A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume II, Part 134

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

USA > Connecticut > Windham County > A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume II > Part 134

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

1805

HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY

at the advanced age of eighty-four years. His wife, who was born in Pomfret, also died in the town of Hampton. Asa Kimball was active in community affairs and in addition to farming taught school. He also filled the offices of selectman and con- stable and he was a representative to the state legislature from the town of Hampton at one time.

Seth Kimball acquired his education in the district schools of Hampton and in young manhood assisted his father in the work of the home farm on Kimball Hill, remaining under the parental roof until he had attained his majority. He was after- ward employed by others in the towns of Hampton and Pomfret and about fifty years ago he removed to the Chase farm near Elliott Station, in the town of Pomfret. He has since further developed and managed this property and has carried on general farming and stock raising successfully throughout all the intervening years, being long recognized as one of the representative agriculturists of his section of the state.

At Pomfret, Connecticut, on the 12th of February, 1870, Mr. Kimball was mar- ried to Mrs. Elizabeth (Chase) Aldrich, who passed away in October, 1907. On the 11th of November, 1914, Mr. Kimball wedded Miss Helen Kyte, the ceremony being performed at South Braintree, Massachusetts. She was born in Maine.

In politics Mr. Kimball is a stalwart republican, has served on the board of relief in Pomfret and has been urged to become a candidate for the legislature but has steadily refused to take active part in politics, although never, remiss in the duties of citizenship. He has membership in the Congregational church of Abington and at all times his life has been guided by high and honorable principles, making him a man whom to know is to respect and esteem.

LEON KINNE SAYLES.

Leon Kinne Sayles, residing on Ekonk Hill and filling the position of third select- man in the town of Sterling, was born in Voluntown, Connecticut, November 3, 1893, his parents being Allen Milton and Mary Ellen (Kinne) Sayles, who are also natives of Voluntown. Allen M. Sayles is a son of Henry Morey and Lucinda (Franklin) Sayles, who were born, reared and educated in Sterling, where Henry M. Sayles fol- lowed the stone mason's trade. . In 1870 the latter removed with his family to Volun- town, there continuing work at his trade and also devoting some attention to general agricultural pursuits. He passed away in Sterling on the 27th of September, 1905, having for a considerable period survived his wife, whose demise occurred in Voluntown, October 4, 1891.

Allen Milton Sayles, the father of Leon K. Sayles, was born August 27, 1861, obtained a district school education and then learned the stone mason's trade, which he followed for a number of years at the place of his nativity and in the surrounding section of the country, being recognized as a most efficient mason. When thirty-five years of age he decided to engage in farming and purchased one of the fine farm properties on what is known as Ekonk Hill, in the town of Sterling. To that place he removed and has since given his attention to general agricultural pursuits, gathering rich harvests year by year as the direct outcome of the care and labor which he bestows on the fields. In politics he is a democrat, has always been keenly interested in town affairs and has served as assessor. Fraternally he is connected with the Masons and his religious faith is that of the Congregational church. It was on the 7th of September, 1890, on Ekonk Hill, that he wedded Mary Ellen Kinne, a native of Voluntown, and they now reside on the Sayles farm on Ekonk Hill. To Mr. and Mrs. Allen M. Sayles have been born eight children. Harry T., born in Voluntown, August 7, 1891, was killed in service in France. He was the first to enlist from his town and was the first from the town to make the supreme sacrifice upon the battle- fields of the old world. Mention of him is made elsewhere in this work. Leon K. is the second of the family. Julia Lucinda, who was born in Voluntown, August 5, 1898, is at home with her parents. Bertha, born in Sterling, Connecticut, October 23, 1900, is now living in New London. Lena, born in Sterling, February 28, 1903, is yet under the parental roof, as are John F., born March 30, 1905, Ruth, born July 7, 1908, and Fred A., born July 6, 1911. The three last named are also natives of Sterling.

Leon K. Sayles is indebted to the district school system of Voluntown and of Sterling for the educational opportunities which he enjoyed. He was early trained to farm work and after completing his school course he concentrated his efforts and attention upon farm work with his father and is yet so engaged. He has displayed marked energy and enterprise in promoting the work of the fields, being much inter- ested in enhancing the productivness of the place, of which he now largely has charge.

