A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume II, Part 32

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 32

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Mr. Balch was married on the 30th of March, 1880, to Miss Abbie Murphy, of Warrenville, Connecticut, a daughter of John Archibald and Mary (Spaulding) Murphy and a native of the town of Ashford. To this marriage has been born a son, Robert Maurice, whose birth occurred June 26, 1890. He attended the district schools of the town of Ashford and continued his education in the Windham high school at Wil- limantic. At the outbreak of the World war he entered the United States army and served in Company D of the Three Hundred and Twenty-seventh Infantry, Eighty- second Division. He went into the service on the 19th of September, 1917, was on active overseas duty and was discharged May 26, 1919, having made a most creditable record in the effort to make the world safe for democracy. He participated in the great offensive known as the Argonne drive and in several other important battles in France. He now resides in Warrenville, where he is engaged in the automobile garage business, and is also serving as postmaster of Warrenville.

In politics 'Mr. Balch is a republican and his fellow townsmen, appreciative of his worth and ability, sent him to the legislature in 1895. He has held various town offices, such as judge of probate, which office he filled for two years, and he was also selectman for a number of years, having been reelected to that position in 1919. He has likewise held other town offices and has ever been found most true and loyal to the trusts reposed in him. He has been a trustee of the State School for Boys at Meridian, Connecticut, for twelve years. Mrs. Balch has also been very prominent in the public life of the community. She has been a member of the Ashford town school committee continuously for the past twenty years and has served as secretary of the committee for the past eight years. She is a prominent worker in support of many public interests which have to do with the welfare and progress of the community, the uplift of the individual and the betterment of the district at large. She is the town visitor from the town of Ashford to the Windham County Home for Dependent and Neglected Children at Putnam, Connecticut, and she is chairman for the town of Ashford for the Connecticut Woman's Suffrage Association. She was a very active war worker in connection with the Red Cross and welfare work and maintained a leading position in support of all those interests and agencies which looked to the benefit of the boys in camp and field. She is a woman of notable energy, executive ability and keen discernment who has made her efforts count for the utmost in those things which are of value to humanity. Mr. Balch and his family attend and support the Baptist church, and he is actuated at all times by high and honorable principles and by a broad humanitarian spirit that prompts him to reach out a helping hand wherever assistance is needed.

MICHAEL RICHARD JOY.

The life record of Michael Richard Joy covered less than forty-five years, but the period was fraught with much good accomplished, with business projects suc- cessfully executed, and was characterized by those qualities that resulted in many and warm friendships. The death of such a man is not simply a private bereave- ment, but a public misfortune, and his friends cherish as a sacred memory all that was admirable in his conduct and in his character. Successful as was his business career, not a dollar which he possessed was gained by questionable methods and his prosperity did not arouse envy because it meant also the upbuilding of other interests. Moreover, he was a most charitable man and was continually extending a helping hand to those who needed assistance. Putnam was fortunate in that his interests were allied with hers during the forty-four years of his active, useful and honorable life.

Mr. Joy was born in Putnam, September 29, 1871, and in his native city passed

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away January 12, 1916. His father, Matthew Joy, was a native of County Waterford, Ireland, and by reason of his participation in the Fenian uprising suffered several years of penal servitude, a sacrifice which he willingly made for his country and of which his son was ever justly proud. The mother bore the maiden name of Ellen Woodlock and was born in County Tipperary, Ireland. Soon after the birth of their son, Michael R., his parents removed to Woodstock, where his father secured employment in a woolen mill owned by the late Hon. James W. Manning and Harrison Johnson. Later he worked in the mills of the Putnam Woolen Company and the family returned to Putnam, where Michael R. Joy became a pupil in the parochial schools, which he attended until he reached the age of eleven years. He then began providing for his own support, securing employment with the Putnam Woolen Company, there remaining until he reached the age of about seventeen, when he was employed as a stable boy in Carpenter's stable on Front street becoming manager of the stable in the course of a few years. Thus began the warm friendship with John F. Carpenter which remained a prominent feature of his life throughout his remaining days. After being employed for three years in the establishment he purchased the business.

