A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume II, Part 118

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

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Edgar H. Corttis, after attending the public schools, continued his education, as had his father, in the Nichols Academy. Later he went to Amherst College of Massa- chusetts, where he pursued a classical course, and during his college days he became a member of Phi Beta Kappa. On the completion of his collegiate course he entered upon agricultural pursuits in connection with his father and upon the death of the latter took over the farm and has since bent his energies to constructive effort here. He carries on general farming and it is said that his is one of the neatest and most attractive farms of eastern Connecticut. The most scientific methods are employed in the development of the fields and the production of the crops. Mr. Corttis is always studying how best to advance his interests and is constantly learning from reading and from experience, while his sound judgment readily enables him to recognize the practical value of any new idea put forth. In addition to his home place he owns considerable other real estate, from which he derives a good annual income.

Mr. Corttis has been twice married. On the 29th of August, 1894, he wedded Ida A. Stearns, a daughter of Theodore and Adeline (Keyes) Stearns. She died June 29, 1910. The children born of that union are: Lucy I .; Alice M .; Herbert S .;

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Harold; Ruth; and Elmer Roger, now deceased. At Providence, Rhode Island, Mr. Corttis was again married December 14, 1911, the second union being with Edith Brown, a daughter of George Francis and Cary Christine ( Anderson) Brown. She was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, but reared in Providence and Boston, being a graduate of Boston University. There is one child by the second marriage, Elizabeth.

Politically Mr. Corttis is a republican and is recognized as one of the leaders of his party in this section of the state. He has figured largely in shaping republican history in his locality and has filled many offices. In 1893 and 1895 he represented the town of Thompson in the state legislature; in the fall of 1884 he became a member of the school commissioners of that town and with the exception of a few years has filled that position ever since. He has also served as town auditor and tax collector, which office he holds at the present time. In January, 1897, he was elected county commissioner and entered upon the duties of that office the following July, serving at that time for four years. He was reelected at each succeeding election and held that office until December, 1913, when it was turned over to a democrat, but he was again reelected in January, 1915, and from that time he has held the office. Mr. Corttis was town chairman of the Liberty Loan and United War Work campaigns and carried the town "over the top" on each drive. Mr. Corttis' family attends the Congregational church at Webster, Massachusetts. The sterling worth of his character commands the. respect, confidence and good will of all who know him.

WALTER ALEXANDER WHEATON.

Walter Alexander Wheaton, who succeeded his father as president of The Wheaton Building & Lumber Company of Putnam following the latter's death in January, 1920, has already demonstrated his ability to handle the important interests thus devolving upon him. He was born in Putnam on the 30th of May, 1879, a son of Edgar Mason and Charity Eliza (Jayne) Wheaton, and extended mention of the family is made on another page of this work.

Walter A. Wheaton was reared and educated in the city of his nativity, attending the public schools and passing through consecutive grades to his graduation from the Putnam high school in 1900. After putting aside his textbooks he entered his father's employ in order to acquaint himself with building operations and under the latter's direction received thorough and comprehensive training along that line, eventually becoming a stockholder of The Wheaton Building & Lumber Company. At the time of his father's demise he succeeded him as president of the company and has since con- ducted the extensive interests under his control in a manner that is making for the continued growth and success of the enterprise.

On the 10th of June, 1905, Mr. Wheaton was united in marriage to Miss Pearl Louise Bradley, a daughter of George S. and Emma (Wagner) Bradley, of Putnam. They have become the parents of four children: Helen Mary; George Hammond, born May 24, 1908; Walter Alexander, whose birth occurred March 10, 1910; and Bradley, born March 5, 1913. All are natives of Putnam.

Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Wheaton has supported the men and measures of the republican party and he has served as a member of the republican town committee. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Second Congregational church, while fraternally he is identified with Quinebaug Lodge No. 140, A. F. & A. M. He is also a member of Chemical Company No. 2 of the Putnam fire department and is widely recognized as a most public-spirited and loyal citizen whose influence is ever exerted for the benefit and upbuilding of the com- munity. In Putnam, where his entire life has been spent, the circle of his friends is almost coxtensive with the circle of his acquaintance, while Windham county numbers him among her representative and leading business men and citizens.

CLEMENT ANDREW SHARPE.

