A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume II, Part 120

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

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On the 5th of June, 1889, Mr. Dixon was married to Miss Cora Gibson, of Sterling, a daughter of Charles and Lydia (Bennett) Gibson. They have become parents of one child, Abbie Christina, now the wife of Ovila Gadbois, who is a setter of precious stones in connection with a jewelry establishment of Providence, Rhode Island.

Mr. and Mrs. Dixon make their home in Oneco and there attend the Methodist church. Fraternally he is connected with the Knights of Pythias, having membership in Lodge No. 121, of Worcester, Massachusetts, and he also belongs to the Macca- bees tent at Providence, Rhode Island. He is serving as chairman of the school committee of the town of Sterling and he gives his political allegiance to the democratic party. His aid and cooperation can always be counted upon to further any plan or measure for the general good and at all times he measures up to the highest standards of manhood and of citizenship.

WILLIAM HENRY HAMMOND.

William Henry Hammond, who departed this life June 30, 1919, had during his later years lived retired, but for an extended period previous to this time he had engaged in general farming and dairying and had thus contributed to the agricultural progress of his town. He was born January 4, 1850, a son of George R. and Elizabeth (Bottum) Hammond. After attending the public schools of the town of Hampton he continued his education in the Norwich Free Academy at Norwich, Connecticut, and later had the benefit of a course in the Springfield Business College at Springfield, Massachusetts, thus becoming well qualified for the active duties of life. Later he returned to the town of Hampton and began working for his father on the old home- stead farm, where he had early become familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. In due course of time he came into possession of the old homestead through inheritance and he was thereafter engaged in general agri- cultural pursuits and in dairying for several years. His business interests were wisely and capably managed and his industry and persistency of purpose made him one of the successful farmers of his part of the state. In 1912 fire destroyed the buildings upon his place and later he sold his land and about that time purchased the Cleveland homestead on Hampton Hill. There he retired, leaving active work of the farm to others, and throughout his remaining days he enjoyed a rest which he had truly earned and richly deserved. He passed away June 30, 1919, and his death was the occasion of deep and widespread regret to many friends as well as to his immediate family because of his sterling worth of character and his social qualities.

Mr. Hammond was united in marriage to Miss Alice M. Sharpe, a daughter of Horace I. and Sarah (Austin) Sharpe. They became the parents of four children: Arthur A .; deceased; Annie E., who became the wife of Herman D. Edmond, of New Haven, Connecticut, who is connected with the Storrs Agricultural College; George A.,

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deceased; and Helen S., the wife of Leslie R. Mathews, of Bennington, New York, who is an executive of the Boy Scout Association.

Mr. Hammond and his family attended the Congregational church of Hampton and his life measured up to the high standards of the church in matters of integrity, trustworthiness and consideration for others. He belonged to Hampton Grange, No. 36, and his political allegiance was given to the republican party. He served as selectman of his town and also occupied various other offices, the duties of which he discharged with promptness and fidelity, his course reflecting credit upon himself and proving highly satisfactory to his constituents.

MOSES L. ALDRICH.

Moses L. Aldrich, residing in the town of Putnam, is largely devoting his attention to the raising of small fruits and berries and in this business is meeting with substan- tial success. He is a native son of New England, having been born at West Dummerston, Vermont, October 28, 1861, his parents being Henry N. and Melvina (Butterfield) Aldrich, who were likewise born in the Green Mountain state. The father's birth occurred at Newfane, Vermont, where he was reared and educated. In young manhood he worked as a farm hand and later rented a farm, which he continued to cultivate throughout his remaining days. To him and his wife were born four children. The eldest, Henry H., is married and is a traveling salesman. Laura M., the second of the family, became the wife of Charles Thayer, a farmer of Vermont. Moses L. is the third in order of birth. Florence O. is the wife of George R. Temple, who also follows farming in the Green Mountain state.

Moses L. Aldrich was reared and educated in Newfane, attending the public schools, and after his textbooks were put aside he began work in a shoe shop, learning the cutter's trade, which he followed for twelve years. Later Mr. Aldrich was united in marriage to Miss Sarah F. Eddy and they took up their abode upon the Eddy homestead, in the town of Putnam, which belonged to Mrs. Aldrich and which at the time of her death passed into the possession of her husband. Later Mr. Aldrich again married, Miss Edith M. Chase, a daughter of James Chase, becoming his wife.

