USA > Connecticut > New London County > A modern history of New London County, Connecticut, Volume III > Part 9
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Mr. Harvey is deeply interested in the public life of the city, and as a public-spirited citizen, makes his own decision in political matters, voting inde- pendently.
Mr. Harvey married, at Stonington, Connecticut, Angust 27, 1920, Alice Elizabeth Harris, of Fort Mill, South Carolina, daughter of Robert Pearson and Daisy Elizabeth (Thomason) Harris, natives of South Carolina. Mr. and Mrs. Harvey are the parents of one child, James H., Jr., born in Westerly, Rhode Island, April 24, 1921. They are members of the First Baptist Church of Westerly, Rhode Island.
ELWYN LLOYD CASE-In the very practical field of automobile service, Elwyn L. Case, of West- erly, Rhode Island, and the town of Stonington, Con- necticut, is working out his business success.
Mr. Case is a son of Edmond L. and Lillian B. (Hor- ton) Case, of Patchogue, Long Island, New York. Ed- mond L. Case has been a lifelong resident of Patchogue, and there received his education in the public schools. He became a carpenter and cabinet-maker, along which lines he is still actively engaged. Edmond L. and Lillian B. (Horton) Case are the parents of four chil- dren, of whom Elwyn L. is the third.
Elwyn L. Case was born in Patchogue, Long Island, on December 7, 1893. He received a thorough grounding in the essentials of education in the public schools of Patchogue, after which he became a machinist, and followed this line of activity for some years, going to various different places in pursuit of this trade.
In 1919 Mr. Case became associated with James Henry Harvey, of Westerly, Rhode Island, a sketch of whose life precedes this, in which is reviewed the busi- ness life of Mr. Harvey and Mr. Case.
Mr. Case is interested in the various civic and political questions of the day, but votes independently, giving his support wherever he believes it will be for the wel- fare of the people. He is a member of the Cycle Club, of Westerly.
Mr. Case married, at Fort Mill, South Carolina, December 19, 1919, Cordelia Harris, daughter of Robert Pearson and Daisy Elizabeth (Thomason) Harris, of Fort Mill, South Carolina. Mr. and Mrs. Case are the parents of a son, Lloyd Harris. They are members of the First Christian Church, of Westerly, Rhode Island.
TRYON SMITH-In the field of electrical con- tracting and supplies in New London, Connecticut, the name of Tryon Smith is a leading one, and stands for the latest developments in the way of practical appli- cation of electrical science.
Mr. Smith is a son of Willard F. and Janet A. (Chad- wick) Smith. Willard F. Smith was born in Mansfield, Connecticut, and received his education in the public schools of that town. In early life, his health impera- tively demanding an out-door life, he followed the sea for three years, engaged on whaling vessels sailing from New London. This rugged life restored him to normal vigor, and he served an apprenticeship as car- penter in New London. Going to Hartford, Connecticut, he entered the contracting and building business, which he followed the rest of his life, his work extending out as far as Andover, Connecticut, his native town. His wife, who still survives him, was born in East Windsor, Connecticut, and now resides at Andover. They were the parents of seven children, of whom Tryon was the sixth. Willard F. Smith died in 1917, at Andover.
Tryon Smith was born in Andover, Tolland county, Connecticut, on May 13, 1885, and received his early education in the public schools of that town. He com- pleted his formal studies at the Windham High School. Thereafter, he went to New Britain, Connecticut, and there entered the business world as a dry goods clerk. The work, however, was distasteful to him, and prom- ised little for the future. Continuing for only one year along this line, he entered the employ of the Con- necticut Light and Power Company, at New Britain, serving an apprenticeship as electrician. He then went to New York City and worked for the Bronx Gas and Electric Company, where he had charge of their meter department. Returning to New Britain he was em- ployed by the New England Engineering Company until 1914, when he went into business for himself at Nauga- tuck, Connecticut, and conducted this business until 1917. In that year he came to New London, as manager of the New London branch of the New England Engineer- ing Company. In October, 1917, he bought out this branch, and entered upon the business as an indepen- dent interest, reorganizing and incorporating the con- cern under the name of the Electric Contracting and Supply Company. The company was capitalized at $10,200, and Mr. Smith was made president of the company. The large, modern central store is located at No. 247 State street, in New London, and the company has a branch store in Mystic. The commercialization of the business, including the selling as well as the installa- tion of all kinds of electrical equipment, was the idea of Mr. Smith himself in mapping out the future of the concern, and the success which is attending the company
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amply justifies their venture into the mercantile field. Their very advantageous location is, of course, a factor in their success, but the ability which Mr. Smith has displayed in all the branches of the business is a living force for progress and development, and although the beginning was of comparatively recent date, this busi- ness is one of the leaders in its line in the city.
