USA > Connecticut > Windham County > A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume II > Part 122
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ALCOTT D. SAYLES.
Alcott D. Sayles, devoting his time and efforts to public service, having continuously filled the position of third selectman of Killingly since 1902 save for a period of one year, has made a most excellent record in office, his capability and fidelity being attested by the fact that he has been continuously retained in this position with the
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exception of a single twelvemonth for a period of eighteen years. A native of Plainfield, Connecticut, he was born December 14, 1861, of the marriage of Harvey D. and Amy (Henry) Sayles, the father a native of Sterling, Connecticut, and the latter of East Killingly. The father learned the shoemaker's trade, in which he engagd in early boy- hood, and through the greater part of his life he followed the trade in Plainfield, being a shoemaker there for about half a century, continuing actively in business to the time of his death. His wife died in Plainfield about 1898. In politics Mr. Sayles was a stanch democrat, deeply interested in the success of his party, and his opinions usually carried weight in its local councils. He was a man of literary tastes who devoted much of his leisure to reading, and thus he kept in touch with the vital questions and issues of the day and with many topics of current interest. He belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in Plainfield and attended the Baptist church. In the family of Harvey D. and Amy Sayles were four children. Albert H., the eldest born in Plainfield and now conducting a general store in East Killingly, married Etta Pray, who passed away leaving six children. Welcome, born in Plainfield and now occupying the old homestead there, is also married. Alcott D. is the third of the family. Francis, born in Plainfield, died in Rhode Island in May, 1918, leaving a widow who bore the maiden name of Flora Collins.
Alcott D. Sayles was educated in the district schools of Plainfield and also attended a private academy there. When about eighteen years of age he took up the profession of teaching in Sterling, where he had charge of a school for two terms. He then returned to Plainfield, where he attended the academy for a year, devoting his attention to various studies that would assist him in the teaching profession. In 1884 he removed to East Killingly and for three years was engaged as teacher of the Valley school. In 1887 he became a teacher at Killingly Center, where he remained for two years, and in 1889 he went to Ballouville, where he also taught for a similar period. The succeeding two years were passed as a teacher in Attawaugan and for two years he was thus identified with the schools at Wauregan. He then returned to East Killingly and for two years had charge of the Hill school, this concluding his activity in the educational field, which had covered an extended period.
In politics Mr. Sayles is a democrat, unfaltering in his allegiance to the party, and his activities in its behalf have been far-reaching and resultant. In 1902 he was elected the third selectman of Killingly and through his long connection with the office extending to the present time save for the period of a year, he has done splendid service in behalf of his community. He was also a member of the school board for several years and has held the office of town constable in Killingly for thirty consecutive years or since 1890. He likewise filled the position of postmaster for a year, in Killingly.
Mr. Sayles is equally well known in fraternal circles, having membership in Moriah Lodge, No. 15, A. F. & A. M., of Danielson; in Warren Chapter, R. A. M. of Danielson; in Montgomery Council, R. & S. M .; and Columbian Commandery, K. T. of Norwich. He is likewise a member of the Bohemian Club of Danielson and his religious belief is manifest in his attendance on the services of the Baptist church.
In Killingly, Connecticut, Mr. Sayles was married to Miss Grace Evelyn Fairmin, who was born in Killingly, a daughter of Edward and Lucy A. (Edson) Fairmin, also natives of this place. Her father was a former millman and was widely known. He passed away about 1913, his wife surviving until 1919. Mr. and Mrs. Sayles make their home upon a farm which he owns and he gives his supervision to the development and improvement of his land. He raises some crops and also keeps poultry for his own use, finding great pleasure in the raising of fine chickens. He turns to hunting and fishing for recreation and he is widely recognized among his many friends as an expert in these sports. Mr. Sayles is well known throughout his section of Windham county and the sterling worth of his character has been manifest in his educational activities, in his political service and in every relation of life, for he is a man whose record at all times has measured up to high standards of manhood and of citizenship.
GEORGE HAROLD GILPATRIC.
