latter of Griswold, Connecticut.
The boy Charles H. attended the schools of his native place until he was sixteen years of age, when he terminated his studies and devoted his entire time to his father's farm, the elder man having passed away at this time. From childhood, the son had spent most of his spare time in aiding his father in the work about the place, so when the time came for him to take entire charge he had already acquired considerable knowledge of the subject, and was well skilled in agricultural methods generally. Today his place is recognized as one of the well conducted properties of this region, due in no small measure to the tireless energy Mr. Fitch has given to his labors.
Besides being ardently devoted to farming, Charles Harrison Fitch is one of those men who have always interested themselves in everything pertaining to the welfare of the community in which they have chosen to reside, and he has given no little time and energy to the conduct of its affairs. He is selectman of the town, and has been a mem- ber of the local school board for many years.
Mr. Fitch was united in marriage with Nora Geist, a native of Lisbon, Connecticut, and the daughter of Paul and Annie Geist. To Mr. and Mrs. Fitch have been born five children: Clarence Pal- mer, Ralph Harrison, Tyler Theodore, Doris Geist, and Charles Ernest.
LOUIS JOSEPH JARRY-In the village of Taft. ville, New London county, Connecticut, Louis J. Jarry began his existence and there continues an enterprising merchant, who by his energy and pub- lic spirit has contributed to the prosperity of the community in which his lot has been cast. He is a son of Damase and Melinda Jarry, his father born in Montpelier, Vermont, his mother of Canadian birth. Damase Jarry was cducated in the public schools and grew to manhood a Vermont farmer. About 1875 he came to Taftville, Connecticut, se- curing employment in the weaving department of the Ponemah Cotton Mill. He married Melinda born in St. Caisare, Province of Quebec,
479
BIOGRAPHICAL
Canada, and they were the parents of nine children, three of whom are living in Taftville: Louis Jo- seph, of further mention; Yvonne Emina, born in Taftville, in 1899; Andrew, born in Taftville, in 1902.
Louis Joseph Jarry was born in Taftville, New London county, Connecticut, April 20, 1894. He at- tended Sacred Heart Parochial School, Taftville, until fourteen years of age, then left school to enter the weaving department of the Ponemah Cotton Mill, there continuing until his sixteenth year. He began his apprenticeship under Henry Morris, a baker of Taftville, in 1910, serving three years. From 1913 until 1916 he worked in different locali- ties, then bought out a confectionery store and lunch room in Taftville, which he conducted for about four years, until 1921, when he bought the Bausoliel bakery in Taftville, which he is conduet- ing very successfully, it being the only bakery in the village. He is a member of Sacred Heart Ro- man Catholic Church, Taftville; member of the So- ciety of St. John the Baptist, and of the Society of St. Louis, both of Taftville. In politics he is an Independent, voting for the men and measures he believes best for the public welfare.
Mr. Jarry married, in 1915, Grace Anna Robellaird, daughter of Eli and Apoline (Carron) Robellaird, of Norwich, Connecticut. Mr. and Mrs. Jarry are the parents of two children: Gerard Louis, born in Taftville, May 28, 1917, and Lucille Grace, born in Taftville, October 19, 1920.
ALBERT ALLEN RIST-The farming communi- ties of New London county, Connecticut, are al- ways abreast of the times, always taking front rank in every movement for the public good, and keeping pace with the cities in the line of progress. In Lisbon, Connecticut, Albert Allen Rist is one of those men whose activities are making this true.
Mr. Rist is the only son of Isaac Swan Rist, who was born in the village of Leffingwelltown, town of Bozrah, Connecticut, in 1849, and died in 1901.
Albert Allen Rist was born in Norwich, Connec- ticut, January 22, 1883. He attended the educational institutions that are the pride of this city, gaining a practical preparation for the battle of life. His father's last illness ended his education, and he went into the industrial world to provide for himself. He entered the employ of the Norwich Nickel- Brass Company, where he continued for a period of eleven years. At the end of that time he made a radical change in his line of effort, fulfilling thereby a long-cherished dream. He came to Lisbon, and purchased the farm which is now his home, and upon which he has achieved unusual success. He has now been a resident of this town for nine years, and in that time has won the cordial regard and re- spect of the townspeople, and has become one of the leading farmers of this vicinity.
