A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume II, Part 115

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

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at Pittsfield, New York, where he engaged in the cabinet-making business on his own account for several years. In October, 1876, he removed to Chestnut Hill, East Killingly, Connecticut, where for two years he did carpenter work and then entered the machine shop of the Young cotton mill at East Killingly, where he remained for a few years. He was afterward employed in the Whitestone mill at East Killingly for about six years in the capacity of machinist and later he went to Montville, New London county, Connecticut, where he worked as a machinist for six years, being an employe of the Pequot Company. Returning to East Killingly about 1893, he spent two years upon a farm and again worked in the Whitestone mill for a year. He next went to Ballouville, Connecticut, where he conducted a boarding house for the Attawaugan Company for about three years, and in 1897, he took up his abode in Danielson, where he worked as a machinist and electrician in the Quinebaug mills until . August, 1919, when he retired. In 1909 he purchased a farm on South street in East Brooklyn and has since occupied the place. Since retiring from the Quinebaug mills he has devoted his attention to the farm through the summer season and in winter conducts a cabinet shop on the farm, where he deals in and repairs antique furniture and makes violins by hand. He has attained quite a reputation in the latter connection, having made violins for more than thirty years, these musical instruments being in great demand. He is also an adept in restoring antiques to their original condition, even to the res- toration of the old art of metallic painting.

It was on the 4th of July, 1866, that Mr. Crowell was married at Sherburne, New York, to Miss Addie Augusta Fuller, who was born at Vanhornesville, New York, a daughter of William and Rebecca (Goodspeed) Fuller. While Mr. and Mrs. Crowell were residing in New York three children were born to them-Leona, Geneva and William. Leona became the wife of Charles Jacques. The son William was educated in the common schools of East Killingly and entered the Whitestone mill when about fourteen years of age, being there employed for two years. He afterward went to Williamsville, now Goodyear, spending about three years in the mill there, and subse- quently he removed to Montville, where he was employed in the mill for three years. He learned the painter's trade when about nineteen years of age, serving a three years' apprenticeship with John Carlton at Montville, Connecticut, and subsequently he studied art with George Keil, an artist, for about three years. He has developed his artistic taste and maintains a studio in Danielson. His political endorsement, like that of others of the family, is given to the republican party and he attends the Metho- dist church. He was married in Attawaugan, Connecticut, to Miss Mary Elizabeth Hall, a native of Putnam, Connecticut, and a daughter of Crawford and Mary (Crandall) Hall, the former born in Putnam, Connecticut, and the latter in Westerly, Rhode Island. The marriage of Mr. and Mr. William Crowell was celebrated Novem- ber 24, 1900, and their children were: Daisy, born at Ballouville, April 20, 1902; and Lewis, born March 2, 1904. The former died when quite young and the latter when five years of age.

After the removal of Mr. and Mrs. Lewis D. Crowell to Connecticut, while they were living at East Killingly, two more children, Ardian and Daisy were born, but both died in early life. Their other daughter, Geneva, is the wife of John Gill, of Jewett City, Connecticut, and they have one child, Lewis, who married Sarah Geer, by whom he has five children.

One of the most interesting features in the life of Mr. and Mrs. Crowell was the celebration of their golden wedding on the 4th of July, 1916, on which occasion their living children, their grandchildren and great-grandchildren, many more distant rela- tives and friends were present. It was a most pleasurable occasion, never to be for- gotten by those who were in attendance. The day was most fittingly celebrated and one of its interesting features was the preparation of an old fashioned quahog chowder, made by the groom. The worthy couple were made the recipients of many beautiful gifts and a shower of gold, symbolic of the day which they were celebrating.

ROBERT CREIGHTON WHITE, M. D.

