A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume II, Part 39

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

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Mr. Lincoln has never given up newspaper work or his interest in matters of local history. He has written many editorials on civic topics, though of course most of this work is done incognito in accordance with the traditions of that profession. He was "historian of the second century," at the time of the bi-centennial celebration of the town of Windham in 1892, also editor and compiler of the Memorial Volume, pub- lished at that time. He is a member of the state executive committee of the Connecti- cut Civil Service Reform Association and when in newspaper work in Providence wrote a series of articles which were published in pamphlet form and received the personal commendation of George William Curtis.

Mr. Lincoln has retained an active interest in the prohibition reform and has written many articles and delivered many public addresses on that subject. He is the author of a pamphlet, "Confidential Among Friends," which is conceded to have been of marked influence in the recent awakening of Yale University on the liquor question.

During the campaign for the Eighteenth Amendment, he delivered an address in Hartford which later the four temperance societies of the state united to publish in pamphlet form, under the title "Something New," and setting forth the fact that what modern science has revealed as to the physical nature and effect of alcohol provides an enduring national foundation for the public policy of prohibitory law as to the traffic in alcoholic drinks.

Mr. Lincoln is frequently called upon for addresses on a variety of civic and patriotic topics. He retains a deep interest in all the affairs of his native town and county, and maintains a summer residence in Ashford, where he spends much of his time during the vacation months. He is especially interested in promoting the Ash- ford Welfare Association.

HON. GEORGE E. HINMAN.

Hon. George E. Hinman, attorney general of Connecticut, who since 1899 has been an active member of the bar, practicing at Willimantic, was born in Alford, Massachu- setts, May 7, 1870, a son of William C. and Mary A. (Gates) Hinman. William C. Hin- man was for twenty years postmaster of Great Barrington, Massachusetts.

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George E. Hinman completed a course in the high school at Great Barrington with the class of 1888 and took a special course at the Yale Law School, being numbered among its alumni of 1899. In the interim between his high school course and his law course he devoted his attention to newspaper work, in which he was continuously engaged from 1888 until 1895. He then entered Yale and was admitted to the bar in March, 1899. He at once entered upon the active practice of his profession and his advancement has been continuous. He started upon his professional career with a recognition of the fact that progress depends upon individual merit and ability, and he has ever remained a close and earnest student of his profession, it being recognized that as a lawyer he is sound, clear-minded and well trained. Unflagging application and intuitive wisdom, combined with the determination to fully utilize the means at hand, have won him prestige in this calling which stands as the stern conservator of justice. He has been connected with much important litigation tried in the courts of the state and he has also been called upon for much important public service. In 1899 he was made assistant clerk of the house of representatives and was again called to that position in 1901. Two years later, or in 1903, he was made clerk of the senate and in 1905, 1907 and 1911 he was clerk of bills. In 1909 he was made engrossing clerk and has been active in con- nection with the work of the general assemblies through many sessions. Always a stalwart republican in politics from the time that age conferred upon him the right of franchise, he served as secretary of the republican state central committee from 1902 until 1914. He then became a candidate for the office of attorney general, was elected and entered upon the duties of this important position in 1915, in which office he has made a splendid record, receiving the endorsement of the bench and bar as well as of the general public.

On the 26th of September, 1899, in Willimantic, Connecticut, Mr. Hinman was united in marriage to Miss Nettie P. Williams and to them have been born a son and a daughter, Russell William and Virginia Gates. Mr. and Mrs. Hinman hold member- ship in the First Congregational church.

He is also a member of Cincinnatus Lodge, F. & A. M., of Great Barrington, Massa- chusetts; Trinity Chapter, R. A. M .; Olive Branch Council, R. & S. M .; St. John's Com- mandery, K. T., of which he is past commander, and is also a member of the Knights of Pythias lodge at Willimantic. He is a man of wide general information as well as of comprehensive knowledge of law, and his activities and interests have brought him into close contact with events which are shaping the history of the state. Actuated at all times, by a public-spirited devotion to the general good, he has used his efforts just as readily and just as effectively for the benefit of the public as he has for the advancement of his individual interests.

ALBERT G. DENISON.

