USA > Connecticut > New London County > A modern history of New London County, Connecticut, Volume III > Part 8
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In politics, a Democrat, Mr. Maine, while never seek- ing office, has frequently been chosen for public duty. In 1909 he represented North Stonington in the State Legislature, was elected member of the Board of Select- men when twenty-one, and was assessor of taxes many years. He is a member of the New London County Farm Bureau, and of the New England Milk Pro- ducers' Association. He is one of New London's best and most progressive farmers, and the foregoing record is but an outline of his activities since boyhood days when he kept a store after school hours. In the younger years he was the personification of energy, and at one time ran a saw-mill and manufactured lumber.
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His cattle dealings were extensive, and his connection with the trotting horse market as a breeder and dealer was much more extensive than has herein been indi- cated. While he has naturally surrendered some of the heavier burdens to his capable son and partner, he is the managing head of one of the largest farms in North Stonington, and that farm, one of the best improved and equipped in the county, reflects the spirit and ambition of its owner. He is a real farmer, practical yet progressive, proud of his estate and full of plans for its still further improvement and de- velopment.
Mr. Maine married, in North Stonington, Connecticut, July 7, 1886, Abbie Mary Newton, born in Hartford, Connecticut, daughter of William Augustine and Mary (Manion) Newton, her father born in Hartford, and later a hotel and restaurant proprietor. Mr. Newton is remembered in Hartford as the restaurant keeper who inaugurated the twenty-five cent dinner and proved that it could be made profitable even in a hotel. After retir- ing from business he bought a farm in Bloomfield, Connecticut, and there died several years later. His wife, Mary (Manion) Newton, born in Providence, Rhode Island, died on Long Island, New York, prior to her husband's death. Mr. Maine has one son, Carroll Chester Maine, born at the home farm in North Ston- ington, March 23, 1888. There he has always lived, and after his education was finished he was admitted to a partnership with his father, the firm being Chester S. Maine & Son. Mrs. Chester S. Maine was a fine type of the New England woman, much interested in school work and the cause of education, and for three terms of three years each served as a member of the North Stonington School Committee, being one of the first women to serve on a school board in the United States.
JAMES PURTILL DONOVAN, son of Daniel and Kate (Purtill) Donovan, was born in Ashaway, Rhode Island, February 20, 1894. He is numbered among the younger generation of successful business men of Norwich, and takes a keen and active interest in everything pertaining to the welfare and advance- ment of the community.
Daniel Donovan, father of the subject of this review, was born in Carolina, Rhode Island, and for the greater part of his lifetime has worked as a weaver in worsted and woolen mills. In 1910 he removed his family to Mystic, Connecticut, and here he has since been em- ployed in the weaving department of the Mystic Manu- facturing Company. His wife, Kate ( Purtill) Donovan, was born in Mystic, Connecticut.
The education of James P. Donovan was obtained in the public schools at Westerly, Rhode Island. After terminating his schooling, he conducted a parcel delivery business at Mystic, Connecticut, being thus engaged until 1917, when he enlisted in the United States army for the period of the World War. He was assigned to Company C, of the 328th Infantry, at Camp Gordon, Atlanta, Georgia. This regiment, part of the 82nd Division, sailed from Boston, Massachusetts, May 1, 1918, and landed in Liverpool, England, May 16th, then proceeded to La Havre, France. Mr. Donovan N.L .- 2.14.
saw active service in France for thirteen months, par- ticipating in the St. Mihiel drive, Meuse-Argonne of- fensive, and all fighting incident thereto, at the end of which time he returned to this country and received his honorable discharge at Camp Upton, Long Island, May 28, 1919. That same year he became associated with Orrin F. Lamb, engaging in the motorcycle business, which partnership still continues, and is steadily gain- ing a large degree of success.
In politics, Mr. Donovan is a Democrat, and in reli- gion he is a Roman Catholic. He is also a member of the Richard William Morgan Post of the American Legion, of Mystic, Connecticut.
Mr. Donovan married, at Mystic, June 4, 1917, Louise Payne, of that town, daughter of Captain Emerson W. and Ella (Mitchell) Payne.
DAVID WOODWORTH PITCHER-Among the substantial citizens of New London county is David Woodworth Pitcher, successful farmer, public-spirited citizen, and highly-estcemed friend among a large circle of associates in Lebanon and vicinity. Mr. Pitcher comes of a family long known in Lebanon and prom- inent in New England for many generations.
