A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume II, Part 130

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

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Edwin M. Grant was a pupil in the district schools of the town of Ashford and later he attended the Eastman Business College at Poughkeepsie, New York. He afterward went to Putnam, Connecticut, where for a year he worked in the Hammond- Knowlton silk mill. He next entered the railroad mail service as postal clerk and thus traveled throughout New England for a period of five years. Impaired health caused him to retire from the mail service and he afterward worked for Bill Brothers, of Hartford, Connecticut, in the capacity of bookkeeper for twelve years. He was subsequently with the Warner & Willard Company of Hartford, Connecticut, as book- keeper for several years and then took up his abode in Ashford, where he purchased the home place of his father and has since resided thereon. He is engaged in general farming and dairying and is conducting his business along well defined lines of industry, enterprise and progressiveness. He is also serving as postmaster of Ashford Center, having been appointed to the position by President Roosevelt in 1905 and serving to the present time, in 1919.

Mr. Grant was united in marriage to Miss Ellen J. Winslow. They attend and support the Congregational church of Ashford and throughout the community in which they reside they have many warm friends. In politics Mr. Grant is a republican. He was a warm supporter of Roosevelt, whom he, as did thousands of others, regarded as the foremost American citizen, and when Roosevelt became the candidate of the pro- gressive party he supported him. Mr. Grant is a loyal advocate of every cause that he believes to be right and his interest in public affairs and in the general welfare has always taken tangible shape.

ARTHUR ALVERDO CHASE, M. D.

Dr. Arthur Alverdo Chase, residing in the village of Plainfield, is a most successful physician, enjoying a large practice. He is a thoroughly progressive man, keeping in touch with the advanced spirit of the times in every particular, while along professional lines he is always to be found in the vanguard. He was born in East Douglass, Massa- chusetts, October 12, 1879, and is a son of Alverdo and Mary H. (Somes) Chase. The father was born in East Douglass also and there followed the occupation of farming. Later he became boss farmer for a large mill corporation at Whitinsville, Massachusetts, and there passed away at the comparatively early age of thirty-six years. His wife, who was born at Newton, Massachusetts, is now a resident of Woburn, that state.

Dr. Chase acquired his education in the schools of Whitinsville, Massachusetts, and

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in the high school at Woburn, while in preparation for the medical profession he en- tered the Harvard Medical College, from which he was graduated in 1901 with the M. D. degree. The same year he opened an office in the village of Plainfield, where he has since remained, devoting his attention to the general practice of medicine and surgery. He is a man of pronounced ability in this connection and the public bears testimony to his powers and his success in the liberal patronage accorded him.

On the 14th of June, 1915, Dr. Chase was married to Miss Anna A. Weston, of Plain. field, who was born in New York city, a daughter of Thomas and Charlotte (Summerton ) Weston of the metropolis. In his political views Dr. Chase is a republican and has served as health officer of the town of Plainfield since 1902. He belongs to Moosup Lodge, No. 113, A. F. & A. M .; also to Warren Chapter, R. A. M., at Danielson, Con- necticut; to Montgomery Council, R. & S. M., at Danielson; and Columbia Commandery, K. T., at Norwich, Connecticut. He has also passed up through the Scottish Rite and has attained the thirty-second degree in the consistory. He likewise belongs to Protec- tion Lodge, I. O. O. F., at Central Village, and his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Congregational church. Along strictly professional lines he has connection with the Windham County and Connecticut Medical Societies and the Amer- ican Medical Association and through the proceedings of these bodies keeps in touch with the most advanced professional thought. He does not hastily discard old and time- tried methods and yet he is quick to adopt any new idea or principle which his judgment sanctions as of value and along the chosen line of his life work he has made continuous progress.

