A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume II, Part 107

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

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The last named obtained his early education in Massachusetts and later pursued a three years' course in the Varannes College. He then went to Williamstown, Massa- chusetts, where he obtained a situation in the weaving department of the Houghton Mills, there learning the trade and remaining in that establishment for about twelve years, during which time he became an expert weaver. After leaving Williamstown he went to Easthampton, Massachusetts, where he engaged in weaving tire duck. He like- wise became a loom fixer and was employed at that place for about seven and a half years. Early in 1912 he left Easthampton and in April came to Danielson, where he accepted a position in the Connecticut Mills as second hand in the weaving department, acting in that capacity until he was promoted to overseer of the department. He has filled the latter position to the present time, his efficiency and capability being at- tested by the fact that he has remained with this corporation continuously for eight years.

In Danielson, on the 5th of May, 1914, Mr. Martin was married to Miss Clara Perreault, of Oakdale, Massachusetts, a daughter of Medard and Exemia (Morin) Per- reault, the latter a sister of Amos Morin, superintendent of the Connecticut Mills. Mr. and Mrs. Martin have three children: Orare, who was born in Danielson, March 8, 1915; Levette, born December 29, 1916; and Herman, June 8, 1918. The family are communicants of St. James Roman Catholic church of Danielson and Mr. Martin be- longs to the Union St. Jean the Baptiste Society. He is likewise a member of the Red Men and of the Franco-American Society. His political allegiance is given to the republican party, which he has supported since attaining his majority. His activity, however, has never been in the line of office holding but in the direct path of his chosen business activity, and his advancement has been the direct outcome of his persistency of purpose, his faithfulness and his highly developed skill.

RICHARD BROWN MARRIOTT.

Richard Brown Marriott, owner and operator of a large granite quarry at Oneco, in the town of Sterling, Windham county, was born at Mount Sorrell, Leicestershire, England, February 19, 1857, and is a son of Jame's and Jane Marriott, who were also natives of Leicestershire. The father there learned the butchering business and later followed the business on his own account in his native shire, where he remained active

RICHARD B. MARRIOTT

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along that line until his death. His family numbered four children, but only Richard B. and his brother Albert Edward Marriott are now living.

At Mount Sorrell, England, Richard B. Marriott pursued his education and in young manhood worked in the granite quarries of that locality. He has since been active along the same line of labor, and after thoroughly familiarizing himself with every phase of the work he left Mount Sorrell and came to America, going first to Westerly, Rhode Island. There he secured employment in the granite quarries, con- tinuing at that place for a year. It was while thus employed that he made his first visit to Oneco more than thirty years ago to look over quarry conditions here. Pleased with the prospect, he determined that some day he would own the large Oneco quarry, and never did he lose sight of this ambition. After a year at Westerly he went to Des Arc, Missouri, where, in partnership with Isaac Whittle, he purchased a quarry which they operated for four years. Returning to New England, he was employed at various quarries, and the year 1904 saw the fulfillment of his long cherished hope of one day owning the large granite quarry at Oneco. He has since operated this in connection with his son, James H. The quarry covers fifty acres and produces a fine grade of hard gray granite, used principally for paving blocks, street curbing, building trimming, stone steps and foundation work. The quarry is supplied with the most modern equipment of every character necessary to cutting the stone and preparing it for sale, and the business has now reached very extensive proportions.

Mr. Marriott was married on the 29th of March, 1875, at Mount Sorrell, England, to Miss Ada Hunt, and they have become the parents of six children, of whom four are living. James H., born at Mount Sorrell, is associated with his father in business and is mentioned elsewhere in this work. Frederick George, born at Mount Sorrell, is also connected with his father's quarry, and he married Ida Burlingame, of Oneco, by whom he has one child, Marjory. Florence E., born at Stoney Stanton, England, is the wife of James Nesmith, a quarryman of Lithonia, Georgia, and they have four children, Ada Jeanette, Cathleen, Florence and Harry Wilson. Ethel, born at Stoney Stanton, England, is the wife of Harry Sherman, of Oneco, and has two children, Angeline Ethel and Richard.