In the public service Mr. Rist has borne a part almost since his coming to this town. Although acknowledging the domination of no party, so far as his individual action is concerned, he was elected
town clerk eight years ago, and has been re-elected ever since, now (1922) holding that office to the satisfaction of all concerned. Mr. Rist is a hard- working man, carrying on extensive farm interests, but his duties as a public servant are performed with the utmost precision and thoroughness. Aside from the duties of office, Mr. Rist is taking a con- structive part in the matter of education. He is agitating various improvements in the schools of the town, the practicability of which is unquestion- able.
Mr. Rist married Ella May Bennett, daughter of Charles Sterry and Nellie Bennett. Mr. and Mrs. Rist have three children: Helen Mae, Newell Pal- mer, and William Allen.
CHRISTIAN NIELSON-Living a quiet, well- ordered life, much respected by his neighbors and fellow-townsmen, Christian Nielson works his farm and harvests his crops, enjoying the fruits of his labor with his family.
By birth Mr. Nielson is a Dane, liis forbears for many generations having been good and loyal citi- zens of Denmark. His parents were Frederick and Maria (Olsen) Nielson, both born there, the latter having died while her son was an infant.
Christian Nielson was born July 16, 1870. At the age of six his education began, he attending the common schools until he was fourteen years old; from that time until his manhood lie was employed in farming and, when twenty-three years old, he de- termined to come to America. He arrived in the United States in 1893, locating at first in Mansfield, Connecticut, but after a time removing to Willi- mantic. Here he obtained employment with :lie Buck Grain Company, remaining with this firm for seven years. Mr. Nielson's love of farming led him to make a change in his occupation and, deciding upon Lebanon as his future home, he bought the farm where he is now living, in 1908. It is situated upon the road to Chestnut Hill, one of the many villages in Lebanon township.
Christian Nielson married Helma G. Johnson, a native of Sweden, having been born there September 17, 1868. Two children were born of this union: Ernest Hulbert, born in 1901 in Willimantic; Ellen Matilda, born in 1904, also in Willimantic.
Having no political aspirations, Mr. Nielson has neither sought nor held any public position, nor is he interested in fraternal societies.
PETER SELLAS-Among the public-spirited citizens of Norwich the earnest work of Peter Sellas for the general advance is widely recognized. Mr. Sellas is the son of John K. and Alexandra (Batis) Sellas, both natives of Greece, and still residents of that country. John K. Sellas is a large land owner and successful farmer, and they are the par- ents of eight children, of whom Peter is the eldest.
Peter Sellas was born in Peloponnesus, Greece, June 21, 1886, and came to the United States in 1902. First locating in Stamford, Connecticut, he
-
480
NEW LONDON COUNTY
was employed as clerk in a confectionery store for about five years, then came to Norwich. Here he at once became associated as a partner with Peter Maniaty and Peter Bimbicos, who owned and operated a confectionery store. This business was established about 1902, and had become a thriving interest. In 1910 Mr. Sellas purchased the interest of Mr. Maniaty, then two years later bought out Mr. Binibicos, thus becoming sole owner of the busi- ness. Since that time he has carried it forward under the name of the Sellas Spa, with marked suc- cess. Broadening his activities in 1912, Mr. Sellas opened a modern restaurant adjoining the confec- tionery store, under the name of Sellas Lunch. Two years later he received a brother into partnership and this association of interest still continues. Mr. Sellas has also, personally, branched ont into other lines of activity, purchasing the Strand building on Main street from William Lust, of New York City, in 1919. Still further, he purchased in 1921, the Majestic Garage in Norwich, now controlling that enterprise He is also vice-president of the Ameri- can Cotton Company of Norwich. His rise from obscurity in his adopted country has been a note- worthy instance of the possibilities in store for a young man who is willing to devote himself whole- heartedly to a business career, and win his way by industry and fair dealing, returning to the public full measure of value for their patronage and sup- port. He is a member of the Norwich Chamber of Commerce.
