A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume II, Part 101

Author: Lincoln, Allen B
Publication date: 1920
Publisher: Chicago : S. J. Clarke publ. co.
Number of Pages: 960

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in France. He was one of the first of the Hampton boys to enlist for the war and the last to return. He is now an instructor in English in the University of Michigan.

In his political views Mr. Clapp has always been a stalwart supporter of the republi- can party. He was justice of the peace in Hampton, officiating in that capacity for several years. On reaching the age of twenty-one he was made a member of the board of education and served thereon for over forty years and also as a member of the board of selectmen, presiding as chairman for two years. He was a member of the state legislature during the famous deadlock of 1890-91 and because of his ability and reputation as an educator he worked with the committees on school funds and humane institutions. He has served as master and secretary of Little River Grange, and he was one of the organizers of the Willimantic Colony of Pilgrim Fathers but transferred his membership to Chancey F. Cleveland Colony, No. 176, when it was organized in Hampton. He adheres to the religious faith of his forefathers, that of the Congrega- tional church, and for fifteen years or more was superintendent of the Sunday school and one of the deacons of the church. His life has ever been actuated by the highest principles, and he has always commanded the warmest regard of his fellow townsmen.

EDWARD PIKE.

Edward Pike is now living retired in Plainfield but for many years was identified with the dyeing establishments, holding responsible positions in connection therewith. He was born in Sterling, Connecticut, February 3, 1878, a son of James E. and Annie E. (Wilbur) Pike. The father was also born in Sterling and there attended the public schools, while later he became a student in the Groton Academy at Groton, Massachu- setts. He further pursued his education in the Brown University of Providence, Rhode Island, where he took a special course in chemistry, thus qualifying for work in later life. He afterward returned to Sterling and entered the acid works which at that time were operated by his father and uncle. He became general manager of the plant, which was located at Oneco, in the town of Sterling, the business being devoted to the manufacture of various kinds of dyes. Later his father and grandfather discovered a formula for making black dyes and established the business now known as the United States Dye & Finishing Company in the village of Sterling. James E. Pike was the general manager thereof until the plant was sold to the United States Dye & Finish- ing Company, after which he removed to Niantic, Rhode Island, and there again embarked in business under the name of the Niantic Dyeing Company, in which he continued until his death, which occurred at Westerly, Rhode Island, in 1910.

Edward Pike of this review is the elder of two children, his brother being William W. Pike, who is now living retired at Westerly, Rhode Island. Edward Pike was a pupil in the public schools of Sterling and afterward attended a private preparatory school at Providence, Rhode Island, known as the English and Classical School. Upon returning to Sterling, he entered the dye works of his father and there learned the business, acquainting himself with the trade in principle and detail. He continued to work for his father for about five years, when the plant was sold to the United States Dye & Finishing Company, with which Edward Pike remained, being given full charge of the dye making department. He occupied that position for about fourteen years, resigning in 1916, when his health became impaired and he was forced to retire, now making his home at Plainfield.

On May 4, 1897, at Sterling, Connecticut, Mr. Pike was married to Miss Eva Lucinda Shippie, a daughter of Joseph and Nora (Tyler) Shippie, of Sterling, and they have become parents of one child, Dorothy G., born in Sterling, January 22, 1909. Mr. Pike and his family attend the Congregational church, and his political faith is that of the republican party. He keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day but does not seek nor desire office as a reward for party fealty.

GEORGE ALPHEUS DROWN.

The live stock industry in Windham county finds a prominent representative in George Alpheus Drown, who for some years has been numbered among the leading cattle dealers and farmers of Abington, in the town of Pomfret. He is a native son of the neighboring state of Rhode Island, his birth having occurred at East Providence, May 29, 1867, his parents being Almond Clark and Elizabeth (Fuller) Drown. The father, who is now eighty-nine years of age, was born near Taunton, Massachusetts, and is a son of Joshua and Rosina (Goff) Drown. He spent his youthful days in Taunton, where

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he attended the public schools and where he remained until reaching manhood. Several years before his marriage, however, he located on what is now the Drown homestead in East Providence, Rhode Island. When he settled there the farm was outside the city limits but his home is now at 1526 Pawtucket avenue. Here be brought his bride and here they have lived happily together for many years, celebrating their sixtieth wed- ding anniversary in November, 1919. They have three children living, all born on the home farm, namely: Charles A., still a resident of East Providence; George A., of this review; and Mary Eliza, wife of George S. Griswold, of East Providence. The mother is now seventy-eight years of age and is a daughter of Samuel B. and Harriet M. (Jones) Fuller.