1806

HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY

He also raises poultry to some extent. He has likewise been interested for some time in the lumber business and cuts considerable timber and does teaming in this connection.

Mr. Sayles has always been a supporter of democratic principles and has taken active interest in the political situation in his town. In October, 1919, he was elected third selectman and is now filling that position. He belongs to Ekonk Grange and is much interested in the work of the order. His brother who met death in action in France was master of the Grange at that time. The Sayles family has long been prominently known in the town of Sterling and the name is regarded as a synonym for agricultural progress and development and for progressive and substantial citi- zenship.

LOUIS LAFLEUR.

Louis Lafleur, who has been engaged in farming in the town of Thompson since 1912, owning the property which he occupies and cultivates, was born in Montreal, Canada, March 13, 1879, his parents being Armedee and Justine (Fountain) Lafleur, who were also natives of Montreal, Canada. The father was reared in that city and there pursued his education in the public schools. He afterward followed farming and eventually purchased land near Montreal, where he carried on general agri- cultural pursuits and dairying for several years. About 1865 he crossed the border into the United States and secured employment in the cotton mills of Willimantic, Connecticut, where he remained for several years. He subsequently invested his sav- ings in farm land in the town of Thompson and gave his attention to the further development and improvement of the property until he retired from active business. He is now making his home with his daughter, Mrs. Eldora Boular in the town of Thompson. Mr. and Mrs. Lafleur had eight children: Felix, who is married and follows farming in Thompson; Fred, who is married and is employed in the Wor- cester Wire Works at Worcester, Massachusetts; Eldora, previously mentioned; Louis, of this review; and four who died in infancy.

Louis Lafleur spent the days of his boyhood and youth in Thompson and his early educational privileges, acquired in the district schools there, were supplemented by study at Moosup, Connecticut. He early began to provide for his own support by working in a thread mill at Moosup, where he was employed for a year. He afterward secured a situation as a farm hand and spent his time in that way for a considerable period or until he was able to purchase property, when he made invest- ment in a farm in Moosup, whereon he resided for nine years. He then sold that property and was engaged in the grocery business at Moosup for three years, when he disposed of his store and purchased the home farm from his father in the town of Thompson, residing thereon continuously since 1912, his attention being given to general farming and dairying. He also has a large milk route in Webster, Massa- chusetts. He is a very progressive agriculturist and upon the home place has made many modern improvements, converting it into one of the valuable farm properties of the district. When he purchased the place, it would keep but three head of cattle and today twenty-four head are pastured thereon besides other stock.

Mr. Lafleur has been married twice. He wedded Marguerite Allen, of New Brunswick, and they had one child. For his second wife Mr. Lafleur chose Rose Morin, a daughter of John and Angelique (Fluett) Morin, who were natives of the province of Quebec. Mr Lafleur and his family are connected with the Catholic church and his political endorsement is given to the republican party. He does not seek nor desire office, however, for his time and energies are concentrated upon his farm- ing interests, which make steady demands upon him because he is progressive and does most thoroughly everything that he undertakes.

WALLACE IRVING GOODHALL.

Wallace Irving Goodhall is the efficient and progressive manager of the E. M. Wheaton farm in the town of Putnam and is displaying marked business ability in the further conduct and improvement of this place. Mr. Goodhall is a native of Plainfield, Connecticut, born July 4, 1896, his parents being Albert and Mary Ann (Hindle) Goodhall, both of whom are natives of England. The father was born in Hyde, England, where he was reared and educated to the age of thirteen years,

1807

HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY

when he came to the United States with his mother. He landed at New York city and afterward became a resident of Lawrence, Massachusetts, where he continued his education in the public schools. Subsequently he removed to Pawtucket, Rhode Island, where he worked as a mill man for several years and later he was employed in vari- ous places in Rhode Island. He then came to Connecticut, settling on a farm in the town of Danielson, where he carried on general agricultural pursuits for twelve years. He afterward rented land in Wauregan, Connecticut, for a short period and subsequently removed to Pomfret, Connecticut, where he leased a farm for seven years. On account of the ill health of his wife, however, he was obliged to abandon agricultural pursuits and is now employed in the Ballou mills at Ballouville, Con- necticut. To him and his wife have been born seven children: John H., who mar- ried Jessie Palmer and is a salesman in Springfield, Massachusettts;" Bertha, the wife of Philip Taticault, a mill man of Danielson, Connecticut; Annie M .; Olive, deceased; Albert, who has also passed away; Mildred, the wife of Charles P. Buell, a farmer of Eastford, Connecticut; and Wallace I., of this review.

