A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume II, Part 124

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

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On the 16th of January, 1893, in Putnam, Mr. Lapalme was united in marriage to Miss Virginia Thibeault, who was born in Williamsville, Connecticut, but in her early girlhood was brought to Putnam by her parents, Joseph and Virginia (Geaudreau) Thibeault, who were natives of St. Jude, Quebec, Canada. They removed to Williamsville, Connecticut, where the father was a weaver in the mills, and later he brought his family to Putnam. He afterward, however, removed to Woonsocket, Rhode Island, where his last days were passed. His widow divides her time between the home of her daughter, Mrs. Lapalme, and a son at New Bedford, Massachusetts. Mr. and Mrs. Lapalme became the parents of four children, but their first born, Joseph F., died in Putnam at the age of six months. Beaude Theodore, the second son, was born in Williamsville, Connecticut, and is now with his father in the grocery business. Corade Joseph, born in Putnam, is a student in La Sallette College at Hartford, Connecticut. Cyreus is the youngest of the family.

Mr. Lapalme gave his political allegiance to the democratic party. He was at one time a member of the board of tax assessors of the town of Putnam and was on the board of relief of the town of Putnam. In 1915 he was elected alderman at large, and in October, 1916, he was chosen selectman of the town of Putnam. His religious faith was that of the Roman Catholic church and he belonged to Cargill Council, No. 64, of the Knights of Columbus. He had membership in St. John Baptist Society, of which he was treasurer, and in St. John Baptist Council, No. 47, in which he was also acting as treasurer. He was a director of the French Club of the city and he belonged to the Chamber of Commerce. He was likewise connected with the Putnam Building & Loan Association, of which he was one of the organizers and charter members and of which he became a director. He was actuated in all that he did by a spirit of progressiveness and enterprise that brought splendid results not only in the advancement of his own fortunes but for the benefit of the city along many valuable lines. His life was well spent and to know Mr. Lapalme was to esteem and honor him.

GEORGE D. PAPPAJION.

George D. Pappajion, proprietor of a photographic studio in Danielson, is a native of Greece, his birth having occurred in that country in November, 1888. He is a son of Demetros and Athena Pappajion, who spent their entire lives in the classic land of their birth. The father in young manhood pursued a course of instruction in ani- mal husbandry and also in floriculture and later became a nurseryman and also an instructor in the science of stock raising. He devoted the greater part of his life to activities of this character, going out into the country to teach the farming community the best methods of raising stock. He died in Greece about 1905 and his wife also passed away in her native land.

George D. Pappajion obtained his education in the schools of his home town and when about fifteen years of age left his native country to seek his fortune in the new world. Crossing the Atlantic, he resided for a time in Norwich, Connecticut, and soon obtained employment in a mill there. He learned spinning and for nine months was employed in that way. He next went to the Norwich silk mill, where he continued for about two years, and while working in that connection he devoted his leisure hours to studying art from books which he purchased. He has always been actuated by a

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most progressive spirit and his entire career has been marked by steady advance- ment and improvement.

Leaving Norwich in 1906, Mr. Pappajion went to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and spent about a year in the factories of that city. After 1905 he made several changes in loca- tion and in occupation, returning at one time to Norwich, Connecticut, where he remained for about a year and a half. He then went to New York and later became a resident of Boston, Massachusetts, from which place he removed to Providence, Rhode Island, where he acted as waiter in a hotel for several months. He then again became a resident of Norwich, Connecticut, where he once more engaged in mill work for about a year. Later he was again at Milwaukee, Wisconsin, it being his intention to attend medical school there and prepare for active practice. Changing his plans, however, he entered the school of fine arts, in which he pursued a course covering about eighteen months. He also took up an architectural course through the International Corre- spondence Schools and a short time after receiving his instruction in Milwaukee he went to St. Louis, Missouri, where he entered a hat manufacturing establishment, being employed as a hat maker there for some time. During this period he was also pursuing his course in the International Correspondence Schools. For about six months after leaving the hat factory he was employed by the St. Louis Car Company as a draftsman and on the expiration of that period returned to Milwaukee, where he established a photographic and art studio which he conducted for about three years. He then disposed of his business there and removed to Chicago, where for several months he was connected with several of the best photographic studios in the city. He afterward opened a photographic studio of his own in Chicago and conducted busi- ness successfully for two years. Early in 1917 he sold out there and came to Danielson, Connecticut, where he established business on Main street, having now a thoroughly modern studio in which he employs the latest and most improved processes of pho- tography. His work has given excellent satisfaction to his patrons, the number of whom is constantly growing.