Albert G. Denison, an undertaker residing at Moosup, was born in Brooklyn, Con- necticut, October 15, 1852, his parents being George M. and Lucinda (Grant) Denison. The father was born in Plainfield, on the old Frye farm, June 7, 1820, and obtained his education in the district schools of the town of Plainfield, where he afterward learned the trade of a machinist. He worked along that line for a few years and then took up the business of covering rolls. Later he removed to Moosup, in the town of Plain- field, and established a shop for covering rolls. These are cylindrical in shape and are covered with duck or canvas and are used in the mills-either to roll cotton cloth upon, or they act like a roller to pass over the cloth during the process of its manufacture. Mr. Denison was an expert at roll covering and enjoyed a large patronage from the local mills. As his business grew he admitted his son, Albert G., to a partnership and this business association was maintained for eighteen years, when they decided to withdraw from that field of activity and established an undertaking and furniture business at Moosup, the father continuing active in connection therewith up to the time of his death. To Mr. and Mrs. George M. Denison were born four children: Betsy, Francis M., Albert G. and Henry C.

After attending the public schools in the acquirement of an education that fitted him for life's practical and responsible duties, Albert G. Denison began work in the Cranska cotton mill at Moosup, where he was employed for five years. He then joined his father in the roll covering business and continued active along that line for eighteen years, when, as stated, he and his father disposed of their interests in that connection and opened a furniture store and undertaking establishment in the Hill block at Moosup. Here they continued until the building was destroyed by fire, after which they found temporary quarters, remaining therein until the block which they had formerly occupied was rebuilt, when again they opened their business there as undertakers only. Albert

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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY

G. Denison has continued at the head of the establishment since his father's death, June 30, 1909.

On the 12th of October, 1887, Mr. Denison was united in marriage to Miss Clara Tillinghast, of North Sterling, Connecticut, and they have become parents of four chil- dren, the eldest being Ona L. Ralph T. is a graduate of Brown University of the class of 1917, at which time he completed the mechanical engineering course with the degree of Bachelor of Science. He served in the United States army in the Brown University unit and was assigned to Fort Monroe, Virginia, where he was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Coast Artillery Corps. He has since been honorably discharged. Clark H. is a student in the Brown University and Harry G. G. completes the family.

In his political views Mr. Denison is a republican and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day but does not seek nor desire office as a reward for party fealty. He and his family are all members of the Union Plainfield Baptist church of Moosup and guide their lives according to its teachings. Mr. Denison belongs to Moosup Lodge, No. 113, A. F. & A. M., and also to the Eastern Star Chapter No. 27. In these associations are indicated the rules which govern his conduct and shape his relations with his fellowmen, making him a man whom to know is to respect and honor.

ALBERT AVERILL.

Albert Averill is a representative of one of the oldest families of Windham county. He was born July 18, 1838, in Pomfret, Connecticut, in the same house that he now occupies. His father, Frederic Averill, who followed farming as a life work, was a descendant of William Averill, who settled in Ipswich, Massachusetts, in 1637. The grandfather of Frederic Averill removed to Pomfret about 1770, and in Windham county Frederic Averill was reared and educated and spent his entire life. He married Elizabeth Sumner Chandler, a descendant of William Chandler, who settled in Roxbury, Massachusetts, in 1636. They were among the first settlers of Windham county and among the Mashamoquet purchasers.

Albert Averill acquired his education in the district schools of his native town and afterward attended Woodstock Academy in Woodstock, Connecticut. He was reared to farm life, early becoming familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist, and when his father retired from active business Albert Averill became the owner of the old homestead farm, which he yet occupies and cultivates. He has brought his land under a high state of cultivation and developed the place according to the most progressive ideas, ranking with the leading agriculturists of his com- munity.

On the 8th of January, 1867, in White Pigeon, Michigan, Mr. Averill was united in marriage to Miss Anna R. De Puy, a daughter of George Gearhart and Mary Ann (Laird) De Puy. Mrs. Averill comes of French Huguenot ancestry and by her marriage has two children, Clara Laird and Abilene Chandler, both at home.

Mr. Averill was for some years associated with the republican party but later became an independent, preferring to vote for the best man regardless of party. He is a member of the Patrons of Husbandry and was instrumental in organizing the town Grange, of which he served as master for a year. He is also connected with the insur- ance committee. He has never held public office, although taking an interest in town affairs and endeavoring to obtain honest management. He stands for progress and im- provement in all that has to do with the community, where he is a most respected citizen, having during his entire life, covering eighty years, occupied the house in which he is now living.

