USA > Connecticut > New London County > A modern history of New London County, Connecticut, Volume III > Part 72
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ADELARD MORIN-One of the most important executive positions in Norwich, Connecticut, is ably filled by Adelard Morin, vice-president and general manager of the Plaut-Cadden Company. This house is probably the largest distributor of furniture and musical instruments in Eastern Connecticut.
Pierre Morin, Mr. Morin's father, was born in St. Jude, Province of Quebec, Canada. He was educated at the parochial school in that town, and later conducted a farm, following general farming until he came to the United States in 1883. He located in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, where he worked as a carpenter. He became an expert in this line of work, and after a time handled general contracting. He died in 1900. Mr. Morin married Mary La Frenaye, who was born in Lyons, France, and died in Norwich, Connecticut, in 1917. They were the parents of ten children, of whom four are living : Henry, married Mira Michon, and is now a baker in Woonsocket; Adelard, of whom further; Olivine, who married William Lambert, now de- ceased, and since his death resides in Taftville, Con- necticut ; and Anna, also a resident of Taftville.
Adelard Morin was born in St. Jude, Province of Quebec, on February 24, 1880. He received his education in the parochial school of Taftville, then, upon leaving school, worked for Hirch & Company, as clerk in their clothing store, remaining for ten years in their employ. He then became associated with the Plaut-Cadden Company, as piano salesman. This was in 1905, and Mr. Morin continued with this company, rising step by step, until now he is general manager of the business and vice-president of the company. This is the largest mercantile concern in the city of Norwich handling immense stocks of furniture, pianos, mechanical music and jewelry, and draws trade from the entire western part of the State, and from large districts in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Mr. Morin is a member of the Chamber of Commerce; is a staunch sup- porter of the principles of the Republican party, and is a member of the Rotary Club, of Norwich.
Mr. Morin married, on November 22, 1910, Alma Bousquet, of Norwich, daughter of Victor and Mel- vina (Messier) Bousquet. Mr. and Mrs. Morin have three children : Aline, Alma and Rutherford. The family are devout members of the Roman Catholic church.
JOSEPH ALFRED CLARK-Alfred Clark, born in Norwich, New London county, Connecticut, spent most of his life as a farmer of Ledyard, where he died in March, 1916. He was selectman of the town and always took an active interest in town affairs. He married Mary Cooley, born in Groton,
Connecticut, and they are the parents of three children: Joseph Alfred, Fred, and Albert.
Joseph Alfred Clark was born at the home farm in the town of Ledyard in 1883. He attended the public schools of the district and has from youth been engaged in farming. Upon the death of his father in 1916, he assumed the management of the home farm of one hundred and sixty acres, and con- ducts general farming operations. He is a charter member of Ledyard Grange, Patrons of Husbandry, Pomona Grange of New London county, and of the State and National granges. He has served his local grange as master in 1920-21, and has always been deeply interested in its growth and prosperity. He is also a member of Uncas Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Norwich. He is a Demo- crat in politics, and served his town as collector of taxes.
Mr. Clark married in Ledyard, August 15, 1909, Fannie Laub, daughter of Daniel and Fanny (Chap- man) Laub. Mr. and Mrs. Clark are the parents of three children: Louise, Joseph Alfred, Jr., and George Pendleton.
ELMER WATSON RUSSELL-In the village of Somers, Tolland county, Connecticut, Lester Wat- son and Salome (Pease) Russell were living at the time of the birth of their son, Elmer Watson Rus- sell, in 1874. Lester W. Russell was born in the same village as his son, March 10, 1842, and spent his adult life a farmer. He died in Somers, Novem- ber 25, 1918, and is buried there. Salome (Pease) Russell was born in Somers, May 24, 1843, died in her native town, March 23, 1919, and is buried be- side her husband. They were the parents of seven children, all born in Somers: Albert Everett, mar- ried Clara Hulburt, of Somers, and has two chil- dren : Harris and Edith; Clara Pease; Elmer Wat- son, of further mention; Mahlon Lester ; Elsie May ; Lena Jane ; and Alice Amanda.
Elmer Watson Russell was born February 27, 1874, and attended Somers public schools, supple- menting the instruction there licensed by a full course in the Springfield Business College. After graduation from business college, he was for a half year employed in a furniture store in Spring- feld, Massachusetts. Then his early training averted itself and he returned to the business he had been taught by his father-agriculture. In 1902 he lo- cated on his present farm at Crescent Beach, in the town of East Lyme, New London county, Con- necticut, and there he very successfully engaged in that highly profitable form of agricultural truck- growing. He is a member of Bay View Lodge, No. 120, Free and Accepted Masons, and politically an Independent Republican.