At the death of his father in 1891, Michael became the head of the family. He was most devoted to the welfare of his widowed mother and to the care of his sisters, ever regarding family ties as one of the strongest interests of his career. He remained a loving son until his mother's death, which occurred in 1900, and his brotherly devotion was manifest in the ample provision which he made for his sisters during his active business career.

On the 19th of November, 1914, Michael R. Joy was united in marriage to Miss Rose Alta Sharpe, who was born in Putnam, a daughter of Frederick Dayton and Rose Blanchard (Crocker) Sharpe. Her father was also born in Putnam, where he has spent his entire life. His wife was born in Norwich, Connecticut, and passed away in Putnam. They had a family of three children: Freda Blanchard, who became the wife of Joseph E. Palmer, a druggist of Providence, Rhode Island; Helen; and Rose Alta. The last named by her marriage to Mr. Joy became the mother of an interesting little son, Richard Woodlock Joy, who was born December 28, 1915.

No record of the career of M. R. Joy can be given that will so adequately set forth his life work and his character as by quoting from the memorial prepared by his lifelong friend, John F. Carpenter, who wrote of him as follows: "Mr. Joy was a man of fine appearance and physique. From his earliest experience in the business world he gave promise of being unusually successful, and these first signs were truly indicative of his ability. With the coming of the automobile era, he turned his attention to the business possibilities in this line, becoming agent for well known cars, and at the time of his death had become the largest dealer in automobiles in northeastern Connecticut. In the meantime he continued his livery business, which he had expanded. Four years ago he bought what was for a long time known as the Bugbee House stables, remodeled the property and erected a garage, thus con- solidating his automobile and livery business in one location. His business continued to grow and was one of the most prosperous in eastern Connecticut when illness took his attention from it a few days before his death.

"The principal newspaper of eastern Connecticut truly said: 'All that is good that may be said of any man may be said of Michael R. Joy. He was first and always a man-a splendid example of manhood, one of God's noblemen. He was an exceedingly strong character. His manner was absolutely direct and open. His friends were legion, he was one of the best known men in eastern Connecticut, and had hundreds of friends in all sections of the state, all of whom knew him as a man of splendid character, one whose word was never questioned. But of all of those who knew him and were proud to call him friend there were very few who knew another and carefully hidden side of his character. His works of charity and acts of extending a helping hand to the needy might be numbered by the hundreds. His sympathies were always with the poor and unfortunate and no opportunity to aid those in distress came to his attention to pass unnoticed. Of these things he never talked but the friends who were very close to him were at times in a position to learn of the good that he did so quietly. Many of those will bless his name.'

"He was a friend among friends with exceedingly strong attachments. Although he truly believed the time to help his friends was when they needed help, rather than when they were prosperous, he was helpful to all, and mixed equally well with those in humble walks of life and those of unusual success. Wherever he was, he was always sought after, as his kindliness, clean wit and wonderful ability to tell a story or relate incidents of his life, made him a most delightful companion.

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Although he was always out for a royal good time both in company and at home, he did not use intoxicating liquors in any form.

"The phases of his life were many and if put in book form would make de- lightful reading both to friend and stranger. He well knew what adversity meant from his own experience, and from the moment that he began to be prosperous he began to help his friends and those in need.

"Although he was a man with extremely limited schooling, he became educated by his own efforts, and at public or business gatherings he was treated as a prince and was princely in his treatment of others. In the short years of his business career vis remarkable ability entitled him to accumulate a comfortable fortune, and although having given in charity much more than could be expected of a man of his financial circumstances, he left his wife, child and sisters well provided for.

"As a citizen he took an interest in public affairs, and was always loyal to local institutions. He was a corporator of the Putnam Savings Bank, the largest bank in the county, was interested in other local corporations and a considerable owner of local real estate. Although he never sought public office he could have been elected to almost any local office for the asking. He was at one time chief of the Putnam Fire Department, and as its chief was most popular, and the Putnam Fire Department attended his funeral in a body.