JAMES M. SMITH.

James M. Smith, of Willimantic, is actively identified with farming interests, oc- cupying the old homestead farm which has been in possession of the family for more than a century. He is also a recognized factor in public work that has to do with the welfare and progress of the town. He was born in Windham, Connecticut, on the old family homestead on the 18th of June, 1854, a son of John Sales and Lucy (Palmer) Smith, both of whom have now passed away, the death of the father having occurred in 1885, while his widow survived him until 1895.

Spending his youthful days under the parental roof, James M. Smith acquired a district school education, pursuing his studies for a part of the time in the Old Stone schoolhouse near the old homestead until he was eighteen years of age. He has always

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resided upon the farm which was the home of his ancestors and which comprises sixty- five acres of very rich and productive land, of which twenty acres is now within the cor- poration limits of the city of Willimantic. The house is new and modern, being a most attractive residence that has replaced the old dwelling. The house and grounds have a frontage of five hundred feet on Ash street in Willimantic and in addition to the resi- dence which Mr. Smith occupies there is also another dwelling upon the place, together with large barns and substantial improvements which indicate a most progressive spirit. The house in which Mr. Smith was born was more than two hundred years old when he tore it down to make way for his present attractive and delightful modern residence.

On the 3rd of October, 1875, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Lizzie May Clark, a native of Willimantic, and to them have been born two children: John Ray- mond, who was born February 23, 1886, and who married Gladys E. Clark, by whom he has one child, Gale; and Clifford Clark, who was born October 14, 1889, and married Minnie A. Morey. They, too, have a son, James Leonard.

In religious faith Mr. Smith is a Baptist, while fraternally he is connected with the Masons, belonging to the lodge and to the Eastern Star. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he at one time served as burgess of the borough. He was first selectman of Willimantic from 1898 until 1908 and he is now serving on the board of relief. He is also chairman of the Willimantic Cemetery Association, as he is inter- ested in all those forces and projects which have to do with the needs of the community, the possibilities for its advancement and growth and the extension of its interests in every way. A lifelong resident of the city in which he makes his home, he is most widely and favorably known, for his career has at all times measured up to the highest standards.

GEORGE A. BARTLETT.

George A. Bartlett was a well known resident of Willimantic where he passed away. He made that city his home most of the time, and was born there on the 1st of June, 1873, a son of George and Vera A. (Snow) Bartlett. He acquired a public school education in Mansfield, in Willimantic and in Meriden, Connecticut, and after putting aside his textbooks spent a short time in a drug store. He afterward learned the printer's trade and worked his way steadily upward in that connection, spending fifteen years as manager of the Chronicle Printing Company, publishers of the Willimantic Daily Chronicle. He was always deeply interested in the welfare and progress of his city after age conferred upon him the right to have voice in its affairs and he co- operated in many well defined plans and measures for the general good. Believing that the best interests of the community, the commonwealth and the country could be con- served through the adoption of republican principles, he became a stanch advocate of the party and was an earnest worker in its ranks. For several years he was a mem- ber of the town and city republican central committee, and in 1907 he was called upon to represent the town of Windham in the state legislature, where he gave earnest and careful consideration to all the vital questions which came up for settlement during his connection with the general assembly.

Mr. Bartlett was united in marriage to Miss Helen M. Carpenter, a daughter of John M. Carpenter, now deceased, who for many years was a merchant of Willimantic. Mr. and Mrs. Bartlett had one child, G. Donald.

Fraternally Mr. Bartlett was well known, having membership in the Willimantic Lodge of Elks, Obwebetuck Lodge, I. O. O. F., Natchaug Lodge of the Knights of Pythias, and Willimantic Lodge of the Loyal Order of Moose. He belonged to the Chamber of Commerce and was in hearty sympathy with its carefully organized efforts to advance the welfare of the city, to extend its business interests and uphold its civic standards.

SAMUEL DIAMOND.