George A. Drown is indebted to the schools of East Providence for the educational opportunities which qualified him for life's practical and responsible duties. In young manhood he worked upon his father's farm and assisted in its development. He also conducted a butcher wagon, which he ran for a number of years. On the 2d of July, 1890, he removed to Abington, in the town of Pomfret, Windham county, and made in- vestment in two hundred and eighty-two acres of excellent farm land, upon which he has since lived. He has largely devoted his attention and energies to cattle raising and is always buying, selling and dealing in cattle, being recognized as the leading cattle dealer of Pomfret at the present time. He is especially well equipped for the handling and housing of cattle, having what is perhaps the largest and most modern cow barn in Pomfret, and has facilities for handling more cows than any other farmer of his section of the state. He is an excellent judge of cattle, so that he is able to make judicious purchases and profitable sales, being seldom, if ever, at fault in his estimate of the value of any animal.

On October 26, 1892, at Pomfret, Connecticut, Mr. Drown was married to Miss Jennie Irving, a native of Pictou county, Nova Scotia, and in young womanhood became a resident of Providence, Rhode Island. She is a daughter of Thomas and Marian (Small) Irving, who were also born in Pictou county, Nova Scotia, where her father followed farming throughout life and died there. Her mother is still living.

Mr. Drown is a democrat in his political views. Thrift and industry have constituted the basis upon which he has builded his success and he is recognized as a man whose word is of utmost reliability. What he says he will do and his integrity is never called into question.

CHARLES HENRY TUBBS.

Charles Henry Tubbs, now deceased, spent the greater part of his life in Connec- ticut and at the time of his death was engaged in business at South Windham, con- ducting his interests under the name of the American Wood Type Company .. He was born, however, in New York city on the 13th of January, 1842, his parents being Joseph and Jane (Sloat) Tubbs. The father was a native of Norwich, Connecticut, where he spent the days of his boyhood and youth and acquired a public school education. In young manhood he learned the trade of a brick and stone mason, which he followed for a number of years. Removing to New York city, he became a very successful contractor and builder there, continuing in the business until ill health obliged him to retire. He then took up his abode at Hanover, Connecticut, residing upon a farm throughout his remaining days. Both he and his wife have long since passed away. Their family numbered five children: Mary, who became the wife of Prescott Cooper but both are now deceased; Charles Henry, of this review; Louisa A., who is the wife of Sydney Williams, of Norwich, Connecticut; John A., who is employed in the navy yard in Brooklyn, New York; and Anna, who became the wife of Fred Maples, of Norwich, but both are now deceased.

Charles Henry Tubbs was reared at Hanover, Connecticut, following the removal of his father with the family to the farm. He obtained a district school education and in vacation periods and after his school days were over he worked with his father upon the farm to the age of seventeen. He then began learning the painter's trade under the direction of his uncle, William Tubbs, at Norwich, and afterward he entered the employ of William H. Page, of Norwich, in order to learn the business of wooden type manu- facturing. Subsequently he spent a year in New York city but afterward returned to Norwich and took up the business of steel engraving in connection with wooden type manufacturing. Eventually he removed to South Windham, where he established a wooden type manufacturing plant conducted under the name of the American Wood Type Company. He continued in that business to the time of his death, which occurred November 2, 1907.

Mr. Tubbs was twice married. He first wedded Josephine Pollard and they had

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one son, George C., who married Annie M. Smith, of Norwich, Connecticut, and is en- gaged in the practice of medicine in Boston, Massachusetts. For his second wife Mr. Tubbs chose Helen K. Dunkerley, the marriage being celebrated on the 11th of May, 1870, at Norwich, Connecticut. She is a daughter of George and Mary (Kershaw) Dunkerley, natives of England. Mr. and Mrs. Tubbs became the parents of a son, Her- bert H., now a resident of Hartford, Connecticut, who married Christine Woodworth, of Norwich, and they have one child, Herbert.