Dr. Robert Creighton White, devoting his time and energies to the practice of medicine and surgery in Willimantic and holding to high professional standards in his chosen vocation, was born in Hebron, Connecticut, December 13, 1865, and is a son of John and Sarah (Parish) White. The family removed from Hebron when the Doctor was a little lad of but five years, becoming residents of Whitehall, Connecticut, where he attended the public schools, and later he became a student in the Troy Confer- ence Academy at Poultney, Vermont. His next course of study was pursued in the University of Vermont, from which he was graduated with the class of 1889. He had en-

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tered the State University for instruction in medicine and surgery and before winning his professional degree he was appointed interne in the Mary Fletcher Hospital, so serving during his last year in college. In 1889 he removed to Hartford, Connecticut, and was interne at the "Retreat for Insane" for a year. In 1890 he came to Williman- tic, where he opened his office, being then a young physician of twenty-five years but with thorough university training and valuable hospital experience to serve as the foundation upon which to build his success. Throughout the intervening period, cover- ing twenty-eight years, he has continued steadily in practice and his business has in- creased year by year. He belongs to the Willimantic Medical Society, of which he has been president, and he is now secretary and treasurer of the Windham County Medical Society. He also belongs to the Connecticut Medical Society and to the American Medi- cal Association.

On the 3d of October, 1895, Dr. White was united in marriage to Miss Lena Chap- pell. They are members of the Congregational church and Dr. White is a prominent Mason, belonging to the lodge, chapter, council, commandery, the consistory and to the Mystic Shrine. He has been an earnest worker in the order and exemplifies in his life the beneficent spirit upon which the craft is based. He is also connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and belongs to and is medical examiner for the Ancient Order of United Workmen, the Knights of the Maccabees, the Gold Crown and the Loyal Order of Moose. In politics he is an independent republican, not so strictly partisan but that he can rise above party lines when occasion demands and work for the general interests of the public if such a course is deemed expedient. He was one of that great body of professional men who gave their services willingly and helpfully to the nation and was a member of two committees established by the National Council of Defense, the committee on medicine, hygiene and sanitation, and the auxiliary medical defense committee for Windham county.

CHARLES EDWARD KEMPTON.

A valuable and attractive farm property is that owned by Charles Edward Kemp- ton, of Pomfret, comprising one hundred acres of land near Pomfret Landing. The farm was in a run down condition when it came into his possession in 1907, but with characteristic energy he undertook the work of bringing it up to a high standing and his efforts in this direction have been most resultant. He had added to the place many new buildings and modern improvements such as are found on a model farm of the twentieth century and today neatness and thrift characterize the place, while the pro- gressive methods that are followed result in the gathering of large crops annually.

Mr. Kempton was born in Farmington, Franklin county, Maine, on the 14th of April, 1875, a son of Benjamin Ray and Flora Marie (Dowen) Kempton. His grand- parents, William Warren and Hannah (Ray) Kempton, were also natives of Farming- ton, as was his father, Benjamin Ray Kempton, who continued to devote his attention to farming in that locality until the last fifteen years of his life, during which period he made his home in Vienna, Maine, and there carried on farming until called to his final rest. His wife was born in Rockland, Maine, and following the demise of her husband she removed to Norwich, Connecticut, where she now lives with her daughter, Mrs. F. B. Selkins. In the family of Benjamin R. and Flora Marie (Dowen) Kempton were six children, of whom the first born died in infancy, the others being: Rose E .; Charles Edward; Ivan, who is with his brother Charles in business; Lester H., de- ceased; and Mrs. F. B. Selkins, whose husband is an optician of Norwich.

Charles E. Kempton acquired his education in the schools of Farmington, Maine, until he reached the age of fifteen years, when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Vienna, Maine, where he carried on farming in connection with his father until he attained his majority. He then went to Boston, Massachusetts, and entered the employ of the Boston Street Railway Company, with which he was thus connected for five years. On the expiration of that period he removed to Southbridge, Massachusetts, where he became superintendent of a large farm for the American Optical Company, residing thereon for five years. He was employed as head farmer by William H. Kammond, a prominent agriculturist of Hampton, Connecticut, for two years, from 1905 until 1907, and in the latter year he purchased his present prop- erty of one hundred acres, situated near Pomfret Landing, and resolutely set to work to bring his farm to a high state of development and improvement. It was much run down when it came into his possession, being overgrown with brush and weeds and producing little, but with determined purpose Mr. Kempton took up the task of trans- forming the land into rich and productive fields and his labors have wrought good results. He has added many improvements and substantial buildings and now has the

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farm in fine shape. He has also splendidly stocked it and has a fine herd of graded Holstein cows and conducts an extensive and profitable dairy business.