Clement Andrew Sharpe, who is engaged in merchandising at Abington, in the town of Pomfret, was born August 10, 1884, in the village which is still his home, his parents being Clement A. and Phebe (Peal) Sharpe, who are mentioned elsewhere in this work. Clement A. Sharpe, the father of Clement Andrew, was a son of George and Mary Putnam (Waldo) Sharpe, the latter of whom was a granddaughter of General Israel Putnam, of Revolutionary fame. Clement Andrew Sharpe is thus one

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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY

of the few direct descendants of this distinguished general of the Revolutionary war, He obtained a district school education in Abington and in young manhood took up the work of clerking in the grocery store of Charles H. Brooks, with whom he re- mained for a brief period. In 1900 he went to West Upton, Massachusetts, and was there employed in various positions. Realizing the value of educational training, he then entered Becker's Business College at Worcester, Massachusetts, in which he pursued a course that further qualified him for life's practical and responsible duties. After leaving school he returned to Abington and was upon the home farm until 1912. He then purchased the store of George P. Sumner at Abington and conducted the business for three years, carrying a stock of general merchandise. On the expiration of that period he sold to the firm of Whitehouse & Amidon and from 1915 until 1918 Mr. Sharpe was engaged in the operation of a sawmill, manufacturing lumber. From 1918 until 1920 he was manager for the Child Lumber Corporation and in the latter year he purchased the interests of Whitehouse & Amidon, the firm to whom he had previously sold out, in the store of which he had formerly been proprietor. He is now active again in the field of general merchandising.

Mr. Sharpe was united in marriage on the 5th of June, 1912, to Miss Clara Martin, of Elliott. His wife is a daughter of Charles and Catherine (Elliott) Martin, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere. Mr. and Mrs. Sharpe attend and support the Congrega- tional church and he belongs to Israel Putnam Lodge No. 46, A. F. & A. M., of Wood- stock, Connecticut. His political endorsement is given the republican party and he keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day but has never been ambitious to hold office, his time and energies being concentrated upon his business affairs. He is now conducting a profitable enterprise as the proprietor of a well appointed general merchandise establishment at Abington, the trade of the house having reached very gratifying proportions.

JUDGE CHARLES NELSON DANIELS.

In a history of Windham county it is imperative that mention be made of Judge Charles Nelson Daniels, a man whose entire life reflected credit and honor upon the people who honored him. He was again and again called to public office and his career was characterized by the utmost fidelity to duty and by the highest standards of citizenship, while his native powers and talents well fitted him to grace the posi- tions to which he was called. A native of the Empire state, Judge Daniels was born in Barre, Orleans county, July 2, 1849, a son of Nelson Fitch and Alenda (Clark) Daniels. He was descended, however, from one of the oldest of the New England families, tracing his ancestry back through eight generations to John Daniels, who was a resident of New London, according to old records, in April, 1663. In 1665, he wedded Mary Chappell, a daughter of George Chappell, who in 1635, when about twenty years of age, sailed from London on the ship Christian and who was at Wethersfield, Connecticut, from 1637 until 1649, when, accompanied by his wife, Margaret, he re- moved to Pequot, where he passed away in 1709. The death of John Daniels occurred about the same time. His son, John Daniels II, was born about 1665 or 1666 and in 1685 married Agnes Beebe. He reached the notable old age of ninety years, passing away in 1776. His son, Jonathan Daniels, was the father of Lemuel Daniels, who married Hannah Fuller and settled in the eastern part of Middle Haddam parish and who became the father of Asa Daniels, who married Elizabeth Fuller. They in turn were the parents of Lemuel Daniels, who wedded Martha Lamont, of Hillsboro, Columbia county, New York. Archibald L. Daniels, son of Lemuel and Martha (Lamont) Daniels, married Lavina Beebe and they were the parents of Nelson Fitch Daniels, who for many years was the superintendent of the poor of Orleans county, New York, and in later life occupied a position of responsibility on the Erie canal. He mar- ried Alenda Clark, a daughter of Chester and Mary (Williams) Clark, a granddaughter of Gideon and Jemima (Newcomb) Clark and a great-granddaughter of Jonathan Clark. Through her grandmother, Mrs. Jemima Clark, she was a lineal descendant of Governor William Bradford, who came to the new world on the Mayflower in 1620, the line being traced down through Major William Bradford, Thomas Bradford, Jerusha Bradford Newcomb and Peter Newcomb to Jemima (Newcomb) Clark. The death of Nelson Fitch Daniels occurred at Eagle Harbor, New York, and his widow afterward returned to Columbia, Connecticut, where she passed away when more than seventy years of age.

