A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume II, Part 125

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

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On the 18th of December, 1889, Mr. Smith was married to Miss Ruth S. Newell. Mr. Smith gives his political endorsement to the republican party and fraternally he is connected with the Elks Lodge, No. 1311, of Willimantic, also the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Meadow Brook Grange, No. 181, of North Windham. He is a member of the Congregational church and his life has ever been actuated by high and honorable principles. Early in his business career he recognized the eternal prin- ciple that industry wins and he has always displayed the utmost energy and persistency of purpose in conducting his business affairs. Gradually he won advancement in the employ of others and eventually was able to enter business on his own account, being for nineteen years numbered among the representative business men of Willimantic as the head of one of the important productive industries of the city.

JAMES BACON.

James Bacon, who is a selectman of the town of Killingly and is the owner of the Sunset Hill farm, a valuable and productive property from which he derives a substan- tial annual income, was born at Bridgewater, in Somersetshire, England, November 17, 1872, his parents being Henry and Maria (Potter) Bacon. The father's birth occurred at Ashcott, in the Bridgewater district of Somersetshire, England, where he was reared and educated and spent his entire life, following the occupation of farming. He died at the age of sixty-five years and his wife also spent her entire life in the same locality.

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James Bacon was educated in the schools of Bridgewater and in young manhood entered upon an apprenticeship to the machinist's trade there. He followed machine shop work at Bridgewater until 1900, when he came to America to visit his brothers and a sister then living in Chicago, Illinois. A year later he returned to his native land, but in 1901, after six weeks' stay in England, again sailed for New York city, where he secured employment with the Standard Auto Company at Fifty-eighth street and Broadway. He remained with that company for seven years and was placed in the responsible position of superintendent of the machine shop, while later he engaged in selling and demonstrating cars. In 1904 he went to Paris, France, for the company to exhibit cars at the Paris automobile show. In 1907 he engaged in the garage business at Hackensack, New Jersey, and there continued until 1915, conducting a very fine garage and so managing his business that he won substantial success. He also operated to a considerable extent in New Jersey real estate. In September, 1915, he removed to Killingly and purchased what was known as the George Butts farm of one hundred and seventy-five acres near the Goodyear cotton mills on the east bank of the Quinebaug river. He changed the name to the Sunset Hill farm and he has since given supervision to its further development and improvement. He has added various improvements during the period of his occupancy, including a new residence. He has also put in a two hundred foot well and his place is supplied with hot and cold water and all modern equipments found upon the model farm of the twentieth century.

In November, 1898, in St. Mary's church at Bridgewater, England, Mr. Bacon was married to Miss Amy Louise Hydon, who was there born. They have become parents of two children: Beatrice Marcella, who was born at Bogota, New Jersey, in October, 1905; and James Hydon, born in Hackensack, New Jersey, in August, 1908.

Mr. Bacon is a republican in his political views and is keenly interested in the success of the party and its principles. He is serving now as second selectman of the town of Killingly, filling out the unexpired term of Charles Downs through appoint- ment of the board of selectmen in August, 1919. He belongs to the Church of England and is a worthy exemplar of Moriah Lodge, No. 15, A. F. & A. M., of Danielson, Con- necticut. He also has membership in the Bohemian Club of Danielson and is regarded as a very prominent and valued citizen of the Goodyear district of the town of Killingly. Opportunity has ever meant to him the call to action, and that he might enjoy the business opportunities of the new world he crossed the Atlantic and made for himself a creditable position in commercial circles in New York and New Jersey, win- ning thereby a measure of success that enabled him to become the owner of the valuable property which he now occupies and which supplies him with a competence that brings to him all of the comforts and many of the luxuries of life.

DR. LUDGER J. MORIN.

Dr. Ludger J. Morin, a pharmacist of Danielson, conducting one of the leading stores of this kind in the city, was born in L'Acadie, St. John's county, in the province of Quebec, Canada, August 11, 1870, a son of Tharcis and Esther (Duquette) Morin. The father was also a native of L'Acadie, where he acquired his education, and has spent his entire life in the occupation of farming. He is a man of prominence in public affairs, having served as councilman of L'Acadie, and he has also filled a number of county offices in St. Johns county. He exerts a widely felt influence over public thought and action and is highly esteemed by reason of his genuine worth and public spirit. His wife, also a native of that locality, is still living there.

