A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume II, Part 102

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

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Tully D. Bowen was educated in the public schools of Coventry and followed farm- ing with his father, early becoming familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. After removing to Brooklyn, Connecticut, he continued in agricultural pursuits and he and his sister. Grace G., occupy a valuable and pleasant farm which he has brought under a high state of cultivation and to which he has ad- ded many modern improvements. Both he and his sister are keenly interested in the welfare of Brooklyn and their cooperation can be counted upon to further any plan or project which tends to promote the public interests and upbuilding. His political support is given to the republican party and he keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day but has never been an office seeker.

HENRY R. WOODWARD.

Henry R. Woodward, who resides in the town of Ashford, where he has an extensive and valuable farm of three hundred and fifty acres, which came into possession of his grandfather, Abner Woodward, in 1813 and upon this place Henry R. Woodward was born December 21, 1854. He represents one of the old New England families, the an- cestral line being traced back to Richard Woodward, who was born in England in 1589 and on the 10th of October, 1634, sailed on the Elizabeth for Massachusetts, ac- companied by his wife, Rose, and his sons, George and John. The family settled in Watertown, Massachusetts, where Richard Woodward was made a freeman in 1635. After the death of his wife in 1662 he married Anna Gates and later resided in Cam- bridge, Massachusetts. His son, George Woodward, was born in England in 1621 and became a freeman of Watertown, Massachusetts, May 6, 1646. After the death of his first wife, Mary, he was married August 17, 1659, to Elizabeth Hammond and died May 31, 1676.

John Woodward, son of George and Mary Woodward, was born in Watertown, March 28, 1649, and in 1686 married Rebecca Robbins, of Cambridge, while his second wife was Sarah Bancroft, of Reading. He resided with his family, numbering eleven children, at Newton.

His son, Joseph Woodward, was born in Newton, Massachusetts, November 26, 1688, and after his marriage to Elizabeth Silsby, June 24, 1714, he settled in Canter- bury, Connecticut, where he followed farming. He died May 30, 1727, surviving his wife but eight days.

Their son, Joseph Woodward (II), was born in Canterbury, January 21, 1726, and died in Ashford, Connecticut, July 8, 1814. For twenty-six years he was prominent as a public official and he served in the Revolutionary war, being present in Boston at the time of its evacuation. He was married May 19, 1748, to Elizabeth Perkins, who was born May 19, 1733, and died in 1823 at the age of ninety years.

Abner Woodward, son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Perkins) Woodward, was born in Ashford, Connecticut, in 1762, became a prominent farmer there and passed away Jan- uary 28, 1840. On the 15th of April, 1789. he married Miriam Knowlton, daughter of Abraham Knowlton and descendant of Miles Standish. She passed away August 14, 1793, and for his second wife Abner Woodward chose Eunice Fuller, who was born July 1, 1769, her father being Rev. Daniel 'Fuller, the first pastor of the Willington

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Congregational church. Abner Woodward served through several campaigns of the Revolutionary war and afterward was granted a pension in recognition of the aid which he had rendered. For many years he resided in Willington and about 1813 purchased the Hale farm in Ashford and removed to this place, now occupied by Henry R. Wood- ward of this review.

Otis Woodward, the father of Henry R., was born in Willington, Connecticut, August 10, 1807, and following the death of his parents purchased the interests of the other heirs in the homestead in the town of Ashford, residing thereon until his death, May 26, 1894. He gave his political support to the republican party and his religious faith was that of the Congregational church. He was married May 28, 1835, to Eliza Freeman, who was born September 16, 1811, and departed this life December 12, 1883. She came of ancestry that can also be traced back to an early period in the settlement of America, the first of the name being Edmund Freeman, who came from England in 1635 with his wife Elizabeth and their children. He lived in Lynn, Plymouth and Duxbury, Massachusetts, and was active in establishing the town of Sandwich, the first English settlement on the Cape. Several times he acted as assistant to the gov- ernor and filled various public offices. The ancestral line is traced down through eight generations to Eliza Freeman, who became the wife of Otis Woodward, and they had a family of ten children.