Mr. Pappajion was married in Danielson, in January, 1918, to Miss Tasia Eicono- makas, also a native of Greece, and they now have one child, Athena, who was born in Danielson, January 14, 1919. Mr. Pappajion has had no occasion to regret his determination to come to the new world, for in this country he has found the business opportunities which he sought and in their utilization has progressed to a creditable point of prosperity.

HILLHOUSE & TAYLOR.

The firm of Hillhouse & Taylor is one of the foremost representatives of business activity in Willimantic. The business was established in 1879 by George F. Taylor, who four years later was joined by James W. Hillhouse, thus organizing the present firm. Their partnership relation has been maintained through all the intervening period, covering almost thirty-seven years. The firm handles lumber and all kinds of building material and also does cabinet work, taking some contracts for work of that character. They likewise handle coal and wood and their trade has reached large and substantial proportions. Their business integrity is unassailable and the progressive- ness of their methods has won for them an increasing patronage. Something of the immense volume of their trade is indicated in the fact that they now have fifty em- ployes and they utilize three trucks and three teams. They have their own siding to facilitate shipments and own a lot one thousand by one hundred and fifty feet. They have big buildings upon their place, and the firm is doing a business that places them among the most prominent representatives of commercial and industrial activity in their city.

GEORGE F. TAYLOR.

Business enterprise in Willimantic finds a prominent representative in George F. Taylor, who is a partner in the firm of Hillhouse & Taylor, dealers in lumber, building materials and coal and wood. They also do cabinet work and some con- tracting, and theirs has become one of the important commercial and industrial en- terprises of the city. Mr. Taylor was born in Vermont, February 9, 1857, and is a son of Edward and Harriet M. (Clark) Taylor. He began his education in the public schools of his native city but in 1865, when eight years of age, accompanied his parents

JAMES W. HILLHOUSE

GEORGE F. TAYLOR

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on their removal to Willimantic, where he continued his studies in the common schools. He afterward entered the Sheffield Scientific School of Yale and was graduated upon completing the civil engineering course in 1876, at which time his professional de- gree was accorded him. He went to the West Point Military Academy for the purpose of entering but failed to pass the physical examination on account of the condition of his eyes. He then went to Europe and after spending a year on that side the At- lantic he returned and took up the profession of civil engineering, which he followed for two years. He has been identified with his present line of business since 1879 and in 1883 he was joined in a partnership by James W. Hillhouse, thus organizing the present firm of Hillhouse & Taylor. They carry an extensive stock of lumber and building materials and also do cabinet work. They likewise handle coal and wood and something of the volume of their business is indicated in the fact they now have fifty employes and they use three trucks and three teams. They have their own siding and their plant includes ground space one thousand by one hundred and fifty feet. They have erected large buildings and the business has reached very extensive and gratifying proportions.

On the 25th of December, 1886, Mr. Taylor was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Louise Fuller, of Columbia, Connecticut, and they have two children: Harold F., who is with his father in business; and Ruby Estella, who after completing a high school and normal school course entered Smith College, from which she was graduated. She is now a teacher in Winchester, Massachusetts. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor also lost two chil- dren, Edward Raymond and Blanch Beardsley.

Mr. and Mrs. Taylor hold membership in the Congregational church, and fra- ternally he is a Mason, having taken the degrees of lodge, chapter, council, commandery and also of the Mystic Shrine. His political allegiance is given to the republican party, and he has served on the school board and as a member of the board of alder- men. While acting on the school board two of the finest school buildings of the city were erected and he was chairman of the building committee, having in charge the erection of the high school. Public-spirited and progressive, he stands for all that is calculated to benefit the city and to advance interests of civic virtue and of civic pride. His has been an active and useful life fraught with good results, and in ad- dition to successfully carrying on business as a member of the firm of Hillhouse & Taylor he is the president of the Willimantic Industrial Company and president of the Willimantic Development Company. He has justly won the proud American title of a self-made man and as the architect of his own fortunes has builded wisely and well.