Dr. Morin of this review acquired his education in the schools of St. Johns county, in which he was prepared for a college course. He afterward entered Columbia Uni- versity of New York city and was graduated from the pharmacy department with the degree of Ph. D. in 1898. Through the succeeding three years he practiced his profession in connection with the Bellevue Hospital in New York city, and in 1901 he came to Danielson, where he entered into partnership with A. L. Reeves in the conduct of a drug store. After some time he purchased the interest of his partner and has since carried on business alone. He has a splendid store, well appointed and equipped with fine fixtures, and carries a large line of drugs and druggists' sundries. It is the best drug store of the town and a most liberal patronage is accorded. The business methods of Dr. Morin are such as will bear the closest investigation and scrutiny.

Dr. Morin was united in marriage to Miss Mary Ida Woirol, of South Manchester, Connecticut, the wedding being celebrated on the 14th of September, 1899. Mrs. Morin

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was born in Switzerland and is a daughter of Joseph and Mary (Humaire) Woirol, who were likewise natives of the land of the Alps. On crossing the Atlantic to the new world they settled in South Manchester, Connecticut, where the father, who was a jeweler and expert watchmaker, engaged in business. There he and his wife spent their remaining days. Mrs. Morin was but sixteen years of age when the family came to the new world and she continued her residence in South Manchester to the time of her marriage. Dr. and Mrs. Morin have become the parents of two children: Mignonne Mary Louise, who is a student in Villa Maria College at Montreal, Canada; and Robert Ludger, who is a student in Assumption College of Worcester, Massachusetts.

Dr. Morin votes with the republican party and has taken an active interest in public affairs. He formerly served as tax assessor of the town of Killingly and at one time was burgess of the borough of Danielson. He has also been treasurer of the republican town central committee for the past twelve years and is still the incumbent in that position. His religious faith is that of the Roman Catholic church. He is serving as supreme first vice president of the Union of St. John the Baptist Society and the nature of his interests is further indicated in his connection with the Bohemian Club of Danielson, the Natural- ization Club of Danielson, the National Retail Druggists' Association, the Windham County Druggists' Association and the Connecticut Druggists' Association. He has figured very prominently in republican circles in Killingly and is most influential in that connection. He ranks with the leading French Canadians of Danielson, highly esteemed by both the French and American residents, his worth being attested by all. In a busi- ness way he has made steady progress as the result of capability, close application and indefatigable energy and is today one of the prosperous and honored residents of Danielson.

VICTOR CHAPDELAINE.

Victor Chapdelaine is now living retired at Putnam, where for many years he was a well known hotel proprietor. The industry and enterprise which he displayed in his business career brought to him a measure of success that enables him now to rest from further labors. His' connection with Windham county covers the greater part of his life, for he was a lad of but eleven years when he became a resident of Putnam. Born in Canada on the 19th of December, 1854, he is a son of Frank and Modist (Har- pin) Chapdelaine, who were also of Canadian birth. The father removed with his family to the United States about 1865 and established his home in Putnam, Con- necticut, where he resided for a number of years, becoming a well known and valued citizen of the community. Later, however, he returned to Canada, where his last days were passed. To him and his wife were born twelve children, of whom six are now living. One daughter, Emma, became the wife of Aleck Bebault, who has now passed away, while she yet makes her home in Putnam. Another daughter is a resident of Worcester, while Clement, Peter, and another son are now in Canada.

Victor Chapdelaine pursued a common school education in Canada and also attended night school after the removal to Putnam. Starting out in the business world, he was employed for a time in the Morris mill and then went into the shoe shop in Putnam and engaged in shoemaking for about fifteen years. On the expiration of that period he took over a hotel and conducted this for many years, proving a general and popular host and winning a large patronage for his hostelry.

