A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume II, Part 41

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

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In his political views Mr. Stoddard is an earnest democrat and for many years he filled the office of tax assessor. He was elected to the position of selectman in October, 1916, and was reelected in October, 1917, so that he is still the incumbent in the office. He and his wife hold membership in the Congregational church and they are charter members of Wolf Den Grange, both having attended the first meeting, at which Mr. Stoddard was elected assistant steward and his wife elected assistant lady steward. This was prior to their marriage and they are still identified with the organization. They were young people together, brought up on adjoining farms, and their home today is a popular meeting place for the younger people of Marcy Hollow, being noted for its warm-hearted hospitality. Mr. Stoddard is a progressive agriculturist, alert, wide-awake and enterprising and interested in all that has to do with the advancement of agricul- tural conditions and opportunities.

CAPTAIN CHARLES FENTON.

No history of Willimantic would be complete without reference to Captain Charles Fenton, a veteran of the Civil war, an honored member of the Grand Army of the Republic and a retired manufacturer and capitalist. Each day in his life has seemed to mark off a full-faithed attempt to know more and to grow more, in accordance with the spirit of progress and advancement which should actuate every individual. From the faithful performance of each day's duties he has found inspiration and courage for the labors of the succeeding day and for many years he figured most prominently in silk manufacturing circles.

Captain Fenton was born at Crown Point, New York, August 27, 1840. His parents were Horace and Mary (Huestis) Fenton. The father was born in Mansfield, Con- necticut, May 15, 1808, and died April 5, 1875. The mother was born at Crown Point, New York, and passed away February 27, 1842, when but twenty-nine years of age. She was the second wife of Horace Fenton and Captain Fenton was the youngest of three children. Horace Fenton was a blacksmith. He was three times married, his first wife being Emily Whitney. They were married on April 10, 1834, and she died August 21, 1835, leaving an infant daughter, now Mrs. Fred P. Reed, of New Rochelle, New York. In following his trade Horace Fenton removed to Crown Point, New York, where his second marriage took place on the 10th of September, 1837. To this union were born three children, as mentioned above: Mrs. Marion Hoisington, deceased; Colonel E. B. Fenton, agent for the Windham Silk Company at Chicago, Illinois; and Captain Charles Fenton, our subject. In 1844 Horace Fenton returned to Mansfield, Connecticut, where he engaged in farming to the time of his death. On March 24, 1851, he married Caroline A. Hall, of Mansfield Center, Connecticut. They lived in the famous Squire Salter house at Mansfield Center. Horace Fenton was a man of very retiring disposi- tion, yet he had many friends and commanded the respect of all with whom he was as- sociated. Mrs. Caroline A. Fenton spent her last days with her stepson, Captain Fenton of this review, passing away on February 28, 1895, having reached an age of nearly eighty-five years.

Captain Fenton was but four years of age when his father returned to Mansfield and in the public schools he acquired the greater part of his education. When a youth of twelve years he began work in the silk mills of Mansfield Hollow, working during va- cation periods, and thus he received the initial training which was the beginning of the comprehensive knowledge that he acquired concerning the silk industry-a knowl- edge that at length made him regarded as one of the best informed men concerning the processes of silk manufacture in the entire country. Steadily he worked his way up- ward, passing from one position to another in various silk mills until after the out- break of the Civil war, when he put aside all business and personal considerations and responded to the country's call for military aid.

CAPTAIN CHARLES FENTON

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Captain Fenton entered the service on the 7th of August, 1862, as a member of Company D, Twenty-first Regiment, Connecticut Volunteer Infantry. He enlisted at Mansfield and was made first sergeant of his company. On the 31st of July, 1863, he was commissioned a second lieutenant and on the 16th of November, 1864, he was com- missioned first lieutenant of Company C. On the 11th of January, 1865, further promo- tion came to him, bringing to him the rank of captain of Company F. He was engaged on duty in the defense of Washington from September until November, 1862, and then advanced to Falmouth, Virginia. He participated in the battles of Fredericksburg, Bermuda Hundred, Port Walthall, Chester Station, the operations against Fort Darling, the engagement at Drury's Bluff, Cold Harbor, Bethseda Church and the movements of the army before Petersburg. He was detailed as acting assistant provost marshal on the staff of Colonel Guy V. Henry, of the Third Brigade of the Third Division, Eighteenth Army Corps, thus serving from the 4th of June until the following August. He was on the staff of General Stannard of the First Division of the Eighteenth Army Corps from August until November and later he participated in the siege of Petersburg, was pres- ent at the mine explosion, took part in the battle of Chapin's Farm and Fair Oaks and in the siege operations against Richmond. He remained north of the James river until March, 1865, and then participated in the expedition to Fredericksburg, extending from the 4th to the 25th of March. He took part in the capture and occupation of Richmond on the 3d of April and removed to Columbia, Virginia, on the 28th of the same month, where he was assigned to duty, as acting commissary of the post, there re- maining until June. He was mustered out at Richmond, Virginia, on the 16th of June, 1865.