The last named was reared in Plainfield, where he pursued his education in the public schools. He started out in the business world as a farm hand and was employed at various places for several years. In 1917 he came to the town of Put- nam, where he took charge of the E. M. Wheaton farm, embracing eleven hundred acres of land and on which is a herd of seventy-five head of fine thoroughbred Ayrshire cattle. He has entire charge of the farm and is displaying marked capa- bility and efficiency in its management, his previous experience in farm work well qualifying him to assume the responsibilities that now devolve upon him.

Mr. Goodhall was married to Miss Ruth C. Fenton, a daughter of William J. and Delia (Pettis) Fenton and a native of England. To Mr. and Mrs. Goodhall has been born one child, Marion.

Politically Mr. Goodhall is a republican, always giving loyal support to the party and its principles. He belongs to Israel Putnam Lodge, No. 33, I. O. O. F., of Putnam, and also to Wapaquasset Tribe, No. 63, I. O. R. M., of Putnam. He like- wise has membership in the Grange of Abington, Connecticut, and he and his family attend and support the Congregational church. He is a wide-awake and energetic young business man who has already made rapid strides toward the goal of success and of whose future no one is doubtful who knows aught of his qualities and characteristics.

JEROME NICHOLS DOUTY.

No history of Putnam would be complete and satisfactory were there failure to make prominent reference to Jerome Nichols Douty, who for forty years continued as one of the leading merchants of the city and a most prominent and respected business man. He was born in Charlton, Massachusetts, April 23, 1856, a son of Bainbridge and Adalaide (Nichols) Douty, who were also from Charlton. The father was a farmer and lumberman who followed those pursuits throughout his active business life. He and his wife always remained residents of the place of their nativity. They had a family of five children. Edward, born in Charlton, married Susan Lazon and resides in Fiskdale, Massachusetts. Jerome N. was the second of the family. Ida, born in Charlton, is the wife of Walter Brown and now lives in Southbridge. Elizabeth and Ellen also were born in Charlton, and the latter is the wife of Charles McKintry and resides in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Jerome N. Douty obtained his early education in his native city and continued his studies in the Woodstock and Dean Academies. He afterward took up the profes- sion of teaching, which he followed for several years in Charlton, Massachusetts, and later he entered into partnership with his brother, Edward, in the manufacture of toys in his native city. They made rapid progress in that undertaking and were soon owners of a large toy factory there, which they continued to conduct for more than six years. Later Mr. Douty removed to Putnam, Connecticut, and purchased the business of a Mr. Carpenter, a dealer in men's furnishing goods and shoes. Here again the business methods which he employed soon wrought a marked change in the volume of trade and within a few years he had one of the leading stores of the city. He remained in the business for about forty years, his name being thus inseparably associated with the commercial development of Putnam. His enterprise, industry and close application brought him prominently to the front as a leading merchant and his worth in business circles was widely acknowledged.

Mr. Douty was married in Dayville, Connecticut, to Miss Alice Day, a daughter of Dwight and Harriet ( Mathewson) Day. Her father was born in Killingly, Connecticut, while her mother was a native of Brooklyn, Connecticut, and both have now passed away.

1808

HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY

The father was a farmer at Dayville for many years and always followed agricultural pur- suits. To him and his wife were born three children: Alice, now Mrs. Douty; Sarah, who has passed away; and Mabel M., who is married and resides in Providence, Rhode Island. To Mr. and Mrs. Douty were born two children. Maude, born in Dayville, Connecticut, February 6, 1878, is the wife of Herbert Keech, of Danielson, Connecticut, and they have six children: Jerome, Stanley, Helen, Arthur, Lita and Mildred. Ade- laine, born in Putnam, Connecticut, June 21, 1884, is the wife of Dr. Harry Houghton, of Putnam, and they have a daughter, Madelaine.

