A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume II, Part 24

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

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On the 13th of April, 1851, George M. Morse was united in marriage to Miss Melora Whitney, a daughter of Whitford and Mehetabel (Hopkins) Whitney and a representative of one of the old families of Rhode Island, her ancestry being traced back to Thomas Hopkins, who came from England and settled in Providence, Rhode Island, about 1640. He owned different tracts of land there and about the time of King Philip's war removed with his family to Long Island. He was several times commissioner and was a deputy to the general convention from 1665 to 1667 and again in 1672. He was also a member of the town council. His son, Thomas Hopkins, born about 1650, wedded Mary Smith and settled upon a homestead in that part of Providence which in 1731 was set off to make the town of Smithfield and later set off for the town of Lincoln. His fourth son, Ezekiel Hopkins, was a member of the town council of Scituate, Rhode Island, in 1731 and of the state legislature in 1745.

To Mr. and Mrs. G. M. Morse was born a large family of ten children, the third in

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order of birth being Augustus Irving, whose natal day was December 8, 1855. He pur- sued a public school education and received his business training under his father's direction, early becoming identified with the Morse & Nightingale mills. In that con- nection he worked his way steadily upward. Parental authority was not exercised to bring him promotion. He won his advancement and his ability brought him rapidly to the front. In 1893 he practically relieved his father of all responsibility and care in connection with the operation of the mills and thus became the representative in the third generation of the Morse family to be actively identified with manufacturing inter- ests of Putnam. It is true that he entered upon a business already established, but in enlarging and controlling this many a man of less resolute spirit or of more limited capacity would have failed. He undertook the task well trained by previous experience and he closely studied everything having to do with the management of the business from the point of the purchase of raw material until the finished product was placed upon the market. He was quick to introduce improved machinery and advanced methods of manufacture and one of his chief interests in the business was to improve the condi- tions under which the operatives of the mill worked. The hundreds of employes in the Putnam establishment recognized in him a friend and benefactor just as they had in his father. It is characteristic of the Morse family that they have through three generations stood for all that is ideal in business. They have never regarded their employes as part of a great machine, but as human individuals with human interests and ambitions, and they have always been quick to reward faithfulness and capability by promotion when- ever opportunity has offered. Nor did the interest of A. I. Morse cease when his em- ployes left the factory. If sorrow or misfortune visited them in their homes he was ready to aid and assist them, which he did in such a quiet and unostentatious manner that even his most intimate friends, and ofttimes his family, knew nothing of his many charitable acts. He never spoke of his benevolence but he won the unbounded gratitude of those whom he assisted, and their loyalty to him was manifest on many occasions.

On the 6th of January, 1879, Mr. Morse was united in marriage to Miss Annie God- dard Dyer at Cranston, Rhode Island, a sister of Mrs. George W. Holt, of Putnam, and a daughter of Samuel F. and Sally (Austin) Dyer, of North Kingston, Rhode Island. Mr. and Mrs. Morse became the parents of a daughter, Lelia, who was born in Putnam, Sep- tember 4, 1879, and is the wife of Leon T. Wilson, who was a bookkeeper in the Morse & Nightingale mills. They have become the parents of four children: Esther M .; Leon T .. born October 14, 1904; Corinne Marcella, born November 23, 1907; and Augustus Morse, born March 10, 1914.

The wife and mother, Mrs. A. I. Morse, survives the husband and father and occupies an attractive home in Putnam, surrounded by many comforts which her husband's industry and business ability provided for her. There was a very close and strong com- panionship, it would seem, between them and therefore his death, which occurred on the 11th of February, 1915, came as an especially hard blow. Mr. Morse found his greatest happiness in providing for the welfare of his wife and daughter and his chief pleasure was obtained in their companionship at his own fireside. He was nevertheless a public- spirited man and was interested in everything that pertained to the welfare and progress of his community. His personal characteristics and social qualities were pronounced and he was an acceptable companion in any society in which intelligence is a necessary attribute to agreeableness. His friends all feel that such a spirit can never be lost to the world and must have stepped into a greater, more beautiful life when the door closed upon him and shut him from mortal vision, yet they also feel that such a friend, so dear, so loyal, so great-hearted, can never be replaced to them.