In political matters, Mr. Smith takes only the interest of the progressive citizen. He is a member of the New London Chamber of Commerce. Socially, he is widely popular, and is a member of the Harbour Club, the Rotary Club, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and the Young Men's Christian Association.
Mr. Smith married Marcella Agnes, daughter of John J. and Mary (Grace) Crean, of New Britain. They are the parents of three children: Donald, Janet and Marcella. Mr. and Mrs. Smith reside on Stuart street, at Ocean Beach.
JOHN H. JAMES, JR .- A prominent figure in business life in New London, Connecticut, is John H. James, owner and manager of the James Pharmacy, which is located at No. 318 Bank street. Since estab- lishing himself in business here, Mr. James has always given his earnest support to all movements calculated to advance business development, the welfare and ad- vancement of the community being always uppermost in his mind.
John H. James, Sr., was born in Waterford, Con- necticut, and there obtained his education. For many years previous to his retiring from active business life, he followed the sea, but now resides in New London. He married Ellen Sheehan, who died at New London, in 1914. To Mr. and Mrs. James were horn three children : Ida M., who married Alfred W. Stoll, of New London ; Anna N., who married Harry H. Adams, of New London ; and John H., of further mention.
John H. James, Jr., was born at Franklin, Massa- chusetts, September 29, 1888. Having been brought by his parents to New London when he was a small child, he obtained his education in the local public schools, and after graduating from the Bulkeley High School, in the class of 1905, he entered the Massachusetts Col- lege of Pharmacy. Finishing the prescribed course, he became registered in Connecticut, in 1906, and the fol- lowing year registered as a pharmacist in Massachu- setts and subsequently worked in various places until 1914, when he purchased the William Sales Drug Store, changing its name to the James Drug Store. He has been highly successful in this venture and has risen to a place of prominence in business circles in the community. His success is in every sense of the word self-made, and has been won through sheer pluck and that indomitable energy which in its last analysis is the fundamental characteristics of the prosperous business man. In politics, Mr. James is a Democrat, and takes a keen interest in the affairs of the local organization. He affiliates with the Seaside Council, No. 17, Knights of Columbus; in religion he is a Roman Catholic, at- tending St. Joseph's Church of this denomination.
On October 7, 1916, John H. James, Jr., was united in marriage with Helena M. Dray, daughter of Edward
and Mary (O'Meara) Dray. Mr. and Mrs. James are the parents of one child, Elizabeth Ellen, born October I, 1917, at New London.
WILLIAM MICHAEL REDDEN - After a somewhat varied business career, Mr. Redden, since 1915, has been the head of the Redden Company, Inc., a concern of New London, Connecticut, engaged in con- struction work, with headquarters at No. 361 Bank street.
William Michael Redden is the son of Michael M. and Hannah (Cokeley) Redden, both natives of Ireland, the former born in County Clare, in 1838. He came to the United States when nineteen years of age, and com- ing directly to New London, found employment here, but shortly after went to Elizabeth, New Jersey, where he remained for a period of some years, then returned to New London and located on Howard street. At this time Michael M. Redden was in the employ of the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad Company, continuing with the company for ten years, leaving it to take up a farmer's life, buying the property known as the Prentice place. This is one of the oldest farms in the county, located in the Jefferson avenue district of New London, a landmark of more than a hundred years' standing. Here Mr. Redden remained for the rest of his life, meeting with great success. Michael M. Redden died at his home January 1, 1910, and was buried in St. Mary's Cemetery, New London. He came to this country with nothing but a determination to succeed, and by perseverance and far-seeing cleverness built up a substantial fortune. His wife, Hannah Copeley, came to the United States from Ireland when sixteen years old, and their marriage took place in New London. They were the parents of nine children, all born in New London: I. Anna, the wife of William O'Connors. 2. Helen, who married Michael O'Connell, of New Lon- don. 3. Katherine, who married James Sullivan. 4. Mary, who died in childhood. 5. Michael, died in in- fancy. 6. James, died in infancy. 7. Daniel, died in infancy. 8. William Michael, of whom further. 9. Frank Henry, now deceased, who married Mary Doyle, by whom he had two sons, Daniel and Frank.