Their son, Judge Daniels, was a lad of but eight years at the time of his father's death and afterward with his mother became a resident of Columbia, Con-

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necticut, where he acquired a public school education. Later he attended the Wil- limantic Institute and afterward was a student in the preparatory department of Shurtleff College at Upper Alton, Illinois. After a year and a half spent as a student in that institution he returned to Connecticut in 1866. His textbooks were put aside when he had reached the age of sixteen years and his attention was then con- centrated upon farm work in the employ of his grandfather, Chester Clark, and his uncle, Charles Clark. Not long after he attained his majority he became a switch- man in the employ of the Hartford, Providence & Fishkill Railroad and remained in the service of that corporation until it was merged in the Boston, Hartford & Erie Railroad. In May, 1879, he discontinued his activities in railroad service to become bookkeeper for the firm of Lincoln & Smith, lumber merchants of Willi- mantic. In May, 1882, he entered the employ of George K. Mason, a lumber and coal merchant, with whom he continued until May, 1889, when he was called to public office, being appointed postmaster of Willimantic under President Harrison. He served in that position for four years and later became an employe of the firm of Lincoln & Boss, lumber dealers, with whom he continued until January, 1897. At that date he took his place upon the bench of the probate court for the Windham district, having been elected to the office in the preceding November. This was not the first time that Judge Daniels was called upon for public service. He had been treasurer of Willimantic from 1880 until 1889 and was treasurer of the water fund in 1885. He served as burgess of the borough in 1889 and 1890 and from September, 1885, until March, 1890, was chief engineer of the Willimantic Fire Department. He served for two terms as probate judge and afterward was called to a more im- portant position, acting for nine years as United States consul at Sheffield, Eng- land, while for four years he was consul at Sherbrooke, Canada, occupying that position at the time of his death, which occurred on the 7th of December, 1916.

On the 28th of December, 1877, Judge Daniels was united in marriage in Columbia, Connecticut, to Miss Susie E. Howard Little, a native of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, born August 4, 1850, a daughter of Henry Howard and Alice (Rollinson) Little. Mrs. Daniels was rather young when her parents removed to Willimantic, where she was reared and educated. To Judge and Mrs. Daniels were born two children: Nelson Archie, mentioned elsewhere in this work; and Grace Lillian, born September 21, 1881.

Judge Daniels had an interesting military record, covering service with the State Militia of Connecticut. In 1877 he was quartermaster sergeant on the staff of Colonel William H. Tubbs, who commanded the Third Regiment of the Connecticut National Guard. Judge Daniels served on his staff until 1882. Fraternally he was a prominent Mason, belonging to Eastern Star Lodge, F. & A. M .; Trinity Chapter, R. A. M .; Olive Branch Council, R. & S. M .; St. John's Commandery, K. T .; and Sphinx Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of Hartford, being a charter member of the Shrine. He was also a charter member of Obwebetuck Lodge, I. O. O. F., of Willimantic Council of the Royal Arcanum, and Willimantic Lodge of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. In politics he was always an earnest republican from the time when he cast his presi- dential vote for General Grant in 1872. He became an active worker for the party four years later and always continued one of its stalwart champions. In 1884, 1890, 1894 and 1898 he was chairman of the republican town committee and in 1896 and 1898 he was a member of the republican state central committee and was again chosen to that position. His opinions carried weight in the councils of his party and he left the impress of his individuality in notable manner upon the history of his county and state. His life was characterized by high purpose and by successful achievement in the conduct of business affairs and in the management of the public interests under his direction.

HENRY ALFRED ALLARD.

