A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume II, Part 25

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

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JUDGE ALFRED HALE BENNETT.

Judge Alfred Hale Bennett, who for the past fourteen years has been judge of the probate court of Canterbury and who has long been identified with agricultural interests in Windham county, was born in Canterbury, June 22, 1860, and is a son of the Rev. Alfred Hyde and Polly Maria (Smith) Bennett. The father was born in Plainfield, Connecticut, and obtained his education in the schools of that place, there remaining to the age of twenty-two years, during which time he followed farming in connection with his father. He then left Plainfield and removed to Canterbury, where his father purchased what is now the Will Towne farm, the place upon which Judge Bennett was born. There the Rev. A. H. Bennett followed farming until 1865, when he sold the

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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY

property to the Packer Manufacturing Company of Packerville, who desired the flowage rights of the farm. He next purchased the Fenner mill a mile south of Canterbury Green and took up the business of manufacturing twine, lamp wicks and yarn, operating the mill with water power. He was thus engaged until 1885, when he removed to East Woodstock, where he became minister of the Methodist Episcopal church and filled the pulpit there until 1887. He next went to Ayer, Massachusetts, and was the preacher of the Methodist Episcopal church at that place until 1889, when he returned to Canterbury and again purchased the old farm which he had previously sold to the Packer Manufac- turing Company. His remaining days were spent thereon and his attention was given to agricultural pursuits. At the same time he acted as supply minister at various periods in his life and preached for over fifty years. He was a graduate of Wilbraham College of Massachusetts and was a broad-minded man of earnest purpose whose teach- ings resulted in good throughout the many years of his residence in Connecticut. His wife was born in Sheffield, Massachusetts, and died in Canterbury, Connecticut, in 1913, when eighty-seven years of age, as the result of an accident.

Judge Bennett acquired his education in the district schools of Canterbury and in early life worked with his father in the twine mill. Following his marriage he removed to South Canterbury and took up his abode upon a farm in 1888. Throughout the inter- vening period, covering more than a third of a century, he has continued to further develop and improve his property and has converted it into an excellent farm, the fields being rich and productive and returning to him a gratifying annual income.

Judge Bennett was united in marriage to Miss Anne Hamlin Smith, of New York city, on the 1st of June, 1885. She was born in Sheffield, Massachusetts, and was there reared in the home of her parents, Gilbert and Elizabeth (Hamlin) Smith, but was residing in New York city at the time of her marriage. To Judge and Mrs. Bennett has been born a daughter, Dorothy Bradford, whose birth occurred in Canterbury and who is now the wife of Arthur C. Bennett, mentioned elsewhere in this work.

Politically Judge Bennett is a democrat, having always given stalwart support to the principles of the party. He is now serving as justice of the peace, has been tax collector for two terms and assessor for two terms, has filled the position of selectman for three terms and for fourteen consecutive years has served as judge of probate, his present term expiring in 1920. He was first elected in 1904, so that he has been reelected for eight consecutive terms-a fact indicative of splendid service and efficiency in the office. He has likewise filled other positions with credit to himself and satisfaction to all concerned. The cause of education has ever found in him a stalwart champion. He is now a member of the school board, on which he has served for thirty-six con- secutive years. The guiding principle of his life has been found in his religious belief. He is a member of the First Congregational church of Canterbury, is its treas- urer and for more than thirty years has served as one of the deacons of the church.

JOSEPH BORGARO.

Joseph Borgaro is conducting an extensive teaming business at Attawaugan, where he has the contract for all the teaming and hauling for the Attawaugan Company mills. A native of Italy, Mr. Borgaro was born in Turin, April 3, 1880. His parents were James and Mary Ann (Borgaro) Borgaro and the father is also a native of Turin, where he learned the trade of an iron worker and blacksmith. Thinking to find better business opportunities in the United States, he crossed the Atlantic in 1882 to New York city, where for a time he was employed as an iron worker, while lated he went to the gold mining districts of the west and there engaged in business as a blacksmith and toolmaker in the gold mines and cities of the section in which he located. He afterward went to South America, where he followed the trade of blacksmithing in various countries on the southern continent. He won substantial success and with a handsome competence returned to his native sunny land, where he is now conducting a farm near the city of Turin. His wife was also born in Turin, where the family has long been represented. The parents of James Borgaro were Joseph and Teressa Pagliotti) Borgaro, who were natives of the province of Turin, where Joseph Borgaro farmed throughout his entire life, devoting his business activities to the development of the farm upon which he was born and died. He was a son of Victor Borgaro, who was also a native of the province of Turin and was the first of his family to own the farm whereon his son Joseph lived.