Spending his early childhood in Elizabeth, New Jer- sey, William Michael Redden came to New London when his father moved his family to this city and set- tled in the Howard street house. They lived there eighteen years, then went to their newly-acquired home, the Prentice farm. William M. Redden attended the public schools of New London until old enough to take up some kind of work, then entering the employ of C. D. Bess & Sons, cracker manufacturers, remained with them for three years, leaving to learn the mould- er's trade at Brown's cotton gin. Three years later Mr. Redden returned to Elizabeth, New Jersey, working first at the Moore Brothers' Foundry and afterward at the Hydraulic Pump Works, then going into the gro- cery business with a Mr. Welsch, they carried it on for sixteen years, the firm name being Welsch & Redden.
In 1905 Mr. Redden came back to New London, and becoming interested in commercial life, built the busi- ness block known as the Redden building, and engaged
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in the grocery business again in 1908 after the comple- tion of it. Six years afterward his brother, Frank Henry ·Redden, dying, William M. Redden bought up his contracting and construction business and has been engaged in it since 1915 under the name of the Redden Company, Inc. Mr. Redden has become very successful as a contractor, building up a large and important busi- ness. Mr. Redden had the first contract given out for the construction of the yard of the Groton Iron Works, beginning the work in August, 1917, and completing it in May, 1918.
Not having allied himself with any particular party in politics, Mr. Redden is an independent voter. He is popular among the Knights of Columbus, being a mem- ber of Seaside Council, of New London. He attends the Roman Catholic church.
William M. Redden married, at Westerly, Rhode Is- land, October 12, 1898, Mary C. Coleman. Three chil- dren have been born of this union: I. Coleman, born July 31, 1900. He graduated from St. Mary's School in New London, and later attended the Bulkeley High School for two years, afterward going to the pre- paratory school of Niagara University for two years, going then to the Catholic University of Washington, D. C., for one year. When this country entered the World War, this boy, though younger than the required age, volunteered and was sent to the Army Training Corps. He died during the epidemic of "fin," and is buried in St. Mary's Cemetery. The young man had gained quite a reputation as an all-round athlete, having won special honors on the football field. 2. Charles, born in May, 1911, now attending a local school. 3. Frank Henry, born June 8, 1913, also at school.
FREDERICK SAMUEL LANGDON-Now a young man, but with a record of energy and profes- sional ability a much older man might envy, Mr. Lang- don is pursuing in New London, Connecticut, the pro- fession of architecture as a member of the corporation, Bilderbeck & Langdon. He has followed that profes- sion from boyhood, and before coming to New London county he was for fifteen years in the employ of a firm of architects in New Britain, Connecticut.
Frederick S. Langdon is a son of Wilbur Burton Langdon, who was born in 1847, in Kensington, Connec .- ticut, his birthplace the old Langdon homestead, and died in 1914. Wilbur Burton Langdon married Nellie Wallace, who was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and died in February, 1920, aged sixty-two. They were the parents of five sons and one daughter : Frederick S., of further mention ; Albert, Leon, Lottie, Harry, and Wal- ter.
Frederick S. Langdon was born in New Britain, Con- necticut, September 28, 1886, and there completed public school courses of study. He entered as a student in the architectural course of a leading correspondence school and received therefrom a graduation diploma showing excellence in standing. He supplemented this with practical experience with the firm, Unckleback & Perry, architects, of New Britain, Connecticut, then came to the Groton Iron Works, New London, as chief draftsman. During the year he remained with the company he
designed several of the buildings comprising the pres- ent plant. In 1918 the firm, Bilderbeck & Langdon, architects, of New London, was incorporated, Mr. Langdon, secretary-treasurer. Since the organization of the firm they designed and supervised the Lawrence Hall building on Bank street, a large service station for J. D. Avery, Inc., a four-roomed school building for the Eighth District, borough of Groton, Connecticut, also a large weave shed and power plant for the New Eng- land Silk Company at Westerly, Rhode Island, a large amount of engineering work, consisting of 15,000 feet of pipe line for the borough of Groton, and a complete survey of Mason's Island, comprising about 540 acres. He is independent in politics, and a member of the Harbour Club of New London, also affiliated with Brainard Lodge, No. 102, Free and Accepted Masons.
