A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume II, Part 136

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

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Mr. Easton married Miss Cora M. Bent, of Plymouth, Massachusetts, a daughter of Francis and Josephine Bent. They have become the parents of six children, Annie, Jeannette, Barbara, Gladys, William, Jr., and Ruth, all yet at home.

Mr. Easton votes with the republican party, which has received his endorsement and support since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He and his family are members of the Baptist church and he is also identified with Wilder Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of Leominster, Massachusetts. The sterling traits of his character are pro- nounced and throughout his entire career he has followed methods which make for successful achievement in business and the attainment of high regard in social rela-

Vol. 11-55

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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY

tions. Step by step he has advanced to a point of high efficiency in connection with the manufacture of woolen textiles, yet he has employed no unusual or spectacular means to reach his objective, and his life record should serve to inspire and encourage others, showing what may be accomplished through individual effort when industry is guided by intelligence.

AUSTIN DUNHAM BOSS.

Austin Dunham Boss, who has figured most prominently in connection with the cotton thread manufacturing business, having for twenty-one years prior to his resigna- tion as agent and manager in October, 1919, been connected with the American Thread Company of Willimantic, was born July 29, 1867, in Willimantic, a son of General and Mrs. Eugene S. Boss. His father was one of the early promoters of the Willimantic Linen Company and was connected with that corporation and its successor, the Ameri- can Thread Company, for nearly six decades, acting as agent and general manager for forty years or until he resigned April 1, 1916, and was succeeded by his son.

The latter was a pupil in the Natchaug grammar school and in 1885 completed the high school course, being at that time eighteen years of age. He initiated his busi- ness experience in the shipping department of the Willimantic Linen Company and in the fall of 1886 became a student in the Massachusetts School of Technology at Boston, where he completed a four years' course in mill or mechanical engineering, being graduated with honors as a member of the class of 1890. Through a period of three and a half years he followed his profession of mechanical engineering in connec- tion with various plants in Boston and vicinity.

In 1894 Mr. Boss was made manager of the Morgan street mill of the old Willimantic Linen Company at Hartford, and when the American Thread Company took over the plant of the Willimantic Linen Company in 1898, Mr. Boss soon closed his connection with the Hartford concern and in 1899 was appointed superintendent of the finishing department of the Willimantic plant, which was then a comparatively small concern. Through his long connection with the business he has contributed largely to its sub- stantial and creditable growth. Within this time four large brick mills have been added to the plant and the number of employes greatly increased, there being now the names of three thousand operatives on the payroll. A contemporary writer said of him: "Mr. Boss has been active in the civic welfare of Willimantic and in this the thread company has had a most active part. The mill property, which includes its many tenements, has been given attention until now the surroundings are considered as model as any for a manufacturing place in the country. The company yearly offers prizes to its tenants for the best kept lawns, yards and window flower boxes. In this innovation Mr. Boss has been a leader. He was also an ardent worker in the Liberty Loan, Red Cross and other war drives in the past two years and headed the committee in Liberty Loan drives among operatives of the plant, who subscribed over half a million dollars in the various campaigns. It was through his efforts that the lease of the Capen land of forty acres was secured for 'home gardens' for the American Thread Company employes, which have been a success for the past three summers. The fine Recreation Park for the people of the city was also another work with which Mr. Boss was identified."

At the end of eighteen years spent in the capacity of superintendent of the Ameri- can Thread Company, Mr. Boss succeeded his father as agent and manager, so serving until the time of his resignation in October, 1919. However, he still remains with the company as one of its directors. His resignation was received with the deepest regret on the part of his business associates, for he had commanded their respect, enjoyed their confidence and won their friendly regard by traits of character which would ever bear the closest investigation and scrutiny and which measured up to the highest standards. He possesses marked initiative and enterprise and all those strong forces which make for the typical American business man.

HARMON SAMUEL FRENCH.