But Mr. Sellas has not gained success by slighting his responsibilities to society. Early becoming an American citizen he has long taken a deep interest in Americanization work among newcomers from his native land, and his influence in this regard can hardly be overestimated. Whether assistance, en- couragement or advice is needed, he lends a helping hand to his fellow-countrymen. During the World War he served on all drives and was a member of the Liberty Loan committees. Politically, he sup- ports the Republican party. Fraternally, Mr. Sellas is a member of St. James Lodge, No. 4, Free and Accepted Masons; of Franklin Chapter, No. 4, Royal Arch Masons; Franklin Council, No. 3, Royal and Select Masters; Columbian Commandery, Knights Templar; and the consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, all of Norwich, and is also a member of Sphinx Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of Hartford, Connecticut. He is a member of Norwich Lodge, No. 430, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
Mr. Sellas was married in New York City, on November 23, 1910. Mr. and Mrs. Sellas have two children: John Peter, born May 1, 1919, and Helen P., born in 1921.
JAMES SELLAS-Prominent in the business life of Norwich, and there associated with his brother, Peter Sellas, James Sellas is representative of the progressive young men who have come from Greece and have taken a constructive part in twentieth cen-
tury American civilization. Mr. Sellas is a son of John K. and Alexandra ( Batis) Sellas, both na- tives of Peloponnesus, Greece, his father a success- ful farmer and landowner in his native country.
James Sellas was born in Peloponnesus, Greece, and educated in the national schools of that country. Coming to the United States in 1910, Mr. Sellas located in Norwich, where he was employed for four years with his brother, then, in 1914, he be- came his partner in the confectionery and lunch business, which they still carry on here. The con- fectionery business was founded in 1902 by Peter Maniaty and Peter Bimbicos, and purchased from them by Peter Sellas in 1910. The lunch room was founded by Peter Sellas in 1912, and is known as the Sellas Lunch. James Sellas is active in the management of these enterprises and is widely known as a young man of high integrity and pro- gressive spirit.
During the World War Mr. Sellas served with the American Expeditionary Forces as a private. Sent first to Camp Devens, Massachusetts, he was as- signed to Company 8, 301st Machine Gun Battalion, 76th Division. Sailing for France in June, 1918, he was there transferred to Company 8, 3rd Machine Gun Battalion, Ist Division, and was under fire at St. Mihiel, Soissons, and the Argonne Forest. In the Argonne he was gassed, and was returned home with the 145th Machine Gun Battalion, 37th Divi- sion, reaching this side on April 1, 1919. He was mustered out of the service at Camp Devens, on May 1, 1919, and returned to Norwich to take up the interrupted interests of citizenship. James Sel- las is a member of Robert O. Fletcher Post, Ameri- can Legion, of Norwich, and of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
FREDERICK WAY CHAPMAN-One of the prominent men of East Lyme, a resident of this community since childhood, and now a successful farmer, although practically retired from active work, Frederick Way Chapman is a representative man of New London county.
Mr. Chapman is a son of Robert Fairbanks Chap- man, who was born in the Chesterfield district of Old Lyme, in the year 1821. Robert Fairbanks Chapman was educated in the local district schools, and after completing his studies took up the work of the farm, which he followed throughout his life- time in his native town until he was about thirty years of age, then in Lyme. He became a prominent and influential man in the community, was always a Democrat by political affiliation, and in 1869-70 represented his town in the State Legislature. He also served on the school board, and was instru- mental in advancing the progress of education in this section. He died in Old Lyme in the year 1875, at the age of fifty-four years, scarcely past the prime of life. He married Laurel Anne Watrous, who was born in Lyme, October 15, 1824, and died in Lyme. She was a daughter of Daniel Watrous, a farmer of Lyme, who was born in 1791, and died in 1880.
.
481
BIOGRAPHICAL
Laurcl Anne (Watrous) Chapman was the eldest of seven children, the others being Harriett, Mary Anne, Caroline, David, Daniel, and Allen Watrous. Robert Fairbanks and Laurel Anne (Watrous) Chapman were the parents of four children: Mary Anne, born in Waterford, Connecticut, November 12, 1846; Frederick Way, whose name heads this review; Lucy Grace, born in Lyme, February 25, 1859; and Laura Watrous, born in Lyme, March 13, 1861. The mother died in Waterford, and the son is now the only surviving member of this family.