J. HENRY MILLIGAN.

J. Henry Milligan, a prosperous real estate operator of Danielson, was born in Boston, Massachusetts, March 6, 1865, his parents being Thomas and Elizabeth (Thomp- son) Milligan, the latter a native of northern New York. The father became a resident of Boston in early manhood and there learned the trade of a carpenter and builder, which pursuit he followed in Boston until 1868, when he removed to Woodstock, Con- necticut, and purchased a farm in North Woodstock. He then concentrated his energies and attention upon the cultivation of the soil and very successfully managed his farming interests. In his later years he purchased the L. M. Dean carriage factory in North Woodstock and for a number of years conducted an extensive business of that character, remaining active in the industrial circles of the community until his death, which occurred about 1905. He was accounted one of the prominent and influential business men of the locality and was greatly respected and admired by his associates. His political endorsement was given to the republican party and he was a devoted member and active worker in the Methodist church, doing everything in his power to promote its welfare and extend its influence. He had for a few years survived his wife, who passed away in Woodstock, leaving behind her many warm friends. In their family were nine children. Thomas, born in Boston, has for the past thirty-five years been connected with the Five Cent Savings Bank of that city. J. Henry is the second of the family. Robert Wesley has passed away. Ozias conducts the old store of North Woodstock, which was formerly owned by his father and which is one of the land- marks of the city. James is a resident of Boston. Alfred and Aaron have departed this life. Emma M. is living in Southbridge, Massachusetts, and Everett G., the youngest, also makes his home in Southbridge.

J. Henry Milligan obtained a public school education in Woodstock and was further instructed by a private tutor in his own home. He continued upon the farm with his father until he reached the age of eighteen and then took his place as assistant in his father's carriage shop and learned the business, which he followed for thirty consecutive years. He was in his father's employ until he reached the age of twenty-four, when he went to Canterbury, Connecticut, and opened a shop there in 1894, continuing at that place until 1900 and managing a successful and profitable business throughout the intervening years. In May, 1900, he went to Brooklyn, Con- necticut, and purchased the carriage business of Charles Osgood, with whom he con- tinued until 1910, and again his efforts were crowned with a substantial measure of prosperity. In the year designated he sold his interests to Martin Krause of New York and removed to Milford, Massachusetts, where he purchased a large carriage and garage business, remaining at that point for three years and enjoying a very gratifying trade. In 1913 he once more sold out, owing to a death in his family, and took up his abode in Danielson, Connecticut, where he joined the E. A. Strout Farm Agency of New York and has since been a representative of that corporation. He is

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now conducting an extensive real estate business in this connection and is thoroughly familiar with property values and the real estate that is upon the market.

Mr. Milligan was married in Canterbury, Connecticut, April 19, 1886, to Miss Fannie Ames, who was born in Plainfield, Connecticut, a daughter of John and Fannie (Bennett) Ames. In 1919 Mr. Milligan was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who passed away on the 1st of February of that year in Danielson, leaving a son, Arthur Ames, who was born in Woodstock, August 1, 1888, and who is now manager of the Wauregan Garage. He married Florence Baton, the only child of John Baton, of Wauregan, and her death there occurred in January, 1919. She, too, left one child, Florence Louise, born in Wauregan, May 10, 1915.

In politics Mr. Milligan is a republican. While a resident of Brooklyn both he and his wife were active members of the Brooklyn Grange, taking helpful part in promoting the work of the order. He attends the Congregational church of Danielson and contributes liberally to its support, withholding his aid from no plan or measure calculated to advance the general welfare.

FREDERICK WILLIAM MEYERS.

A decade has passed since Frederick William Meyers became connected with the Fabyan Woolen Company at Fabyan, Connecticut, in the capacity of superintendent, in which connection he has full supervision over the plant. He was born at Norwich, Connecticut, August 20, 1874, and is a son of Charles H. and Sidoner (Winzels) Meyers, who were natives of Saxony, Germany. The father there attended the public schools until the family came to the United States when he was a young man, landing at New York and going thence to Holyoke, Massachusetts, where he completed his education, attending high school there. He afterward removed to Norwich, Connecticut, and began learning the woolen manufacturing business in one of the mills at that place. Steadily he advanced through intermediate positions to the superintendency of the woolen mills of the James Roy Company of Schenectady, New York. Later he was superintendent for Rawitser Brothers' woolen mills of Stafford Springs, Connecticut, for several years, and afterward was superintendent of a woolen mill for the same concern at Mystic, Connecticut. He then returned to Stafford Springs, again being superintendent for Rawitser Brothers until August, 1910, when the mill was destroyed by fire. He next went to Medway, Massachusetts, for the same interests, which were then known as the Fabyan Woolen Company. Later he retired from active business life and his demise occurred at Stafford Springs, Connecticut, in 1915. It was at Hol- yoke, Massachusetts, that he wedded Miss Winzels, who survived him for only about one year, also passing away at Stafford Springs, Connecticut. They became the parents of five children: Lettie, who gave her hand in marriage to Harry Burrell, a book- keeper with the Stafford Worsted Company of Stafford Springs, Connecticut; Frederick W., of this review; Charles, who married Gertrude Orcutt and is secretary and treasurer of the Fabyan Woolen Company; Arthur, who is married and is engaged in the practice of medicine at Mystic, Connecticut; and Mabel, who lives at Stafford Springs, this state.