Mr. Aldrich still conducts the farm, which is largely devoted to the raising of small fruits, including strawberries and raspberries, which annually produce extensive crops, making his life a most busy one during the fruit season. He employs progres- sive methods in caring for his fruit and in handling it for the market and is meeting with well deserved success in his undertakings.

In his political views Mr. Aldrich is a republican and in religious faith he and his wife are connected with the Baptist church, having their membership at Putnam. Having long resided in this locality, they have become widely and favorably known, having many friends in the district.

ROBERT DANIEL KNOWLTON.

Robert Daniel Knowlton is actively engaged in farming in the town of Ashford, occupying the old homestead property, which since his father's death he has care- fully cultivated and further developed. He was born on the old home place in November, 1860, and is a son of Edwin and Mary Freeman ( Woodward) Knowlton. The father was a native of the town of Ashford and a representative of one of the old colonial families of New England, the ancestral line being traced back to 1739. Edwin Knowlton, too, was born on the old homestead and in the Ashford schools pursued his education. When his textbooks were put aside he took up the occupa- tion of farming and became, moreover, a prominent man in public affairs of his town, where he was recognized as a man of influence and worth. He served at various times as administrator of estates, indicating the confidence reposed in him; and he also filled various political offices, the duties of which he discharged with promptness and fidelity. He was an earnest democrat and served on the democratic town committee. He also acted as first selectman for several terms and was called to still higher honors, being chosen to represent his town in the state legislature. He contributed generously to the support of the Baptist church, of which he was an earnest and loyal member, and in that faith he passed away in Ashford, September 11, 1884. His wife survived him until 1895, when she, too, was called to her final

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rest. Their children were Robert D., George James and Harriet, all of whom are yet living.

Robert D. Knowlton, having attended the public schools of Ashford, followed in the business footsteps of his forbears in that he took up the occupation of farming as a life work. He assisted his father until the latter's death and then took entire charge of the home place, which he has since successfully cultivated. For some time he kept a large number of cows and delivered a quantity of milk, while at the present time he deals to some extent in cream. He is interested now, however, in the handling of registered stock and is developing a fine herd of registered Jersey cattle. His business methods are thoroughly progressive and his place measures up to the highest standards of modern and scientific agriculture.

In Ashford, in June, 1890, Mr. Knowlton was married to Geraldine Cole, who was born in England, a daughter of Jarvis and Martha Cole, who were also natives of that country and on coming to the United States established their home at Wil- lington, Connecticut.

Mr. Knowlton votes with the democratic party and for five years capably dis- charged the responsible duties of the office of first selectman. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity, exemplifying in his life the beneficent spirit of the craft, and he is equally loyal as a member of the Methodist church. In fact his entire life has been characterized by high and honorable principles and the course which he has pur- sued is one well worthy of commendation.

PETER M. LE CLAIR.

Peter M. Le Clair, deceased, who for many years was actively and successfully connected with commercial interests in Putnam, was born in St. Ours, Richelieu coun- ty, in the province of Quebec, Canada, March 4, 1848, his parents being Felix and Apauline Le Clair. The father was also born at St. Ours, where he was reared and ac- quired his education. He operated a small tannery there but in 1857, with his wife and children, removed to Southbridge, Massachusetts, where he established a butcher shop that he conducted for about fifteen years, or until the time of his death. His wife was also born at St. Ours and passed away at Southbridge, Massachusetts. They reared a large family of fourteen children.

Peter M. Le Clair, known to his many friends as P. M., was the sixth in order of birth in that family and was but nine years of age when his parents crossed the border into the United States. In the schools of Southbridge he completed his educa- tion and in young manhood he secured employment in the print works of South- bridge, where he remained for about five years. He afterward removed to North Woodstock, Windham county, in' order to learn the trade of blacksmithing and carriage making, serving an apprenticeship in the Dean Carriage Factory, which was then one of the flourishing business concerns of North Woodstock. After he had thoroughly mastered the trade he removed to Central Village, Connecticut, in 1871, and worked in the carriage shops of Torrey Brothers for nine years. In 1880 he became a resident of Putnam and, desirous of engaging in business on his own account, established a small grocery store in Providence street, starting with a basement store. The busi- ness prospered and in 1881 Mr. Le Clair purchased a lot at the corner of Providence and Marshall streets, the lot adjoining his store. Thereon he erected a two-story build- ing, the lower floor being used for a store, with living rooms above. There he con- tinued successfully in business until obliged to retire on account of failing health, at which time he sold his business to his children, who still conduct the store.