The youngest of the household is Henry R. Woodward of this review, who was reared upon the old homestead farm and supplemented his district school training by study in the high school at Willimantic, from which he was graduated in 1872. He then became a student at Amherst College. Where he completed his course as a mem- ber of the class of 1876. His entire life has been devoted to agricultural interests, which he has followed according to the most progressive methods. He has become one of the most prominent agriculturists and dairymen of the state, and has intro- duced upon his farm all modern improvements in the way of machinery and other facilities to advance his work.

On the 13th of August, 1901, Mr. Woodward was united in marriage to Miss Eva M. Hobby, a daughter of Charles H. Hobby, of Willington. They have become the parents of five children, one of whom, Sarah Louisa, born May 3, 1902, passed away on the 12th of January, 1903. Those still living are Alice R., born May 8, 1904; Royal, September 15, 1908; Jonathan, September 7, 1911; and Edmund Freeman, June 24, 1916. All were born on the homestead.

The religious faith of Mr. and Mrs. Woodward is that of the Congregational church, of which they are loyal adherents, taking active interest in its work and doing every- thing in their power to advance its influence. Mr. Woodward, like his ancestors, has given his political allegiance to the republican party, for his study of the questions and issues of the day has led him to the belief that its platform contains the best elements of good government. His fellow citizens have frequently called him to public office. In 1897 he was elected to represent Ashford in the state legislature and served on the agricultural committee during that term. In 1905 he was elected to the state senate and was made a member of the committees on agriculture and labor. He has ever been a close student of the vital questions and issues of the day and he did ex- cellent service as a committeeman of the general assembly in both the upper and lower houses.

CHARLES WESLEY HALE.

Charles Wesley Hale, who is engaged in the jewelry business in Danielson and who has back of his present success thorough training and experience in the jewelry trade and watchmaking and repairing, was born at Rockyhill, near Meriden, Connecticut, May 10, 1892, a son of Brainard A. and Elizabeth (Underwood) Hale. The father's birth occurred at Rockyhill and the mother was born in Birmingham, England. In young manhood the father followed farming in his home town for a number of years, but finally ill health compelled him to give up the arduous task of tilling the soil and to resort to some lighter form of work. He then followed various pursuits to the time of his death, which occurred in October, 1916. He always voted with the republican party but was never an office seeker, nor was he identified with fraternal orders. He was, however, a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church. His widow sur- vives him and now makes her home among her children, who are three in number. The eldest, Emma E., born at Rockyhill in April, 1890, became the wife of L. D. Haigh, of Newbury, Massachusetts, and they now reside in Hartford, Connecticut. They have two children, Douglas and Gwendolen. Charles Wesley is the next of the family. The

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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY

younger daughter, Edith B., born at Rockyhill in April, 1894, is now the wife of Ed- ward Marsden, of Meriden, Connecticut, and they have one child, Judson.

Charles W. Hale pursued his education in the grammar schools of Meriden, Con- necticut, to the age of fifteen years, when he started out in the business world on his own account, serving an apprenticeship at the engraver's trade. His term of indenture covered four years and he was then engaged as ornamental silver engraver by the Barber Silver Company of Meriden, with which he remained until 1912. In that year he went to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he pursued a college course in watchmaking and then returned to Connecticut, settling at New Britain, where he accepted a position as watchmaker and engraver with A. J. Churchill, with whom he continued for a year. He next entered the employ of A. E. Beauregard of Danielson, who was a jeweler on Main street, and in May; 1917, Mr. Hale purchased the business of his employer and has since successfully conducted the store. He carries a large, well selected and attractive line of watches and jewelry, and the enterprise and reliability of his business methods have gained for him a most gratifying patronage.

In Meriden, Connecticut, on the 23d of September, 1914, Mr. Hale was married to Miss Ethel E. Wolcott, a daughter of George and Elizabeth (Swan) Wolcott, her father being foreman in the plating works at Meriden.

Politically Mr. Hale is a republican, having always given his allegiance to the party, for he believes that its platform contains the best elements of good government. He belongs to Moriah Lodge No. 15, A. F. & A. M., of Danielson, and he attends the Baptist church. All those interests and activities which make for the benefit and up- building of the community can count upon receiving his hearty endorsement and sup- port, for his aid and influence are ever on the side of progress, improvement, of reform and of right.

LOUIS PHILIP FAUCHER.