On the 20th of March, 1898, Mr. Kempton was united in marriage to Miss Katie Amanda Leonard, of Somerville, Massachusetts, who was born in Windsor, Maine, March 4, 1876, and acquired her education in the schools of Augusta, Maine. She is a daughter of Edward E. and Sarah Frances (Jackson) Leonard. Her father was born in Augusta, Maine, made farming his life work and died in his native city. Her mother was born in Windsor, Maine, and after the death of her husband she became the wife of William Greeley, a resident farmer of Monmouth, Maine, where she passed away. The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Kempton was Silas Leonard, also a native of the Pine Tree State. Her material grandparents were Ephraim and Melissa (Wall) Jack- son. Ephraim Jackson was born in Windsor, Maine, and his widow is still living there. To Mr. and Mrs. Kempton were born four children: Carrie Lillian, born in Somer- ville, Massachusetts, March 16, 1899; Leonard Charles, born in Southbridge, Massa- chusetts, January 21, 1901; Jennie Katie, born in Southbridge, December 5, 1902; and Rosa Mary, who was born in Southbridge, March 15, 1904.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Kempton and their eldest daughter are members of Wolf Den Grange. They attend the Congregational church and Mr. Kempton gives his political allegiance to the republican party. He was elected selectman of Pomfret in 1914 and served for one term. He has always taken an active interest in politics and in civic affairs and stands loyally by all those interests and movements which are calculated to prove of public benefit. He is thoroughly progressive in all that he does for the benefit of his community or for the advancement of his individual fortunes, and his well spent life has won for him the esteem, confidence and high regard of those with whom he has been associated.

GEORGE EZRA DEANE.

George Ezra Deane, a resident farmer of Woodstock, is today the owner of an ex- cellent property of one hundred and sixty acres and has become widely known as a raiser of Rhode Island Red chickens and of registered Jersey cattle. In addition to stock raising he carries on both dairying and general farming and his business affairs are wisely and successfully conducted. He was born in Holyoke, Massachusetts, May 16, 1879, and is a son of Ezra Leonard and Angeline (Caswell) Deane. The father was born in Woodstock Valley, Connecticut, and left that locality at the age of nineteen years to become a resident of Willimantic. For a short time he worked in the thread mills of that city and afterward removed to Holyoke, where he was employed by the Merrick Lumber Company for ten years, gradually working his way upward until he became superintendent of the sash, door and trimming department. After severing his connection with the Merrick Company he engaged in the wood working business on his own account in Holyoke, adding a machine shop department, and eventually the metal and machine department became the largest part of his business. His interests were wisely and carefully conducted and met with substantial success, but in Novem- ber, 1916, he became suddenly ill and passed away while still an active factor in the business world. His wife was born in Holyoke, where she spent her entire life, passing away at that place when their son, George E., was but three years of age. They had a family of four children: Mabel, who died at the age of fourteen years; Nellie, who passed away when but nine years of age; George Ezra, of this review; and Gilbert, who is in the employ of the Tatem handle factory in Eastford, Connecticut.

George Ezra Deane acquired his education in the schools of Holyoke, Massachu- setts, and afterward learned the pattern maker's trade, at which he worked for a time in his father's shop and also was employed by others in Holyoke. Going to Boston, he followed his trade there until 1906, when on account of impaired health he removed to Woodstock, where he engaged in raising chickens. In 1908 he purchased a farm of sixty-five acres and concentrated his attention extensively upon chicken raising and also broadened the scope of his activities to include general farming. Suc- cess in notable measure attended his efforts in the raising of chickens and he has added to his farm holdings four times since he made his first purchase and is today the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of excellent land, which he has brought under a high state of cultivation. He has splendidly equipped his farm for the purposes to which it is put. In addition to raising Rhode Island Red chickens he is also handling registered Jersey cattle and does an extensive dairy business. His affairs are wisely and carefully managed and he has made a close study of the best methods of caring for his chickens and his stock. He has also studied the dairy business from the

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scientific standpoint and the most sanitary conditions exist in his dairy and in fact throughout his farm. His buildings are ample and adequate to the purposes for which used, furnishing full shelter for grain and stock, and he utilizes the latest im- proved farm and dairy machinery. He has recently acquired the William Phillips saw- mill and is engaged in making shingles, operating his mill with water power.