Joseph Borgaro, whose name introduces this review, was born upon the same farm that had been in the family through several generations and he there resided until lie was twelve years of age, when he went to the city of Turin and began learning the trade of iron worker and blacksmith, continuing in that city until he reached the age of twenty-

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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY

two years. Attracted by the opportunities of the new world, he crossed the Atlantic in 1904 and for some years followed his trade in New York city. In 1912, however, he left the metropolis for the town of Killingly, Windham county, Connecticut, and bought a farm near the village of Attawaugan, becoming owner of a tract of sixty acres which he cultivated and improved until 1914. He then sold the property and became teaming con- tractor for the mills of the Attawaugan Company at Attawaugan and took up his abode in the village, where he now makes his home. He has splendid equipment for the conduct of the business, owning and utilizing many teams, trucks and auto trucks and employ- ing a number of men.

In Turin, Italy, on the 9th of November, 1902, Mr. Borgaro was married to Miss Louise Tocci, who was born in St. Etienne, France, but was reared in Italy. She was a daughter of John and Louise Tocci, who were natives of Italy, and she passed away in Attawaugan, Connecticut, December 18, 1915.

In politics Mr. Borgaro maintains an independent position, voting according to the dictates of his judgment. He belongs to the Roman Catholic church and is accounted one of the progressive business men and popular citizens of Attawaugan.

REV. WILLIAM BEACH OLMSTED.

Rev. William Beach Olmsted, head master of Pomfret School at Pomfret, Connecti- cut, has devoted his entire life to educational work, attaining high rank in his chosen profession. He was born in New York on the 26th of February, 1864, a son of Levi and Maria M. (Beach) Olmsted and is a brother of Charles Sanford and James Fred- eric Olmsted, men of letters, who have largely devoted their lives to the work of the ministry, the former being a bishop of the Episcopal church.

Liberal educational advantages were accorded William Beach Olmsted, who, at- tending Trinity College, won the Bachelor of Arts degree upon graduation with the class of 1887. He received the honorary Master of Arts degree from Yale University in 1908 and the L. H. D. degree was conferred upon him by Trinity College of Con- necticut in 1910. He entered upon his chosen profession as master in St. Mark's School at Southboro, Massachusetts, where he remained from 1887 until 1897. In the latter year he became head master of Pomfret School, with which he has since been identi- fied, covering a period of twenty-one years. He has raised the school to the highest standard of educational institutions of the character, and with its splendid equipment and its strong faculty the school is doing most excellent work, maintaining a well merited reputation for efficiency.

On the 22d of July, 1891, Dr. Olmsted was united in marriage to Miss Anne Nelson Starkweather, of Cooperstown, New York. He was reared in the Episcopal faith and in 1908 was ordained a deacon of the church by his brother, Bishop Charles Sanford Olmsted, and became a priest of the church in 1909. He displays a deep interest in all those activities which have to do with the uplift of the individual and the progress of the community and upon all the great political, sociological and economic problems of the country keeps abreast with the best thinking men of the age.

CHESTER E. CHILD.

Chester E. Child was at the time of his death the president of the Putnam Savings Bank and a most prominent, valued and honored resident of Putnam. He was born in North Woodstock, Connecticut, on the 1st of August, 1872, a son of Ezra Carpenter and Abby E. (Child) Child. The father was also a native of Woodstock and represented one of the old families of that state. He devoted his life to farming and passed away in Woodstock in 1876. He had been quite prominent in public affairs as well as in agri- cultural circles and filled the position of selectman and other offices in his town. His wife, who was born in Woodstock, is now living in Putnam.