Samuel Diamond, one of the leading clothiers of Putnam, maintaining a well ap- pointed establishment on Main street and enjoying a liberal patronage as the result of his enterprise and progressive business methods, was born in Odessa, Russia, Septem- ber 18, 1869. There he pursued a common school education and started upon his busi- ness career as a clerk in a clothing store. When about twenty-seven years of age he determined to try his fortune in the United States and crossed the Atlantic in 1896

George A Bartlett

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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY

to Boston, Massachusetts, where he took up his abode. He obtained a clerkship in the clothing store of Freedman Brothers in that city and there remained for a year, after which he removed to Putnam, Connecticut, and started on the road for himself, selling clothing in and about the city of Putnam. In this way he built up an ever increasing business and continued to sell in that fashion until 1904, when he opened a retail clothing store on Providence street in Putnam. After about five years his suc- cess was such as caused him to seek larger and more desirable quarters and he removed his business about 1910 to his present location on Main street. Here he has developed a large store and is recognized as one of Putnam's leading clothiers.

On the 19th of March, 1894, in Odessa, Russia, Mr. Diamond was married to Miss Dora Weiner, who is also a native of Russia. The children of this marriage are four in number. Minnie, who was born in Russia on the 9th of April, 1896, resides with her parents in Putnam. Morris, whose birth occurred in Russia, March 12, 1898, joined the navy in Putnam, Connecticut, in January, 1918, and served for fourteen months, being stationed at New London, Connecticut, until discharged in March, 1919. Robert was born in Putnam, Connecticut, April 11, 1901. Elizabeth was born in Put- nam on the 17th of March, 1902.

Mr. Diamond belongs to the Independent Order of B'nai B'rith, also to the Foresters and to the Masonic lodge of Putnam and is a loyal follower of the teachings and pur- poses of these organizations. His political allegiance is given to the republican party, and while he keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day, he has never sought or desired office as a reward for party fealty. Coming to America in young manhood, he has never had occasion to regret his determination to try his fortune in the new world, for here he found business opportunities that he sought and in their utilization and enjoyment has won a place among the leading and representative mer- chants of his adopted city.

GEORGE STORRS ELLIOTT

An outstanding figure in business circles in Willimantic is George Storrs Elliott, vice president of the Parker-Elliott Coal Company, who was largely the builder of the important business now controlled by that corporation. To a considerable extent he is now leaving the management of this business to others but still keeps an over- sight over his interests and maintains the unassailable reputation that the family has ever enjoyed in connection with the commercial interests of the city. Since 1830 there has been a George Elliott in business on Main street in Willimantic and through- out all this period the family name has remained a synonym for business enterprise, ability and trustworthiness. George S. Elliott now devotes his entire time to the insurance business, writing all sorts of policies and doing the largest business of its kind in Willimantic, Connecticut. He has been in the fire insurance business con- tinuously since 1894, or for twenty-four years, writing besides fire insurance all other lines. He represents in his community the greater number of leading companies of the United States.

George Storrs Elliott was born on the south side of Main street, nearly opposite North street, May 20, 1867, his parents being George C. and Frances G. (Kemp) Elliott. His grandfather, George E. Elliott, was the first custom tailor of Willimantic. He was born in Trowbridge, England, October 21, 1806, a son of George Elliott, Sr., who came to the United States late in life and spent his last days in Mamaroneck, New York. In his youth George E. Elliott learned the tailor's trade in London, having always to work by lamp light. Before leaving his native country he married Miss Matilda Smith, a native of Maidenhead, England, where she was born March 21, 1809, a daughter of Huntley Smith. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Elliott before they left their native country for the United States. The voyage across the Atlantic was made on one of the old-time sailing vessels and after six weeks en route they reached New York, first settling, however, at Cromwell, Connecticut, where Mr. Elliott was employed at the tailor's trade. At a later period George E. Elliott removed to Middle Haddam, thence to Goodspeeds and afterward came to Willimantic, where he opened a tailoring establishment. Prospering as the years went by, he after a short time purchased a lot and erected a house and some years later he built the Elliott block on the south side of Main street, nearly opposite the foot of North street, and to it removed his clothing store. There he passed his last active years, his death occurring January 20, 1867. He gave his political support to the whig party until its disso- lution, when he joined the ranks of the new republican party, but he was never ambi- tious to hold office. He was a man of sterling worth and his strict integrity com- manded for him the confidence and goodwill of all who knew him. A contemporary

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writer has said of him: "His standing in life was second to none. His capital was his thorough knowledge of his trade, his excellent judgment and his notable industry and his start in life was made with his needle. In his active and laborious life he accumulated a very comfortable competence and left a reputation of which his de- scendants are justly proud. Neat in his dress, systematic in his business, everything about his place was kept in perfect order." His wife died in Willimantic, Decem- ber 10, 1882.