NOAH DANIEL WEBSTER.

Noah Daniel Webster is one of the prominent figures in financial circles in Windham county, being secretary and treasurer of the Willimantic Saving Institute. He was born in Somers, Connecticut, August 29, 1847, a son of Daniel and Julia (Andrews) Webster. After mastering the common branches of learning taught in the district schools of Somers and of Wethersfield, Connecticut, the family having in the meantime removed from the former place to the latter when he was ten years of age, he returned with the family to Somers and made his initial step in the business world as a clerk in a grocery store at Broad Brook, Connecticut. He afterward went to Hartford, Connecticut, where he spent five years as an employe in the wholesale house of Moore & Johnson. On the expiration of that period he located in Willimantic in 1870, taking up his abode in the city on the 12th of January, in order that he might enter into business relations with the Williman- tic Saving Institute. He was first employed as bookkeeper and clerk and gradually has worked his way upward to the responsible official position which he now occupies, being

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secretary and treasurer of what is today the oldest state bank in Windham county. It was established in 1842 by John Tracey and Lloyd E. Baldwin and entered upon a pros- perous existence, the business having grown along substantial lines. The policy of the bank is one which will bear the closest investigation and scrutiny, and as one of its officials Mr. Webster has put forth every effort not only to increase the business but to make the establishment worthy of the liberal patronage accorded it.

On the 22d of January, 1878, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Webster and Miss Sarah Peckham Royce, of North Franklin, Connecticut, and they have one child, Faith Royce, who was born in Willimantic. Politically Mr. Webster is a republican but has never sought or desired office as a reward for party fealty. Fraternally he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and he has for thirty-five years been a mem- ber of the Congregational church, its teachings being the motive force of his conduct in all of life's relations. He was the organist of the church from its dedication in 1870 and continued in that position for thirty-five years or until 1905. He is today one of the most honored and valued residents of Willimantic, his entire career commanding for him the unqualified respect of those with whom business or social relations have brought him in contact.

FRANK PALMER FENTON.

Frank Palmer Fenton, filling the position of town clerk and treasurer at Willimantic, was born in Mansfield, Connecticut, October 31, 1873, a son of Frank B. and Emily M. (Swift) Fenton. The father is living in Willimantic, but the mother has passed away.

In the public schools of his native city Frank P. Fenton began his education and afterward taught school in Windham and in Mansfield. He became a resident of Wil- limantic in June, 1892, at which time he entered a law office, and he also engaged in teaching school until 1898, becoming recognized as a most able educator, imparting clearly and readily to others the knowledge that he had acquired. At length, however, he felt that his first duty was to render military aid to his country, which had become involved in war with Spain, and he enlisted as a member of Company E of the Third Regiment of Connecticut Volunteers, serving until March 22, 1899, when he was honor- ably discharged. On the 1st of April of the same year he was elected to the office of town clerk and treasurer and his is a notable record of efficiency and fidelity, for he has continued in the position throughout all the intervening period, covering eighteen years.

On the 29th of January, 1892, Mr. Fenton was united in marriage to Miss Rose E. Grey, of Willimantic. Fraternally he is connected with the Knights of Pythias, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Loyal Order of Moose. His political allegiance has always been given to the democratic party and he is a recognized leader in its local ranks. In 1916-17 he represented his district in the state legislature and was made chairman of the committee on rules and served on the committee on corporations and the committee on the assignment of new members to seats. His military record covers not only his service in the Spanish-Amer- ican war, for he has been identified woth the National Guard, serving with the rank of captain in Company E of the Third Regiment of Connecticut and also as captain of Company L of the same regiment. Still feeling that he owes military allegiance to his country, he has enlisted for service in the Home Guard and is captain of Company M of the Third Regiment of Connecticut. He is also president of the Willimantic Red Cross and throughout his entire life one of his most marked characteristics has been his devotion to city, commonwealth and country. His life has been characterized by integrity and faithfulness in office and has been actuated by high ideals that have made him one of the most valued and respected residents of Windham county.