Mr. Russell married, November 26, 1916, Mattie Buddington, born in Ashaway, Rhode Island, July 21, 1875, only child of Oliver Russeil and Laura (Chapman) Buddington. By a former marriage Mrs. Russell has two daughters: Sarah Louise and Ruth Mabel. Mr. and Mrs. Elmer W. Russell are the parents of a daughter, Phyllis, born October 16,
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1917, and two sons : Philip Buddington, born February 24, 1919, and Elmer Watson, Jr., born October 14, 1922. Mr. Russell is a man of industry and energy, devoted to his home and family, and highly esteemed in his community as a man of upright, honorable fife.
THOMAS NEWMAN-The forebears of Thomas Newman were farmer folk in Ireland for many generations, the first of this branch of the family to be known in this country being John Newman, born in County Meade, Ireland, in 1831. Emigrating to America when a very young man, lie located in Franklin, Connecticut, and took up farming as a means of livelihood, later buying the property on which stands the family homestead. His wife was Margaret Thornton who came from the same part of Ireland as her husband, County Meade, where she was born in 1848. Their son, Thomas, was born in Irvington, New York, and when the child was three years old the family moved to Franklin.
The education of Thomas Newman was acquired at the local school which he attended during the sessions, working on his father's farm as his school- ing would permit. When he attained early youth his school days were brought to a close, and he devoted himself to farming on the homestead which he inherited at his father's death, which occurred twenty-nine years ago.
Thomas Newman married Leona Genard, at Woonsocket, Rhode Island. Of this union two children were born: Doris Irene, born August 4. 1916; and Margaret, born in January, 1918. The pub- lic affairs of Franklin township, form another inter- est in Mr. Newman's life, occupying much of his time when not engaged with farming. He holds the office of justice of the peace at the present time, and has served on the local school board for the past ten years; the farm bureau, of which he is a member, is also one of the village matters in which he is greatly interested. Mr. Newman is regarded by his fellow-citizens as a popular man in that section, well thought of and respected.
JOHN DREW (2) NOYES-The Noyes family of New London county, Connecticut, spring from Rev. Moses Noyes, the first pastor of the Congregational church at Lyme, where he preached in a rude log cabin. John Drew (1) Noyes, of Uncasville, is a son of John Drew (1) Noyes, born at the old homestead at Noyes Beach, son of William Noyes. John Drew (1) Noyes was a landowner and a man of good standing in his community. He married Jane Hous- ton McNaught, born in Scotland. They were the parents of four sons: John Drew (2) of further mention : William Parker, George, and Byron.
John Drew (2) Noyes was born in Greenville, Connecticut, October 16, 1859, and until nine years of age attended the public school at Blissville, Con- necticut. At the age of nine he began working in the mills at Taftville, Connecticut. continuing one year, when he was taken to Clark's Falls, Rhode Island, where for the next three years he attended
school. Hle was then employed in various mills until 1916 when he came to the Uncasville Manu- facturing Company at Uncasville, and is now engi- neer in charge of the stationary engines used at the plant.
Mr. Noyes married Elsie Bayel, born in North Adams, Massachusetts, and they are the parents of seven children : Harold, who died in infancy ; Bessie Jane, John Drew (3), Byron Harriman, Frank, Morton, and Elsie. Mr. Noyes has a sister, Jean- nette, wife of Frank Mitchell, of Mystic, Connecti- cut, and another, Elizabeth, who died in youthful womanhood.
BENJAMIN PALMER DAVIS-Among the younger generation of farmers in this vicinity is Ben- jamin Palmer Davis. Ifis interest in all that concerns the town's welfare is deep and sincere, being ever a zealous advocate and supporter of her most vital interests.
Benjamin Palmer Davis was born in Preston, Con- necticut, November 14, 1888. the son of Charles B. and Emma (Palmer) Davis. Charles B. Davis was born in North Stonington, Connecticut, De- cember 20, 1853. He is now engaged in farming in Franklin. The boy received his preliminary educa- tion in the local public schools after which, having decided upon an agricultural career, he matricu- fated at Connecticut Agricultural College from which he was graduated in 1913. He then came immediately to Franklin, and in 1919 bought his present farm which he has proceeded to develop with remarkable success. Having been endowed with much natural ability, and with a training fit- ting him with the most modern methods for pur- suing his work, his progress has already been marked by the acquisition of large material gains. Foresight is one of Mr. Davis' dominant character- istics. Quick to think, he is quick to act, and is in the habit of accomplishing whatever he undertakes. As a rule, however, he brings it about without an- tagonizing his opponents. In politics he is a staunch supporter of the Democratic party. He is now, 1920, serving the town as clerk and treasurer. Mr. Davis is affiliated with the Free and Accepted Masons, and with the Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine.