Louis Philip Faucher, identified with the bakery business at North Grosvenor Dale, where he was born January 18, 1887, is a son of Peter O. and Eliza (Galapeau) Faucher, both born in the province of Quebec, being natives of Vancouver. The father came to the United States when a child and was educated in the St. Joseph parochial school at North Grosvenor Dale, Connecticut. Later he learned the bakery business and subse- quently engaged in business along that line on his own account. After some time he sold out and was employed in the Worsard bakery for a number of years. He then began working with his son, Louis Philip, in the bakery at North Grosvenor Dale and has so continued to the present time. His family numbered eight children, of whom Louis P. is the eldest, the others being: Edna, who is at home; Arthur, who married Eva Ber. geron, of Worcester, Massachusetts, and is engaged in the bakery business at Putnam; Dora, the wife of Narcisse Ravenelle; Roland, Annitta and Rose, all at home; and one who has passed away.

Louis P. Faucher pursued his education in the St. Joseph parochial school and after- ward learned the bakery business at North Grosvenor Dale with his father, for whom he worked for several years. In September, 1907, he purchased the Benoit bakery at North Grosvenor Dale and began business on his own account. He has been very successful from the beginning and his patronage has steadily increased. Something of the volume of his trade is indicated in the fact that he is now making two thousand loaves of bread daily and finds it impossible to supply the demand. This bread is sold throughout the southern part of New England and is known as "Over the Top bread." Its excellent quality insures a liberal market and in addition the bakery turns out various lines of pastry, all of equally high grade. His bakery, known as the Superior Quality Bakery, is equipped with all modern machinery for the sanitary mixing, baking and handling bread. From the mixing of the dough to the wrapping of the loaf it is never touched by human hands. In 1920 Mr. Faucher bought property and erected a modern two-story building for the wholesale department of his business and he has a number of auto delivery trucks used in the distribution of his product from that department.

On the 1st of January, 1908, at North Grosvenor Dale, Mr. Faucher was married to Miss Rose Alma Beauregard, a daughter of Hermenegilde and Cordelia (Crouette) Beauregard. They have become parents of six children: Philip O .; Conrad O., who died in infancy; Irene N .; Leo A .; Annette E .; and Violet G. All were born in North Grosvenor Dale.

In politics Mr. Faucher maintains an independent course. The religious faith of himself and family is that of the Catholic church and he belongs also to St. Jean Society, No. 45, of North Grosvenor Dale and to Cargill Council, No. 64, of the Knights of Co. lumbus. Early in his business career he took up the bakery business, which he has since

LOUIS P. FAUCHER

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followed, and he has continuously labored along that line, promoting his efficiency through experience. He has a well equipped establishment, where work is done along the most sanitary and scientific lines, and the results which he is achieving in the conduct of his business affairs are most gratifying.

STEPHEN BUFFUM TIFFT.

The life of Stephen Buffum Tifft typifies solid integrity of character and sturdy in- dustry. He was born in Smithfield, Rhode Island, November 25, 1837, a son of Burrill and Rhoda (Buffum) Tifft. Two years later his father bought the farm in the north- ern part of Ashford, which has since been occupied by the family. As soon as he was big enough to swing a hammer, Stephen began to help his father peg shoes. There, was still a mortgage on the farm, and money was a scarce article, trade in those days being chiefly by barter, so Stephen worked at shoemaking to help pay interest. He at- tended district school in the winter, and twenty-four weeks then constituted a year's schooling according to law. He attended a select school at Union for three terms of twelve weeks each and was then equipped to become a teacher himself. He also learned the trade of carpenter and joiner, following this in the summer time and teaching during the winters. He taught twenty-five terms in Ashford, Eastford, Union and Tolland, and became widely known in that region for the thoroughness of his teaching in the "three R's." He retired from teaching many years ago and devoted himself to farming.

He was married April 2, 1862, to Juliet Booth, of Union, and they have two children, Ransom B. Tifft, who married Minnie J. Reynolds, and they live at the homestead; and Eva Rufina Tifft, who taught in public schools for several years and married Albert N. Hammond of Woodstock Valley, where they now. reside. In later years Mr. Tifft and son have been progressive farmers, have moved off the old stone walls to form large mow- ing lots, cleared off the rocks, and made use of modern machinery, to a degree which shows what can be done with even the rugged hills of Ashford by intelligence combined with willingness to work.