JAMES W. HILLHOUSE.

James W. Hillhouse is a member of the firm of Hillhouse & Taylor, and is one of the well known business men of Willimantic. He was born in Montville, Con- necticut, June 21, 1854, the son of James W. Hillhouse and Louisa M. Dolbeare. He is a graduate of Norwich Free Academy in the class of 1875, of Yale College in the class of 1879, and of the Columbia Law School. In 1883 he entered into partnership with George F. Taylor for the purpose of manufacturing native lum- ber, and in 1886 the firm of Hillhouse & Taylor succeeded George F. Taylor in the lumber and coal business,. In 1887 the firm bought the woodworking plant of D. E. Potter, and in 1901, having acquired land on Dunham street from the American Thread Company, moved their woodworking plant to its present site adjoining the lumberyard. By sound business practice they have here built up an establishment employing fifty workmen.

Mr. Hillhouse was married to Annie Laura Niles of Newton, Massachusetts, May 26, 1886. They have four children, James T., Kenneth N., Eleanor and Marion S. All four are graduates of Windham high school, and the two sons of Yale College in the classes of 1911 and 1913. The elder son, James, received the Ph. D. degree in English from Yale University in 1914, and is now a member of the faculty of the University of Minnesota at Minneapolis. The younger son, Kenneth, has been, since his graduation from college, in the lumber business with Hillhouse & Taylor. He was married, October 6, 1917, to Florence A. Backus, of Norwich, Connecticut. The elder daughter, Eleanor, is a graduate of Wheaton School and of Columbia University, and is now an instructor in home economics at Cornell. Marion, the youngest, a graduate of Windham high school in the class of 1918, is attending Smith College.

Mr. and Mrs. Hillhouse are active members of the Congregational church of Willi- mantic. Mr. Hillhouse is a member of the Royal Arcanum, the Chamber of Com-

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merce of Willimantic, and the Sons of the American Revolution. He is a republican and has served on the board of burgesses, the city council, the school board, and the board of the Y. M. C. A.

DAVID LOREE.

David Loree, who since 1911 has been general superintendent for the Rockville & Willimantic Lighting Company, with office at Willimantic, was born at Whitehouse, New Jersey, May 5, 1872. His parents were Finnan and Harriet (Richardson) Loree. The father was reared and educated at Whitehouse, New Jersey, where he attended the district schools. He afterward learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed until the outbreak of the Civil war, when he joined the army, enlist- ing in the Sixth New Jersey Infantry, while later he was transferred to the Eighth Infantry Regiment of New Jersey, being discharged with the rank of sergeant at the end of the war. He then went to Whitehouse, where he followed carpentering until he retired from active business life, subsequent to which time he made his home at Somerville, New Jersey, until called to his final rest in May, 1917. To him and his wife were born five children: Ida, the widow of Oliver Powell, who was a farmer of New Jersey but is now deceased; David, of this review; Caroline, who became the wife of William Stout, an engineer of New Jersey; and Charles, who married Viola Sipes and is engaged in merchandising at Boundbrook, New Jersey. Another child died in infancy.

David Loree obtained his education in the public schools of Somerville, New Jersey, and afterward worked in the woolen mills there for a short time, devoting the evening hours to study for a number of years. He afterward became connected with the Somerset Lighting Company, with which he continued for several years, and during this time he learned the electrical trade, working in various departments. As his skill and efficiency increased he was promoted from time to time until he became superintendent of the plant. He later worked for the J. B. Duke estate as super- intendent of electric and mechanical work, occupying that position for several years. He then came to Willimantic, Connecticut, and in 1911 entered the employ of the Rockville & Willimantic Lighting Company as general superintendent. Through the intervening period, covering nine years, he has continued in this important and responsible position, making an excellent record by his efficient service, his thor- oughness and trustworthiness.