George Harold Gilpatric, cashier of the First National Bank of Putnam and one of the valued and representative residents of that place, is now serving as state treasurer of Connecticut. He was born July 8, 1881, a son of George Walter and Jessie I. (Hodges) Gilpatric. The former is a son of Caleb and Elmira (Sands) Gilpatric and a representa- tive of one of the old New England families. Caleb Gilpatric was born in Dayton, Maine, about 1830, and became a tailor, following that business at Saco and at Lewiston, Maine, and afterward at Hyde Park and at South Dedham, Massachusetts. In 1886 he removed
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to Putnam, Connecticut, where he resided until his death. While engaged in the tailor- ing business he brought out some valuable mechanical inventions which proved of great usefulness. The patent rights on these he sold. He married Elmira Sands, of Saco, Maine, a daughter of Isaac and Dorcas (Chadbourne) Sands. Their son, George Walter Gilpatric, was born at Saco, Maine, November 4, 1855, and pursued his education in the public schools of his native city and of Hyde Park, Massachusetts. In his youthful days he became his father's assistant at the tailoring trade and in 1876 he entered the service of the Adams Express Company at Warren, Rhode Island, and for thirty-four years con- tinued in the employ of that company, his connection therewith extending until 1910. After several years spent at Warren he was located for a short time in Boston and subsequently he opened an office for the express company at Hyde Park, Massachusetts. In 1884 he removed to Putnam, Connecticut, where he continued for twenty-six years in charge of the business of the Adams Express Company, making a most splendid record through all the long period of his connection with that corporation-a connection that he severed by resigning his position in 1910 to engage in business on his own account. He entered into partnership with H. S. Whipple, under the firm style of Whipple & Gilpatric, and began dealing in ice, coal, wood and lumber. The firm now operates portable steam sawmills and does an extensive lumber business as well as enjoys a large trade in the sale of coal. Their interests are actuated by progressive methods and the business has been built up along the most substantial lines. Mr. Gilpatric not only figures as a prominent representative of trade interests in Putnam but also takes a most active and helpful part in advancing projects which have to do with the uplift of the individual and the welfare of the community. He is a member of the Congregational church, is serving on the church committee and is also a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, the Royal Arcanum and Quinebaug Lodge, No. 106, A. F. & A. M., of Putnam; Israel Putnam Lodge, No. 33, I. O. O. F .; and the Mizpah Lodge of Rebekah, also of Putnam. In June, 1875, George Walter Gilpatric was married to Miss Jessie I. Hodges, who was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, in 1856, a daughter of Addison S. and Esther (Ganzer) Hodges. They have a family of three children. Walter Hodges, an attorney at law now practicing in New York city, married Charlotte Leavitt, of Somerville, Massachusetts, and they have three children, Roswell, Donald and Chad- bourne. George H. is the second of the family and the youngest is Fred Raymond, who was born April 1, 1886.
George Harold Gilpatric was a little lad of but three years when his parents re- moved to Putnam, Connecticut, where at the usual age he became a public school pupil, passing through consecutive grades to bis graduation from the high school in June, 1899. His initial experience in banking was received as draft clerk in the First National Bank of Putnam. His ability, faithfulness and fidelity gained him rapid promotion and be became successively teller, assistant cashier and cashier, being elected to his present position on the 15th of January, 1908. He is also one of the directors of the bank and has done not a little in the past decade to shape the policy and direct the activities of the institution, which is most careful to safeguard its depositors and conduct its busi- ness upon a substantial basis. Mr. Gilpatric is not only a leading figure in financial circles but he is also a director of the Putnam Woolen Company and a director and treasurer of the Putnam Foundry & Machine Company. He is likewise a director of the Jefferson Trust Company of Putnam and outside of the city he has important busi- ness interests, being the president of the Paris Water Company of Paris, Kentucky, and the secretary of the Adrian Water Company of Adrian, Michigan. He is likewise secre- tary of the board of water commissioners in Putnam. His business activities have been most intelligently directed, his investments judiciously placed and he is today one of the foremost men of his city-an outstanding figure in all that has to do with its com- mercial and financial progress.
On the 19th of October, 1905, Mr. Gilpatric was united in marriage to Miss Irene Taft Wheelock, who was born in Putnam, April 7, 1881, a daughter of Eugene A. and Sarah Smith (Taft) Wheelock, of Putnam. Mr. and Mrs. Gilpatric have become par- ents of three children: Rhoda Taft, bern July 31, 1906; George Harold, born May 16, 1909; and Richard Wheelock, born March 8, 1912.