CHARLES A. GATES.

Charles A. Gates, of Willimantic (Windham), was born August 22, 1867, in Mifflin township, Richland county, Ohio. He is a son of Theodore and Abigail Gates, and was born on the old Gates homestead, and the first fourteen years of his life were spent on the farm. He was educated in the country district school of Mifflin township, and the public schools and business college at Mansfield, Ohio. Three years following he was cashier of the Boston Dry Goods Store at Mansfield, Ohio, a position he resigned to come east in April, 1888, to accept a position with the New York, New Haven & Hartford Rail-

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road Company at Willimantic, and continued in the service until the first day of August, 1915, when he resigned to accept the office of high sheriff in and for Windham county, Connecticut.

Mr. Gates, who is a strong and positive republican, represented his town in the general assembly in 1899-1900-1901 and 1902-was elected to represent the seventeenth district in the state senate in 1903-1904, and again in 1907 and 1908; elected a member of the republican state central committee in 1902, and still is a member of said com- mittee; represented the second congressional district in the republican national con. vention held in the city of Chicago in 1912. At the November election in 1914, he was elected sheriff of Windham county for a term of four years on and after the first day of June, 1915. At the election held on the 3rd day of December, 1917, he was elected mayor of the city of Willimantic, carrying each and every ward in the city.

He is a member of Natchaug Lodge, No. 22, Knights of Pythias; a past grand chan- cellor of Connecticut, and at its convention held in New Haven in October, 1917, was elected supreme representative for a term of four years; a member and past grand of Obwebetuck Lodge, No. 16, I. O. O. F., and permanent member of the grand lodge, I. O. O. F., of Connecticut. He is a charter member of Willimantic Lodge, No. 1311, B. P. O. Elks and its second exalted ruler and represented the lodge at its annual con- vention held in Baltimore, in July, 1916.

Mr. Gates is married and has four children. He has been and still is a prominent and wide awake public official, and has filled all these positions of trust and responsi- bility in a faithful and judicious manner. Mr. Gates has occasion to look with pride upon the record he has made. Indeed it may truthfully be said of him, "the end is not yet."

EDWARD MULLAN.

Death called Edward Mullan on the 14th of June, 1916, and terminated a life of great activity and usefulness which had been devoted to the grocery trade and to in- dustrial interests, for Mr. Mullan was the president of the Putnam Foundry & Ma- chine Company. He also exerted considerable influence over the political and moral development of Windham county and the memory of his upright life and many sterling traits of character is enshrined in the hearts of all who knew him.

Ireland claimed him among her native sons. His grandfather, Terence Mullan, is described by a contemporary biographer as "possessing the robust health, active energy and quick wit of the sons of his native land. His descendants remember him with pride and affection. For a number of years he carried on hand-loom weaving, according to the custom of the country performing the work in his own home, where he employed assistants. He was a very industrious man, accumulated means and retired from active work ten or twelve years prior to his death, which occurred in 1845, when he was eight-four years of age." His wife was Rachel Graves, who also lived and died in Ire- land, reaching the age of seventy-eight years.

William Mullan, who was the youngest in a family of five children, was born in Belfast, Ireland, in 1810 and in early life learned to be a mule spinner under his father's direction. It was in 1858 that he crossed the Atlantic to the new world, at- tracted by the broader business opportunities to be found on this side of the water. It was his plan to follow his trade in some large Connecticut factory and he settled in Thompson, where he was soon given employment as watchman in the Grosvenor Dale mills. He acted in that capacity for a number of years and then went to the village of Mechanicsville, where he obtained a position in a woolen mill. Several years later he invested his savings in a farm of thirty acres in Thompson and devoted two years to general agricultural pursuits. He afterward spent four years in Mechanicsville and on the expiration of that period established a grocery store in Putnam, becoming a part- ner in the firm of P. O'Leary & Company. This partnership relation was maintained from April 15, 1873, until the 1st of January, 1874, when by purchase Mr. Mullan became sole proprietor of the business which was then conducted under the firm style of William Mullan & Son until he was called to his final rest. He was one of the repre- sentative merchants of Putnam, active, energetic and resourceful, and a liberal and well deserved patronage was accorded him, success coming to him as the reward of persistent, indefatigable and straightforward effort. His political allegiance was given to the democratic party and his religious faith was that of the Roman Catholic church. In 1837 Mr. Mullan was married in Ireland to Miss Ann Colquhoun, who was born on the Emerald isle, a daughter of Churchill Colquhoun. Her death also occurred in Putnam, Connecticut.