David Pitcher, great-grandfather of David Wood- worth Pitcher, was born in Norwich, Connecticut, but removed to Lebanon, where he farmed during the remainder of his life.
Lyman Pitcher, son of David Pitcher, was reared and educated in Norwich, Connecticut, but went to New York City as a young man, learning the grocery busi- ness and then engaging in business as a merchant. After many years in New York City, fire brought mis- fortune, and he removed to Sag Harbor, Long Island, where he engaged in the grocery business until the occurrence of another fire, when he went to Galveston, Texas. After getting his business established, he sent for his wife and family, but died of yellow fever while they were on the way. The widow and children went back to Sag Harbor, she later removing to Bridgeport, Connecticut, where she died. Lyman Pitcher married Betsy Ann Hand, of Sag Harbor, Long Island, and one of their children was Charles Lyman Pitcher, father of David Woodworth Pitcher.
Charles Lyman Pitcher, son of Lyman and Betsy Ann (Hand) Pitcher, was born in New York City, September 26, 1839. When his father died in Galveston, in 1847, he came to Lebanon to live with his grand- father, David Pitcher, and there he remained through- out his life. In 1857 he engaged himself as a farm- hand to David S. Woodworth, owner of the old place, the house upon which was built in 1712 by Rev. Samuel Welles, and in which William Williams, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, was born. Here Charles Lyman Pitcher remained, and upon the death of David Woodworth, came into possession of the farm, where, although now retired, he still lives, his sons managing the farm. Charles Lyman Pitcher served during the entire period of the Civil War, en- listing, in 1861, for three months' service in Company D, 3rd Regiment, Connecticut Volunteer Infantry, and upon receiving his discharge re-enlisted in Battery D,
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Ist Heavy Artillery, Connecticut. After serving three years in this regiment, he was discharged, March I, 1865. On May 18, 1871, he married Augusta Caroline Holbrook, daughter of Charles and Eunice (Bailcy) Holbrook, of Lebanon, Connecticut, and they became the parents of two children, both born at Lebanon : Charles Lyman, Jr., born February 14, 1874, who, with his brother, runs the home farm; and David Wood- worth, of further mention.
David Woodworth Pitcher, son of Charles Lyman and Augusta C. (Holbrook) Pitcher, was born in Lebanon, Connecticut, December 16, 1877, on the home farm, known as the Welles place. He received his early education in the local school of his district, and then assisted his father on the farm, learning every branch of his chosen occupation and preparing himself to be the successful farmer that he has become. As a man who performs his public duties with unswerving integ- rity, as a citizen who never forgets local interests, as a friend and intelligent Christian gentleman who recog- nizes his duties to his fellow-citizens in general, Mr. Pitcher is honored in his native place by all who know him. Politically, he supports the Republican party, and is prominent in the local affairs of his organization. He has served on the board of assessors, and is gen- erally active in promoting the interests of his party.
On March 4, 1904, Mr. Pitcher married Edna Pitcher, daughter of David A. and Lillian (Leisgang) Pitcher, and they are the parents of two children : David Wood- worth, Jr., born November 24, 1905; and Stuart Lyman, born February 24, 1907.
EDMUND LATHAM DOUGLASS, M.D .- A graduate M. D., Long Island College Hospital, class of 1916, Dr. Douglass began the practice of medicine in Groton, Connecticut, a community to which he needed no introduction, for he was born there, and his honored father, Dr. Edmund P. Douglass, for over thirty years has been a physician of the bor- ough. Prior, however, to his settling in Groton, he served a year as interne in Harlem Hospital, New York City. During the World War he served in the Medical Corps of the United States army, then followed his location in Groton, as a physician, where he is well established in practice.
Dr. Edmund Latham Douglass, son of Dr. Ed- mund P. and Mary Hudson (Latham) Douglass, was born in Groton, Connecticut, May 9, 1891. He was educated in Groton and New London public schools, Norwich Free Academy (class of 1909), and Cornell University, receiving his A. B. from the last-named institution with the graduating class of 1913. He studied medicine for three years, 1913- 14-15. He then studied one year in the Long Island Hospital Medical College, whence he was graduated M. D., class of 1916. He spent the following year as an interne in Harlem Hospital, New York City, then responded to the government's call for physi- cians and served in the Medical Corps of the United States army, in New York City, passing his exam- ination in New York Academy of Medicine, and in December, 1917, was commissioned first lieutenant.