Chester E. Child of this review was born upon the old family homestead at Wood- stock, where he remained to the age of eleven years. He then became a resident of Putnam and attended the city and high schools, after which he took up the profession of teaching. He taught school at Pomfret Center for six weeks, on the expiration of which period he was offered a position by the officials of the First National Bank. The offer seemed promising and at the request of the bank officials he resigned his position as teacher and entered the bank as clerk in 1889, where he remained continuously until November 1, 1898, and had advanced to the position of paying teller. He resigned, how- ever, at that date to engage in the native timber business and afterward organized the

Ceherter E. Child.

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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY

Child Lumber Company, in which connection he developed business interests of im- portance. In fact, from the time when he entered upon active connection with business interests in Putnam until his death he occupied a central place on the stage of activity and his interests were ever of a character that contributed to public progress and im- provement as well as to individual success. In July, 1915, he became president of the Putnam Savings Bank and remained at the head of that institution until his demise, bending his efforts to executive direction and administrative control. He recognized the fact that the bank which most carefully safeguards the interests of depositors is most worthy of public patronage and he did everything in his power to render the patrons of the bank secure.

On the 8th of November, 1895, Mr. Child was united in marriage to Miss Annie Chandler Carpenter, of Putnam, who was born, reared and educated in this city, a daugh- ter of John A. Carpenter, who is mentioned elsewhere in this work. Mr. and Mrs. Child became the parents of four children: Ruth Carpenter, a student of Mount Holyoke Col- lege; and Bertha Elizabeth, Edith Whitney and Donald Ezra, all of whom were born in Putnam.

Politically Mr. Child was an earnest republican, believing firmly in the principles of the party, yet he would never accept office .. He had membership in the Second Congre- gational church and his entire life was guided by its teachings. In fact, he was a man whom to know was to respect and honor, for his career at all times measured up to the highest standards of manhood and of citizenship and the same irreproachable rules gov- erned him in his business relations and his home associations.

C. M. SCRIPTURE, D. D. S.

Dr. C. M. Scripture is one of the younger representatives of professional activity in Willimantic but has already made for himself a creditable position as a member of the dental profession. He was born in Stafford Springs, Connecticut, March 12, 1881, and is a son of Albert C. and Jennie Rogers (Puffer) Scripture, who are mentioned at length on another page of this work, the father being one of the representative citizens here. The family removed from Stafford Springs to Windham when Dr. Scripture was but four years of age and there he pursued his education, being graduated from the grammar school of that place. A review of the broad field of business with its varied industrial, commercial and professional activity, led him to the conclusion that he desired to take up the practice of dentistry as a life work, and with that end in view, matriculated in the University of Pennsylvania, from which he was graduated in 1902 with the D. D. S. degree. His course was very thorough, and thus well equipped for the active duties of the profession, he opened an office in Bridgeport, where he remained for ten years. He then removed to Kingston, Massachusetts, but after a brief period spent at that place he came to Willimantic, where he established his office in 1914. Through the intervening period he has built up a practice that is very gratifying. His office is splendidly equipped with all the appliances necessary to dental practice and he is most skilled in the use of the delicate instruments which are used in dental surgery. He has always kept abreast of the latest discoveries and researches of the profession, is thoroughly versed in the laws of health pertaining to dentistry, and follows the most advanced methods in his work.

On the 14th of December, 1904, Dr. Scripture was married in Bridgeport, Connecti- cut, to Miss Louise Tryon Mason, of New Rochelle, New York, and they have two chil- dren, Janet and Lelia. Dr. and Mrs. Scripture hold membership in the Congregational church and fraternally he is a Mason. Politically he is an independent voter, preferring to cast his ballot without regard to party ties and giving consideration only to the capability and character of the candidate who seeks office. His work receives the en- dorsement of the general public and a liberal patronage has been accorded him. Those who know aught of his professional record recognize his marked ability and efficiency, which has continually broadened and developed by reason of his close study and in- creased experience.

LOUIS JOSEPH GENDRON.

Louis Joseph Gendron, who is now engaged in general farming and in the dairy business and also conducts a teaming business in the town of Plainfield, was born at Burrillville, Rhode Island, September 14, 1881, his parents being Joseph and Freda (Lambert) Gendron, natives of the province of Quebec, Canada. The father came to the United States in young manhood and settled at Burrillville, Rhode Island, where

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he is now engaged in teaming. To him and his wife were born six children: Louis Joseph, Harris, Emma, Joseph, Lora and Ora.