"Mr. Joy lived only about forty-four years, but he got more out of life and gave more of his life in that short time than most men in the alloted three score years and ten. He went to his last sleep peacefully, with his wife and some of those dearest to him at his bedside. He well knew death was approaching and met it without fear, at peace with himself and his fellowmen, and with absolute faith and trust in his God and the church of his fathers, to which he was ever faithful.

"There was in the life of Mr. Joy an inspiraton for those who knew him. As the all too brief years of his career passed one by one, they brought that for which man may strive with honor. His absolute integrity and every frank truthfulness of speech early won for him universal respect and confidence. His business success

was founded and developed on these assets of character. His manhood, his loyalty to his friends and his liberal-handed charity, all developing through the years, won for him a place in the hearts of his fellowmen that will be enduring.

"Life gave to him much for the good that he put into it, and he left to those who loved him the magnificent legacy of the inspiration of a life of integrity, industry, faith, charity and fidelity."

A fitting and merited tribute was a quotation, which was used as a keynote to his life and character, being inscribed upon the stone which marks his grave:

"Formed on the good old plan- A true, a brave, a downright honest man. *

* * *

Loathing pretense, he did with cheerful will What others talked of while their hands were still."

The memory of such a man will not. scon fade from the minds of those who were his associates and his friends. It is cherished in the hearts of those who have benefited by his benefactions, in the hearts of those who were associated with him, for he held friendship inviolable, but most of all by the members of his own family, to whom he was a loving and devoted husband, father and brother.

WALTER B. KNIGHT.

Walter B. Knight, agent for the Quidnick-Windham Manufacturing Company, en- gaged in the manufacture of cotton goods and of yarn at No. 30 Bridge street in Wil- limantic, was born at Bristol, Rhode Island, on the 15th of November, 1865. His education was acquired in schools of Providence, Rhode Island, of Massachusetts and of Willimantic, Connecticut. At an early age he began work in the cotton mills, starting in a humble capacity. His duties included sweeping the floors and other small tasks, each of which, he performed efficiently and faithfully, and his trustworthiness and fidelity constituted the rounds on the ladder on which he has climbed to his present position, being today one of the prominent representatives of manufacturing interests in this section of the state. His life has been characterized by persistent, earnest labor from the time when he secured his first employment in the mills at a salary of five dollars per week. He resolutely set to work to master every phase of the business with which he had to do in performing the various duties of the position given him. Promotion after promotion came to him as the result of his capability, efficiency and fidelity and he has long occupied the respo sible position of manager with the Quid- nick-Windham Manufacturing Company, which is one of the most extensive and im-

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portant manufacturing interests of this section of the country. The company has fifty acres of land, with three big mills, a storehouse and a power house. The buildings are all from three to five stories in height and three hundred and eighty operatives are employed. The company has offices in New York city, Boston and Providence, Rhode Island, and the goods are sold to jobbers throughout the country. Water, steam and electric power are used in the operation of the plant and the concern is one of the oldest cotton manufacturing establishments in New England. The business was in- corporated in 1911 and in addition to the Willimantic plant the company owns an extensive mill in Rhode Island.

On the 16th of February, 1888, Mr. Knight was united in marriage to Miss Emma Reynolds and they have become the parents of three children, Marjorie B., Helen A. and Howard R., all living.

Mr. Knight has membership with the Chamber of Commerce and also with the Grange and is much interested in the purposes of those organizations, which have for their basic principle the upbuilding of community interests and the establishment of higher standards of citizenship. His political faith is that of the republican party and at one time he was a candidate for mayor. He is serving on the school committee and the cause of education finds in him a stalwart champion. He is also a member of the Congregational church and along business lines he has connection with the Southern New England Cotton Manufacturers and the National Association of Cotton Manufacturers. America is a self-made country and those who have created it are self-made men. No influence of birth or fortune has favored the architects of her glory. Among those who have achieved prominence as men of marked ability and substantial worth in Willimantic, Walter B. Knight occupies a prominent position. His unbending integrity of character, his fidelity in the discharge of his duties and his appreciation of the responsibilities that have rested upon him have made his services most acceptable in the various positions which he has filled as he has climbed steadily upward until he now occupies a place in the foremost ranks of the business men of Windham county.