On the 17th of May, 1869, Mr. Le Clair was married to Miss Georgiana Mondor, of Putnam, who survives him. She was born at Liphine, in the province of Quebec, Canada, a daughter of Francois and Margaret (Moravese) Mondor. The father was born at Juliette and the mother at St. Joque, in the province of Quebec. To Mr. and Mrs. Le Clair were born the following children. Danalda is the wife of George Farley, Jr., of Putnam. Eva became the wife of Aime Beaudreault and after his death married George Grinsell, of Putnam. Hector is living at Springfield, Massachusetts. Loretta is the wife of Harry Forbes, a railroad engineer. Mary Louise died at the age of thirty-four. Alvin H. is mentioned elsewhere in this work. Rebecca is the wife of Nathan Drey, of Chicago. Clemant died at the age of five years. Two children of the name of Emile, died in infancy.

Mr. Le Clair belonged to St. Mary's Roman Catholic church and was a collector for the church from the first year of his residence in Putnam until his death, which occurred September 4, 1915. He also belonged to the Union St. Jean Baptist Society of Putnam and Cargill Council of the Knights of Columbus. In politics he was a stal-

PETER M. LE CLAIR

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wart democrat, active in support of the party, and had served as a member of the board of aldermen. He was also a member of the fire department for many years and through his efforts a fire house was established in the upper village and he became foreman of the company, standing at all times for those things which related to the welfare and advancement of the community.

ALVIN HENRY LE CLAIR.

Alvin Henry Le Clair, who for nineteen years has been connected with the grocery trade of Putnam, was born July 20, 1882, in the city where he still resides, his parents being Peter Marcel and Georgiana (Mondor) Le Clair, both of whom were natives of the province of Quebec, Canada. The father came to the United States when about six years of age with his parents, who settled in Southbridge, Massa- chusetts. He was but nine years of age when he started to earn his own living and when about fifteen years of age he began learning the wheelwright's trade in Wood- stock, Connecticut, under the direction of a Mr. Dean, who was a wagon manu- facturer. Mr. Le Clair continued to work in that connection for several years and then removed to Central Village, Connecticut. There he entered the employ of Torrey Brothers, wagon manufacturers, and after several years he took up his abode in Putnam, Connecticut, where he changed his occupation, establishing a grocery store on Providence street. He conducted a successful business for forty-two years, or until the time of his death, which occurred in Putnam, August 30, 1916. In politics he was a democrat, at one time was alderman of his city and for a few years served as fire chief. Fraternally he was connected with the Knights of Columbus and his religious faith was manifest in his membership in St. Mary's Roman Catholic church: D

It was in Grosvenor Dale, Connecticut, that Peter M. Le Clair was married to Miss Georgiana Mondor and to them were born twelve children, of whom six are yet living: Denalda, the wife of George Farley, Jr., of Putnam; Eva, the wife of L. A. Beaudrault, of Putnam; Hector J., who married Miss Rose Patneaud, of Webster, Massachusetts; Loretta, the wife of Harry Forbes; Alvin Henry of this review; and Betty, the wife of Nathan Drey, a resident of Chicago, Illinois.

Alvin H. Le Clair obtained his early education in the parish school in Putnam, after which he went to Canada, where he continued his education in the Holy Cross College at Farnham. Later he returned to Putnam, where he became connected with his father in the grocery trade and for nineteen years he has been identified with this branch of commercial activity, taking over his father's business in 1914. He carries a well selected stock and has a well appointed store that has gained for him a liberal patronage.

On the 11th of September, 1910, Mr. Le Clair was married to Miss Florence E. Tetrault, who was born at Stafford Springs, Connecticut, a daughter of Edmond and Rose ( Basso) Tetrault. To Mr. and Mrs. Le Clair were born five children who passed away in early life. They have a living son, Paul Marshall, born March 31, 1915.

The parents are members of St. Mary's Catholic church, and Mr. Le Clair gives his political endorsement to the republican party but does not seek nor desire office, preferring to concentrate his attention and time upon his business affairs, which he is wisely and carefully directing, so that he is meeting with substantial success in his undertakings.