He was called into service, January 24, 1918, and was sent to Camp McArthur, Waco, Texas, thence to Camp Upton, Long Island, August 1, 1913, and on August 31, 1918, sailed for France on the United States steamship, "Great Northern." He landed with his command in Brest, France, September 6, 1918, and from there was sent to Base Hospital No. 62, Mars-Sur-Allies. He remained there until February 19, 1919, when he was transferred to Base Hospital No. 91, Commercy, France, there being on duty until June 24, 1919, when he left for Brest, there taking passage for New York as a casual on the United States steamship "Leviathan," formerly the German liner "Vaterland." He arrived in New York City and was sent to Camp Dix, New Jersey, where he was honorably discharged and mustered out, July II, 1919.
With this experience in medicine and surgery, Dr. Douglass returned to Groton and there began practice, and there he is becoming well established as a settled physician and surgeon. He is a mem- ber of the staff of the Home Memorial Hospital of New London, member of the American Medical Association, Connecticut State Medical Society, New London County Medical Society, New London City Medical Society, Nu Sigma Nu fraternity, and Warren Coleman Post, American Legion; he is a Rc- publican in politics, and a member of the Congre- gational Church of Groton.
Dr. Douglass married, in New York City, Jan- uary 15, 1918, Gladys A. Jolley, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles J. Jolley, of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, and they are the parents of a son, Edmund J., born April 8, 1919, in Hamilton, Ontario.
ARTHUR NATHAN NASH-A prosperous busi- ness man of Westerly, Rhode Island, the State in which he was born, Mr. Nash has long been iden- tified with the State of Connecticut through his residence in Pawcatuck, and his wide connection with the local and grand bodies of the Masonic order of the State, he being a member of both the Grand Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, and the Grand Chapter, Royal Arch Masons. He is ; an able, energetic business man, and an intensely public- spirited citizen, interested in the National Guard, spend- ing twenty-five years in active work and retiring as lieu- tenant-colonel; also interested in fraternal and social organizations, aiding all good causes and holding the sincere regard of a multitude of friends. He is a son of Nathan E. and Ruth R. (Saunders) Nash.
Nathan E. Nash was born at Watch Hill, Rhode Island, and there completed public school courses. He finished his studies at Ashaway Academy, and soon after the outbreak of the war between the North and South he entered the Union army, and throughout the war served in Company B, Ninth Regiment, Rhode Island Volunteer Infantry. After the war he devoted himself to mechanical work, largely inventive, and patented some inventions of great value, one of these being the four-cylinder gas engine, an invention worthy of being classed
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among the "big" things produced by American in- ventors. He was a member of Hancock Post, No. 81, Grand Army of the Republic, of Westerly, Rhode Island, and of other organizations, patriotic and professional. He died in Toronto, Canada. Nathan E. Nash married Ruth R. Saunders, born in Brad- ford, Rhode Island, who survives him, a resident of Pawcatuck, Connecticut, her home with her son, Arthur N. Nash. Mr. and Mrs. Nash were parents of three sons: Irving, deceased; Arthur N., of fur- ther mention; and William, deceased.
Arthur N. Nash was born in Bradford, Washing- ton county, Rhode Island, September 27, 1872. He was educated in the public schools of Pawcatuck, Connecticut, finishing with high school. His first employment was as a clerk, but in 1889, at the age of seventeen years, he entered the employ of the C. B. Cottrell Company, of Pawcatuck, as a ma- chinist's apprentice, there remaining twelve years. In 1902 he left the machine shop and bought out the news and tobacco business of George W. Foster in Westerly, Rhode Island, a business founded in 1864. There Mr. Nash still continues under the firm name, Arthur N. Nash, news dealer, one of the substantial, leading business men of Westerly.
In fraternal circles Mr. Nash is affiliated with the Masonic order in both rites, York and Scottish. He is a Master Mason and past master of Paw- catuck Lodge, No. 90, Free and Accepted Masons; a companion and past high priest of Palmer Chap- ter, No. 28, Royal Arch Masons; a Cryptic Mason of Mystic Council, No. 29, Royal and Select Masters; a Sir Knight and past eminent commander of Narragansett Commandery (Westerly); a thirty- second degree member of Norwich Valley Con- sistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite; a noble of Palestine Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Providence). He is member and past president of the Past Masters' Association of the Eighth Masonic District of Con- necticut, president in 1916; member of the Order of High Priesthood of Hartford, Connecticut; mem- ber of the Massachusetts and Rhode Island Asso- ciation of Knights Templar Commanders, of Bos- ton, Massachusetts. In the Grand Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, of the State of Connecticut, he holds the office of grand marshal; and in the Grand Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, of Connecticut, he holds the office of district deputy high priest, and is the grand representative of the Grand Chap- ter of Delaware near the Grand Chapter of Con- necticut. His clubs are the Masonic of Westerly, Rhode Island, of which he is first vice-president; the Westerly Cycle, of which he is a charter life member; and the Colonial of Westerly.