THOMAS SKELTON HARRISON.

Thomas Skelton Harrison, who died in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, May 3, 1919, was a manufacturer of white lead and chemicals, of that city, but was identified with Windham county through the maintenance of a palatial summer home, "The Meadows," on Pomfret street in the town of Pomfret. A native of Philadelphia, he was born on the 19th of September, 1837, and had therefore passed the eighty-first milestone on life's journey. While spending his youthful days in the home of his parents, Michael Leib and Virginia Thomas Skelton (Johnston) Harrison, he pursued his education in the classical academy conducted by John W. Faries and afterward attended a business college. At the time of the Civil war he was made acting paymaster of the United States navy and continued to serve in that capacity from July, 1861, until August, 1864. He afterward became identified with one of the oldest business enterprises of his native city as a member of the firm of Harrison Brothers & Company, which was founded by John Harrison in 1793. Thomas S. Harrison was active in the manage- ment of the business from 1864 until 1897, at which date the firm's interests were incorporated under the style of Harrison Brothers & Company, Incorporated, of which he remained vice president from 1897 until 1899. He was then elected to the presidency and so continued until 1902. The business, having been developed into one of the most important enterprises of that character in the country, placed him among the men of wealth in his native city; but the attainment of success was never the sole aim and end of his life. He was active in various other fields outside of business and rendered valuable and important service to the general public in many connections. In 1897 he was appointed by President Mckinley United States diplomatic agent or minister and consul-general to Egypt. He was long a close student of the vital sociological, economic and political problems of the country and was most prominent in the political reform movement in Philadelphia, seeking to secure the adoption of high standards in citizenship and the attainment of high ideals in connection with everything that bears upon civic interests and progress. He was made a member of the committee of one hundred and later of the committee of fifty, while again in 1913 he served as a member of the committee of one hundred in Philadelphia. At his death he left five million dollars to create a fund to be used in purging the city 'of its rotten politics.

Mr. Harrison was long a well known patron of the arts and was made a trustee of the Pennsylvania Museum and School of Industrial Art. He likewise belonged to

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the Pennsylvania Historical Society, and the nature and breadth of his interests was further indicated in the fact that he was identified with the Genealogical, Antiquarian and Numismatic Societies. He maintained relationship with the veterans of the Civil war through his membership in the Grand Army Post, No. 18, of Philadelphia, of which he served as commander in 1895, and he was vice commander of the Loyal Legion in 1895-96, and commander in 1916-17. He was twice decorated by the Khedive of Egypt, and last received the grand cordon of the Imperial Order of the Medjidi. He was a well known figure in the club rooms of Philadelphia, particularly the Union League and Rabbit Clubs, and the Chemists and the Army and Navy Clubs of New York. His religious faith was that of the Episcopal church.

On the 12th of November, 1879, Mr. Harrison was married to Miss Louise Harvey, of Philadelphia. Ever interested in New England and her history, he established a palatial country home in Connecticut by the purchase of the property known as "The Meadows," on Pomfret street, in Pomfret. This is one of the old colonial houses built in Revolutionary times and several times rebuilt but always maintaining the dis- tinctive colonial architecture. The interior, however, is an expression of all that wealth, guided by refined taste, can secure for home adornment. It was visited by both Washington and General Israel Putnam during the period of the Revolutionary war and within its classic walls have occurred many events that have had to do with shaping the history of Connecticut, and its roof has sheltered many who have figured prominently on the pages of the annals of the state.

HAROLD LAWTON.