Stephen B. Tifft has always been a man of decided convictions and can always give a reason for the faith that is in him. He has felt strongly that later-day educational methods lack in thoroughness and in the discipline necessary to character building. He is classed as an independent republican and holds it to be his obligation to vote for what he deems the public interest, rather than to follow blindly any party. His son, Ransom B. Tifft, is of similar views and is active in Ashford town affairs. They keep abreast of the times by intelligent reading. The older Tifft marvels at the won- derful advances of mechanical art in his day, by electricity, steam, gasoline, and con- fidently predicts fully as marvelous progress in the future, especially in the conquest of the air. He has passed his eighty-second milestone and is still active as this sketch is written. He attributes his longevity to freedom from liquor and tobacco, "early to bed and early to rise," busy but not overtaxing strength, plain but nourishing food, and always looking for the silver lining in every cloud. Trying to make the world better is what makes life worth while.

MICHAEL THOMAS SHEA.

Michael Thomas Shea, who since 1900 has been engaged in general farming and dairying in the town of Canterbury and who has represented his district in the state legislature, was born at Lisbon, Connecticut, December 23, 1863, and is a son of Thomas and Julia (Foley) Shea, who settled in this section of the country as early as 1850. The father was born in Kenmare, County Kerry, Ireland, June 23, 1819, and was a son of James and Bridget (Doyle) Shea, who were also natives of Kenmare, where they spent their entire lives. Their son Thomas was there reared and educated, attending the national schools. His father was a farmer and school teacher and he worked upon the farm during the days of his boyhood and youth. On the 10th of April, 1846, he wedded Julia Foley. He chose America for the home of his adoption and in 1850 came with his wife to the new world, settling in the Greenville section of Norwich, Connecticut, where he was among the first of those of the Catholic faith to take up his abode. There he se- cured employment in a machine shop but afterward removed to Lisbon, Connecticut, where he turned his attention to farming, and in 1866 he came to Canterbury, where he purchased a tract of land on the Brooklyn-Canterbury road, constituting the present Towne farm. His energies were devoted to the cultivation of the land here until 1898,

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when he retired and removed to Providence, Rhode Island, but in 1900 returned to Canterbury and he and his wife afterward made their home with their son Michael T. up to the time of their demise. The father died on the 16th of May, 1902, while the mother's death occurred on the 26th of February, 1903. She was also a native of Kenmare, Ireland, and a daughter of James and Mary (Connor) Foley.

To Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Shea were born ten children, eight of whom are living. James, who was born in Norwich, Connecticut, married Bridget Reagan, of Norwich, and after her death wedded Mrs. Mary Malady, of Norwich. They have three children. Julia, the second of the family has passed away. Margaret is living in Hartford, Con- necticut. Daniel T., born in Lisbon, is a member of the firm of Shea & Burke, prominent furniture dealers and undertakers of Norwich, Connecticut. He married Mary Louisa Kane, of that city, and they have three children. Thomas Andrew, born in Lisbon, left the home farm when quite young and attended the Plainfield Academy and the Norwich Free Academy. He began his business career as a dry goods clerk in the Boston Store of Norwich, Connecticut, and later in the Boston Store of Providence, Rhode Is- land, where he was in the silk department for six years. For fourteen years he was outside city salesman for the dressmaking supply department of John Wanamaker & Company of New York city and resigned that position to accept the position of manager of the dressmaking supply department of Gimble Brothers store in New York city, where he remained until his death, which occurred January 2, 1917, at Norwich, Con- necticut. Michael Thomas, of this review, is the fifth in order of birth. Timothy mar- ried Agnes Kane, of Norwich, and is a police sergeant of Providence, Rhode Island. He has three children. Jeremiah, born in Canterbury, Connecticut, married Mary Rankin and he too is a member of the police force of Providence. Teresa conducted a large dressmaking establishment in Providence for thirty years but now makes her home with her brother Michael. Johanna, the youngest of the family, remained at home and tenderly cared for her parents until they passed away and is now housekeeper for her brother Michael.