In his political views Mr. Tubbs was an earnest republican and kept well informed on the questions and issues of the day. He attended the Congregational church and was a member of the Odd Fellows lodge at Norwich. His life was guided by high and hon- orable principles and the sterling worth of his character was recognized by all. In business he displayed close application, indefatigable energy and industry that never flagged, and his thorough reliability was also a salient feature in his growing success. The worth of his character and his business enterprise made him a substantial and valued citizen of South Windham, where his widow still resides, having many warm friends in the village.

REV. JOSEPH UBALDE JEAN PAPILLON.

Rev. Joseph Ubalde Jean Papillon, whose pastoral duties at Willimantic have con- tinued from 1910, was born July 4, 1866, in Ste. Anne de la Perade, Canada, a son of Ubalde and Marie Anne (Lacroix) Papillon. In the acquirement of his education he attended the Seminaire de Nicolet in the province of Quebec, Canada, and pursued his theological course in St. Sulpice on Sherbrooke street in Montreal.

He was ordained on the 17th of August, 1890, the officiating bishop being Right Reverend Elphege Gravel, D. D. His first priestly service was that of assistant at Ste. Monique in the province of Quebec, Canada, where he remained from 1890 until 1892. In the latter year he came to Connecticut and was assistant priest at Waterbury until 1896. He was then assigned to duty as assistant at Putnam, Connecticut, where he continued from 1896 until 1899, when he was given his first parish, becoming pastor of the church at Voluntown, Connecticut, where he continued until 1902. In that year he was transferred to the parish at Dayville, Connecticut, and in 1910 came to Willi- mantic, where he has since remained as pastor of St. Mary's Roman Catholic church, with the Rev. Ludovic Paradis as his assistant. During his eight years' service he has won the love of his people, the confidence and esteem of the general public and has done much to uphold and upbuild Catholic interests in this city.

JOSEPH BODO.

Joseph Bodo, who is engaged in the real estate business, with offices in the Windham County Natonal Bank building at Danielson, was born at Moosup, in the town of Plainfield, Connecticut, January 17, 1872, and is a son of Frank and Marie (LaValle) Bodo, both of whom were natives of Canada. The father came to the United States in young manhood, going to Dayville, Connecticut, where he lived for a few years and was there employed in the carding room of a mill. He afterward went to Moosup and se- cured a situation in the mill of Charles Almy, there becoming a second hand. Later he was appointed a boss in the carding department of the mill of Aldrich & Gray and finally purchased the mill, which he operated for a time. He then went to the Floyd Cranska mill at Moosup, where he was made boss of the carding department, occupying that position for a number of years. In the latter part of his life he lived retired from active business, enjoying a rest which he had truly earned and richly merited. His last days were spent at Moosup, where he passed away in 1912, and his widow still resides there. He was never active in politics but was a faithful member of the Cath- olic church and was widely known and very popular among those with whom he was acquainted. To him and his wife were born the following named. Frank, who is a native of Moosup and is a clerk in a market there, married Felicia Pichea, of North Grosvenor Dale, and they have one child, Edna. Joseph is the second of the family. Louis, born at Moosup, is now in Providence, Rhode Island. Mamie J., born at Moosup, is living with her mother.

Joseph Bodo was educated in the schools of Moosup and when twenty-one years of age, in connection with his brother, engaged in the grocery trade at Moosup, continuing in the business there for six years. He then sold his interest and purchased the busi- ness of Charles Domingue at Danielson in 1901. For sixteen years he was thus identified

REV. J. U. J. PAPILLON

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with the commercial interests of the place and then purchased the Bates estate on Main street and removed his business to the new location, where he continued for a year and a half. On the expiration of that period, or in January, 1918, he sold out and turned his attention to the real estate business, in which he has since engaged, having well appointed offices in the Windham County National Bank building. He has secured a good clientage since starting in that field of business activity and already has negotiated a number of important property transfers.

In November, 1895, Mr. Bodo was married at Moosup to Miss Olive St. Onge, who was born in Baltic, Connecticut, a daughter of Louis St. Onge. The children of this mar- riage are: Henry L., who was born at Moosup, January 26, 1899, and who married Eva Gates, a native of Killingly; and Joseph L., who was born in Danielson, January 21, 1903, and is now a high school pupil.