In November, 1898, Mr. Loree was married to Miss Mary Corlsiff and they became the parents of three children, Henrietta, Lloyd and Anna, all at home. The wife and mother died October 14, 1912. Mr. Loree attends the Congregational church, contributing generously to its support. In politics he is a republican and fraternally he is connected with the Elks Lodge, No. 1311, of Willimantic, with the Knights of Pythias lodge at Somerville, New Jersey, and also with the Masonic lodge at Somerville. He is ever loyal to the teachings and purposes of these or- ganizations and is always found faithful and reliable in every connection of life. In business he has made steady advancement by reason of his industry, determination and close application and now occupies a prominent and responsible position.

EDWIN MORTIMER MERRITT MARLOR.

Edwin Mortimer Merritt Marlor was actively connected with both agricultural and commercial pursuits in the town of Brooklyn and was classed with the substan- tial and representative citizens of his community. His death was deeply deplored when on the 15th of January, 1917, he passed away. He was born on Lexington avenue, in New York city, January 6, 1867, a son of Thomas Smith and Mary Frances (Loper) Marlor. The father was born in Leicester, England, December 10, 1839, but was only six months old when brought by his parents to the new world as one of a family of nine children who received thorough religious training. He obtained his education in the city schools of New York and when a lad of twelve was apprenticed to learn the trade of engine turning, while later he became con- nected with the wholesale jewelry and dry goods business. He was seventeen years of age when he established business on his own account as a gold pen merchant and a year later he was at the head of three places of business, one in Philadelphia and

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the other two in New York city. He became a prominent figure in financial circles, beginning operations in Wall street in 1861, and although he afterward suffered heavy losses he retrieved his fortunes by becoming a broker for the street. He was one of the first members of the Gold Exchange, working eighteen hours a day during the stirring times of the Civil war. He afterward became one of the founders of the banking firm of S. B. Benedict & Company, and following the death of Mr. Benedict a little later, he managed the business under the style of T. S. Marlor & Company until 1868. He was thus active for six and a half years, when with a handsome competence he retired.

Thomas Smith Marlor filled a number of positions of public honor and trust, including that of trustee of the Bankers & Brokers Association, and he remained a member of the Stock Exchange until his death. During the period of the Civil war, unable to take up arms himself, he did everything possible to support the gov- ernment and promote the success of the Union cause. In 1869 he purchased land in the village of Brooklyn, Connecticut, and there erected a handsome country residence, in which he took up his abode. He soon made wise investment in other real estate in the neighborhood and became prominently associated with public interests in the town. He was a man of broad philanthropy and wide humanitarian spirit and he contributed liberally to various public projects. One of his gifts was the Soldiers' Monument, which stands near the green in the village of Brooklyn, and he also was the donor of the site of the state monument, erected to the memory of General Israel Putnam, also in Brooklyn. Probably no other resident of the town ever gave more generously or willingly of his time and money for the benefit of his fel- low citizens and for the improvement of the village than did Mr. Marlor. While the democrats claimed him as a political co-worker, he largely maintained an inde- pendent attitude in politics and as an independent was elected in 1873 to the Con- necticut state legislature in a strong republican town. He was made chairman of the committee on banks and in 1874 was reelected, while in 1875 he was chosen senator from the old thirteenth district. In 1874 Governor Ingersoll offered him an ap- pointment as bank commissioner, but he felt obliged to decline. In 1875 the governor named him as a member of a special bank commission, in which he acted with John W. Steadman, of Norwich, Connecticut, and David P. Nichols, of Danbury. He also served on the committee on new capitol plans and on the state board of centennial managers. In October, 1886, he declined the nomination for congress and later refused the same honor again. In 1892 he was a democratic presidential elector from Connecticut. He was one of the incorporators of the Connecticut Reformatory Home, was a director of the Prisoners' Aid Association and was one of the incorporators and directors of the Brooklyn Savings Bank. He became an active member of the Episcopal church of the town of Brooklyn and he did every- thing in his power for the uplift of the individual and the betterment of the com- munity at large. His death occurred in New York city, December 21, 1898, but his remains were interred in the Brooklyn cemetery.