Harmon Samuel French, a farmer of the town of Ashford, was born in Westfield, Massachusetts, September 22, 1865, a son of Samuel and Rachel (Stevens) French, the former born in Westfield and the latter in Charlton, Massachusetts. When Harmon S. French was but a week old his father removed to Charlton, Massachusetts, where he engaged in the teaming business through much of his life, continuing active along that

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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY

line until his life's labors were ended in death in 1893. His political allegiance was given to the republican party. To Samuel and Rachel French were born seven chil- dren. Fannie, born in Westfield, died in Worcester in 1914. She was the wife of Pulaski Bacon, of Worcester, and they had one child, Winfield. The next two children of the family died in early life. Harmon S. is the fourth in order of birth. George, born in Charlton, Massachusetts, married Julia M. Dugar, of that place and they became the parents of two children: Leona, who died when young; and Ethel E. They still make their home in Charlton. Ella, born in Charlton, became the wife of John C. Bayliss, of that place, and passed away in 1889. Lorin, born in Charlton, died about 1884.

Harmon S. French pursued his education in the common schools of Charlton and afterward drove a team until about twenty-one years of age, first engaging in teaming for his father and later for himself. About 1884 he removed to Union, Connecticut, where he followed teaming for a time in the employ of John West, a former resident of Charlton, whose business he afterwards purchased. There he remained for four years and about 1888 removed to North Ashford, Connecticut, where he continued to engage in teaming in connection with George A. Keach for about twenty years. During that period, or in 1895, he purchased his present farm of ninety-eight acres and resides thereon today, carrying on general farming and still engaging to some extent in teaming.

Mr. French has been married twice. He first wedded Mary C. Collins, a native of Worcester, Massachusetts, and a daughter of James and Elizabeth (Hurley) Collins, both of whom were born in Ireland. This marriage was celebrated in Webster, Massa- chusetts, September 23, 1884. The children of that marriage were as follows: Emma R., who was born in Charlton, Massachusetts, July 9, 1887, is married and resides in Woodstock Valley. George T., also born in Charlton, married Mary Carpenter, of North Ashford, Connecticut, and they reside in Eastford. Elizabeth is the wife of Alonzo Esterbrooks, formerly of Union, Connecticut, but now of Woodstock Valley. Gertrude and Mabel, both of whom were born in Union, died in childhood. Following the death of the wife and mother Mr. French married Maude Gertrude Collins, a native of Worcester, Massachusetts, and a sister of his first wife. Their children are: Ella, Harmon J., Orin S., Mary C., Clifford, Bertha I., Earle C., and Viola.

Mr. French gives his political support to the republican party and has never been an office seeker. He has always given his undivided time and attention to his business affairs and his industry and close application have constituted the broad foundation upon which he has built his success.

CHARLES A. TILLINGHAST.

Charles A. Tillinghast is a prominent citizen of Danielson who is extensively engaged in handling domestic lumber. He was born in Putnam, Connecticut, May 19, 1875, and is a son of Thomas Avery and Jennie Sophia (Tillinghast) Tillinghast. He is a representative of one of the old families of New England that has contributed many valuable citizens to various walks of life during the period of more than two centuries and a half in which the family has been represented on this side of the Atlantic. The ancestral line is traced back to Pardon Tillinghast, who was born at Seven Cliffs, near Beachy Head (now Eastborn), Sussex, England, in 1622 and served under Cromwell, participating in the battle of Marston Moor. On coming to the new world in 1645 he settled in Providence, Rhode Island, where he was admitted a resident of the town with a quarter interest of the original proprietors of the Provi- dence Purchase. He became the pastor of the first Baptist church in Providence and the builder of the first meeting-house of that denomination in the colonies, and since that time the family has been closely associated with the Baptist activities of New England. Pardon Tillinghast continued to act as a minister of the church from 1678 until his death January 17, 1718, receiving no remuneration for his services. He built at his own expense in 1700 what is the oldest Baptist church edifice in America. He was also a merchant and was a man well informed concerning public questions of the day, serving many times as a deputy to the general court of Providence. His first wife was a Miss Butterworth and his second wife was Lydia Taber, probably a daughter of Philip Taber, of Tiverton. There were children by both marriages, the number including Pardon Tillinghast (II), who was born of the second marriage on the 16th of February, 1668, in Providence, Rhode Island, and there spent his youthful days, while in early manhood he removed to East Greenwich, where he following farming until his death in 1743. He married a Miss Keech and they had several children,