Among the sturdy and substantial citizens that England furnished to Windham county was numbered Harold Lawton. From a humble position in the business world he worked his way steadily upward through his diligence, close application and strength of character. He won for himself an honored name and place of prominence in connection with the business interests of Connecticut and eventually became the head of a two-million-dollar corporation at Plainfield, where he established the Lawton Mills. He was born in the village of Mosely, Yorkshire, England, May 8, 1852, his parents being John and Martha (Holden) Lawton. The Lawton family were English Quakers and the father engaged in the manufacturing business in early life but later turned his attention to merchandising. The son Harold was one of a family of seven children. His opportunities for securing an education were limited to the schools of his native town, which he attended for a half-day session until he was ten years of age. The remainder of his educational training was received in attendance at night school in America. He acquired his first knowledge of the cotton manufacturing business in England and in 1872, when a young man of twenty years, came to the United States.

Going to Woonsocket, Rhode Island, Mr. Lawton was overseer in the Globe Mills at that place for a year and then removed to Moosup, Connecticut, where he held a similar position in the old Gladding Mill. Two years later he returned to the Globe Mills, where he was overseer for two years, and later he acted as overseer in the White Rock Mill at Westerly, Rhode Island, being thus employed for four years. After a period of employment in the Tilton Cotton Mills at Tilton, New Hampshire, he accepted a position as overseer of mule and frame spinning at North Grosvenor Dale, where he continued for a number of years, and then went to Centerville, Rhode Island, filling the position of superintendent of the Lapham Mills for five years. On the expiration of that period Canada for a time enjoyed the benefit of his services along manufactur- ing lines, for he went to Montreal and spent five years in the mill of the Merchants' Manufacturing Company. Returning to Centerville, Rhode Island, however, he be- came the prime factor in the building of the Warwick Mills, acting as general manager and agent of the company, with which he continued for five years. In 1900 he organized the Lawton Spinning Company at Woonsocket, Rhode Island, and became one of its directors. For nearly four years he was superintendent and manager of the Baltic Mills and in 1905 he removed to Plainfield, Connecticut, where he built the Lawton Mills and increased the capacity from thirty thousand spindles to one hundred and thirty thousand. The business was capitalized for two million dollars and be- came one of the important productive enterprises of this section of the state. In its establishment Mr. Lawton brought to bear splendid powers of organization and his administrative ability and executive force constituted the basic elements upon which the success of the enterprise was built. He was also the president of the Central Worsted Company of Central Village, Connecticut, and thus he contributed in large measure to the manufacturing interests of this section of the state. During his

ALawton

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residence in Centerville he was also a director of the Centerville National Bank, of the Warwick Institute for Savings and the Centerville Savings Bank. While at Plain- field he continued an important factor in financial circles as president of the First National Bank.

In 1873, in Plainfield, Connecticut, Mr. Lawton was married to Miss Georgiana Pettegrew, a daughter of William Pettegrew and a direct descendant of John Alden of the Mayflower. Her father was a teacher in the town of Plainfield for many years and her grandfather was a chaplain with the American army in the Revolutionary war.

In his political views Mr. Lawton was always a stalwart republican and was elected representative to the Connecticut state legislature from the town of Sprague for the years 1903 and 1904. Fraternally he was connected with Morning Star Lodge. A. F. & A. M., and was also a member of Woonsocket Lodge, A. F. & A. M. In religious faith he was a Metholist and was one of th chief supporters of the church of that denomination at Baltic, Connecticut, and served as a member of its board of trustees. In fact he took a deep and helpful interest in all matters that pertained to progress and improvement along material intellectual, social, political and moral lines His life was ever actuated by a spirit of advancement, which was at all times mani- fest in the business career that brought him steadily forward from a humble position to a place of leadership in connection with the manufacturing interests of New Eng- land. At the same time the sterling worth of his character gained for him the high respect and warm regard of all who knew him, and there were many who were glad to call Harold Lawton friend.

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A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume II, Part 32

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