Edwin M. M. Marlor was the third in order of birth in a family of three chil- dren. His elder brother, Charles S. L. Marlor, was born in New York and for some years lived in Brooklyn, Connecticut. He was in business for some time with his father, and he now makes his home at Hartford, Connecticut. He married Jennie D. Rogers, of New York city, and they became the parents of three children. Lily Frances Marlor, the only sister of E. M. M. Marlor, died at the age of two years.

E. M. M. Marlor, after attending the common schools of Brooklyn, continued his education in a private school and later became interested in farming, starting out thus in the business world when but eighteen years of age. He took up his abode upon his father's farm and soon became interested in stock raising, while later he was known as one of the extensive traders in cattle in Brooklyn. He like- wise dealt in agricultural implements and machinery and thus was identified with commercial pursuits until ill health forced him to turn over his business to his son about 1915. He passed away January 15, 1917, and in his death the community lost a representative citizen, a progressive business man, a faithful friend and a devoted husband and father.

Mr. Marlor was married in Brooklyn, Connecticut, October 6, 1887, to Miss Gladys Fremont Wood, a daughter of John Palmer and Sarah Jane (Kimball) Wood, the former born in Scotland, Connecticut, in 1833, while the latter was a native of Brooklyn. Of the children of Mr. and Mrs. Wood three died in infancy. Gladys was born in Norwich, Connecticut, and Maude was born in Washington, D. C. She became the wife of John H. Hargraves, of Boston, who is now deceased, and they had three children. Myra Jane, born in Lynn, Massachusetts, became the wife of S. I. Frink, who for many years was postmaster of Brooklyn, Connecticut, and is

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still occupying that position. Mr. and Mrs. Marlor had a family of three children: Edwin M., Dorothy M. and Gladys F.

Mr. Marlor gave stalwart allegiance to the democratic party and for two years served on the board of selectmen, acting during the first year as second member of the board and during the succeeding year as chairman. In 1891 he was elected county commissioner and continued as chairman of the county board for two and a half years. He attended the Unitarian church and was a man whose life was guided by advanced principles and the highest sense of honor and integrity. He came of an honored and honorable ancestry and his lines of life were cast in harmony therewith. In talents and in character he was a worthy scion of his race and wherever he was known he was held in the highest regard by reason of the many sterling traits of his character.

HARRY C. SMITH.

Harry C. Smith is engaged in the manufacture of silk mill supplies and has de- veloped a business of substantial and gratifying proportions, having been active in this line at Willimantic since 1901. He was born at Willimantic on the 17th of January, 1868, and is a son of Samuel C. and Sarah P. (Fuller) Smith. His father was also born at Willimantic and attended the district schools there. In young manhood he learned the machinist's trade, which he followed for many years and eventually became master mechanic for the American Thread Company, occupying that position of responsibility to the time of his death, which occurred in February, 1912. To him and his wife were born two children, but the daughter, Edith E., who was the elder, has passed away.

Harry C. Smith, the only son, obtained his education in the public schools of Willimantic and in the Windham high school and started out upon his business career as an employe of the American Thread Company, with which he remained for four years. He afterward went to Boston, Massachusetts, where he served an apprentice- ship as a machinist with the firm of S. E. Chubbuck & Son, continuing in that con- nection for three years. He was subsequently with the General Electric Company at Lynn, Massachusetts, and next went to Middletown, Connecticut, where he was em- ployed along similar lines for four years. On the expiration of that period he made his way to North Windham, Connecticut, where he was employed by the L. M. Hartson Company as superintendent of the shop and eventually became one of the company, remaining a partner in the business for seven years. He then sold his interest and removed to Willimantic, establishing a machine shop on the lower floor of the building occupied by the Windham Silk Company. This was in 1901 and he has since remained at this location, being engaged in the manufacture of supplies for silk mills, and his output is sold throughout the United States. He maintains the highest standards in workmanship and by reason of the reliability of his goods and his progressive business methods he has won a very liberal patronage.

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A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume II, Part 124

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