Mr. Douty attended the Methodist church and his life was ever guided by high and honorable principles. His political support was given to the republican party, but he neither sought nor desired office as a reward for party fealty, preferring to give his undivided attention to his business affairs. He was an alert and progres- sive merchant and a patriotic citizen and his character worth was acknowledged by all who knew him. He died in Putnam in November, 1914.

MICHAEL STEPHEN COFFEY.

Michael Stephen Coffey, engaged in general farming and dairying on the Putnam place in the town of Brooklyn, was born in the Raymond district of the town of Canter- bury, Connecticut, February 24, 1888, and is a son of James Frank and Ellen (Henry) Coffey. His father, a native of Washington, Rhode Island, there spent the period of his boyhood and youth and acquired his education in the district schools. When he was twenty years of age his father removed with the family to Hampton, Connecticut, where he purchased farm land, and James F. Coffey then assisted his father in the cultivation and improvement of the place for a time and later took charge of the farm property in the town of Canterbury, which was the birthplace of his son, Michael S., of this review, and all of his children have since engaged in general farming and dairy- ing in this section of the state. The home farm of James F. Coffey is known as the Parks place. After arriving at years of maturity James F. Coffey married Miss Ellen Henry, a native of Pomfret, Connecticut, and a daughter of Patrick and Nellie (Duffey) Henry, of Pomfret. To Mr. and Mrs. Coffey were born five children; Patrick H., who married Edith Barlow and is engaged in farming at South Killingly; Frank W., an electrician residing at Baltimore, Maryland; Michael S., of this review; Mary E. and Catherine, both at home.

Michael S. Coffey was educated in the schools of the Raymond district, where his birth occurred, and spent his boyhood and youth in the usual manner of the farm-bred boy, working for his father in connection with the further development and cultiva- tion of the fields until 1907, when he came to Brooklyn and entered the employ of Andrew T. J. Clarke, with whom he remained for a year. In 1908 he rented the farm of Mr. Clarke and has since engaged in general agricultural pursuits and dairying on this farm, which is known as the Putnam place. He most carefully and systematically directs its cultivation and further development and annually produces large crops as the result of the care and labor which he bestows upon the fields. He also makes dairying a branch of his business and is winning substantial success in that con- nection.

Mr. Coffey was united in marriage to Miss Ethel Emeline Clarke, a daughter of A. T. J. Clarke, who is mentioned elsewhere in this work. Mr. Coffey is a member of the Catholic church, while his wife holds membership in the Congregational church, and both are identified with Brooklyn Grange No. 43. Mr. Coffey belongs to the Wind- ham County Agricultural Society. He is deeply interested in everything that has to do with progress and improvement along the line of agricultural development and he is classed with the representative young farmers of his section of the state. Already he has attained a measure of success that is most gratifying and his well pronounced characteristics argue for steady advancement in the future.

FRED ALLEN WILCOX.

Fred Allen Wilcox, who is engaged in the teaming business at Oneco, is a self- made man inasmuch as he started out to earn his own livelihood when quite young and has depended entirely upon his own resources throughout the intervening period. He was born at Ekonk Hill, in the town of Sterling, January 13, 1866, and is a son of Kenny and Mary (Babcock) Wilcox. The father's birth occurred at West Greenwich,

1809

HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY

Rhode Island, and after mastering a public school education there he removed to Danielson, Connecticut, where he learned the printer's trade, which he followed for some time. Later he bought a farm on Ekonk Hill and carried on general agricultural pursuits to the time of his death, which occurred about 1889. He was postmaster of Sterling for twenty-five years prior to his demise and made an unassailable record by reason of the loyalty and promptness with which he discharged his duties in that capacity. He was married to Miss Mary Babcock in Voluntown, Connecticut, and they became the parents of three children: Lewis Edgar, who married Carrie Frank and follows farming; Fred Allen; and Lillie Ella.

Fred A. Wilcox is indebted to the public school system of Sterling for the educa- tional opportunities which he enjoyed and which qualified him for the responsibilities of life. When his education was completed he began work at farming on Ekonk Hill, thus spending three years. He afterward removed to Wauregan, Connecticut, and for a year was employed in a whipsocket factory. He then became a resident of Coventry, where he carried on farming for several years, and afterward took up his abode in the town of Sterling, where he turned his attention to the teaming business, with which he was associated for a number of years. His next position was at the Sterling Mill and he afterwards became foreman for William Sprague, of Moosup, Connecticut. Fol- lowing his arrival in Oneco he worked in the grocery store of James Fowley for a number of years and was subsequently employed by C. D. Whitford for several years. He was later employed in various places and ultimately purchased what is known as the Littlefield place, which he now makes his home. He is at the present time engaged in teaming and is accorded a liberal patronage.