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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY

their second son being John Tillinghast, who was born in East Greenwich, Rhode Island. He became the father of a large family, the eighth of whom was Charles Tillinghast, born April 5, 1729, in East Greenwich. He wedded Mercy Green, who was born in 1729 and died in 1759. Later he wedded Abigail Allen, who was born in 1732 and died in 1792. About the time of his first marriage Charles Tillinghast removed to North Kingston, Rhode Island, and about 1771 to Quidnessett Neck, where he passed away. When the Revolutionary war was inaugurated he was appointed by the general assembly an officer to secure soldiers and arms for Washington's army, then gathering near Boston. Of course this aroused the hostility of the Tories, some of whom, masked, broke into his house one night after the family. had retired, took him from his bed without permitting him time to dress, hurried him to a boat and conveyed him to the prison on Block Island, where he died in November, 1775, as the result of the injuries inflicted by his enemies seventeen days before.

There were children by both of his marriages, the eldest of the second marriage being Deacon Pardon Tillinghast, who was born June 8, 1765, at North Kingston, Rhode Island, and died November 20, 1816, at West Greenwich, Rhode Island. He devoted his life to farming and for many years was a deacon of the Baptist church, his life being in harmony with the high and exalted principles that had ever characterized his ancestors. On the 18th of December, 1785, he wedded Mary Sweet, daughter of Sylvester Sweet. She was born October 2, 1770, at Exeter, Rhode Island, and passed away August 19, 1854. They, too, reared a large family and among the younger children of the household was Thomas Tillinghast, who was born in West Greenwich, April 9, 1810, and died on the 29th of November, 1871, in Griswold, Connecticut. He was the grandfather of Charles A. Tillinghast of this review. He was only seven years of age when his father died and his educational opportunities were limited to the district schools. He went to live with his brother Allen in Sterling, Connecticut, and early began earn his own living, giving his attention to farming and milling in that town. As the years passed he acquired valuable mill properties in both Plainfield and Griswold and for thirty years engaged in the operation of saw and grist mills. In early manhood he became a member of the Baptist church and for almost forty years preached as an ordained minister in various churches through eastern Con- necticut. He was married three times and reared a family of fourteen children. On the 11th of August, 1830, in West Greenwich, Rhode Island, he wedded Mary Howard, daughter of Thomas and Mary (Sabin) Howard, of Woodstock, Connecticut, who died September 29, 1842, leaving five children. After losing his first wife Mr. Tillinghast was married in Voluntown, Connecticut, to Laura Kinne, a daughter of Avery Kinne, and they also had several children. The third marriage of Mr. Tillinghast was to Sarah Dawley, of Griswold, Connecticut, and they were parents of three children.

Thomas Avery Tillinghast was a son of the second marriage of the Rev. Thomas Tillinghast and was born in Plainfield, Windham county, April 5, 1844. When a lad of five years he accompanied his parents to Sterling, Connecticut, and there attended a district school for two years, after which the family home was established at Griswold, Connecticut, where he again attended school and assisted his father upon the farm to the age of nineteen. He then began operating the land on shares and later, in connection with his elder brother, Judge Waldo Tillinghast, he purchased the home farm, which he capably managed for three years. The brothers then sold the property and became own- ers of another farm in the town of Plainfield, which Thomas A. Tillinghast managed for two years and then sold at a good profit. At that time he entered the employ of his brother Waldo, who was conducting a store in Central Village. Desirous of advancing his education, he soon afterward entered the Connecticut Literary Institute at Suffield, Connecticut, but after two terms of close attention to his books impaired eyesight com- pelled him to abandon his studies. Soon after his return to Plainfield he became asso- ciated with his brother, C. E. Tillinghast, in the gristmill and grain business under the firm style of Tillinghast Brothers at Hope Valley, Rhode Island. The enterprise pros- pered, but failing health obliged Thomas A. Tillinghast to retire after a year. He later spent a year in Moosup, where he engaged in the life insurance business, and then removed to Putnam, Connecticut, where he followed trucking and teaming for nine years, the outdoor life restoring his health. In October, 1882, he removed to Elliott's Station, in the town of Pomfret, where he purchased a large farm which he cultivated until April, 1885. He then removed to Brooklyn, where he purchased one hundred and fifty acres of land, remodeled the house and made many improvements on the property, equipping it according to modern methods. He retired from active business in 1904 and now makes his home in Salisbury, North Carolina, finding the climate there better suited to his health. He was married January 23, 1872, in Moosup, to Jennie S. Tillinghast, who was born June 7, 1847, a daughter of Charles A. and Sophia (Young) Tillinghast, so that in the maternal as well as the paternal line Charles A. Tillinghast of this review comes from