Mr. Gilpatric is a stalwart republican, giving stanch support to the party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He has served as a member of the state central committee and his opinions carry weight in party councils. For six years he was a member of the district committee of the republican party and he does everything in his power to promote its growth and insure its success. In 1918 he was elected state treas- urer and is still acceptably filling that important position. He is a valued representative of Masonry and a past master of Quinebaug Lodge, No. 106, A. F. & A. M., of Putnam. He likewise belongs to Putnam Chapter, R. A. M .; Montgomery Council, R. & S. M., of Danielson; Columbian Commandery, K. T., of Norwich, Connecticut; and Sphinx Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of Hartford. He likewise has membership in the Independent Order
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of Odd Fellows and the Royal Arcanumn and he is a member of the church committee of the Congregational church. In a word he stands for all that pertains to the welfare of the community along those lines which make for material progress, for intellectual development and for high standards of citizenship.
PETER HARDMAN.
For twenty-one years Peter Hardman has filled the responsible position of superin- tendent of manufacturing with the Willimantic Thread Company. He was born in Manchester, England, December 11, 1867, and is a son of Noah and Elizabeth (Battersbey) Hardman, who were also natives of Manchester. The father there worked in the cotton mills, being thus employed throughout his entire life, and both he and his wife are now deceased. In their family were seven children, but Peter Hardman is the only one now living. He was reared in Manchester, where he attended the public schools, and he afterward served a seven years' apprenticeship as a machinist there. In 1884 he came to the United States and worked for Clark's Thread Company at Newark, New Jersey, as a mechanic. Later he entered the employ of the Ken Thread Company of Fall River, Massachusetts, occupying the position of assistant superintendent of that plant for seven years. He was then transferred to Willimantic, Connecticut, as superintendent of manufacturing for the Willimantic Thread Company and has occupied this position continuously since 1899.
Mr. Hardman was married to Miss Matilda Doyle and they have become parents of two daughters, Elizabeth and Mabel, both at home. In politics Mr. Hardman is a republican and fraternally he is connected with the Elks Lodge, No. 1311, at Willimantic and is also a prominent Mason, belonging to the blue lodge at Jersey City, New Jersey, and to the Royal Arch chapter, the council and the commandery at Willimantic. He has also taken the degrees of the Scottish Rite and is a member of the Mystic Shrine at Hart- ford. His religious belief is indicated by his attendance at the services of the Episcopal church. Advancing steadily through capability and effort, he stands today as a prominent representative of the manufacturing interests of New England and is honored and respected by all who know him.
ALBERT SEARLES FIELD.
Albert Searles Field, jailer of Windham county and a resident of Brooklyn, was born at Hope Valley, Rhode Island, June 25, 1875, his parents being Albert Franklin and Mary Elizabeth (Kenyon) Field. The father was born at Providence, Rhode Island, where he was reared and educated and afterward learned the blacksmith's trade, which he followed in his native city for a few years after completing his apprenticeship. Subsequently he removed to Hope Valley, Rhode Island, and there followed his trade for a number of years. He afterward removed to the middle west, settling at Dwight, Illinois, where he passed away on the 21st of November, 1915. He was a son of Albert Searles Field, also a native of Providence, Rhode Island, where he spent his entire life. In the maternal line A. S. Field of this review also represents one of the old families of Rhode Island. His mother, who in her maidenhood was Mary Elizabeth Kenyon, was born at Westerly, Rhode Island, and passed away in Providence in 1883.
Albert Searles Field, spending his youthful days in his parents' home at Hope Valley, there pursued his education by attending the public schools, passing through consecutive grades to the high school. In young manhood he secured employment in a grocery store and later he began learning the trade of toolmaking at Stonington, Rhode Island, following the business for five years. On account of his health he was obliged to abandon the trade and removed to Sterling, Windham county. In June, 1898, he was appointed assistant jailer of the Windham county jail under Charles E. Osgood, who died in 1902, when Mr. Field was promoted to the vacant position. He has successfully discharged the duties that devolve upon him in this connection, giving satisfaction to the public in every way.