In politics Mr. Marriott is a republican and fraternally he is connected with Moosup Lodge, No. 113, F. & A. M., and Warren Chapter, R. A. M., of Danielson. He also belongs to the Odd Fellows Lodge of Sterling and for forty-two years has been a member of the Foresters of England. His has been an active and useful life. He is a quarryman of the old school, who knows the business thoroughly in every phase and in every detail as well as in its principal features. He is yet a most active man, working as hard as any of the employes at his quarry, and his life of diligence has brought to him substantial success. He is a man of kindly nature, highly regarded by his fellow townsmen as a progressive and public-spirited citizen. He has built a fine modern home at Oneco and by reason of his increasing prosperity he is now able to enjoy all of the comforts and many of the luxuries of life. No regret has ever attended his determination to come to the new world, for here he has found the opportunities which he sought, nor has he ever been afraid to venture where favoring opportunity has pointed the way. Possessing character and ability that have inspired confidence in others, the simple weight of his character and ability have carried him into important business relations.

HENRY FOURNIER.

Henry Fournier, whose varied business experiences constituted the thorough train- ing that qualified him for independent activity as a grocer, has thus been identified with the commercial interests of Danielson since 1912 and is regarded as one of the pro- gressive young business men of the city. He was born at Ha Ha Bay, in the province of Quebec, Canada, January 29, 1888, and is a son of Louis and Elede (Forcarde) Fournier, who are also natives of Quebec. In young manhood the father learned the miller's trade, at which he worked for about three years and then established business on his own account by opening a flour mill at Ha Ha Bay, where he continued for al- most a quarter of a century. He then sold his business there and went to Montreal, Canada, where he engaged in milling in connection with different firms until 1895, when he came to the United States, settling at Fall River, Massachusetts. There he engaged in the grocery business with his brother, with whom he was thus associated for about ten years. In 1906 he retired from active business and has since spent his days in the enjoyment of well earned rest at Fall River. His religious faith is that of the Catholic church. To him and his wife were born nine children, all natives of Canada: Eugene, who married Tilly Girard, of New York, and has three children;

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Mary Louise, who is the wife of Denis Mousseau, of Fall River, and has nine children; Louis J., who married Alcidraien Gaudreau and has three children; Gonzagne, who married a Miss Gauvreau, of Long Island, New York, and has two children; Ellen, the wife of Joseph Mousseau, of Canada, and the mother of two children; Bertha, the wife of B. Croult, of Providence, Rhode Island; Henry, of this review; Adelina, the wife of Peter McCormick, of St. Regis Falls, New York, and the mother of five children; and Edmond, who married Lena Bodeau, of Fall River, Massachusetts, and has two children.

Henry Fournier pursued his education in the schools of Fall River and in early life became a clerk in the grocery store of L. P. Perrenteau at that place, being thus employed for about three years. He next engaged with the American Pickling Com- pany of Fall River, with which corporation he was connected for seven years, when he entered the employ of the Reneau Company, wholesale grocers, with whom he con- tinued for two years.

In 1909 Mr. Fournier became a resident of Danielson, Connecticut, and here for two years was in the employ of his brother, who was owner of a grocery store. In 1912 he resolved to engage in business on his own account and with the capital saved from his earnings opened a small grocery store on Franklin street. Success attended the venture and he remained at that location for about five years, when he sought more commodious quarters, removing to his present place in 1917. Here he has since en- joyed a substantial trade as a dealer in groceries and confectionery, his enterprising business methods and thorough reliability gaining for him a gratifying patronage.

On the 4th of July, 1910, in Danielson, Connecticut, Mr. Fournier was married to Miss Ozaide Gaudreau, a native of Canada and a daughter of Peter and Fediline (Fournier) Gaudreau. Her father died in Danielson in 1917 and his widow is still a resident of Danielson. Mr. and Mrs. Fournier have become parents of six children: Gabriel, who was born in Danielson, April 16, 1911; Madeline, whose birth occurred Jan- uary 18, 1913; Veronic, whose natal day was May 31, 1914; Olive, born March 24, 1916; Monic, who was born October 16, 1918; and Jean, born August 2, 1920.