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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY

a family of distinction in New England. His grandfather, for whom he was named, was born May 16, 1808, in Voluntown, Connecticut, a son of Edgar Joseph and Sarah (Gorton) Tillinghast, the latter a daughter of William Gorton. After attending the public schools of Voluntown to the age of sixteen years, Charles A. Tillinghast went to Norwich, Connecticut, where he learned cabinetmaking, following his trade for about eight years. He afterward worked as a machinist and for a long period was foreman in the repair department of mills at Norwich, Connecticut, at Webster, Massachusetts, and Pawtucket, Rhode Island. He worked most untiringly for a period of sixty-nine years, his life being one of great industry and usefulness. In 1847 he removed to Moosup, where he built the house that was his home for a half century. He was married in 1831 to Sophia Young, who was born June 10, 1808, a daughter of Andrew and Martha (Perkins) Young. Mr. Young removed from Rhode Island to Connecticut. The death of Mrs. Sophia Tillinghast occurred April 24, 1901. She passed away in the faith of the Baptist church of Moosup, of which she had long been a devoted member. Her husband, Charles A. Til- linghast, was equally loyal to the church and was an earnest supporter of the republican party. He died in Moosup, March 1, 1897. They were the parents of five children, the youngest being Charles E. and Jennie S., twins, and it was the latter who became the wife of Thomas A. Tillinghast and the mother of Charles A. Tillinghast, whose name introduces this review. Both of the parents still survive, and while they have made their home at Salisbury, North Carolina, since 1904, they spend a portion of every summer in Danielson.

Their son, C. A. Tillinghast, was reared in Brooklyn, Connecticut, to the age of ten years and through his youthful days he assisted his father in the work of the home farm, but on attaining his majority he turned his attention to the lumber business, handling native and domestic lumber. This, however, was subsequent to a period spent in a grocery store in Hartford, where he secured employment at the age of nineteen years, there remaining for twenty-one months. When twenty-one years of age he went to Brooklyn and throughout the intervening period has been actively connected with the lumber trade, operating portable sawmills and selling to the wholesale lumber deal- ers. He made his home and headquarters in Brooklyn until 1903, when he removed to Danielson, where he has since resided and from this point has directed his constantly increasing business activities, in the management of which he displays sound judgment and indefatigable energy.

On the 10th of November, 1898, Charles A. Tillinghast was married to Miss Myra H. Bassett, of Brooklyn, in which place she was born, her parents being Henry D. and Alsada (Phillips) Bassett, also natives of Brooklyn. Her father was a prominent farmer and, lumberman of Brooklyn and for years operated a gristmill in the West Village but was accidentally killed in the mill. His wife has also passed away. To Mr. and Mrs. Tillinghast have been born two children: Howard Alva, born in Brooklyn, July 10, 1901; and Arthur P.

In his political views Mr. Tillinghast has always been an earnest republican and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day but has never sought or desired office. He belongs to Moriah Lodge, No. 15, A. F. & A. M .; Warren Chapter, R. A. M .; Columbia Commandery, K. T .; Norwich Consistory, S. P. R. S .; and Sphinx Temple of the Mystic Shrine at Hartford. He is ever loyal to the teachings and high purposes of the craft and is altogether a valued citizen of his county because of his enterprise in business, his progressiveness in public affairs and his devotion to high ideals. He has many friends who have known him from his boyhood to the present time and whose high regard is indicative of his well spent life.

CHARLES MARTIN ADAMS.