On the 4th of March, 1911, at Brooklyn, Connecticut, Mr. Field was united in mar- riage to Miss Alice Robinson White, a native of Bridgeport, Connecticut, and a repre- sentative of one of the prominent and prosperous families of Brooklyn, her parents being Robert J. and Ellen (Robinson) White, who are mentioned elsewhere in this work. Mr. and Mrs. Field have become parents of three children: Elizabeth Williams, who was
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born in Brooklyn, November 14, 1912; Albert Searles, in February, 1914; and Robert Hartley, on the 1st of July, 1915.
In his political views Mr. Field has always been a republican and his religious belief is indicated in his attendance at the Congregational church. Fraternally he is well known as a Mason and Odd Fellow, belonging to Moriah Lodge, No. 15, A. F. & A. M., and Quinebaug Lodge, I. O. O. F., both of Danielson. He is loyal to the teachings and purposes of these organizations and in his membership associations are indicated the principles which dominate his life and the rules which shape his character.
BURTON MINNOTT WELCH.
Burton Minnott Welch, who is engaged in the meat and grocery business in Chaplin, was born at North Windham, Connecticut, October 4, 1874, his parents being Merritt M. and Ellen L. Welch. He began his education in the public schools and afterward enjoyed the advantage of training in Huntsinger's Business College of Hartford, Connecticut. He started out in the business world in connection with the meat and grocery trade, in which he has always engaged. The thoroughness of his work, his discrimination and sound judgment in business affairs and his unfaltering energy have been salient features in the attainment of his present-day success. Year by year he has worked on and his diligence and enterprise have made him one of the prosperous merchants of his town.
In community affairs Mr. Welch has also taken a deep and helpful interest. His devotion to the public welfare has led to his selection for various offices of honor and trust. For seven years he filled the office of judge of probate and for eighteen years was a member of the school committee. He also served for two years as assessor and three years as selectman, and in 1907 still higher official honors were bestowed upon him, for in that year he represented Chaplin in the state legislature. At all times his duties have been discharged with promptness and fidelity, making his a most creditable official record.
In Mansfield, Connecticut, in 1901, Mr. Welch was married to Miss Lydia J. Ide, a daughter of Charles A. and Jane L. (Green) Ide. Their children are: Ellen L., who was born December 22, 1906; and Burton M., born October 24, 1908.
Mr. Welch's military history covers service in the Spanish-American war, in which he was a member of the First Connecticut Heavy Artillery, Battery C. He enlisted as a volunteer at New Haven under Captain Beach and throughout his entire life he has manifested the same loyalty and patriotic spirit which caused him to respond to the nation's call for military aid. Fraternally he is well known as a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and he is also identified with the Grange.
WALTER ALEXANDER MUSGRAVE.
Walter Alexander Musgrave, a public accountant doing business in Danielson and in Hartford, Connecticut, was born in Leeds, Yorkshire, England, April 12, 1878, a son of Thomas and Betty Zipporah (Alexander) Musgrave, representatives of two families which with one exception were the oldest in Leeds, the Musgraves dating back to the time of William the Conqueror, the family seat being maintained for many generations in Cumberland county, while the Alexander family was also one of the oldest of that district. Thomas Musgrave was a woolen manufacturer in Leeds and for many years continued successfully in the business. During the last years of his life he was a com- mercial traveler, continuing thus active in business until his death, which occurred in Leeds about 1895. He was a member of the conservative party there and at one time served as councilman of his city. He was also connected with several prominent mili- tary organizations and was a member of the Episcopal church. His position was one of prominence in Leeds because of his success in business, his leadership in the social organizations of the town and his active support of those interests which were of vital worth to the community. To him and his wife were born six children, of whom Walter A. is the eldest. Thomas, the second son, was born in Leeds and when about twenty-five years of age came to the United States. He is now a cutter and designer for Katz & Company of Philadelphia. He married Amy Benson and they have two children, Arthur and Miriam. Frederick, the third son of the family, was born in Leeds and when a young man came to the United States. He now has charge of the spinning depart- ment of the Otis Manufacturing Company at Three Rivers, Massachusetts. Maude, born in Leeds, came to the United States in early life and lives with her mother at Three Rivers. Edith, born in Leeds, is the wife of Charles White, of Toronto, Canada, and
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they have one child. Arthur, born in Leeds, passed away there at the age of eighteen years. He was a very intelligent and progressive young man and his death was a great blow to the family and his many friends. After her husband's demise Mrs. Musgrave came to the United States and is now living with her son at Three Rivers.