On the 29th of November, 1900, Mr. Deane was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Louise McMullen, of Cambridge, Massachusetts, a daughter of James and Mary (Warnick) McMullen, who were natives of the north of Ireland and were of Scotch descent. As children, however, they came to America. Mrs. Deane had no farm experience before coming to Woodstock as the wife of George E. Deane but has been of great assistance to him, taking hold of the work most enthusiastically and superintending the interests under her control in a most capable manner. She is a member of the Ladies' Aid Society of the North Woodstock Congregational church, in which both Mr. and Mrs. Deane hold membership and in which he is serving as one of the church committee. In politics he largely maintains an independent course, with leanings toward the republican party. Rather quiet in manner, he has proved, however, the worth of his character and given demonstration of his business ability. He has applied common sense to chicken raising and to farming and his sound judgment combined with energy has won for him a very substantial and creditable place in agricultural circles in this section of the state. A few years of experience in farming, chicken raising, cattle raising and dairying have given him comprehensive knowledge of the business and his keen sagacity has enabled him to carry forward his interests to a notable point of success.

DE WITT CLINTON PARK.

De Witt Clinton Park, displaying the utmost efficiency and ability as superintend- ent of the Windham County Temporary Home for Children at Putnam, Connecticut, was born in Amboy, New York, November 8, 1856, and is a son of Smith and Harriet J. (Stewart) Park, the father also a native of the Empire state, while the mother was born at Williamstown, Massachusetts. Smith Park was the son of Sage Park, a native of Haddam, Connecticut, who went to the state of New York as a young man and became a civil engineer. He was in the employ of the state as one of the engineers in the construction of the Erie canal and laid out several towns in Oswego county, New York, including Amboy, Redfield, Williamstown and Constantia. Sage Park was one of the first settlers of Amboy, New York.

Smith Park, the father of De Witt C. Park, was reared and educated at Camden, New York, and in young manhood took up the occupation of farming. He also op- erated a sawmill at Amboy, New York, for several years. At the outbreak of the Civil war he enlisted at Amboy for active service with the Union Army, joining the One Hundred and Thirty-second New York Volunteer Infantry, with which he served until 1862, when he was discharged on account of disability contracted in the service and died in the same year, at Amboy, New York. His wife also passed away in 1862. They were the parents of eight children, all of whom were born at Amboy, New York, and two of whom died in infancy. Mary Almira is the deceased wife of Edwin Perry, of Putnam, Connecticut. Harriet Jane became the wife of Asahel Wallace, of Sandy Creek, New York, and has also passed away. Clark Stewart, who enlisted in the One Hundred and Thirty-second New York Volunteer Infantry during the Civil war, being a member of the same company as his father, died in the service. Martha J., who taught school at Putnam for many years prior to her marriage to Samuel H. Bass, of Laredo, Texas, is now deceased. De Witt Clinton, whose name introduces this review, is the next of the family. Fannie Isabelle was a school teacher of Sandy Creek, New York, prior to her removal to Putnam, Connecticut, where she passed away.

De Witt C. Park was reared and educated at Salisbury, New York, to which place he removed after the death of his parents and where he remained to the age of four- teen years. He then became a student in the Fairfield Seminary at Fairfield, New York, where he pursued his studies for three years, after which he went to Sandy Creek, New York, and there completed his education at the Sandy Creek high school. In 1873 he removed to Putnam, Connecticut, and for a year and a half was employed in the fish market of Edwin Perry. Later he secured a position in the grocery store of Chollar & Davis and afterward was employed in the office of the Moss mill for a year and a half. He next became connected with John O. Fox, Sr., a lumber mer- chant, but after a short time purchased a grocery and dry goods business, which he conducted for three years. He then sold his store and was appointed deputy sheriff under Charles H. Osgood in 1885. His loyalty to the duties of the office and his capa-

DE WITT C. PARK

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bility are indicated in the fact that he was retained in that position for seventeen years, having been reappointed by Sheriff Charles B. Pomeroy and by his successor, Preston B. Sibley. In 1902 he was appointed assistant jailer at the Windham county jail at Brooklyn, Connecticut, and served in that capacity for eleven years. By the county board of commissions he was appointed to take charge of the Windham County Temporary Home for Children in Putnam in 1913 and has since occupied this position. He displays the utmost devotion to the children and their welfare, putting forth every effort that will advance their interests, and while there were fifty-six children when he took charge in 1913, there are now one hundred and twenty- six children in the home.