Death often claims those whom we can ill afford to lose, and it was with a feel- ing of deepest regret and sorrow that the news of the demise of Henry Alfred Allard was received in Putnam, where he spent practically his entire life. He was born in Danielson, Connecticut, October 11, 1885, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Allard, now of Pomfret. When a child he came to Putnam and here remained during the greater part of his life. He attended the public schools, passing through consecutive grades to the high school, where he studied for nearly four years. After completing his educa- tion he entered the employ of E. C. Bohanon, who was then engaged in the shoe busi- ness in what is now the shoe department of the Bugbee store. Mr. Allard left that

HENRY A. ALLARD

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employment to study textile designing at the mill of the French River Textile Com- pany at Mechanicsville, and after spending some time there he removed to Watertown, Massachusetts, to become designer for a mill there. Subsequently he returned to Put- nam and became designer for the Waterman Worsted Company, and following the death of Percy L. Waterman a little more than a year prior to Mr. Allard's death he was made superintendent and was occupying that position of responsibility at the time of his demise.

At Putnam, February 20, 1911, Mr. Allard was united in marriage to Miss Maude Alice LaRue, a daughter of Dr. Omer LaRue, mentioned at length on another page of this work. The children of that marriage are: Hermine Louise, who was born in Waltham, Massachusetts, April 11, 1912; Bella LaRue, who was born in Waltham, October 27, 1913; and Henry David, born in Putnam, Connecticut, November 24, 1916.

Mr. Allard was devoted to the welfare of his family and in matters of citizen- ship stood for all that is progressive and was a force in the upbuilding of the com- munity. His sterling worth was recognized by all who knew him and it was a great shock to his many friends when death called him at the early age of about thirty-three years, his demise occurring on the 21st of March, 1918, at Putnam.

ANDREW HUNTINGTON AMIDON.

Andrew Huntington Amidon, who for a number of years has been associated with mercantile interests at Abington, in the town of Pomfret, was born in Ashford, Connecticut, March 11, 1879, his parents being Gilbert Eliphalet Strong and Julia Sophia (Whiton) Amidon, who are mentioned at length on another page of this work. The son obtained a district school education at Westford, in the town of Ashford, and when his textbooks were put aside he began working on his father's farm, being thus employed in the cultivation of the crops until he reached the age of twenty-two years, when he left home to engage in other lines of business. In 1901 he became manager of a sawmill utilized in the manufacture of lumber and owned by the firm of Armitage & Amidon, the junior partner being his brother. For two years Andrew H. Amidon was connected with that business and in 1903 he turned his attention to mercantile pursuits by becoming a clerk in a general store at Stafford Springs, Connecticut, owned by C. F. Chandler. A little later he became associated with his brother, Gilbert W. Amidon, in the operation of a sawmill, thus devoting his attention to the manufacture of lumber for two years. On the expiration of that period he formed a partnership with Bert Whitehouse and purchased a general store at Abington, in the town of Pomfret, from C. A. Sharpe. He conducted this as one of the owners from 1913 until 1920, when they sold their interest to Mr. Sharpe. Mr. Amidon, however, remains in the establishment as a salesman.

On the 3d of April, 1907, Mr. Amidon was married to Miss Stella Alberta Clough, of Tolland, Connecticut, a daughter of Roger and Carrie (Beach) Clough, also of Tolland. Mr. and Mrs. Amidon have become parents of five children: Stanley C., Norman W., Elsworth S., Ruth H. and Charlotte Beach. The parents are members of Wolfden Grange, of which Mr. Amidon is now the master. They are actuated in all that they do by a progressive spirit, and enterprise has been one of the dominant factors in the record of Andrew H. Amidon. He and his wife are members of the Congregational church and his political endorsement has been given to the republican party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. For the past five years he has served as postmaster of Abington.

HUGH GORMAN.

Hugh Gorman, identified with farming interests in the town of Brooklyn, was born in the city of Limerick, Ireland, February 22, 1859, his parents being James and Bridget (Lee) Gorman, who were also natives of Limerick. The father was a farmer who always engaged in the cultivation of the soil. He died in his native country about 1899, having for five years survived his wife, who passed away in 1894. Their children were five in number. James, the eldest, born in Limerick, came to the United States in young manhood and settled in Chicago, Illinois, but afterward removed to Salt Lake City, Utah, where he passed away. Patrick, born in Limerick, there spent his entire life and was married and had children. Thomas, born in Limerick, came to the United States and settled in Brooklyn, Connecticut, but is now in the west. Hugh is the next

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of the family. David, born in Limerick, became a resident of Brooklyn, Connecticut, and afterward removed to New York, where he passed away about 1903. He was married and had a family.