Benjamin Palmer Davis was united in marriage with Charlotte E. Franklin, daughter of Charles E. and Etta (Chappell) Franklin. Mr. and Mrs. Davis are the parents of one child, born October 14, 1917. The business transactions of Mr. Davis are conducted in accordance with the highest prin- ciples, and in his official capacities he fulfills to the letter, every trust committed to him, being gener- ous in his feelings and conduct toward all. We have not said that he is a good citizen for that fact is self-evident, and his record is worthy of emulation.
HERMAN AROD GAGER was born October 16, 1859, at Franklin, Connecticut, the son of Samuel Hawkins and Miranda (Robinson) Gager. Samuel
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Hawkins Gager was born in Franklin in 1819, and died there in 1871, having been engaged in farming throughout his entire lifetime. Mrs. Gager was born in Franklin, December 16, 1823, daugliter of Arod Robinson, who was a direct descendant of Rev. John Robinson who came over on the "May- flower."
The boy Herman A. attended the schools of his native place until he was eigliteen years of age, when the business of life began for him. His first employment was with the Emerson Hydraulic Cor- poration of Boston, for which concern he traveled through thirty-six states. In 1910 he returned to the old homestead at Franklin, but a little later left to accept a position with the Shore Line Trolley Company, with whom he remained for six years, subsequently returning again to Franklin, where he has since been engaged in farming. He has always taken a keen interest in civic affairs, serving his town as second selectman in 1894, and now, 1920, is representative from this district. For many years Mr. Gager was constable.
Mr. Gager was united in marriage with Ella Es- ther Parker, a native of Franklin, born April 1, 1861. Mr. and Mrs. Gager are the parents of two chil- dren : Harry Dwight, and Faith Natalie. The duties of Herman Arod Gager have always been weighed by the consideration for all whom he serves, and commands the highest respect of all classes of people in his community, being recognized as one of her representative citizens for betterment of living conditions.
GEORGE HENRY HOXIE was born at Leb- anon, December 31, 1859, and obtained his educa- tion in the schools of his native place, the schools of Norwich, Connecticut, and also at Wilburham Academy, Massachusetts. After finishing his studies he worked in a market at Lebanon for a short time, and then followed his vocation as a farmer on his father's farm, at the latter's death. Mr. Hoxie has the most modern equipped farm in the township, is enterprising, progressive and broadminded, and in his careful, capable management, unfaltering enter- prise, and a spirit of justice, are all well balanced factors.
Seldom is it that a man actively successful in business as Mr. Hoxie, takes the keen and helpful interest in civic affairs which he ever manifests, his name being associated with various projects of the utmost municipal concern. In politics he affili- ates with the Republican party ; was a representa- tive from this district in 1911, and is now a member of the local school board.
On November 20, 1884, Mr. Hoxie was united in marriage with Lucie Allan Williams, a daughter of William Allan and Jane (Stoddard) Williams. Mr. and Mrs. Hoxie are the parents of three chil- dren: George Hammond, born February 22, 1802, is now a justice of the peace at Lebanon ; Allan Wil- liams, born April 3, 1893, is now with the United States navy in Alaska; Wilton Henry, born Febru- ary 16, 1897.
AMOS JELSON LILLIE-In 1910 Amos J. Lil- lie bought the farm upon which he now resides, in New London county, Connecticut, causing his acres to return him fair recompense for his labor. He is a son of William Perry Lillie, born in the town of Lebanon, Connecticut, in 1853, who married Mary Briggs, born in the same town in 1856, of one of the pioneer families of Lebanon. William P. and Mary (Briggs) Lillie were the parents of eight children: Amos Jelson, of further mention; W. LeRoy, Charles Phelps, Walter Perry, Robert, Fred Briggs, Amy Adelaide, and Alice Elizabeth.
Amos J. Lillie was born February 11, 1887, and until fifteen years of age attended the district school. He then began working for the farmers of the neighborhood, and other parts of New Lon- don county. He carefully conserved his earnings and at the age of twenty-three was able to pur- chase the farm upon which he now resides. He is a member of Patrons of Husbandry, and Knights of Pythias. In politics he is a Republican.