F. W. Meyers, whose name introduces this review, pursued his education in the public schools of Norwich and of Stafford Springs, Connecticut, attending the high school at the latter place. Later he went to Schenectady, New York, where he became a pupil in the Eastman Business College, and thus by liberal training he was well qualified for life's practical and responsible duties. Subsequently he began learning the woolen manufacturing business, which he completed under the direction of his father at Stafford Springs, Connecticut. He began with the raw material and worked in all departments, so that he gained a thorough and comprehensive knowledge of all branches of the business. The thoroughness with which he mastered the tasks assigned him qualified him for the responsible duties of superintendent of the Fabyan Woolen Company mill at Fabyan, Connecticut, to which position he was called in November, 1910, and since that time he has remained continuously at Fabyan, having full charge of the plant. Under his vigorous and capable leadership the output has been almost doubled. The plant is thoroughly modern in its equipment, and the employes have the highest regard for the superintendent, who combines kindliness and consideration with his demand for efficiency. Such has ever been his course in the management of the business and there have been no strikes in the establishment.

On the 20th of November, 1901, at Stafford Springs, Connecticut, Mr. Meyers was united in marriage to Miss Melinda Evelina Roberts, a daughter of Edmond and Anna (Parant) Roberts, who were natives of Canada. In politics Mr. Meyers maintains an independent course, voting according to the dictates of his judgment. He belongs to Ionic Lodge, No. 110, A. F. & A. M., at Stafford Springs, Connecticut, also to Orient

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Chapter, No. 42, R. A. M., at that place and is connected with Putnam Lodge, No. 574, B. P. O. E., at Putnam. He and his wife are members of the Congregational church at Stafford Springs and take an active and helpful part in its work and support. During the World war Mrs. Meyers was a very active Red Cross worker and chairman of the chapter at Fabyan, and also assisted most earnestly in the promotion of the Liberty Loan drives. It has been said that Mr. Meyers was largely instrumental in putting his district over the top in all of the Liberty Loan campaigns, and in recognition of his service he received four cards from the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, Massa- chusetts, signed by Charles Moss, its president, commending him for the aid which he had rendered. He is at all times loyal and progressive in his citizenship, and his aid and cooperation can ever be counted upon to further any plan or measure for the general good.

LOUIS ALBERT GIROUARD.

Louis Albert Girouard, who since 1913 has been engaged in business in Willimantic as a dealer in ice and wood and also does trucking, was born in St. Jude, in the province of Quebec, Canada, October 20, 1884, his parents being Pierre and Mary Girouard, who were also natives of St. Jude. There the father was reared and educated and after- ward learned the meat business, which he followed for a number of years. In 1898 he came to the United States, settling first at Natick, Rhode Island. In 1902 he removed to Willimantic, Connecticut, and in 1912 became a resident of Southbridge, Massachusetts, where he retired from active business, having previous to this time been a dealer in meat. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Pierre Girouard were eighteen children, of whom six are living, the eldest being Louis Albert. The others are: Epic, who married Almar Dorouchie and is a carpenter of Waterbury, Connecticut; Alphon- sine, the wife of Felix Ontian, who is a carpenter of Springfield, Massachusetts; Albertine, the wife of Oscar Lomantian, a machinist of Springfield, Massachusetts; Rose, the wife of Amos Dorouchie, who is employed by the American Optical Company at Southbridge, Massachusetts; and Logier, the wife of Leo Benoit, a mason of Southbridge.

Louis A. Girouard, whose name introduces this review, attended the parochial schools of St. Jude, in the province of Quebec, and afterward worked in the cotton mills for a number of years. He then crossed the border into the United States, becoming a resident of Willimantic, Connecticut, and worked in the cotton mills and afterward in a grocery store for two years. Later he purchased a lunch room, which he conducted for three years and then sold that business. In 1913 he purchased the ice business of Willard Smith and has since been a dealer in ice and wood and at the same time has conducted a general trucking business, thus becoming an active factor in the trade circles of the city.