The religious faith of the family is that of the Catholic church and they are now communicants of St. James parish. Mr. Fournier is identified with the Catholic Order of Foresters and his political endorsement is given to the republican party. His life has been one of diligence and enterprise. He has worked persistenly since starting out to earn his own living and step by step he has advanced, his industry and perse- verance constituting the broad foundation upon which he has built his present-day success.

HENRY MOREY EVANS.

To say that Henry Morey Evans is one of the most enterprising business men of Brooklyn would be to give but a one-sided view of his career, for he has been not only an active factor in commercial and agricultural circles but also in conenction with the promotion of public interests, and has left the impress of his individuality upon many problems and concerns of public significance and importance. He was born October 22, 1863, in the town of Brooklyn, where he yet makes his home, his parents being Elisha and Dilla M. (Cady) Evans. The ancestral record of the family can be traced back through several generations to Jonathan Evans, of Smithfield, Rhode Island, who was a farmer of that locality and there passed away at an advanced age. His son, Elijah Evans, was one of a numerous family and was born in Smithfield, Rhode Island, in 1786. There he resided until a few years after his marriage but about 1818 became a resident of Brooklyn, Connecticut, where he purchased farm land that has since con- stituted the family homestead. Elijah Evans followed farming and also engaged in stock buying and in butchering. For a long time he was proprietor of a meat market at Brooklyn Center, devoting his attention to that business, while his sons took over the management of the farm as soon as they were old enough. Throughout his active business career he was a man of great energy and industry and he thus accumulated a substantial competence, enabling him to leave his family in comfortable financial cir- cumstances. He was always a stalwart advocate of democratic principles and his religious faith was that of the Unitarian church, his membership being in the church society of Brooklyn. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Waty Smith, was also a native of Smithfield, Rhode Island. The death of Elijah Evans occurred April 28, 1856, and his wife survived him only until March 10, 1858.

Elisha Evans, the youngest of the six children of Mr. and Mrs. Elijah Evans, was born in Brooklyn, May 21, 1831, and through the winter months pursued his education in the public schools, while in the summer seasons he aided in the work of the farm and in the conduct of the butchering business. Being the youngest of the family, he

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remained at home after the others had started out in life independently and cared for his parents until they passed away. He succeeded to the ownership of the home farm and manifested the most progressive methods in the conduct of his farming and stock raising interests. Between the years 1850 and 1860 he made annual trips through Vermont, New Hampshire and Canada, buying cattle and horses which he sold in Brooklyn and the surrounding towns. He also dealt to some extent in lumber and in all business affairs displayed sound judgment and undaunted enterprise. He not only won success in business but also found time to cooperate in public affairs and was a stalwart advocate of the democratic party. He served in various offices of his town and at the time of his death was road surveyor, a position which he had filled for a quarter of a century. His religious faith was that of the Unitarian church and his life was ever guided by high and honorable principles. On the 16th of June, 1856, he married Miss Dilla Cady, who was born in Brooklyn, July 25, 1835, a daughter of Lemuel and Lydia (Taylor) Cady, her father being a farmer of the town of Brooklyn. The death of Elisha Evans occurred November 8, 1887, when he was but fifty-six years of age, and his wife, who long survived him, passed away in 1905. Their chil- dren were: Charles C., who was born November 9, 1858, and died July 9, 1867; Esther, who was born August 8, 1861, and became the wife of Jerome M. Woodward, of Hampton, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work; Harvey S., and Henry M., twins, born October 22, 1863. The former died on the 17th of September, 1864.

Henry Morey Evans is therefore the only surviving son of this family. The days of his boyhood and youth were spent upon the old homestead farm where lived his father and his grandfather and which is still his place of residence. He acquired a good public school education through the winter months and in the summer seasons worked with his father in the fields. When twenty years of age he entered the employ of Dwight Bassett, a miller of Brooklyn, for whom he drove a team for a year or two. On account of his father's illness he then returned home and has since been in business in the town of Brooklyn save for about eight months when he was connected with the Wauregan creamery. Some years ago he became interested in the lumber business and was active along that line as senior partner in the firm of Evans & Woodward. This relationship was dissolved about 1909, at which time Mr. Evans discontinued the lumber trade and devoted his attention to farming. In 1918, however, he decided to resume his activities in lumber and is so engaged at the present time. He enjoys an extensive patronage in this connection and he has also met with substantial success as an. agriculturist, cultivating large tracts of land which his industry, economy and diligence have enabled him to acquire.