During the Spanish-American War, Mr. Nash served in Company K, First Regiment, Rhode Is- land Volunteers, as first sergeant, later being pro- moted sergeant-major. During the War of 1917 he was in command of different forts of the Coast Defenses of Narragansett Bay; he organized the Fifty-eighth Ammunition Train, United States Coast Artillery, of which he was major and com-
mander until mustered out after the signing of the armistice. He is a member of Robert Brucker Camp, No. 6, Spanish War Veterans, of Westerly; member of Harold E. Merrill Post, American Legion, of Westerly; member of Connecticut Commandery of the Military Order of Foreign Wars of Hartford, Con- necticut ; and in all these bodies takes active part and interest. In church relation he is a member of the Seventh Day Baptist church of Westerly. In poli- tics he is a Republican.
Mr. Nash married, in June, 1901, Nettie Hortense Wilson, daughter of Edgar L. and Anna M. (Far- num) Wilson, of Willimantic, Connecticut. The family home is in Pawcatuck, Mr. Nash doing busi- ness just across the river in Westerly, Rhode Island.
Such is the record of a very active, successful, business man, whose versatility is one of his prom- inent characteristics. He takes a broad view of life, and finds in each department something that interests him and makes him a better citizen.
GEORGE R. McKENNA-Although not a "na- tive son" and barely a citizen, Patrick McKenna, father of George R. McKenna, of Pawcatuck, Con- necticut, left his wife and children and enlisted in the Union army, serving his adopted country until wounded in the battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia. But he recovered from his injuries and returned to Pawcatuck, Connecticut, and there spent the re- mainder of his life. He was born in County Ar- magh, Ireland, and in 1851 came to the United States, locating in Pawcatuck, where he died in 1876, his wife, Mary (Ward) McKenna, dying in 1894. Patrick McKenna was a granite worker dur- ing his years in Pawcatuck. Two of his six children are living: Margaret, residing at the old home in Pawcatuck; and George R., of further mention.
George R. McKenna was born in Pawcatuck, town of Stonington, New London county, Connec- ticut, August 18, 1865, and there obtained a common school education, finishing at Westerly High School with the graduating class of 1888. From 1888 to 1890 he taught school in Pawtucket. In the year 1890 he entered Yale Law School, whence he was graduated LL. B., class of 1892. He was admitted to the Rhode Island bar in 1892, and established offices in Westerly. His right to practice in Con- necticut was already secured through his diploma from Yale Law School, and his practice has been in both states, Connecticut and Rhode Island, although his offices are in Rhode Island, the two states being separated at Westerly by only the Pawcatuck river, which is there spanned by a bridge, many people, the same as in Mr. McKenna's case, living and doing business on opposite sides and in two states. Mr. McKenna's practice is general in character, and he has served his town in legal capacity, being prosecuting attorney for the town of Stonington 1893-1905-1911-1913; also attorney for the town of Stonington two terms. He is a member of the American Bar Association, and the American Law
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League. In politics he is a Democrat, and repre- sented the town of Stonington in the Connecticut Legislature for the terms of 1893-1905.
Mr. McKenna married, November 30, 1902, Julia Day, of Pawcatuck, daughter of James and Ellen (Long) Day.
CAPTAIN DAVID CONNER-A veteran of two wars waged by the United States in freedom's cause, and both forced by her enemies, Captain David Conner displayed his valor upon Philippine battle- fields and then in a later war, to which only young men were invited overscas. He was commissioned captain, and his experience utilized in the training of the men and in various assignments in which his experience was of inestimable value. To this na- tional service he has added many years of service in the Connecticut National Guard.
Thomas Conner, father of Captain David Conner, was born of Irish parentage and ancestry in New- ark, New Jersey, in 1821. He was employed as artist and gilder in New York City. He married Mary Sorce, born in New York City, in 1829, and died in Brooklyn, New York, in her forty-fifth year. Thomas Conner died in New York City in 1886. They were the parents of six children: Mary, Charles, Frank, Roland, Edward; and David, of whom further.