ALPHONSE CHAGNON.

Alphonse Chagnon, who is actively connected with commercial interests in Willi- mantic as a member of the firm of Chagnon & Bacon, was born in Vercheres, in the province of Quebec, Canada, November 1, 1862, a son of Alphonse and Julie (Guertin) Chagnon, who were also natives of Vercheres. The father was a farmer by occupation and was a prominent man of his community, as was his father before him, the latter holding a government commission.

Alphonse Chagnon began his education in the parish schools and afterward pur- sued an eight years' classical course in Ste. Hyacinthe's College. He won his Bachelor of Arts' degree and then entered upon the study of law, to which he devoted four years in Lavalle University of Montreal. The degree of Bachelor of Laws was con-

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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY

ferred upon him by that institution and he was thus well qualified for active law prac- tice, but on account of his health he left his native country and in 1892 became a resident of Willimantic. Here he accepted a clerkship in a grocery store, in which he was employed for eight years, or until October, 1900. He then became a partner in the firm of Chagnon & Bacon, dealers in groceries, meats and provisions. The firm carries a large and well selected stock and their businses is one of substantial proportions. Their methods of trade will bear the closest investigation and scrutiny, for they are ever straightforward and honorable in all business dealings, never taking advantage of the necessities of their fellowmen, but winning their patronage in honor- able competition and through reasonable prices. Mr. Chagnon is also a stockholder in the West Indies Company.

In 1893, in Willimantic, Mr. Chagnon was united in marriage to Miss Sophronie Lessard, a daughter of David and Demerise (Emond) Lessard, who were natives of Quebec. The mother's birth occurred at St. Henri de Levis, in the province of Quebec. The father followed the occupation of farming in Canada. Mr. and Mrs. Chagnon have an adopted son, Antonio Chagnon, who is now in the United States Navy as French interpreter at the Brooklyn (N. Y.) Navy Yard.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Chagnon are prominent members of St. Mary's Catholic church, in which he is serving as a trustee. He is also secretary of St. John the Baptist Society and is a very prominent member and officer of L'Union St. Jean-Bap- tiste d'Amerique, of which he was one of the organizers. He has been a leading factor in advancing the interests and activities of these societies and is also a promi- nent -church worker. Mr. Chagnon is likewise the president of the Sacred Heart League and he was the secretary of the 1917 convention. He was likewise the first secretary of the French Naturalization Club, which he aided in organizing. ' This club has done most important work in interesting French Canadians in the ideals of American citizenship and Mr. Chagnon held classes and taught the members of the society the duties of citizenship and the purposes of the government. Neglectful of none of the duties of citizenship, he instructs by example as well as by precept. For six terms he has been a member of the board of relief and from 1915 until 1917 he was city assessor and has also filled other offices. He stands very high in his community and is a recognized leader among Willimantic's citizens who are of Canadian birth or descent. Those who know him, and he has a wide acquaintance, esteem him as a man of genuine worth and one whose capability and whose loyalty are of the highest standards. His wife, too, is interested in many activities for the good of the com- munity, being president of the Ladies of St. Anne, prominent in the auxiliary councils of the French Society and president of the parish society of the Red Cross.

THOMAS JOHN AYLWARD.

Thomas John Aylward is one of the native sons of Connecticut whose love for his state has caused him to return to become a resident of Danielson although business interests at various times have called him elsewhere and even now he is traveling salesman and demonstrator for the Oakes Manufacturing Company of Long Island City, New York. He was born in Putnam, Connecticut, January 11, 1870, and is a son of John and Bridget (Sheridan) Aylward, who were natives of Ireland. The father, spending his youthful days on the Emerald isle, attended the national schools and afterward pursued a college course, thus completing his education in that country. When twenty-two years of age he came to the United States, settling in Putnam, Connecticut, where he engaged in the woolen textile business, being made overseer in the spinning department. He afterwards removed with his family to Elmville, Con- necticut, where he became overseer of the spinning department for the C. D. & C. S. Chase Company, remaining with that business for forty years. Later he retired to a small farm in Elmville, Connecticut, where he lived for about eighteen years. At length he gave up the farm and removed with his family to Danielson, where he passed away about 1897. He was not only a well known figure in mill circles but was also active and prominent in the affairs of the community, serving the town of Killingly as selectman for three years. He belonged to the United Workmen of America and was a highly esteemed citizen whose interest centered in his home and family and in the welfare of the community in which he resided. His wife has also passed away. In their family were nine children: Johanna, deceased; Michael, who married Eliza Burns and engaged in mill work but has passed away; Thomas John of this review; Mary; Ellen, the wife of Judge William Fenner Woodworth, of Danielson, who is an attorney and judge of the town court; Delia, deceased; Marguerite, the wife of Carl Witter, a merchant of Danielson, who, moreover, bears the reputation of being the