Mr. Langdon married, in March, 1910, Ruth Gladys Rogers, born in Willimantic, Connecticut, daughter of Raymond and Elizabeth (Collins) Rogers, her father a veteran of the Civil War, who died in 1917. Mr. and Mrs. Langdon are the parents of five children : Roger Frederick, Ruth Elizabeth, Wilbur Spencer, Raymond Edward and Richard Collins.
CHARLES HENRY HOLDREDGE-A long and checkered life, including the fortunes of war, and later the satisfaction of substantial and permanent business prosperity, is the story of Charles Henry Holdredge, one of the most prominent citizens of Pawcatuck, New London county, Connecticut, whose storage garage is one of the big business interests of Westerly, Rhode Island.
Mr. Holdredge is a son of Hibbard Henry and Sarah (Rogers) Holdredge, and comes of one of the old families of New London county. Hibbard H. Hold- redge was born in the town of Groton, Connecticut, and was educated in the schools of that town. When he was a young man he worked as a salesman for the Bill Publishing Company, then one of the most prom- inent firms in its line in this part of the State. He also farmed on a small scale. He died in Waterford in 1853, and is buried there. Of the nine children of this union two are now living: Amanda, now Mrs. Greene, who since her husband's death has made her home with her two children in Springfield, Massachusetts ; and Charles Henry. Mrs. Holdredge, late in life, mar- ried (second) Capt. Benjamin Burrows, both deceased.
Charles Henry Holdredge was born in Waterford, Connecticut, June 27, 1844. He received a limited edu- cation in the public schools of his native town, and when only nine years of age was bound out, as was the frequent custom in those days, to Hubbil Loomis, of Salem, Connecticut, a farmer. He remained there for three years, but was treated very cruelly, and when twelve years of age was taken away from the Loomis farm by his parents. Later he went to North Stoning- ton, Connecticut, where he worked on a farm. He returned to Westerly, Rhode Island, and worked as apprentice carriage maker for one year.
At the age of eighteen years, in August, 1862, the young man enlisted in Company A, Seventh Regiment, Rhode Island Volunteer Infantry, for service during
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the Civil War. He was wounded at Fredericksburg, and Captain Edward Allen, of his own company, took care of him at Captain Allen's headquarters, thus be- ginning a warm friendship which has continued between the two men through all the years, and is still as cor- dial as in the time of war.
After the close of the Civil War, Mr. Holdredge returned to Ashaway, Rhode Island, where he was in the employ of Colonel Wells, in the woolen mills, for some time, then later was associated with A. L. Wells, in the wagon shop which the latter conducted there, work- ing also for a short time in various places.
In 1868 Mr. Holdredge made a start in business for himself, buying out the business of Sanders York, of Westerly, theretofore a prominent wagon builder and blacksmith of that town. He developed the business extensively, and became a large carriage manufacturer in Westerly. In 1887 he removed to Mystic, Connec- ticut, continuing in the same business, but in the fol- lowing year his plant was destroyed by fire. This set- back turned his thoughts to the possibility of a more advantageous permanent location. He decided on a return to his former vicinity, and purchased land on the Connecticut side of the river from Westerly, in the village of Pawcatuck. There he built a shop, and has since continued the manufacture of carriages. When the automobile superseded the horse-drawn vehicles, Mr. Holdredge adapted his energies to the new develop- ment, and in 1912 took over the agency of the Munroe automobile, and while he still manufactures carriages, the newer interest has become of greater importance than the old. He also now conducts a very large mod- ern storage garage, the best in the community.
Mr. Holdredge has long been prominent in the public affairs of the town of Stonington, in which the village of Pawcatuck is located. A staunch Republican, he was first selectman of the town of Stonington for two years, and though holding no other offices, has been a leader in the Republican party. For two years he was chief of the Fire Department of Pawcatuck. He has been a member of Hancock Post, Grand Army of the Republic, for many years, and for seven years was commander of the post.
In 18641, Mr. Holdredge married Louise Burdick, of Ashaway, Rhode Island, daughter of William H. and Lucy O. (Gates) Burdick, who died in 1918. They were the parents of six children, of whom four are living : Frederick W., who resides with his father and is asso- ciated with him in business; Martha J., who married Frank Howe, and since his death resides at home; Frank L., whose life is also reviewed in following sketch ; and Grace B., who resides at home. The family have long been members of the Baptist church.