Their son, George C. Elliott, was born at Middle Haddam, May 30, 1837, and he began his education in the schools of the town of East Haddam, while later he became a student in Dr. Fitch's school at South Windham, known as the Pine Grove Seminary, to which he walked from his parents' home in Willimantic, the family having in the meantime removed to this city. Because of somewhat impaired health George C. Elliott spent the summer months in working in the country that he might be physical- ly improved by the outdoor life. In 1854 he accepted a clerkship in Providence, where he remained for a year, and it was a long day's travel by stage from his home in Willimantic to that city. For a time he was in the wholesale cloak and tailors' trimmings establishment of Warner, Scott & Hathaway and after three years' absence from Willimantic he returned and established a shoe store in his father's building, opening the first boot and shoe establishment of the city. He continued actively in the business until 1886, when he disposed of his store. In 1885, when the old Elliott building was destroyed by fire, he rebuilt the block. He became a very prominent and influential business man of the city, becoming a stockholder in a foundry, also in a silk company formerly conducting business at the corner of Church and Valley streets, also in the Natchaug Silk Company and in the Willimantic Trust Company, becoming one of the directors of the bank. Not only was he most progressive in the conduct of business affairs but he enjoyed an unassailable reputation as well. His spirit of enterprise constituted an important element in the commercial and industrial develop- ment of Willimantic and at all times his fellow townsmen and business associates recognized the fact that his word was thoroughly reliable and that his business methods would bear the closest investigation and scrutiny. Like his father, he became a republican, casting his first ballot for Abraham Lincoln in 1860 and thereafter giving stalwart support to the party. He served on the board of burgesses and his public activities in that connection were of a most valuable character. He and his wife were members of the Congregational church.

It was on Christmas Day of 1865 that George C. Elliott was married in New York city to Miss Frances G. Kemp, who was there born in 1844, a daughter of Peter and Margaret (Kadue) Kemp. Her father was a native of Edinburgh, Scotland, and her mother of Philadelphia. In young manhood Mr. Kemp learned the baker's trade, which he followed for many years, but in later life held a responsible position with the Knickerbocker Ice Company of New York. To Mr. and Mrs. Elliott were born two children, George Storrs and Mary Isabelle. The daughter was born May 15, 1869, and on the 20th of June, 1894, became the wife of John T. Collyer, of Boston. They became residents of Waterbury, and now live in Springfield, Massachusetts.

George S. Elliott, the only son of the family, after attending the grades in the acquirement of his early education, continued his studies in the Natchaug high school, from which he was graduated as a member of the class of 1884. He afterward attended Hannum's Business College at Hartford and then accepted a position in the New York office of Holmes, Booth & Haydens, of Waterbury, Connecticut, there remaining for about a year. He then returned to Willimantic and entered the employ of George F. Taylor, who later admitted a partner to the business, thus forming the firm of Hillhouse & Taylor. At a later date Mr. Elliott became an employe of the firm of Lincoln & Boss, with whom he continued until 1894, when he entered into partnership with E. P. Chesbro to engage in the sale of bicycles, carriages, wagons, coal and wood. Their business rapidly increased and in 1895 the firm sold over five thousand bicycles and was then not able to meet its orders. They conducted both a wholesale and retail business and were New England agents for the Wilhelm Bicycle Company of Hamburg. Pennsylvania, and the Packer Wheel Company of Reading, Pennsylvania. In later years the trade naturally concentrated along other lines as the sale of bicycles de- creased. For a long time Mr. Elliott enjoyed an extensive patronage in the sale of carriages, wagons and sleighs and in all the articles needed in the handling, care and dressing of a horse. In the course of years his attention was more and more largely directed to the coal trade and in time the business was reorganized under the name of the Parker-Elliott Coal Company, with Mr. Elliott as vice president. Under his management the trade in coal increased from an output of two thousand to seven thousand tons annually. Mr. Elliott, however, does not remain active in the manage- ment of the business, although he is still one of the stockholders. Under the name of George S. Elliott our subject today conducts the largest general insurance agency in

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A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume II, Part 39

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