Mr. Bodo gives his politcial endorsement to the republican party and for the past two years has been one of the town burgesses of Danielson, in which connection he is discharging his duties with marked capability and fidelity. He was a former selectman of Moosup and has made a creditable record in public office. He belongs to St. James church, is a member of St. John Baptist Society, is also a member of Putnam Lodge No. 574, B. P. O. E., and of the Modern Woodmen. He likewise has membership in the Bohemian Club and is highly esteemed by all with whom he has business or social rela- tions.

HENRY BETTERMAN.

Henry Betterman, who is conducting one of the leading meat markets of Plainfield, was born in Schonbaclı, Germany, May 28, 1883, a son of Henry and Anna (Gottwald) Betterman, who were also natives of Schönbach. There the father spent his youthful days and pursued his education, after which he began work in the coal mines, being thus employed for a year. Later he purchased a farm and afterward gave his attention to agricultural pursuits for an extended period but is now living retired, still occupying the farm. To him and his wife were born six children.

The eldest of the family is Henry Betterman of this review, who spent his youthful days under the parental roof and is indebted to the public school system of his native town for the educational privileges which he enjoyed. After his textbooks were put aside he served an apprenticeship of three years at the trade of meat cutting and sausage making. Desirous of enjoying the opportunities offered in the new world, he crossed the Atlantic to the United States in 1907 and for a year thereafter remained a resident of New York city, working as a meat cutter. Subsequently he came to Connecticut, set- tling first at Baltic, where for five years he was employed as a meat cutter by George Drescher. On the expiration of that period he removed to Plainfield and purchased a market which he has now conducted since 1912, or for a period of eight years. He has a first class market, catering to the best trade of Plainfield, and his patronage is now gratifying and profitable.

Mr. Betterman maintains an independent course in politics. Fraternally he is con- nected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Plainfield and he is a member of the Congregational church at Plainfield.

HENRY ELISHA ANDERSON.

Henry Elisha Anderson, who has recently accepted the agency for the Maxwell and Chalmers cars and the Maxwell trucks at Danielson, is well known there as a pro- gressive business man, having for a number of years taken contracts for water sys- tems in this part of the county, and in this connection has built up an extensive business.

Mr. Anderson is a native of Sterling, Connecticut, born August 29, 1871, and is a son of Elisha and Ellen Sylvia (Martin) Anderson, the former a native of Sterling, while the latter was born in Killingly, Connecticut. The father was a prominent farmer of Sterling, where he also engaged in the lumber business, and he was likewise interested in a stone quarry there. In fact, he was a well known, leading and enter- prising business man of that locality and lived there most of his life at the old home of his father, known as the Anderson farm. In later years he did not engage so exten- sively in the quarrying and lumber business but devoted more attention to agricultural pursuits. Eventually he went to Danielson, Connecticut, where he passed away Octo- ber 16, 1908. His wife survives and makes her home with her son Henry E. In his political views the father was a republican and was always keenly interested in town

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affairs but was never an office seeker, nor did he belong to any fraternal orders. He attended the Congregational church and his life was an upright and honorable one, commanding for him the respect of his fellowmen. To him and his wife were born the following named: Lillian, who was born in Sterling, became the wife of John H. Whipple, of Georgiaville, Rhode Island, and died in February, 1909, leaving two children, Irvin and Maude A. Addie A., who was also born in Sterling, is likewise deceased.

The only son, Henry Elisha Anderson, obtained his early education in the schools of Sterling and continued his studies in the Killingly high school. He afterward spent one winter as an employe in the Quinebaug grist mill and about 1894 started in busi- ness for himself in Danielson by taking contracts for the establishment of water systems. A demand was soon created for these and he has since continued in the business very successfully, installing many water systems throughout this entire section, including Danielson and the surrounding towns. He has also recently been granted the agency for the Maxwell and Chalmers cars and the Maxwell trucks and is developing a good business in that connection.

On the 27th of November, 1899, at Norwich, Connecticut, Mr. Anderson was united in marriage to Miss Harriet Ella Lamphere, who was born in Providence, Rhode Island, a daughter of Edwin Lamphere. They have one child, Arline Sylvia, who was born in Danielson, February 8, 1904.