Mr. Girouard is a Catholic in religious faith and is a member of St. John's Association. He also belongs to the Loyal Order of Moose and to the Canadian Club of Willimantic. He owes his success entirely to his industry, perseverance and economy. Through the exercise of these qualities he has gradually worked his way upward and is now at the head of a substantial business in his adopted city.

FRANK HENRY SMITH.

Frank Henry Smith, who is engaged in farming in the town of Putnam, where he is also conducting a blacksmith shop, was born in East Killingly, Connecticut, January 11, 1868, and is a son of Samuel and Hannah F. (Bastow) Smith. The father was born in East Killingly and was there reared and educated. In young manhood he learned the blacksmith's trade under the direction of his father, for whom he worked for several years. Following the death of his father, Samuel Smith took over the shop, which he conducted on his own account for several years, and later he retired to a farm on which he spent his remaining days, passing away in October, 1903. He was a veteran of the Civil war and always a loyal and public-spirited citizen. To him and his wife, were born seven children: William B., who married Jessie Nye, of Killingly, Connecticut, is a millman and farmer residing at East Killingly. James E., who wedded Evelyn Williams, of East Killingly, is engaged in the meat and fish business there. Frank Henry is the third in order of birth. Edward, the fourth of the family, has been a member of the United States Navy for several years. Nellie M. is the widow of Mark Hammond. Robert G., who is a merchant and the postmaster of

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East Killingly, married Emma Shipper, of Foster, Rhode Island. Charles J. is now a caretaker in Yellowstone Park.

Frank H. Smith spent his boyhood days under the parental roof, pursued his educa- tion in the schools of East Killingly and in young manhood learned the blacksmith's trade under his father, being the representative of the family in the third generation to take up this line of work. He was afterward employed by his father until he pur- chased the shop, which he then conducted on his own account for several years. Later he sold his business there and removed to Putnam, taking up his abode upon a farm belonging to his aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Bastow, for whom he cared during their remaining days. With the death of the uncle he inherited the property, which is situated between Putnam Heights and East Putnam. He also opened a black- smith shop upon the place and has since continued work at the trade in addition to conducting the farm and promoting its further development and improvement.

Mr. Smith was married to Miss Adelaide C. Cobb, a daughter of Andrew P. and Hannah M. (Angell) Cobb, natives of Rhode Island. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have be- come the parents of two children. Frederick A., born in East Killingly, April 4, 1896, served as a truck driver in the World war, being assigned to Company C of the Twelfth Supply Train, being connected with Plymouth Division, No. 12. The second son, Stephen H., is at home.

In his political views Mr. Smith has always been a republican and fraternally he is connected with Quinebaug Lodge, No. 34, I. O. O. F. He and his family are members of the Baptist church of East Killingly and are highly esteemed people of genuine worth whose lives are guided by the most advanced principles.

NELSON GAUTHIER, JR.

Nelson Gauthier, Jr., is concentrating his time and energies upon the further development and cultivation of a farm of two hundred and fifty acres belonging to the Wauregan Company. His careful supervision is manifest in the neat and thrifty appearance of the place, which bears testimony to his practical methods and progressive spirit.

Mr. Gauthier was born in Montreal, Canada, June 17, 1866, and is a son of Nelson and Zoe (Diagle) Gauthier, who were also natives of Montreal. The father spent his youthful days in that city and afterward conducted a farm nearby for several years, devoting his attention to general agricultural pursuits and dairying. In 1876 he left his native country and came to the United States, settling at Moosup, Connecticut, where he was employed in the Union Mills for two years. He afterward went to Danielson, Connecticut, and for five years worked in the cotton mills of that place. The year 1883 witnessed his arrival in Wauregan, and for thirty-five years he was employed by the Wauregan Company, his fidelity and efficiency being indicated by his long continued service with that company. He is now living retired and makes his home with his son Alfred in Brooklyn, Connecticut, his wife having passed away in March, 1885. In their family were ten children, of whom four are living, namely: Nelson, of this review; Delia, the wife of Andrew Codere, a millman of New Bedford, Massachusetts; Adelor, who married Josephine O'Connell and is overseer of a brass foundry in New Bedford; and Alfred, who wedded Rosanna Martelle and is farming at Brooklyn, Connecticut.