Mr. Lillie married Mary Adler Pultz, born in New York State, June 29, 1892, daughter of Elmer and Florence Pultz.
EDWARD NELSON O'BRIEN, who was born in New York, December 19, 1879, came at the age of three years to Montville, to reside with his adopted parents, John Turner and Mary Julia (Smith) O'Brien. John Turner O'Brien was born at Pres- ton, Connecticut, May 30, 1828, and died at Mont- ville, July 4, 1919. At the age of seventeen he went to Ledyard, where he engaged in farming for a year, going subsequently, to California. Later, he returned only to go again to California, where he remained for seven years, and while there was in- terested in mining and ranching. Upon his return East he purchased a farm at Montville, and mar- ried Julia Smith, who was the daughter of Lyman and Emmeline (Fanning) Smith. She died Septem- ber 7, 1920.
Edward Nelson O'Brien attended school at Mont- ville, after which he returned to the farm and has since devoted himself entirely to agricultural pur- suits. Since the death of Mr. O'Brien, Sr., he has taken complete charge of the management of the property upon which he continues to reside. In politics Edward N. O'Brien is an independent, and has not identified . himself with any political party, preferring to remain free from all partisan influences in the exercise of his own judgment on public issues. He has always maintained through life the reputation of an energetic business man, and in his social relations is benevolent and kind.
JOSEPH THOMAS CHURCH has been a resi- dent of Connecticut all his life, as his father and grandfather were, his ancestors, both on the pa- ternal and maternal sides of his family, claiming Connecticut as their native State. For several perations back they have all been farmers in New London county.
The father of Joseph Thomas is Thomas Church,
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born in Poquonock, May 19, 1853, but since 1882 a resident of Montville, where he now resides, en- gaged in farming and other occupations, taking an active part in the affairs of the locality, being regarded as one of the foremost citizens of his time. The mother of Joseph Thomas Church was Henrietta Coswell, daughter of Warren Coswell, of Ledyard. She died in 1903 at the age of thirty- one years, and is buried in Montville. She and her husband had six children: I. Joseph Thomas. 2. Harold, aged twenty-four. 3. Earl, who died in in- fancy. 4. Leroy, also died in infancy. 5. Ethel, now the wife of Henry Chapman, of Montville. 6. Grace, who married Charles Chapman, of Norwich, Con- necticut, has two children.
Born in Ledyard, Connecticut, February 2, 1878, Joseph Thomas Church went with his parents to Montville when four years old, where he attended the local school and learned to be a farmer. Later, joining with Richard Davis, of Montville, they took a farm to work, but after a time Mr. Church went to Preston, and was employed in the Shoals farm. Buying a farm in Montville, he conducted it for fourteen years, then, selling it to Jonathan Hill, Mr. Church remained as manager of it, and is so engaged at the present time (1921), having lived on the same place for twenty years. A member of the Republican party, Mr. Church has been quite prominent in political affairs in Montville, and though on the opposite side was elected by the Democrats to the office of constable. He has been assessor for the town since 1916, still retaining the office. Active in lodge work, Mr. Church is a member of the local lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, and of the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows of Montville.
Joseph Thomas Church married, in Montville, Grace Beaulack, born in North Adams, Massachu- setts, March 27, 1873. She is the daughter of Joseph Beaulack, of Howell Point. Mr. and Mrs. Church had four children, all of them now deceased. They were: Lawrence Joseph and Gertrude Nellie, twins, who died at the age of seven years; Elsie Elizabeth, who died when sixteen years of age; Marian Elea- nor, died at the age of seventeen years.
FREDERICK HENRY RACE was born in Farm- ington, Connecticut, August 8, 1860, the son of Henry A. and Hadassah (Rockwell) Race. Henry A. Race was born and died in Franklin. To Mr. and Mrs. Race were born two children: Frederick Henry, of further mention; and A. Rockwell Race, a merchant at Lebanon.
Frederick Henry Race attended the district school at Lebanon until he was fourteen years of age, when the business of life began for the boy, and he went to work for the Lebanon Creamery, which was run at that time by O. W. Stark. After five years he went to Westfield, Massachusetts, and worked there as a carpenter, subsequently going to Lebanon where he became interested in agriculture, later re- moving to Franklin where he bought the old Robin-
son farm. The Robinson house was the first house built in Westfarm, which was the original name of Norwich, and was built in 1685 by one Robinson, whose wife was an Indian squaw. Frederick Henry Race and his family still reside in the original house. Mr. Race is a Republican in politics and since taking up his residence in Franklin, nearly forty years ago, he has always taken a keen and active interest in civic affairs, and in every move- ment which has for its object the betterment of social conditions.