Frederick Way Chapman was born in Waterford, Connecticut, March 3, 1848. Coming to the town of Lyme with the family at the age of three years, it was here that he received his education in the dis- trict schools of the day. After finishing the com- mon school course, he became associated with his father in the work of the farm, eventually carrying on the place for himself. He has worked hard all his life, and has been very successful, having made the farm one of the finest in the county, and has won the respect and esteem of his fellow-townsmen. He has always held the public interests of the com- munity at heart, and has encouraged every worthy movement, but while a staunch Democrat by politi- cal faith, he has consistently declined political hon- ors, as his life has been too busy to permit his do- ing justice to public responsibilities.
Mr. Chapman married (first), May 9, 1877, Mary Louise Griswold, who was born in New York City, and was a daughter of John Griswold, deceased. Ten children were born to this union: Robert Fair- banks, born March 22, 1878; Lucy Watrous, born April 4, 1880; John G., born March 4, 1882; Eliza M., born December 31, 1885; May L., born March 10, 1891; Frank H., born March II, 1892; Emma, born May 15, 1893. Three children died in infancy, and all were born in Lyme. Mr. Chapman married (second) Clara Beebe Medcalf, who was born in Niantic, in the town of Lyme, September 26, 1849, and is a daughter of Samuel A. and Louisa F. Med- calf. She was the fourth of their eight children: Samuel, Charles Willard, Josephine Louise, Clara B., John A., George W., Mary E., and Jessie F.
ENOS MORGAN GRAY, JR .- Enos Morgan Gray, Sr., was born in the town of Ledyard, New London county, Connecticut, May 21, 1851, died at his farm in the same town, July 29, 1919. He was educated in the public schools, and after completing his studies began farming, an occupation he fol- lowed until his death. The farm in the town of Ledyard is now owned by his widow, and managed by his son, Enos Morgan Gray, Jr., his mother's business representative.
Mr. Gray married Pamella Mckenzie, born in St. John, New Brunswick, Canada, daughter of Wil- liam Mckenzie. They were the parents of six chil- dren: I. Enos M., Jr., of whom further. 2. Mason, married Elizabeth Clegg, of Providence, Rhode Isl- and, and has a son, Benjamin. 3. Benjamin. 4. N.L .- 2.31.
Nathan, married Jeannette Bennett. 5. Matticc, married Daniel Gray, of Ledyard, and they have five children: Ellsworth, Philip, Hadley, Sarah, Alton. 6. Mamic.
Enos Morgan Gray, Jr., was born in the town of Ledyard, New London county, Connecticut, March 10, 1898, and was educated in the local public school. He was his father's assistant until his death in 1919, then became its manager, his mother inheriting the property. Mr. Gray married, February 4, 1919, Bes- sie Clark, born in Mystic, Connecticut, April 19, 1900, daughter of Elisha and Luella (Strickland) Clark. They have a daughter, Ruth Clark Gray, born July 4, 1920.
LEON BRODER-In Ekaterinoslav or Yekater- inoslav (meaning the "fame of Catherine"), a town of South Russia, capital of a province of the same name, situated about two hundred and fifty miles northeast of the city of Odessa, on the right bank of the Dnieper river, Leon Broder was born, as were his parents, Joseph and Rachel Broder. Ekater- inoslav, the province, abounds in minerals, and the soil is fertile, yielding large crops of grain. The city is a modern town of about 12,500 population, founded during the reign of Queen Catherine II, of Russia. It is the seat of a large iron and steel industry and has large flour mills.
Joseph Broder was a farmer, spent his life in his native Russia, and died in Krememchug, a town on the Dnieper, in 1902. His wife died in Ekaterino- slav in 1904. They were the parents of four chil- dren, the youngest a son, Leon.
Leon Broder was born in 1874, and there spent the first twenty-six years of his life. He ob- tained an education in the State schools, finishing the courses equivalent to those of an American grammar school. He prospered as a farmer and conducted also a grain business, for Ekaterinoslav had large flouring mills, and grain dealing was a sure and usually profitable business. In 1900 he closed out his business affairs in Russia and sailed from Asthonia, Russia, via Hamburg, for New York City, arriving in April, 1900, after a voyage of fourteen days, coming as a steerage passenger, and very happy to be able to come under any condi- tions. From New York he went to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, but in May, 1900, he moved to Col- chester, Connecticut, where he secured farm em- ployment with P. Cutter, his pay three dollars ($3.00) monthly. He remained eighteen months, and used his earnings to gain a knowledge of the English language, studying nights to accomplish his aims. After leaving the Cutter farm, Mr. Broder was em- ployed for two years at farming, then in 1903 con- ducted a meat market in Colchester, to which he devoted his own time, but continued to send his meat wagon over his old routes in charge of a com- petent man. To the meat market a general store has been added, and in 1912 a retail grain business was established, the three departments all being
482
NEW LONDON COUNTY
owned and under the management of Leon Broder. He is an alert, capable business man, and has won his way to a secure place in public esteem.