The youthful days of Michael T. Shea were passed in Canterbury and when his textbooks were put aside he worked upon the home farm with his father, early be- coming familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. He left the farm for a time and experimented with a business career in Providence but returned to Canterbury in 1900 and purchased the farm upon which he now resides. Since then he has devoted his attention to the further cultivation of the fields and to dairying. He has fifty head of cattle on his place and his farm is supplied with all modern equipments and machinery to facilitate the work and to promote the dairy in- terests. Both branches of his business are proving profitable.

On the 5th of June, 1906, Mr. Shea was married in Moosup, Connecticut, to Miss Mary Shea, who passed away February 9, 1907. He is a Catholic in religious faith and in political belief is a democrat. In 1907 he was elected to the state leg- islature, where he served for one term and was a member of the school fund com- mittee. During the past three years he has been selectman of his town. He is a mem- ber of Canterbury Grange, No. 70, and of the Windham County Agricultural Society, serving on the executive committee of the latter. His interest in community affairs is deep and sincere and has led to hearty support of and cooperation in all the plans and measures for the general good. His business career has been marked by that steady progress which results from industry and determination intelligently directed, and as the result of his individual labors he is now one of the prosperous farmers of the town of Canterbury.

GEORGE LEWIS BROWN.

George Lewis Brown, actively identified with the manufacturing interests of Wind- ham county as overseer of the carding department of the Attawaugan Company in the village of Attawaugan, was born in Ashford, Connecticut, August 24, 1866, and is a son of Alfred and Mary A. (Whitehouse) Brown, both of whom were natives of Ashford, where the father followed the occupation of farming throughout his entire life. He was well known and highly respected in both Ashford and Eastford, and his death, which occurred about 1870, was the occasion of deep and widespread regret to his many friends. His widow survived him and passed away in Groton, Connecticut, at the ad- vanced age of eighty-four years. Their children were seven in number. Ellen M., the eldest, born in Eastford, became the wife of Herbert Hanover of Eastford and now re- sides in Groton, Connecticut. Henrietta, who also was born in Eastford, is the wife of Frank Wilbur, of Groton. Emma C., born in Eastford, died in Attawaugan. George Lewis is the next of the family. Minnie L., born in Eastford, has now passed away.

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Annie, born in Eastford, is now living in Groton and has been twice married. Eugene E., born in Eastford, Connecticut, has also been married twice and is now a resident of Uxbridge, Massachusetts.

George L. Brown is indebted to the district schools of Eastford for the educational opportunities which fitted him for life's practical and responsible duties. When he was about sixteen years of age he began working in a mill in Williamsville, now Goodyear, Connecticut, in order to learn spinning, there remaining for about a year. In 1884 he removed with his family to Attawaugan and entered the mill of the Attawaugan Company in the carding department, with which he was thus associated for nearly fif- teen years. About 1899 he took up his abode at Wauregan, where he remained for four years in the position of assistant foreman in the carding department. In 1903 he be- came a resident of the town of Ballouville, Connecticut, where he occupied the position of overseer of the carding department of the Attawaugan Company, continuing to serve in that capacity for about a decade. In 1913 he removed his family to the town of At- tawaugan and was made overseer of the carding department in the mill of the Attawaugan Company there and has so continued to the present time. He is a millman of marked efficiency, thoroughly understanding the business, particularly in connection with card- ing, and his position is now one of large responsibility. He has the entire confidence of his employers, the respect and good will of those who serve under him and he has gained many warm friends in various walks of life.

On January 23, 1892, Mr. Brown was married, in Attawaugan, to Miss Evelyn Beatrice Mathews, who was born at Breakneck Hill, East Killingly, Windham county, Connecticut, a daughter of Harvey and Elsie (Howland) Mathews, both of whom have passed away. The father, Harvey Mathews, was a representative of one of the old families of Killingly. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Brown are: Bernard G., whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work, and who was born in Attawaugan and married Miss Lena Shippee; and Clayton A., also born in Attawaugan.

Mr. Brown is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Wauregan and his religious faith is that of the Methodist church. In political belief he is a repub- lican and is actively interested in town affairs, yet has never been an office seeker. He stands for all that has to do with public progress and improvement, and the spirit of advancement has actuated his entire career in every connection as well as in business circles.

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A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume II, Part 102

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