Their son, Edward Mullan, who was one of a large family of children, was born

Edward Mullan

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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY

in Belfast, County Antrim, Ireland, on the 26th of October, 1854, and was a little lad of four summers when he crossed the Atlantic with his mother to join the husband and father, who had already come to the new world and had made preparations for the reception of his family. He pursued his education in the public schools of Thomp- son and in a private school conducted by Professor Bigsbee, the father being very desirous that the children should have excellent educational advantages to fit them for life's practical and responsible duties. He was a youth of fifteen when he started upon his business career as an employe in the weaving department of the woolen mill at Mechanicsville. He occupied that position for four years, thoroughly learning the trade, and after his father embarked in the grocery business he became his assistant in the store and on the 1st of January, 1874, he was admitted to a partnership and, al- though only in his twentieth year, was given the management of the business, which was carried on successfully under the firm style of William Mullan & Son until the fathers' death. At that time the firm name of Edward Mullan & Company was adopted and the business was so conducted for two years. Mr. Mullan then purchased his mother's interest and assumed entire control. In the early days he carried a stock of dry goods, groceries, crockery, boots and shoes, but after he became sole proprietor he concen- trated his efforts upon the grocery trade, closing out the other lines. He developed a business of large and gratifying proportions, carrying an extensive stock of staple and fancy groceries, and his store was always neat and attractive in arrangement, while his business methods were such as would bear the closest investigation and scrutiny. His earnest efforts to please his patrons and his fair dealings were resultant forces in his career.

Ever interested in the welfare and progress of the city in which he made his home and anxious to further its upbuilding in every possible way, he became identified with several business concerns which he believed would prove of public benefit. He was one of the incorporators of the Putnam Water Company, became a director of the Cottage City (Mass.) Water Company, also the Mystic Valley Water Company and the Paris (Ky.) Water Company. In 1901 he was elected to the directorate of the Putnam National Bank. He was also a director of the Putnam Light & Power Company and became a director of the Putnam Box Corporation on its organization. He served as a director of the Thompson National Bank and for some time acted as its vice president. He also became a director of the Putnam Foundry & Machine Company and at the time of his death was serving as its president. He was at that time concentrating his efforts and attention largely upon the management of that business, having turned over the grocery store to his son, Edward W. He remained throughout his life a most important factor in the business development and progress of Putnam, his efforts ever being of a char- acter that contributed to general development as well as to individual success.

On the 25th of August, 1879, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Mullan and Miss Elizabeth Jane Sherlock, a daughter of Michael and Margaret (Smith) Sherlock. They became the parents of three children. Anna Gertrude, who was born August 1, 1881, was graduated from Notre Dame Academy of Putnam in June, 1900. On the 15th of June, 1910, she gave her hand in marriage to Thomas H. Saunders, a physician and surgeon of Webster, Massachusetts, by whom she has two children, Esther Isabelle and Janet Elizabeth. Margarette Loretta, born November 24, 1884, was graduated from the Notre Dame Academy in 1903. Five years later she entered Mount St. Joseph convent at Hartford, Connecticut, where she is now a Sister of Mercy, known as Sister Frances Claire. Edward William, born July 1, 1890, has become his father's successor in the grocery business.