FRANK L. HOLDREDGE-A member of an old New London county family, and himself holding a prominent position in the business world of this sec- tion, Frank L. Holdredge, of Pawcatuck, Connecticut, is broadly representative of the successful man of the day.
Mr. Holdredge is a grandson of Hibbard Henry and Sarah (Rogers) Holdredge, of Groton, New London
county, Connecticut, long ago prominent in the county, and a son of Charles Henry and Louise (Burdick) Holdredge (q. v.).
Frank L. Holdredge was born in Pawcatuck, Con- necticut, in the town of Stonington, January 21, 1872. He received his education in the public and high schools of Westerly, Rhode Island, just across the Pawcatuck river. Caring little for a higher education or a pro- fessional career, he entered at once into the mercantile world as salesman for Edward Smith & Company, of New York City, selling paints, varnishes, etc. Later he became associated with his father, whose carriage factory was one of the leading industrial interests in the town, as foreman of the painting department. Mr. Holdredge still continues in this business, which of recent years has broadened its scope to include the handling and storage, on a large scale, of automobiles. Mr. Holdredge is prominent in various circles outside his business. Politically, he supports the principles and policies of the Republican party. He is a member of Narragansett Lodge, No. 77, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Westerly, Rhode Island, and is a mem- ber of the Cycle Club, of Westerly.
In 1906 Mr. Holdredge married Gertrude May Eccle- stone, daughter of Albert and Ella (Chapman) Ec- clestone, of Westerly, and they have had two children : Iris L., who died at the age of seven years; and Charles H., who was born March 4, 1915. The family attend and support the Baptist church.
WILLARD DICKINSON HARRIS-Descended from old New London families, and long active in the mercantile world of New London, Mr. Harris has for the past fourteen years been manager of the local dis- tributing branch of Morris & Company, wholesale deal- ers in meat.
Christopher Harris, Mr. Harris' father, was born in New London, and after receiving a practical education in the public schools of the city, followed the sea all his life, sailing out of New London. He was one of the early whaling fishermen out of this port, and made one trip that covered a period of thirty-nine months. This is regarded as the longest fishing trip ever made from this port. Christopher Harris died in New Lon- don, in 1896. He married Margaret Lyon, also a native of New London, who died here in 1886. They were the parents of five children; Christopher C., who mar- ried Annie Chickering, and died in 1912; Ethram, who married Effie Still, and resides in Columbus, Ohio; Henry, who married Beckie Turner, and died in 1904; Willard D., whose name appears at the head of this review; and George C., who married Annie Avery, and resides in New London.
Willard Dickinson Harris was born in New London, June 29, 1862, and received his early education in the public schools of the city, then took the regular course at Bulkeley High School. About 1882 he entered the business world in New York City, where he was em- ployed as assistant bookkeeper by J. Harris & Com- pany, wholesale fish dealers, for a short time. Return- ing to New London, he became bookkeeper for the Clark S. Stewart Company, wholesale meat dealers.
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Later, Mr. Harris became a meniber of this firm, the name of the concern being changed to Stewart & Harris. Upon the death of Mr. Stewart, which oc- curred in 1889, Mr. Harris sold out to the National Packing Company, at the same time becoming man- ager of the business for that concern, and filling this position until 1900, when this company was dissolved per order of the United States Court. In 1907 Morris & Company established a branch in New London, and placed Mr. Harris in charge as manager, which posi- tion he still holds.
In the varied interests of the city Mr. Harris has long been interested, and though never a leader in public affairs, has borne a part in the progress of the community. Politically he supports the Republican party, and in the year 1905 served in the City Council. He is a life member of the Niagara Engine Company, of New London, and fraternally, holds membership in Mohican Lodge, No. 55, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of New London. He attends the Second Con- gregational Church of New London.
Mr. Harris married, September 1, 1908, Edna Good- win, daughter of Walter W. and Frances (Benham) Goodwin, of New London. Mr. and Mrs. Harris reside at No. 35 Bellevue place, in this city.
ROBERT MURRAY SMITH-At the age of twenty-one, in 1898, Robert M. Smith entered the service of the railroad, beginning with the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad Company as a brakeman. and has remained with this company, having risen through many promotions to his present position, that of assistant superintendent. He is a son of the late John B. and Eliza A. (Sutor) Smith, of Baltimore and Havre de Grace, Maryland.
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