On the 28th of June, 1882, Mr. Chapdelaine was married in Grafton, Massachusetts, to Miss Leah Garney, who was born in Canada, a daughter of Joseph and Rosalie (Letourneau) Garney, who were of Canadian birth. The children of this marriage are three in number. Wilfred V. was born in North Grafton, Massachusetts, April 25, 1883. Edna Leah, born in North Grafton, January 8, 1885, became a yeowoman in the World war and served for six months in New London, Connecticut, after which she was transferred to the southern states, being connected with the naval service at Atlanta, Georgia, for six months, there doing reconstruction work. Ernest Edmond, who was born in Putnam, Connecticut, July 31, 1897, enlisted August 26, 1918, for three years and was stationed in New London, Connecticut, studying in the naval school the pursuit of submarines. He has two years more to serve.

The religious faith of the family is that of the Catholic church, Mr. Chapdelaine being a communicant of St. Mary's church. He belongs to City Court of the Foresters of America, also to Cargill Council of the Knights of Columbus of Putnam and to the Elks Lodge, No. 574, of Putnam. He has membership in the Chamber of Commerce in Putnam and cooperates heartily in all the plans of that organization for the upbuilding and development of this region. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he always keeps well informed on the vital questions and issues of the day.

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Having retired from business in 1916, he now has leisure to follow those pursuits which are of most interest and value to him. Since the age of eleven years he has resided in the town of Putnam and his sterling worth is recognized by those with whom he has come in contact, while the community has found in him a substantial supporter of its best interests.

MILTON J. KINGSLEY.

Though almost two decades have passed since Milton J. Kingsley was called to his final rest, he is still remembered as one of the well known merchants of Plainfield, laying the foundation of a business which has been successfully conducted for nearly a half century and is now carried on under the firm name of John P. Kingsley & Sons. His birth occurred in Norwichtown, Connecticut, June 6, 1849, his parents being John P. and Clarisa (Mathewson) Kingsley. He obtained his education at the place of his nativity and subsequently was there identified with his father in the milk and meat business. Later he removed to Canterbury, where he spent a year as clerk in his father's store. In 1871 he came to Plainfield, opening a small store and estab- lishing a business which has since been developed into a most successful mercantile enterprise, conducted under the firm style of John P. Kingsley & Sons. He remained active in business as a member of that firm until the time of his death, which occurred on the 24th of June, 1901, when he had attained the age of fifty-two years.

On the 25th of July, 1877, in Plainfield, Connecticut, Mr. Kingsley was united in marriage to Miss Harriet L. Ames, daughter of William B. and Lucy A. (Gallup) Ames, of Plainfield. They became parents of a daughter, Nellie M., who was born April 16, 1880, and passed away on the 11th of October, 1906.

Mr. Kingsley gave his political allegiance to the republican party and in 1889 represented the town of Plainfield in the state legislature. He also filled other minor offices, at all times discharging his public duties in a most prompt, efficient and com- mendable manner. His religious faith was indicated by his membership in the Congrega- tional church of Plainfield, the teachings of which he exemplified in his daily life, which was upright and honorable in every relation, so that he well merited the con- fidence and esteem accorded him.

GEORGE BOUSQUET.

George Bousquet, now deceased, who for many years was identified with the milling interests of Ballouville, was born in St. Denis, Canada, July 18, 1864, his parents being George and Leah (Jordan) Bousquet, who in December, 1865, came to the United States, their son George being then but sixteen months old. They settled in Williamsville, now Goodyear, Connecticut, and there resided for about two decades. The father soon entered the mills' there and was employed as assistant in the engine room, while later he was appointed a first-class fireman and served faithfully in that capacity for many years. About 1885 he removed with his family to Ballouville, and was employed in the mill of the Attawaugan Company as first-class engineer, occupying the position for a considerable time. In his later years he was appointed a watchman by the corporation and so continued until his death, which occurred at Ballouville in December, 1918. His wife survives and is still a resident of Ballouville. Their chil- dren were seven in number, George being the eldest of the family. All with the exception of George were born in Williamsville. Henry, the second of the family, is now a resident of Putnam, Connecticut. Emma is the wife of Napoleon Soucier and makes her home in Holyoke, Massachusetts. Lina and Delia are both residents of Southbridge, Massachusetts, and the latter is now the wife of Arthur Chapdelaine. Victoria is the wife of Achin Favro, of Ballouville. Eli married Menca Como.