On June 26, 1890, Mr. Race was united in mar- riage with Jeannette T. Hoffman, a native of Bloomfield, New Jersey, her birth having occurred there, August 16, 1857. Mr. and Mrs. Race are the parents of one child, Frederick H., born August 26, 1894, and now with the Travellers Insurance com- pany of Pittsfield, Massachusetts.
GEORGE ALFRED ASHBEY-As cashier and office manager of the J. B. Martin Company, George Alfred Ashbey holds a recognized place in the in- dustrial life of New London county, Connecticut, and as such his record is worthy of mention in a work of this sort.
George Alfred Ashbey was born in Mystic, Con- necticut, June 1, 1869, the son of Captain George B. and Catherine B. (Holdredge) Ashbey. George B. Ashbey was also born in Mystic where he at- tended the public schools. He was a sea captain for many years, retiring just previous to his death, which occurred in 1883. Mrs. Ashbey survived her husband for a number of years, passing away in Norwich in 1910. To Mr. and Mrs. Ashbey was born but one child, George Alfred, of further mention.
After receiving his education in the public schools of his native place, George Alfred Ashbey entered into business life at the age of seventeen as clerk in the office of the Norwich & New York Trans- portation Company, at Norwich, Connecticut, and was thus employed until 1900, when he resigned to become clerk for the J. B. Martin Company, at Taftville, subsequently advancing to the position of cashier and office manager, which position he still holds. The flourishing condition of this branch of the organization testifies to the sound judgment and untiring energy which he has brought to the discharge of the duties of his responsible office.
In politics, Mr. Ashbey is a Republican, but the influence which he exerts as a citizen is of the quietest and most unobtrusive description. He is a Baptist in his religious views and attends the Cen- tral Church of that denomination. In the chari- table and benevolent institutions of his community, he takes an active interest, assisting to the extent of his ability any cause which commends itself to his standards of justice and philanthropy. Mr. Ashbey also holds membership in the Arcanum Club of Norwich.
George Alfred Ashbey married, on October 23, 1895, Marion Cowen Otis, daughter of Amos T. and Mary G. (Cowen) Otis, of Norwich. Mr. and Mrs.
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Ashbey are the parents of one child, George R., a student at Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island.
FRANK BENAJAH TERRY-One of the well known names in the town of Griswold, Connecti- cut, is Terry, and Frank Benajah Terry is promi- nent in the various activities of the town. David Terry, Mr. Terry's grandfather, was born in Ex- eter, Rhode Island, and was the first of this family to come to Griswold. He acquired a large amount of farm property in the southern end of the town, comprising several different farms, and followed agricultural pursuits all his life. His wife's family name was Kenyon.
David Kenyon Terry, their son, was born in Exe- ter, Rhode Island, and came to New London county with his parents while quite a child. His school attendance was at Voluntown, and later at Jewett City, then as a young man he assisted his father in his extensive farming operations, continuing thus until he married. He then bought a farm from his father, this was one of the old Lester farms, and he conducted it for three years, thereafter, trading it for the old Lester homestead, in Griswold. He conducted this farm until his death, in December, 1875. After the father's death five sons conducted the place for their mother, and for the estate. David Kenyon Terry married Susan Amelia Thompson, who was born in Voluntown, Connecticut, and died at the Terry farm home in 1910. They had a large family, six sons and five daughters, of whom six are still living, three sons and three daughters.
Frank Benajah Terry, fourth child of David Ken- yon and Susan Amelia (Thompson) Terry, was born in the Terry homestead, in the southern part of the town of Griswold, on September 29, 1854, and has always lived within half a mile of the present home farm. He received a practical edu- cation in the district schools of the neighborhood, then helped his father on the farm, later working out among the neighboring farms. After the death of his father, he was one of the boys who carried on the home farm. In 1905 he and his brother, Willis C. Terry, bought out the various heirs in- terested in the property, and they conducted the home farm together until 1910. At that time Mr. Terry sold his interest in the old place to his brother Willis, and a year later bought his present home, a farm of one hundred and five acres. He carries on diversified farming and stock raising, and is one of the successful men of the town. Mr. Terry is a prominent member of the Griswold Grange, and takes an active part in the work of that organ- ization. He is interested in every phase of public progress, and politically affiliates with the Demo- cratic party. He has never married.
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