Charles Martin Adams has devoted his life to the blacksmith's trade and his long experience has gained for him expert ability in this line, so that it is said that he has no superior in his chosen work in all eastern Connecticut. He was born in Danielson, where he still makes his home, on the 24th of March, 1852, and is a son of Lyman D. and Eliza M. (Martin) Adams. His ancestral line can be traced back through many genera- tions to John Adams, who was born near Sterling, in the town of Killingly, where he became the owner of two large farms. He was a Christian Baptist preacher and devoted his life to the work of the ministry. He married Jerusha Slater, a native of Killingly, and their children were eight in number, the third in order of birth being Zabina Adams, who was born in 1794 and on the 18th of October, 1821, was married to Rhoda Day. Soon after their marriage they removed to Bradford county, Pennsylvania, where Mr. Adams engaged in teaching school for a time and then settled upon a farm. In 1833

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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY

he returned to Killingly and took up his abode upon a part of his father's farm. Some years afterward he established his home in Danielson, where he continued to engage in farming for a time and then entered the employ of the Danielson Company. His political support was given to the whig party and he and his wife were devoted mem- bers of the Congregational church. His death occurred December 11, 1859, while his wife survived until December 11, 1879, she being seventy-nine years and eleven months of age at the time of her demise.

Lyman D. Adams was the third in order of birth in a family of eight children born to Zabina and Rhoda (Day) Adams. His birth occurred in Smithfield, Bradford county, Pennsylvania, and he was only five years of age when his parents settled in South Kill- ingly. He pursued his education in the schools of Danielson, where the family home was maintained during the greater part of his boyhood days. In young manhood he learned the blacksmith's trade in the shop of Louis Williams, of Danielson, becoming an expert horseshoer, and in 1862 he started a shop in Westfield, where he remained for two years. He afterward removed to a point near the dam, where he continued until 1871, and during the succeeding eleven years he resided at Dayville. He was a democrat in politics and one of the leading men of his town. He married Eliza Martin, of Hampton, Connecticut, and died April 2, 1882. To him and his wife were born two children, the younger being Frances Ella, whose birth occurred June 3, 1854.

The son, Charles M. Adams, of this review, was educated in the schools of Daniel- son and in January, 1867, when fifteen years of age, began to learn the blacksmith's trade with his father, whose shop was on the present site of the plant of the Danielson Cotton Company. There he remained for four years and in February, 1871, went to Dayville, where he opened a blacksmith shop in connection with his father, the business being conducted successfully there, Charles M. Adams largely taking charge of the business although the father continued with him at Dayville until about two years prior to his death. Charles M. Adams conducted the shop at Dayville until 1894 and enjoyed an extensive and gratifying patronage. He then returned to Danielson, where he established a smithy on Water street, and has since continued in business. He is one of the three oldest business men in the town and is highly respected by a large circle of friends and business acquaintances.

In Danielson, in December, 1870, Mr. Adams was married to Miss Helen M. Burlin- game, a daughter of Benjamin and Celesta (Chaffee) Burlingame, of Danielson. The children of this marriage are as follows: Clarence L., who was born in Danielson, July 23, 1873, is now a veterinary surgeon. He married Ella Gallup. Adah L., born in Danielson, June 25, 1875, is the wife of Burton G. Spencer, of Willimantic, Connecticut, and has three children: Roderick, born in Willimantic; Charles, born in Hampton; and Ruth, who was also born in Hampton, Connecticut.

In politics Mr. Adams maintains an independent course, nor has he ever sought or desired office. He belongs to the Mt. Moriah Lodge of Masons at Danielson, also to the council and chapter and to the Knights Templar Commandery of Norwich. He attends the Congregational church and he has ever been keenly and helpfully interested in all those forces which make for the development and upbuilding of the community and the advancement of its material, intellectual, social and moral interests.

BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX

Adams, C. M.

1819

Barnes, George 1290

Adams, W. R.

1809

Barnes, H. J. 1476

Aldrich, M. L.

1725

Barstow, Charles 1422

Alford, C. R.

1147

Barstow, W. P. 1137

Allard, H. A. 1714

Bartlett, Dorothy J. 1718

Allen, Agnes B 1509

Bartlett, G. A. 1214

Allen, J. E.

1434

Bassett, Oliver

1230

Allen, P. A.

1731

Bates, I. D.

1180

Allen, W. P 1682

Bath, J.

1347

Alpaugh, C. W 1118

Bédard, C. F 1456

Amidon, A. H.

1716

Bednorz, John

1811

Amidon, G. E. S 1707

Bellevance, William

1506

Amidon, H. N. 1434

Bennett, A. C.

1572

Anderson, H. C 1771

Bennett, A. H.

1112

Anderson, H. E

1608

Bennett, Edwin

1627

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A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume II, Part 136

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