On attaining the usual age George Bousquet became a pupil in the schools of Williamsville, pursuing his studies to the age of fourteen, when he started out to provide for his own support as a mill hand in Williamsville, beginning work in the mule room. He soon took up weaving and became a first-class weaver. With the removal of the family to Ballouville he entered the mill of the Attawangan Company as a weaver and was thus employed for a number of years, after which he was appointed a loom fixer and filled that position, giving faithful service, up to the time of his death, which occurred very suddenly as the result of a stroke on Sunday morning, February 18, 1917, passing away in the house in which he was married. He was con-

MILTON J. KINGSLEY

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sidered a most competent millman and was one who always enjoyed the high regard of his employers and the confidence and goodwill of his many acquaintances.

In politics Mr. Bousquet was a republican, deeply interested in community affairs, and in religious faith he was a Catholic, being a communicant of St. Mary's church.

In Ballouvlle, May 24, 1884, Mr. Bousquet was married to Rose Cosavant, who was born in Canada, a daughter of Peter and Adelaine (Covell) Cosavant, the latter a . native of England and the former of France. The father came to the United States in young manhood, settling in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, where he was afterward married. He then went to St. Alexander, Canada, where he was extensively engaged in farming for a number of years, but in the latter part of his life he gave up agricul- tural interests and made his home in Manchester, New Hampshire, where he passed away in 1905. The children of George and Rose (Cosavant) Bousquet were as fol- lows: George (III), who was the first son in three successive generations to bear the name of George, was born in Ballouville, March 29, 1886, and is now living in Saunders- ville, Massachusetts. He wedded Nellie Shea. Lillian, the second of the family, was born in Ballouville and is now the wife of Arthur Wells, a woolen weaver of Daniel- son, and the mother of one child, Richard. Cecelia, born in Ballouville, is living in Putnam, Connecticut, and is the wife of William Boisoneau, who is second hand in the spinning room of the mill. They have one child, Francis William.

WILLIAM ALUCIUS DAWSON.

Active among the progressive business men of Willimantic is William Alucius Dawson, a well known florist, who is winning success by reason of close attention to his business and the enterprising methods which he follows. He was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, June 10, 1880, a son of Thomas Andrew and Hattie Sophia (Ruggles) Dawson, both of whom have passed away. While spending his youthful days in his parents' home he attended the public schools and spent one year as a high school pupil at Worcester, while later he entered the Massachusetts Agricultural College at Amherst, Massachusetts, and won the Bachelor of Science degree upon graduation with the class of 1901. He also received a military diploma at that institution, having had complete military training, winning the rank of sergeant of the battalion. When his textbooks were put aside Mr. Dawson secured a position at South Sudbury, Massachusetts, where he worked in a greenhouse for six months. He was afterward in the employ of the A. N. Pierson Company, florists of Cromwell, Connecticut, for two years and later he spent eight months with the J. A. Budlong Corporation near Providence, Rhode Island. In 1904 he went to Willimantic, Connecticut, where he leased his present large green- house, which is one of the largest in the state. He has fifteen thousand feet under glass and has eight employes. He conducts both a wholesale and retail business and his ship- ments cover a very wide territory. He raises many rare flowers and all of his products are noted for their beauty. He has studied not only the practical phases of the business . but also the science of the propagation of flowers and decorative plants, and his broad knowledge and wide experience enable him to speak with authority on subjects having to do with floriculture.

On the 8th of September, 1903, Mr. Dawson was married to Miss Annie E. Storer, of . Cromwell, Connecticut, their marriage being celebrated at Leicester, Massachusetts. They have become parents of three children: Clifton Storer, Margaret Leslie and Burton Clarke, all now in school.