On the 20th of October, 1902, in Oneco, Mr. Wilcox was married to Miss Annie Conway, a daughter of Patrick J. and Ellen (Gorman) Conway, who were natives of Ireland. Mr. Wilcox votes with the democratic party and recognition of his ability on the part of his fellow townsmen has led to his selection for various public offices. For twelve years he served as a member of the school board and for an equal period was registrar of voters. He has filled other offices in the town and in 1917 he was elected first selectman, while in 1918 he was chosen third selectman and is filling the position at the present time. There have been few leisure hours in his life. He has worked diligently and persistently since his schooldays were passed and whatever success he has achieved is attributable to his determination and energy.

WALTER RAYMOND ADAMS.

Walter Raymond Adams, the overseer of the quilling department of the Connecti- cut Mills at Danielson, is a native of the city in which he now resides, his birth having here occurred November 24, 1894. He is a most progressive and alert young business man whose thorough study, training and experience have well qualified him for the onerous and responsible position he is now filling. He is a son of Thomas W. and Mary Adams. The father was born at Woodstock, Connecticut, where he obtained a dis- trict school education, and afterward came to Danielson, being employed in the cotton mills of this city and vicinity for a number of years. Later he became a dealer in fish and also took up the manufacture of ice cream, which business he conducted for a number of years, opening an ice cream factory in Danielson, selling both his ice cream and fish throughout Windham county. Eventually, however, he sold out his business and is now in the employ of the Connecticut Mills Company. His wife was a native of Ireland, where she was reared and educated, and in young womanhood she came to the United States. Among the children born of their marriage Leon and Josephine have passed away; and Willard is in school.

Walter R. Adams was a pupil in the public schools of Danielson and started upon his business career as an employe of the Connecticut Mills, obtaining a situation in the quilling department in 1915. He concentrated his efforts and attention upon his work, making a thorough study of the activities of the department, and in 1916 he was advanced to the position of assistant overseer and later in the same year was made overseer of the department, in which capacity he has since served. During the World war he became a member of the army, joining Company D of the Thirty-fifth Machine Gun Battalion of the Second Division. He was sent to Camp Devens, Massa- chusetts, but the division did not get overseas.

Mr. Adams was married to Miss Hattie La Chappelle, a daughter of Noah and Minnie La Chappelle. The religious faith of the family is that of the Catholic church and he belongs to Rose of Lima Council, No. 52, of the Knights of Columbus, at Danielson. His political endorsement is given to the republican party and he is a stalwart advocate of its principles. He can be counted upon to further any measure

1810

HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY

for the general good and he is at all times actuated by a progressive spirit that is telling for success in his career and that makes for advancement in the public life of his community.

JOHN HENRY KEMPF.

John Henry Kempf, who is filling the position of signal man in the Putnam tower at Putnam, was born in Pomfret, Connecticut, December 11, 1886, his father being Christopher Kempf, a native of Germany. His mother, whose maiden name was Meyer, is also a native of Germany. In young manhood the father worked on a farm in his native country, but when twenty-five years of age left Europe and came to the United States, settling in Woodstock, Windham county, where he obtained employment as a farm hand, thus spending several years. Later he engaged in farming in Pomfret and eventually purchased land in Putnam upon which he has made his home since 1908, devoting his attention to general farming with good success, his labors transforming the place into rich and productive fields. To him and his wife have been born six children: Joseph, who married Agnes Lowney, of Pomfret, and is employed as a chauf- fer in New York city; Mary, the widow of James McLaughlin and a resident of New York city; Frank, who married Annie Rylander and who served in the Spanish- American war, saw service in Cuba and is now a machinist at Providence, Rhode Island; John Henry, of this review; Arthur W., who enlisted at Baltimore for service in the World war and died at Camp Mcclellan, Alabama, having previously served with the army on the Mexican border; and Chris, who married Jean Mckinnon, of New York city, and is employed as a machinist at Providence, Rhode Island.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume II, Part 134

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