Mr. Mullan found his greatest happiness in promoting the welfare and comfort of his wife and children and in 1899 erected an elegant residence on Chapel street, consti- tuting one of the most attractive homes in Putnam. Fraternally he was well known, having membership in Putnam Council, No. 340, Royal Arcanum, of Putnam; Division No. 1, Ancient Order of Hibernians, of which he served for four years as county presi- dent and six years as local division president; Cargill Council, No. 64, of the Knights of Columbus, of Putnam, of which he was a charter member and the first grand knight; and Putnam Lodge, No. 574, B. P. O. E., which he also joined on its organization.

Politically Mr. Mullan was always a stanch democrat, giving unfaltering allegiance to the party and doing everything in his power to promote its growth and extend its influence. He served for two terms as a member of the board of selectmen and was registrar of voters for one term, and also mayor of Putnam for one term, giving the city an administration replete with valuable achievements. He filled the position of justice of the peace for two years and was a member of the high school committee for three terms. President Cleveland appointed him to the position of postmaster of Put- nam on the 18th of July, 1885, and he continued to serve until March, 1890. He after- ward became a member of the board of aldermen of Putnam as representative from the fourth ward. In 1900 he was appointed an alternate delegate to the democratic con-

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vention held in Kansas City, and was a delegate to the county convention. He was also appointed an alternate member of the World's Fair commission of the state of Con- necticut and in the same year Bishop McMahon of Connecticut appointed him a delegate to attend the Catholic Congress held in Chicago during the World's Columbian Exposi- tion of 1893.

Never seeking honors but faithfully performing his duties day by day, honors were yet multiplied unto him and he came to occupy a foremost position in the business, political and religious circles of his adopted city. He was ever actuated by a spirit of devotion to the general good and he had many sterling traits of character which made for personal popularity and gained for him the warmest esteem and regard of those with whom he was associated.

ALONZO D. SPELLMAN.

Alonzo D. Spellman is a prominent figure in the commercial circles of Willimantic as a member of the firm of A. D. Spellman & Company, proprietors of a grocery store and meat market which is one of the oldest established enterprises of the kind in the city, Mr. Spellman being identified therewith for a period of about eighteen years. He was born in Stafford, Connecticut, August 9, 1862. His father, Emory D. Spellman, passed away in 1887 and was long survived by his widow, who bore the maiden name of Sarah Frances Eaton and passed away in 1915.

No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of life for Alonzo D. Spellman in the days of his boyhood and youth. He was a pupil in the public and district schools near his father's home and he started out in the business world as an employe in a woolen mill, where he remained for a short time. He then returned to the employ of his father, who was a contractor and builder, and about that time he also had his first experience in connection with the grocery and meat trades, occupying a position in the store at Stafford. He left home when twenty-three years of age and came to Willimantic, where he was in the employ of the American Thread Company for five years. He was ambitious, however, to engage in business on his own account and reap the profits of his own labors, so that at the end of that time he purchased the Central Market, which he conducted for two years. On the expiration of that period he sold the business and was employed by others through the succeeding two years. He aft- erward worked for Henry Howie, with whom he remained for seven years, and then en- tered into partnership with Charles M. Thompson in his present trade relation, thus forming the firm of A. D. Spellman & Company. This connection has continued for over seventeen years and the firm is now conducting a large and profitable business in the sale of staple and fancy groceries and meats. Each department is well appointed, their store is equipped with good fixtures, the arrangement is attractive, displaying goods to the best advantage and their patronage is steadily growing, so that they now employ ten sales people and drivers, using two wagons and two auto trucks in delivery.

On the 1st of Janutry, 1883, in his native city, Mr. Spellman was united in marriage to Miss Eva A. Ferry and they have one child, Albert E., who married Anna Brown and has a son, Richard Ferry. They, too, live in Willimantic.

Mr. Spellman belongs to the Chamber of Commerce and stanchly endorses the plans and purposes of that organization having to do with the upbuilding of the city, its im- provement and its progress. He votes with the republican party, to which' he has given support since attaining his majority, but he has never been an office seeker. His religious faith is that of the Methodist church and his life measures up to its standards of conduct in all of his relations with his fellowmen.

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A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume II, Part 24

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