Louis J. Gendron obtained his education in the public schools of Burrillville and early began providing for his own support by working in the woolen mills of that place. In young manhood he removed to Moosup, Windham county, Connecticut, working in the mills there. Subsequently he was employed as a farm hand by John Davis and later by Waldo Tillinghast and by G. Edward Mortimer, all farmers of the town of Plainfield. He carefully saved his money until his industry and economy had enabled him to obtain a sufficient sum to purchase a farm. He then purchased land from William G. Mortimer in the town of Plainfield, near Moosup, and has since carried on general farming and dairying on his own account, while he does teaming as a side issue. He is a man of thrift and industry, thoroughly reliable as well as progressive, and his success is the merited reward of his labor.

At Jewett City, Connecticut, Mr. Gendron was united in marriage to Miss Regina Caron and to them have been born five children: Doretta, who is living; Nelson and Louis, both deceased; Freda, living; and Harristine, who is deceased.

In his political views Mr. Gendron is a democrat and is now serving on the board of selectmen of the town of Plainfield, having been elected in 1918. He has never given much time to political activity, however, preferring to concentrate his efforts and attention upon his business interests. He is a member of Court Clear River, No. 18, Foresters of America, of Burrillville, Rhode Island, and his religious faith is that of the Roman Catholic church. He and his family are communicants of All Hallows church at Moosup, Connecticut.

CHARLES W. ALPAUGH.

Charles W. Alpaugh is the treasurer of the Holland Manufacturing Company and a well known resident of Willimantic, where he was born February 4, 1858. He is a son of George V. and Hannah (Myers) Alpaugh, both of whom have now passed away. Spending his youthful days under the parental roof, he acquired a public school educa- tion and in 1875 became connected with the Holland Manufacturing Company, with which he has since been identified, covering a period of almost forty-three years. From a humble position he gradually worked his way upward, being advanced through suc- cessive promotions, and in 1906 he was taken into the corporation. The Holland Man- ufacturing Company is one of the important industrial enterprises of New England, having one hundred and sixty employes, and its output is sold all over the country.

On the 7th of May, 1882, Mr. Alpaugh was united in marriage to Miss Estella Howey and they have one son, Walter G., who was educated in the public schools, in Tufts College, of Medford, Massachusetts, and in Yale Forestry School. He married Miss Amy A. Northcott, of Springfield, Illinois, and they have become parents of three children, Ada E., Naomi A., and Charles W. N.

In his political views Mr. Alpaugh is a republican and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day but does not seek nor desire office, preferring to con- centrate his attention and ability upon his business affairs. He has made steady progress since starting out in life on his own account and deserves much credit for what he has accomplished. He lias, indeed, won the proud American title of a self- made man. Persistency and energy, combined with fidelity to duty, have won his ad- vancement and step by step he has progressed until he now occupies an enviable posi- tion as one of the executive officers of the Holland Manufacturing Company. Frater- nally he is identified with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and is now serving as exalted ruler.

GEORGE FRINK.

A most beautiful and attractive farm property is that owned by George Frink, a resident of Woodstock, his broad acres well tilled and highly cultivated, returning to him a most gratifying annual income. His place with its splendid improvements is the visible evidence of his life of well directed energy, tbrift and progressiveness, indi- cating at every point his careful management and high business ideals. Broad fields are devoted to the raising of corn and hay. In the meadowed lands are pastured many head of thoroughbred and registered Ayrshire cows and he is conducting a large and profitable dairy business.