At Putnam, Connecticut, on the 10th of May, 1876, Mr. Park was united in mar- riage to Miss Addie Elizabeth Houghton of Putnam, a daughter of Augustus and Elizabeth (Hawkins) Houghton. They have become the parents of three children, all born in Putnam. Alice E., the eldest, is the wife of John F. Failor, who is con- nected with the American Type Foundry Company of Boston, Massachusetts, and lives in Hingham, Massachusetts. They have two children, Alice E. and Ruth D. Clinton A. is deceased. Helen M., the youngest, is the wife of Eben W. Holden, who has charge of the fish packing plant of Prospect Harbor, Maine, for the E. T. Russell Company of Boston. They have one child, Marion Lincoln.

In his political views Mr. Park is an earnest republican, having supported the party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He belongs to Quinebaug Lodge No. 106, A. F. & A. M .; Putnam Chapter No. 41, R. A. M .; Montgomery Council, R. & S. M., of Danielson; Columbia Commandery, K. T. of Norwich, Connecticut; and Israel Putnam Lodge No. 33, I. O. O. F., of which he is a past master. He and all of his family are members of the Congregational church and in his Christian be- lief are found the motive springs of his conduct and the rules which govern him in every relation of life.

EMILY MALBONE MORGAN.

Emily Malbone Morgan is descended from some of the most distinguished families of New England. She was born in Hartford, Connecticut, December 10, 1863, and is a daughter of Henry K. and Emily Malbone (Brinley) Morgan, the latter a great- granddaughter of General Israel Putnam. Miss Morgan pursued her education in the schools of Connecticut and in Europe and is now owner of and occupies Putnam Elms at Brooklyn, Connecticut, the only occupied house in the state of Connecticut associated with General Israel Putnam, her great-great-grandfather. This house was once the property of his son, Colonel Daniel Putnam, who while still in his teens fought by his father's side at the battle of Bunker Hill. This house is becoming more and more of a center for meetings of the Putnam family and the Daniel Putnam Asso- ciation, which meets every other year and commemorates each meeting by marking historic places in this part of Connecticut with memorial tablets and also by preserv- ing old historic records and papers, many of which are put into print. The old house is a point of interest to every visitor to Brooklyn and is one of the treasured monu- ments of colonial and Revolutionary war times.

Miss Morgan is a member of the Episcopal church and is a lady of broad and liberal culture and innate refinement, who in the care of her beautiful home preserves much of the historic atmosphere.

WILFRED ELLWARD BURDICK.

Wilfred Ellward Burdick is the proprietor of a well appointed grocery store and his progressive methods, thorough reliability and earnest desire to please his customers have brought to him a liberal patronage among the people of Chaplin and the surrounding districts. He was born at Ashford, Connecticut, November 6, 1896, and is a son of Ellward and Ella (Searle) Burdick, who are natives of Chaplin. The father pursued his education in the schools of his native town and in the public schools of Providence, Rhode Island, and completed his course in the Bryant- Stratton Business College. He then returned to Chaplin, where he took up the occupation of farming, and later he purchased the property which he still owns and cultivates, giving his attention to general agricultural pursuits and to dairying. To him and his wife have been born twelve children, of whom nine are living. Asa,

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who married Cora Russ, is a farmer in Merrow, Connecticut. Chester and Clifford, twins, are engaged in the lumber business. Everett married Clara Shaw and is also a lumberman. Verien is a farmer of Ellington, Connecticut. Leon is likewise engaged in the lumber trade with his brothers at West Cornwall. Wilfred E. is the next of the family. Morton and Marian are twins. The former is at home and the latter is the wife of Floyd Landon, a farmer of Chaplin.

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A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume II, Part 115

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