In the schools of Montreal, Canada, Nelson Gauthier, Jr., obtained his elementary education, and after coming to the Untied States with his parents when a lad of ten years completed his studies in the schools of this country. He started to provide for his own support by working in a cotton mill in Danielson, Connecticut, and subse- quently he was employed in a stone quarry at Oneco for a period of two years. Later he followed various vocations. For twenty-five years he operated a rented farm in the town of Brooklyn before buying property there in 1909, and he afterward concen- trated his efforts and attention upon the production of crops and the conduct of a dairy business. In 1919, after carefully and profitably conducting his place for some years, he sold his farm and took over the Wauregan farm from the Wauregan Company. Thus he is now giving his attention to the cultivation of an excellent tract of land of two hundred and fifty acres and he has here forty-two head of cattle, four horses and other stock. He is most extensively and successfully engaged in farming, the excellent results which follow his labors being the outcome of diligence, perseverance and a thorough understanding of the most advanced methods of tilling the soil and pro- ducing crops.

On February 17, 1890, at Wauregan, Mr. Gauthier was married to Miss Agnes Sabourin, of Montreal, Canada, a daughter of Peter and Supherine (Lavelle) Sabourin.

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Mrs. Gauthier was born in Vermont and by her marriage has become the mother of ten children, eight of whom are living: Beatrice, born in Plainfield, now the wife of Percy LeBlanc, of Waterbury, Connecticut, who is a pressman by trade and was a soldier in the World war but did not go overseas; Silvio and Romeo, twins, the former of whom married Justine Penelle and works for Mr. Gauthier on the farm, and they are the parents of two children, Henry and Paul; Romeo, who also joined the United States army but was not sent to France; and Lionel, Blanche, Arthur, Lawrence and Montcalm, all at bome. All were born in Brooklyn, Connecticut, with exception of the eldest. The parents and children are communicants of the Sacred Heart Catholic church at Wauregan, and Mr. Gauthier belongs to the Society of St. John the Baptist at Wauregan. His political support is given to the democratic party. He was constable in town of Brooklyn for thirteen years, served on the board of relief and also on the board of assessors there. He has been dependent upon his own resources from an early age, and his success is the legitimate outcome of his earnest and persistent labor, directed by sound judgment.

WILLIAM HEAP MARLAND.

When William Heap Marland passed away Danielson lost one of its representa- tive and valued citizens-a man who had ever enjoyed the respect and confidence of his fellowmen and whose friendship was highly prized by all who knew him. He was born in Ashton, England, and his father, Stephen Marland, was reared and edu- cated in Ashton, where he attended the public schools. He afterward established a brickyard there and was very successful in the conduct of the business, developing tbe largest brick manufacturing plant in England. He continued active in its con- duct to the time of his death, which occurred about 1876. To him and his wife were born four children: William Heap; Frank, who resides at Ashton, England, where he is well known as a hotel proprietor and sportsman; Annie, the wife of W. H. Wye, a carpet manufacturer of Manchester, England; and Stephen, who carried on the business which was established and promoted by his fatber.

William H. Marland pursued his early education in the public schools of his native country and afterward became a student in the University of Chesterfield. Starting upon his business career, be became associated with his father as general manager of the brickyard and continued in that position for seven years. In 1883 he determined to try his fortune in the United States, and crossing the Atlantic, settled in Danielson, where he became engaged in the lumber business as a partner of John A. Paine, who afterward sold out to James A. Nichols, at which time the busi- ness was reorganized under the firm style of James A. Nichols & Company. Mr. Marland was a partner in this business for twenty-two years, but at length on account of ill health he disposed of his interests and entered the Salisbury Bank at Moosup, Connecticut, in the position of cashier. He afterward became paymaster for the Wauregan Company at Wauregan, Connecticut, and continued in that position until his demise, which occurred December 2, 1912. He was a man of excellent business ability, of keen discrimination and notable sagacity, and his enterprise and energy were dominant qualities in the attainment of a very substantial measure of success that enabled him to leave his family in most comfortable financial circum- stances.

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A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume II, Part 130

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