The parents attend the Baptist church and Mr. Anderson gives his political sup- port to the republican party. He neither seeks nor desires office as his time is fully taken up with his business affairs, and his close application, his thoroughness and his enterprise have been the dominant factors in the attainment of his present day success.

GEORGE LARSTON STETSON.

For almost a third of a century George Larston Stetson has successfully carried on general farming in the town of Plainfield. He is a native son of Connecticut, his birth having occurred in Lisbon, March 1, 1855, his parents being George R. and Watie A. (Brown) Stetson. The father was a native of Westerly, Rhode Island, where he was reared and educated, and subsequently he removed to Jewett City, Connecticut, where he became well known in political circles as a supporter of the democratic party. Later he was appointed postmaster by President Lincoln and continued in the position to the time of his death, which occurred when he was thirty-two years of age.

George L. Stetson attended the public schools of Lisbon, Connecticut, and after- ward completed his schooling in Jewett City. He started out in the business world as a farmer and engaged in general agricultural pursuits until 1873, when he removed to Canterbury, Connecticut. There he again worked at farming and in 1887 came to the town of Plainfield, where to the present time he has had charge of the farm upon which he now resides. He follows most progressive methods in the care and develop- ment of the fields and keeps the soil in excellent condition by the employment of scien- tific methods for this purpose.

On the 13th of April, 1874, Mr. Stetson was married in Norwichtown, Connecticut, to Miss Izella E. Geer, a daughter of Elbridge and Sarah Clark (Mayo) Geer. To this marriage has been born one child, Will Edgar, a state road contractor of Cromwell, Connecticut, whose birth occurred in Griswold, this state, November 19, 1875. He married Elisa M. Loomis, of Bolton, Connecticut, and they have become the parents of two children, Katherine Elizabeth and Clarence Loomis.

Mr. Stetson is a member of Central Village Lodge, No. 19, I. O. O. F., also of Moosup Lodge, No. 113, A. F. & A. M., and is a loyal follower of the teachings and purposes of these organizations. In politics he is a republican, and he and his family attend the Baptist church at Central Village, contributing liberally to its support and doing all in their power to promote the moral progress of the community. Mr. Stetson has devoted his entire life to farming interests and his work is most intelligently and successfully directed.

TULLY DORRENCE BOWEN.

Tully Dorrence Bowen, devoting his life to farming interests in the town of Brook- lyn, was born in the town of Coventry, Rhode Island, at Bowens Hill, January 6, 1870, a son of Samuel Horace and Emily (Gallup) Bowen. The father was also a native of the town of Coventry and pursued his education in a private school at Washington, Rhode Island, and in the Plainfield Academy. He took up the occupation of farming in his

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native town and conducted agricultural interests on an extensive scale. He also main- tained a large dairy there for many years and was one of the prominent business men of the community. About twenty-eight years ago he removed to Brooklyn, Connecticut, with his family and there continued to engage in agricultural pursuits to the time of his death, which occurred on the 26th of November, 1918, his remains being interred in that town. His wife was born in Sterling, Connecticut, and was a daughter of Amos J. Gallup, of Sterling Hill. She, too, passed away in Brooklyn, November 2, 1912, be- ing the date of her death. Mr. Bowen was always keenly interested in town affairs and gave earnest support to the principles of the republican party. He served as first selectman of Brooklyn, was also a member of the board of relief and occupied the posi- tion of registrar. No trust reposed in him was ever slighted in the least degree. He was always faithful, prompt and reliable in the discharge of his public duties and was an official whose worth to the community was widely recognized. He belonged to the Masonic fraternity and exemplified in his life the beneficent spirit of the craft. To him and his wife were born three children: Grace G., who was born in Coventry, July 19, 1868; Tully Dorrence, born January 6, 1870; and Amos G., born in October, 1871. The younger son married Alice Knight, of Coventry, and they had two children, Lillian, who is still living; and one who died in infancy. Amos G. Bowen passed away at Arctic Center, Rhode Island, in April, 1917. He had followed farming as a life work and also for some time was engaged in the livery business.

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A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume II, Part 101

Author: Lincoln, Allen B Publication date: 1920 Publisher: Chicago : S. J. Clarke publ. co. Number of Pages: 960

Author: Lincoln, Allen B
Publication date: 1920
Publisher: Chicago : S. J. Clarke publ. co.
Number of Pages: 960