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most popular auctioneer of the state; Sadie, the wife of Charles Thayer, an official of the Southern New England Telephone Company and a resident of Putnam, Con- necticut; and Catherine, who resides at the old home in Danielson.

Thomas J. Aylward pursued his education in the public and high schools of Killingly and then secured a position in the woolen mill with which his father was connected in order to learn the woolen textile business. He followed this for a short time and in 1892 entered the Philadelphia Textile School, pursuing a special two years course in chemistry. He was afterward connected with the firm of Browning & Brothers of Philadelphia as chemist, specializing in woolen dye stuffs and their different mixtures for two years, and his experience there made his study of the busi- ness complete. Later he was with the Priestly Worsted Company of Camden, New Jersey, for two years, learning the practical end of the business, and subsequently he came to Danielson, where he worked for several textile companies as chief dyer. He was also with the A. De Ronde Supply Manufacturers as traveling salesman and demonstrator of dye stuffs for a year. He then worked as salesman for various whole- sale dye manufacturers until 1907, when he became connected with the Oakes Manu- facturing Company of Long Island City, New York, as traveling salesman and demon- strator and is now occupying this position. He has a most broad, intimate and accurate knowledge of all that has to do with the dyeing business, understanding thoroughly the chemical and scientific processes as well as the practical phases of the work.

On the 18th of April, 1898, Mr. Aylward was married to Miss Alice E. Hickey, of Pomfret, a daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Hickey, also natives of Pomfret, where her father followed farming throughout his entire business career, but is now living retired in Danielson. Mr. and Mrs. Aylward became the parents of a daughter, Ellen E., who is a pupil in the Killingly high school. The wife and mother has now passed away.

The religious faith of the family is that of the Catholic church and Mr. Aylward belongs to Rose of Lima Council, No. 52, of the Knights of Columbus, at Danielson. He likewise has membership with the United Commercial Men's Association, with the United Commercial Travelers of Norwich, No. 309, with the Elks Lodge, No. 574, of Putnam, and in his political views he is a republican. Throughout his life he has been actuated by a most progressive spirit and with a nature that could never be content with mediocrity, he has steadily developed his powers along his chosen line of work and has reached a most creditable position in that connection.

HARRY TRUMAN SAYLES.

Harry Truman Sayles, who was the first soldier from the town of Sterling to make the supreme sacrifice in the World war, was a son of Allen Milton and Mary Ellen (Kinne) Sayles and was born on the old family homestead in the north part of Voluntown, in New London county, August 7, 1891. He attended the district schools, pursuing his studies in the Wiley school near the home place. He was a lad of seven years when his parents purchased the present Sayles farm on Ekonk Hill in the town of Sterling, Windham county, and in the near-by school he continued his education and spent the summer months in the ordinary work of the home farm and also assisted his father at the stone mason's trade. Following America's entrance into the World war he registered with the district draft board, and when the numbers were drawn, his was the first one drawn. He reported for duty October 4, 1917, and was sent to Camp Devens, Massachusetts, and eventually became a member of First Company, Camp Devens Replacement Draft. With this company he went overseas in February, 1918, and in France was assigned to the Ninth United States Infantry as a member of Com- pany E in April, 1918. He started for the front line trenches with his regiment and was killed in action on the 6th of June of that year. He was not only the first to join the army from his town but also the first to make the supreme sacrifice upon the battlefields of the old world. He was active in the work of Ekonk Grange and was elected its master in 1915, 1916 and 1917 and was filling the position when he entered the service, resigning to join the army. He was a very industrious young man of many splendid traits of character and was loved by all who knew him. At his death Ekonk Grange passed the following resolutions:

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A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume II, Part 120

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