On the 18th of August, 1894, Mr. Evans was married to Miss Susie E. Andrews, who was born in Wauregan, Connecticut, a daughter of Russell and Emma (Baker) Andrews. The children of this marriage are: Walter H., who was born March 28, 1896; and Edith May, born December 6, 1898. The son was drafted and sent to Camp Devens, July 25, 1918. He was with the machine gun company of the Seventy-fourth Regiment of the Twelfth Division and was all ready to start for France when the armistice was signed, receiving his discharge January 27, 1919.

Mr. and Mrs. Evans are consistent members of the Unitarian church and their sterling worth is recognized by all with whom they come in contact. Mr. Evans is a prominent representative of the democratic party in the town of Brooklyn and was first called to office when made town assessor. Not long after retiring from that posi- tion he was elected second selectman and filled the position through the year, being reelected in 1900 and serving until the fall of 1901. In November of the latter year he was chosen to represent Brooklyn in the state constitutional convention, being ac- corded a very large majority over his republican competitor. He has also served as chairman of the board of relief and in 1903 and 1904 was representative from Brooklyn to the Connecticut general assembly. Thus in many ways he has left the impress of his individuality and ability upon the history of his state and Connecticut places his name high on the roll of her leading citizens.

WILFRED LOISELLE.

Wilfred Loiselle, who since 1903 has been identified with the commercial interests of Danielson as a grocer, was born in St. Paul, Quebec, Canada, October 1, 1880, and is a son of Antoine and Adele (Beauvais) Loiselle, who are also natives of Quebec. The father followed farming throughout the greater part of his active career at St. Cesaire, in the province of Quebec, where his birth probably occurred. In 1902, however, he came to the United States, settling in Danielson, Connecticut, and soon afterward en- tered the employ of the Jacobs Manufacturing Company, Manufacturers of belting,

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continuing in that connection until 1912. He then gave up active business and has since lived retired in Danielson, enjoying a well earned rest. He is a republican in his political views and is a member of the French Catholic church. To him and his wife were born four children, all natives of St. Paul, Quebec. Wilfred, of this review, is the eldest of the family. Philias, who was born in August, 1882, married Adeline Robert, their children being now five in number. Omer, who was born in January, 1886, and is now employed in the store of his brother Wilfred, married Lucy Perreault and they have three chldren. Marie, who was born in February, 1901, resides in her native city.

Wilfred Loiselle was educated at the place of his nativity and when about eighteen years of age entered the employ of the Canadian Pacific Railroad Company, being appointed car inspector and remaining with that corporation until 1902,. when he came with his parents to Danielson. For about six months he was employed in the Lock- wood mill, owned by the Quinebaug Manufacturing Company of Killingly. In 1903 he established business on his own account by opening a small grocery store at Moosup, in the town of Plainfield, but after about a year removed the business to Danielson, opening his store on Carter street, where he has since developed a large, growing and profitable trade.

On the 14th of March, 1907, in Danielson, Mr. Loiselle was married to Miss Sylvia Bedard, who was born in Canada but came to the United States with her. parents, Isai and Marie (Beauvais) Bedard, when but two weeks old. Both her father and mother have now passed away. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Loiselle are: Florence, who was born in Danielson, June 1, 1912; and Norman, March 5, 1917.

The parents are communicants of St. James Catholic church and Mr. Loiselle be- longs to St. John Baptist Society. His political endorsement is given to the repub- lican party and his cooperation can be counted upon to further any plan or project that has to do with the welfare and upbuilding of his adopted city.

EDWARD HALL.

Edward Hall, a very successful farmer and stock raiser of Plainfield, was born in Slaterville, Rhode Island, November 29, 1867, his parents being William F. and Abbie T. (Shepard) Hall. The father was born in Plainfield, Connecticut, where he pursued his education in the district schools and then took up the occupation of farming in the town of Plainfield in young manhood. Early in the year 1860 he became boss farmer on the William A. Slater estate at Slaterville, Rhole Island, and there remained for twenty-four years. He afterward purchased the Cleveland farm in Plainfield, Connecticut, comprising a tract of land of fifty acres, which he devoted to general agri- cultural pursuits. Later he retired and removed to Plainfield street, where he passed away June 30, 1907. His wife was also a native of Plainfield and they became the parents of three children: William H., Ruth A. and Edward.