Having thoroughly absorbed American ideals and principles, Mr. Broder has completed naturalization and is an American citizen in all that the word im- plies. He affiliates with the Democratic party, has served his county as a grand juror and his town as assessor and as a justice of the peace. He is true to the traditional faith of his fathers, and worships with his co-religionists.
Mr. Broder married, in Colchester, December 24, 1906, Fannie Super, born in Beluto, Russia, who came to the United States in 1899. Mr. and Mrs. Broder are the parents of three children, all born in Colchester, Connecticut: Maurice, born Novem- ber, 1907; Jacob, October 5, 1909; and Anna Lelia, August 15, 1917.
During the World War period, 1917-18, Mr. Broder took an active part in local war work and the Red Cross Society, also being chairman of the Liberty Loan Campaign. Mrs. Broder was equally to the fore in women's war work measures, winning a prize for an unusually large sale of Liberty Loan Bonds. Mr. Broder is a member of the Woodmen of the World, the Knights of Pythias, and the In- dependent Order of B'rith Abraham.
JAMES NELSON HOLDRIDGE-From the time he was fifteen years of age, James N. Holdridge has been connected with farming, either with his father at the home farm, with other farmers of his dis- triet, or on his own farm, formerly known as the "Gallup Farm," which he bought in 1902. The dwell- ing thereon had formerly been used as a meeting house for the Congregationalists of that part of the town of Ledyard, but later they built a church. Since 1902 Mr. Holdridge lias cultivated the acres of the old farm and has caused them to yield plentifully.
He is a son of Randall Holdridge, born in Led- yard, New London county, Connecticut, where he died about 1890, aged seventy-seven, a farmer all his life. He married Nancy Barnes, born in Ledyard, and with her husband is buried in the local ceme- tery. They were the parents of three sons: James Nelson, of further mention; Joseph, now a farmer of Ledyard, aged sixty-five; Nathan, the youngest, also a farmer of Ledyard. Their only daughter, Fannie, married Thorpe Brown, of Norwich, where she died in 1919.
James Nelson Holdridge was born in the town of Ledyard, New London county, Connecticut, August 16, 1859. He attended local select schools until fifteen years of age, then became his father's farm helper, so continuing until reaching legal age, when he began working for other farmers and was so em- ployed in different parts of New London county. He did not become a land owner until 1902, al- though he continued working on a farm all the years between 1880 and 1902. He then bought the "Gallup Farm" in Ledyard, which has ever since been under his management and ownership.
Mfr. Holdridge married Sarah Finnigan, born in Ledyard, in September, 1856, and died in November, 1895; she was the daughter of John and Phoebe (Maine) Finnigan. They are the parents of the following children: I. Phoebe Esther, married Fred Clarke, of Noank, and they are the parents of seven children: Fred, Jr., Edith, Helen, Ruth, Rob- ert, Esther, Pauline. 2. Harry, born January 5, 1891 ; he attended the district school until the age of sev- enteen, then bought a farm in North Stonington, which he cultivated for seven years, then returned to the homestead which he bought; he married Mar- guerite Blanche Williams, born in Ledyard in Sep- tember, 1896, daughter of Joseph and Wildy (Crouch) Williams; they have two children, Harry Jr., horn March 2, 1915, and Blanche Arline, born May 3, 1918. 3. Morris, born in Ledyard, October 5, 1893; enlisted in the United States army in May, 1917, and went overseas with the American Expeditionary Forces, and for a year was with the 29th Division of Infantry in all the important battles in which that division took a part; he was "gassed" in one of the fierce contests of the closing period of the war, and in May, 1919, returned to the United States. 4. Sarah, born in Ledyard, November 3, 1895; she married Cecil Williams, of Ledyard, and they are the parents of three children: Cecil, Margaret, and Elizabeth Williams.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.