Walter A. Musgrave was educated in the public schools of Leeds and in the Leeds Academy and afterward served an apprenticeship as an accountant with a Mr. Con- stantine of his native city. When about eighteen years of age he came to the United States with his mother and the family and for a time resided in Boston. Soon afterward Mrs. Musgrave married again, becoming the wife of Daniel Hodsdon, of Somersworth, New Hampshire, to which place the family removed from Boston. There Walter A. Musgrave entered the counting room of the Great Falls Manufacturing Company, where he was employed for about six months. In 1901 he went south and for a year and a half had general charge of the accounting for the Clearwater & Beaching Company at Au- gusta, Georgia. Early in 1903 he went to New York city, where he entered the employ of the Stephen Williams Company, a firm of public accountants, with which firm he was connected for about two years. In 1905 he became connected with the Lawton Mills Corporation of New York, taking general charge of their accounting department, and there he remained for about nine years. In 1915 he left New York to become senior accountant for Hatfield & Northwell, public accountants of Hartford, Connecticut, and about 1917 he took up the business on his own account, opening an office as a public accountant of Hartford and of Danielson. His clientage has constantly increased and he is enjoying a steadily growing business in both towns, being employed as ac- countant by many of the leading business men and corporations of the two cities.
On the 9th of September, 1914, in Danielson, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Musgrave and Miss Clara Catherine Brooks, who was born in Danielson and is a niece of Judge M. A. Shumway, of Danielson, in whose family she lived from early girl- hood. Mr. and Mrs. Musgrave have two children: Mary Ruth, born in Danielson in July, 1916; and Walter, also born in Danielson.
Mr. Musgrave is a republican in his political views and he belongs to the Masonic Lodge at Moosup and the chapter, council and commandery at Norwich, Connecticut. He also attends St. Alban's Episcopal church at Danielson and in these associations are found the rules that govern his life and shape his relations with his fellowmen, making him a man whom to know is to esteem and honor.
CHARLES COMO, JR.
Charles Como, Jr., has through individual enterprise and persistency of purpose built up an extensive business in Plainfield under the name of the Standard Roller Covering Company. Practically his entire life has been passed in the United States, although he was born across the border in Canada, his birth occurring at St. Alex- ander, in the province of Quebec, January 26, 1857, his parents being Mr. and Mrs. Charles Como, Sr. The father, also a native of St. Alexander, was there reared and educated and in early life followed farming on land belonging to his father. In 1843 he came to the United States, taking up his abode in Danielson, Connecticut, where he began working at the carpenter's trade, which he continued to follow throughout his entire life. For a quarter of a century he remained in Danielson and then removed to Moosup. In 1914 he became associated with Harmidas Couture, who is mentioned elsewhere in this work, and he was thus engaged to the time of his death, which oc- curred in Moosup. To him and his wife were born two children, the younger being a daughter, Emma, who is now the wife of Joseph Locks, a horse dealer of Willimantic.
Charles Como, Jr., spent his youthful days in Danielson, being but an infant when brought to Connecticut. He was only eight years of age when he began work in the Quinebaug mill as sweeper, there remaining for five years. Later he entered the em- ploy of William Young in order to learn roller covering and remained with Mr. Young for twelve years. On the expiration of that period he went to Atlanta, Georgia, where he was a foreman for the Browning-King Mill Supply Company, with which he con- tinued for twenty years. He then returned to Connecticut, settling at Moosup, where he began the business of covering rollers on his own account, continuing at that place for a number of years. In 1915 he established his home in Plainfield and through the intervening period has here carried on business under the name of the Standard Rol- ler Covering Company, having a large business which extends throughout New Eng- land. He covers rollers for cotton mills only and is accorded a very liberal patronage in this connection, the extent of his business now making his enterprise a very profit- able one.
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