George Frink was born June 18, 1857, in Sterling, Connecticut, where his grand-

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father Saxon Frink, took up his abcde at an early day. His wife bore the maiden name of Fannie Brown and they removed from Sterling to the Flat Rock district of Plain- field, Connecticut, where Saxon Frink devoted his attention to general agricultural pursuits until his life's labors were ended in death. He and his wife now sleep side by side in the Palmer cemetery. Their son, Albert Frink, who devoted his early life to school teaching, afterward took up the vocation of farming and for many years successfully tilled his soil, but in the evening of his days retired from active life and business, establishing his home in Sterling, where his last days were spent in the en- joyment of well earned rest. He voted with the democratic party for many years but in 1880 transferred his political allegiance to the republican party, of which he after- ward remained a consistent adherent. He served on the board of selectmen for sev- eral terms; was justice of the peace for more than two decades and was officially con- nected with the schools, the cause of education ever finding in him a stalwart champion and friend. In 1863 he was elected on the democratic ticket to the state legislature and in 1889 was the successful candidate of the republican party for representative to the general assembly. He was ever a fearless supporter of his honest convictions and his position upon any vital question was never an equivocal one.

He wedded Mary Ann Briggs, who was born March 24, 1824, in Voluntown, Con- necticut, and passed away in January, 1894, at Sterling. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Frink were the following named: Williard, who married Ellen J. Bixby, followed merchandising in Sterling and there passed away April 6, 1894; Jane, born June 12, 1851, who became the wife of John H. Place, of Coventry, Rhode Island; Rachel, born March 11, 1853, who became the wife of Horace A. Warren, of Putnam; John, born April 9, 1854, who took up farming in Sterling and was married November 25, 1877, to Hattie Baldwin; Emma, born September 24, 1855, who became the wife of Alonzo P. Love, of Sterling; George, who is the next in the family; Charles, born in November, 1858, who married Ida P. Hall, and further developed the old homestead farm at Sterling; Margaret G., born September 6, 1860, who became the wife of Edward A. Geer, a farmer of Griswold, Connecticut; and Jerusha C., born April 29, 1862, who became the wife of Walter A. Stanton of Sterling.

George Frink, while spending his youthful days under the parental roof, profited by the educational opportunities offered in the public schools near his father's home and during vacation periods assisted in the work of the farm, thus early becoming familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. In young manhood he became possessed of a desire to try his fortune in the west and on attaining his majority went to Dodge county, Minnesota, where he engaged in farming in connection with his uncle, John Briggs, who was the owner of a large wheat ranch of seventeen hundred acres and was also extensively engaged in raising cattle there. For three years George Frink continued in the middle west and it was there that he became imbued with the progressive methods of farming which he has applied to his home place in Connecticut. Returning to Sterling, he was offered a position of foreman on the William Lyon farm of Woodstock, comprising one hundred and seventy-five acres of valuable land. Here he introduced his progressive ideas and made a success in the manage- ment of this property, although he was but twenty-four years of age when he took charge thereof. For sometime he continued to manage the farm and eventually pur- chased the property. He has since been regarded as one of the most enterprising and progressive of the agriculturists of Woodstock. In fact his farm interests exceed those of most other farmers of the district and the Frink place is one of the best equipped farms in the town of Woodstock. Upon this land is a fine home with large barns and ample sheds furnishing shelter for grain and stock. The work is carried on along the most practical and scientific lines, with close study of the soil and its needs and with a thorough understanding of all that is best adapted to climatic conditions here. He carries on general agricultural pursuits, raising corn and hay very extensively, and he is also largely engaged in handling live stock, making a specialty of thoroughbred and registered Ayrshire cows and conducting a large dairy business. His dairy equip- ment is most modern and his example and the results which he has achieved have con- stituted a source of stimulus to the efforts of other farmers in the district.

On the 3d of January, 1883, Mr. Frink was united in marriage to Miss Emma Lyon, the only daughter of William and Harriet (Green) Lyon, of Woodstock. Mrs. Frink passed away October 4, 1893. On the 25th of December, 1885, Mr. Frink wedded Avis Isabel Gallup, a daughter of Nathaniel and Mary Ellen (Mathewson) Gallup, of Ster- ling, and a descendant of Benadam Gallup, who was born in Voluntown, November 17, 1761. He married Elizabeth Dorrance, March 31, 1785, and died March 30, 1850. His wife's death occurring September 28, 1810. His second wife, whom he married Sep. tember 22, 1811, was Mary Wilson, who died March 28, 1858. To Benadam Gallup were born the following children: George, born December 21, 1786; James, born February 22, 1788; Margaret, born January 11, 1790; Betsy, born November 19, 1792; John, born

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A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume II, Part 25

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