Mr. Dawson has membership with the Sons of Veterans, for his father was a soldier of the Civil war, enlisting early after the outbreak of hostilities. He became a member of the Third Rhode Island Light Artillery and served until invalided home. Upon re- covering his health he again joined the army and did active service at the front. Mr. Dawson is also connected with the Masonic fraternity and has membership with the Knights of Pythias, the Loyal Order of Moose and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. His religious faith is that of the Congregational church and he belongs to the American Benefit Association, which shows the breadth of his interests and his humani- tarian principles. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he was elected a member of the board of aldermen for the term covering 1908 and 1909, during which period he served as president of the board and thus largely guided the destinies of the city during that period, standing at all times for what he believed would prove of the greatest benefit. He has always stood for those interests which are a matter of civic virtue and civic pride and is regarded as a most progressive citizen as well as a most substantial business man. He has membership in the American Carnation Society and he is deeply interested in all that has to do with the science of his chosen calling as well as the practical phases of his business. He could never have attained his present success

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without a genuine love of plant life, for only such love can stimulate the close study that Mr. Dawson has given to the science of floriculture and which underlies his prosperity, making him one of the foremost florists of the state.

CLAUS AUGUST HAGSTROM.

Sweden has furnished a very substantial proportion to the farming citizenship of Windham county and to this class belongs Claus August Hagstrom, who was born in Smaland, Sweden, December 25, 1864, his parents being Isaac and Christina (Ander- son) Hagstrom, who were also natives of Smaland. The father was there reared and educated and in young manhood worked upon the home farm of his father for several years. Later he engaged in farming on his own account, purchasing land which he further developed and improved throughout his remaining days, and in addition to general agricultural pursuits he carried on dairying. He died December 18, 1866, while his wife survived until 1878. They were the parents of four children: John, who is married and now follows farming in Sweden; Mary, deceased; Emma, also living in Sweden; and Claus A., of this review.

Through the days of his boyhood and youth Claus A. Hagstrom resided at Smaland and was trained to farm work upon his father's place. He assisted in the further development and improvement of the old homestead there for a number of years and then purchased a farm in the same town, after which he carried on general farming and dairying in Sweden until 1890. He then sold his property there and came to the United States. He had been quite successful in his native country and was a man of prominence and influence in his home locality, filling various public offices in Smaland, the duties of which he discharged with marked promptness and fidelity, his course winning him the strong endorsement of all. In 1890, however, he determined to try his fortune in America and came to the United States, settling in Woodstock, Connecticut, where he worked as a farm hand for two years. He afterward purchased the farm known as the Lowring Chaffey place in the town of Thompson in 1892 and through the intervening period of twenty-eight years he has lived upon this tract of land, which he devotes to general farming and to dairying. Again success has attended his labors. He has made many improvements on the buildings, has introduced all modern equip- ments and accessories and now has one of the highly developed and valuable farm properties of the district in which he lives.

Mr. Hagstrom was married to Miss Christina Peterson, a daughter of John and Mary C. (Erikson) Peterson, natives of Sweden. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hagstrom: Ellen A., who is a bookkeeper residing at home; Edith, at home; and Gustave, who is assisting his father on the farm.

Mr. Hagstrom and his family are members of the Swedish Congregational church at Woodstock. He finds his recreation in motoring and fishing, to which he turns when leisure permits. His political endorsement has always been given to the republi- can party and he is a recognized leader in its local ranks. He served as assessor for three years, has been selectman for eleven years and in 1919 was chosen to represent his district in the state legislature, where he served on the committees on public health and safety and on the sale of land. He is keenly interested in all that pertains to the progress and welfare of the state and has manifested a public-spirited devotion to all those interests which are of vital importance to the community.

LESTER H. BURNHAM.

Lester H. Burnham is known as one of the leading farmers and substantial citi- zens of the town of Hampton, where he has not only successfully managed his business affairs but has also served his fellow townsmen as a member of the board of selectmen and in other public positions. He was born April 1, 1865, in the town in which he still resides and traces his ancestral line back to John Burnham, who was born in 1618, and in 1635, in company with two brothers, settled at Chebacco, now Ipswich, Massachusetts. He served in the Pequod Indian war and later was given a grant of land in recognition of the military aid which he had rendered. He owned a large farm and thereon he and his wife Mary reared their family of four children, which number included Josiah Burnham, who was born May 9, 1662, and died October 25, 1692. He was married July 12, 1687, to Abigail Varney, who passed away October 31,

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A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume II, Part 125

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