David Conner was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1862. He was deprived of the care of his parents when in his eighth year, and at that time became an inmate in the home of a friend in Waterford, Con- necticut. He remained there several years, and during the summer months assisted in the farm work, attending school in the winter time. In carly manhood he left the farm and found employment in New London, Connecticut, with William H. Bent- ley, truckman and transfer agent. He remained with Mr. Bentley one year, when he injured his hand while loading the saluting battery which was being removed from its accustomed place in the center of the city. That injury was so serious that it kept him idle for a year, then he was able to perform the duties of a caretaker at the State armory. He held that position until the outbreak of war between the United States and Spain. He was commissioned captain of Company D, Third Regiment, Connecticut National Guard, June 27, 1898. This was a local company of the National Guard, and volunteered in a body for service in the Spanish-American War. He was mustered in the United States army as captain of the same Company D on July 3, 1898, after the regiment had entered the United States army as the Third Regiment, Connecticut Volunteer Infantry. He was mustered out with the company at the end of the war with Spain, March 20, 1899.
Captain Conner remained in command of Com- pany D after the muster out, the company again becoming Company D, Third Regiment, Connecticut National Guard. On August 17, 1899, he was com- missioned a captain of the Forty-sixth Regiment, United States Volunteer Infantry, and served with
his command in the Philippines, taking part in many engagements and skirmishes with the Fili- pines in their native jungles and forests. He es- capcd all injury, was honorably discharged, May 31, 1901, and returned to the United States.
After his return, Captain Conner was again ap- pointed captain in the National Guard of Connec- ticut, serving until July 25, 1917, when he was again sworn into the service of his country and commis- sioned captain of the Tenth Company, Coast Artillery Corps, later changed to the Thirtieth Company, Coast Defense, Long Island Sound. He was on active duty at various camps established throughout the country for the training of troops for overseas service against Germany, and at the close of the war, returned to New London. He was largely instrumental in the reorganization of the Connecticut National Guard, and is known as the father of the One Hundred and Ninety-second Artillery (155 mm. guns) and now the adjutant of the Regiment. He has been connected with military affairs, with the exception of a few short periods, ever since eightcen years of age. He is now em- ployed by the New London Water and Sewer De- partment.
Captain Conner is a Republican in politics; is a Thirty-second degree Mason, a member of Pequot Lodge, No. 85, Free and Accepted Masons; he also is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows, and other local organizations.
Captain Conner married Ruth I. Severn, born in Mystic, Connecticut, in May, 1868, daughter of William Isaac and Mary Severn. Mrs. Conner is a lady of literary culture, and a successful writer of poetry. She traces her ancestry to the Mayflower Pilgrims and is eligible to the patriotic societies. Her grandmother, Sylvia Hopkins, was a lineal descendant of Stephen Hopkins, the signer. Cap- tain and Mrs. Conner are the parents of two chil- dren: 1. William Bidwell, who was born in New London, Connecticut, July 30, 1891; married Edith Muldoon, of New York City, daughter of William Muldoon, a former assistant editor of the New York "Times." They are the parents of three children: Creighton, Mary, and Clara Conner. 2. Ida Hopkins, who was born in New London, Connecticut; mar- ried Captain Horace Griswold, of New London, now special agent for the United States Shipping Board at Rotterdam, Holland. They are the parents of a daughter, Mary Elizabeth, born April 15, 1920, at New London, Connecticut.
JAMES HENRY HARVEY-Making the motor vehicle the means of his own individual success, James H. Harvey, of Westerly, Rhode Island, is filling a very practical and necessary part in the activities of the town of Stonington, Connecticut.
Mr. Harvey is a son of Isaac and Phebe A. (Hall) Harvey, both of whom are still residents of West- erly. Isaac Harvey has been an iron moulder all his life, and is still actively engaged along this line of endeavor. Mr. and Mrs. Harvey are the parents
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of seven children, of whom James H. Harvey is the third.
James H. Harvey was born in Westerly, Rhode Island, on February 12, 1893, and received a prac- tical education in the public schools of that city. Being of a mechanical turn of mind, he early took up the machinist's trade, which he followed for a period of eight years, working in various places as opportunity made a change advantageous. In 1919 Mr. Harvey became associated with Elwyn L, Case, of Westerly, and together these young men estab- lished a garage in Fort Mill, South Carolina. They were successful in this venture, but they did not, however, remain in the South for a great length of time. Returning North in 1920, they purchased the service department of the C. H. Holdredge garage, on West Broad street, in Pawcatuck. Under the name of Harvey & Case the young men are now conducting this business, which is constantly grow- ing and developing, and undoubtedly faces a bril- liant future. The life of Mr. Case is also reviewed in the following sketch.
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