The last named was brought to Plainfield in his childhood and attended the district schools, while later he continued his education in the Plainfield Academy and in the Yale Business College, in which he studied for a year. Illness, however, obliged him to return home and later he entered the employ of Waldo Tillinghast, a grocer of Plainfield. He afterward took up farming on his father's land in the town of Plain- field and in 1890 purchased a small farm of fifty acres and concentrated his attention and efforts upon the futher development and improvement of the property. That he has prospered as the years have passed is indicated in the fact that he has extended the boundaries of his farm from time to time until he now has five hundred acres. When he took possession of this place he had but eight head of cattle and now owns a fine dairy herd of sixty-five head. He raises cattle and horses, being one of the prominent dealers and live stock raisers of this section. His large farm is most modernly equipped in every particular and his buildings are all in keeping with the advanced ideas of modern agriculture. He likewise has upon his place a fine apple and peach orchard and, in addition to the extensive dairy business which he conducts, he operates a saw- mill. In financial circles he is also known, being one of the organizers and now a di- rector of the First National Bank of Plainfield. His life is one of intense industry and activity, and his intelligently directed labors are bringing to him merited success.

At Plainfield, Connecticut, on October 20, 1902, Mr. Hall was married to Miss Evelyn A. Harvey, of that place, and they have become the parents of four children. Ruth Harvey, a graduate of the Plainfield high school and of Brown University, in which she won the Bachelor of Arts degree, in an instructor in mathematics at Rose- mary Hall, a girls' school at Greenwich, Connecticut. Henrietta Catherine, who com- pleted a course in the Plainfield high school and then engaged in teaching, is the wife of Ernest Buell, formerly of Eastford, now a farmer of Plainfield. William, who was

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also a high school pupil of Plainfield is now in business with his father upon the farm. Evelyn A. is yet at home.

In politics Mr. Hall is a republican and in 1914 was elected to the state legislature, serving during the session of the following year. Fraternally he is connected with Protection Lodge, No. 19, I. O. O. F., of Central Village, and is a charter member of Plainfield Grange, No. 140. He likewise belongs to the Plainfield Congregational church, as do the other members of his family, and of the church they are generous and liberal supporters, taking an active interest in all branches of the church work. Mr. Hall is one of Plainfield's most prominent and progressive farmers-a man of high stand- ing, whose life of industry and thrift, intelligently guided, is indeed an example worthy of emulation.

JOHN BAPTIST MORIN.

John Baptist Morin, of Danielson, police officer for the Connecticut Mills Company, was born in Redford, New York, May 15, 1883, and is a brother of Amos Morin, super- intendent of the Connecticut Mills at Danielson, in connection with whose sketch on another page of this work is made mention of the history of the family.

John B. Morin obtained a public school education in his native town and when his text books were put aside entered upon an apprenticeship as a steamfitter, subsequent to which time he went to Fitchburg, Massachusetts, there remaining for four years, during which period he followed his trade. He next removed to Montreal, Canada, where he worked as a steamfitter for a brief period and was then appointed a member of the Montreal police force, remaining a member of the force for three years. In 1915 he came to Danielson, where he has since made his home, and here he entered the employ of the Connecticut Mills Company as inspector of yarns. In 1916 he became police officer for the same company, with which he still remains as a regular officer. He is also town constable and is filling the position of special deputy sheriff of Windham county.

On the 14th of January, 1908, Mr. Morin was married to Miss Caroline Bossé, of Montreal, Canada, and they have become the parents of a son, John, Jr. The religious faith of the family is that of the Catholic church and Mr. Morin is identified with Rose of Lima Council, No. 52, of the Knights of Columbus. He also belongs to Putnam Lodge, No. 574, B. P. O. E., and he gives his political allegiance to the democratic party.

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A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume II, Part 107

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