Hugh Gorman pursued his education in the schools of his native city and afterward worked upon the home farm with his father. He came to the United States when eigh- teen years of age and after living for a year on Staten Island, New York, came to Brook- lyn, Connecticut, and secured employment as a farm hand. He was first connected with John P. Cummings for about four years and afterward was in the employ of Mrs. Feath- erstone for two years. He then leased the old Johnson place, which he cultivated for two years, and about 1887 purchased his present farm on Prince Hill, which was the old Main farm. This he has since successfully conducted, having one hundred and ten acres of rich land, which he has brought under a high state of cultivation, utilizing the most progressive methods in the care and development of his land.

In Brooklyn, Connecticut, December 2, 1882, Mr. Gorman was married to Miss Sarah Mccullough, a daughter of James and Bridget (Daley) Mccullough, natives of Ireland. Their children were all born in Brooklyn and are as follows: Sadie; James, who is now a resident of Waterbury, Connecticut, and married Miss Mary Riley, of Wauregan, by whom he has one child, Mary; Hugh, who wedded Mary Moran, their children being Sadie, Mary, Catherine and Frances; Alice, who resides at home; and Thomas, who served with the One Hundred and Second Infantry of the Twenty-six Yan- kee Division and went to France in 1917. There he saw much active service and he is still in that country. Mrs. Gorman died on the home farm in Brooklyn in March, 1910.

The religious faith of the family is manifest in their connection with St. James Catholic church, and Mr. Gorman has membership relations with the Knights of Co- lumbus. In politics he is a democrat and for a number of years has been a member of the board of relief, serving in that position at the present time. He stands as a loyal supporter of all phases of activity which have to do with the upbuilding and progress of his community, and his genuine worth is acknowledged by all who know him.

MRS. EVELYN ALIN COLVIN.

Mrs. Evelyn Alin Colvin has the distinction of being the only woman in Wind- ham county to occupy the position of bank cashier. She is filling that office in the Salisbury Private Bank of Moosup and discharges the duties of the position most capably and efficiently. Mrs. Colvin was born in Moosup, April 29, 1888, a daughter of Everett Eugene and Mary Etta ( Jacques) Salisbury. Her father was born at South Killingly, July 22, 1859, and is a son of Theron and Ellen Louise (Graves) Salisbury. He attended the public schools of South Killingly and after completing his education established a grocery store at that place. There he continued in business for a few years, after which he removed to Moosup, Connecticut, with his family and here opened a grocery store. He afterward built the Salisbury block, which is three stories in height, and there he opened a general merchandise establishment, selling both groceries and dry goods. At a subsequent date he turned his attention to the banking business, establishing a private bank, which he conducted in connection with his general store. Later he bought the property now known as the Salisbury Bank building and there conducts his financial interests under the name of the Salisbury Private Bank. He remains the president of the institution, with his daughter, Evelyn A., as the cashier. He is also one of the trustees of the New Plainfield Bank and is a very prominent and influential citizen of the town of Plainfield.

About 1883 Mr. Salisbury was united in marriage to Miss Mary Etta Jacques, of South Killingly, Connecticut, and they became the parents of three children: Lira Ellen, born in South Killingly; Evelyn Alin, now Mrs. Colvin, born in Moosup; and Eldred Everett, also born in Moosup.

In his political views Mr. Salisbury is an earnest republican, giving stalwart support to the men and measures of the party. Fraternally he is connected with the Masons, belonging to Moosup Lodge, No. 113, A. F. & A. M., also to the Foresters of America, to the Woodmen of America and to the Eastern Star. He and his family are consistent members of the Baptist church, guiding their lives according to its teachings.

The daughter, Evelyn A. (Salisbury) Colvin, attended the public schools of Moosup and afterward entered the Killingly high school at Danielson, Connecticut. She left school about 1905 and entered her father's bank in the position of bookkeeper, while later she was appointed to the office of cashier and is now acting in that capacity, being probably the only woman who is serving as a bank cashier in Connecticut.

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A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume II, Part 118

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