Immediately after the war Captain Fenton returned to Mansfield. After engaging in several local enterprises he was offered the position of superintendent for the mill of O. S. Chaffee & Sons, at Chaffeeville, where he remained until 1870, when he accepted a position as traveling salesman for the Nonotuck Silk Company, with headquarters at Chicago. After giving this business line a tryout he concluded that his capability was not in the line of commercial traveler and returned to Mansfield. In August, 1874, he went to Saccarappa, now the city of Westbrook, Maine, where he remained for thirteen years, during which time he was superintendent of the Haskell Silk Mills, set up the machinery and built up a large and prosperous business at that place. On the 14th of July, 1887, he returned to Willimantic to become the superintendent of the mill of O. S. Chaffee & Sons and the splendid success which followed his undertaking there was equal to his success as manager of the Haskell Silk Company, resulting from his long experience and his proverbial industry. At length he became associated with the L. D. Brown Company, with which he remained until the organization of the Windham Silk Company of Willimantic in 1901. The newly organized company sent for Captain Fenton and he became one of the larger stockholders in the organization, was elected a director, the secretary and the general manager. His ability as a prac- tical silk man was at once manifest. His labors and the processes which he introduced resulted in giving the product a better finish than that of any other silk manufactur- ing plant in the United States. Moreover, he had an extensive acquaintance with the needs of the trade and a large personal following among the most skilled workers and salespeople. His operations therefore soon made the silk mills at Willimantic famous and the company, with the business under his management, met with remarkable financial success. There is no subject of silk manufacture with which Captain Fenton is not thoroughly familiar and in many regards he has taken initiative steps that others have followed, to the lasting benefit of the trade. He continued with the Willimantic establishment until 1913, when he retired from active business and is now enjoying a well earned rest. Yet Captain Fenton is still active, and takes pleasure in cultivating a large fruit and vegetable garden which is the pride of the Hill, on which he lives. Thus he is "Near to Nature's Heart." He was one of the original directors and stockholders of the Willimantic Trust Company.

Captain Fenton was married in 1867 to Miss Cornelia J. Hall, of Mansfield, who died in 1880. She was a daughter of Julius Hall, a prominent resident of Washington, Con- necticut. By this marriage there were six children, Mary Caroline, Robert Hall, Horace Jewell, Fannie Cushman, Helena Mansfield, and Cornelia. Fannie, Helena and Cornelia all passed away in childhood. Mary Caroline Fenton was born in Mansfield, May 10, 1869. She was graduated from the Willimantic high school in 1888. For several years she assisted her father in the office of the Windham Silk Company. She was a member of the Congregational church and teacher in the Sunday school and was in every way a very estimable young woman. She was cheerful and uncomplaining during her long illness and her decease in 1897 marked the end on earth of a beautiful and consistent Christian life. Robert H. is mentioned elsewhere in this work. Horace J., who was born in Mansfield, December 27, 1873, was graduated from Yale College with the class of 1899, after which he did post graduate work and also spent three years as a student

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in the Yale Law School. At present he is one of the instructors in the Naval Academy at Annapolis and has published a textbook on constitutional law which has been adopted for use by the Naval Academy as well as other institutions of learning. He is married and has two sons, Charles Rudolph and Richard Horace.

For his second wife Captain Fenton married Miss Sarah A. Hall, a cousin of his first wife and a daughter of Harry Hall, a farmer of Mansfield. They were married in 1882 and Mrs. Fenton passed away in 1888. On the 14th of May, 1890, Captain Fenton wedded Sarah Davis Weeks, of Gilford, New Hampshire, a daughter of W. B. and Rhoda (Davis) Weeks, and a granddaughter of Nathaniel Davis, who owned and lived on an island in Lake Winnipessaukee near The Weirs, the island bearing his name for many years. It is now called Governor's island. Mr. Davis was born in 1777 and his death occurred in 1857. He was twice married and had a family of twelve children. His second wife was Clarissa Gordon, a daughter of Sergeant William Gordon, who was a soldier during the Revolutionary war. Rhoda Osgood, the youngest daughter, was born on Davis island, March 26, 1823. In her girlhood she spun and wove beautiful blankets and coverlets, which are still in good preservation. She was also a school teacher. In September, 1842, she became the wife of William B. Weeks, who was born in Gilford, New Hampshire, in 1818. Mr. Weeks was a farmer by occupation. He was a captain in the militia prior to the Civil war, and a prominent member of the Adventist church. He died in Rosita, Colorado, in 1879. Mrs. Weeks came to reside in Willimantic in 1884. She spent her last years in the home of her daughter, Mrs. Fenton. Her Bible was her constant companion. She became an Adventist in 1844 and continued steadfast in that faith until she passed to the higher life in December, 1908.

Mrs. Sarah Weeks Fenton is a member of the King's Daughters and the Woman's Relief Corps, and in this connection she makes frequent calls on the soldiers' widows, the sick and the shut-ins, taking with her flowers and good cheer. She is a member of the Congregational church, but has long been interested in Christian Science and other metaphysical teachings.

Captain Fenton is a very prominent and active member of F. S. Long Post, No. 30, G. A. R., in which he has held all of the various offices, and is now serving as quar. termaster. He is also a member of the New York Commandery of the Loyal Legion. He is of the Christian Science faith and is much interested in its work and its teachings. His career is indeed a notable one of successful achievement. Starting out in a humble capacity in the business world, he steadily worked his way upward, mastering every task that was assigned to him and in the course of years winning a place in silk man- ufacturing circles, where his word was accepted as authority upon anything having to do with the business. The orderly steps in his progression are easily discernable. With him, to accomplish a given task was but to awaken energy and ambition to attack some- thing even more difficult, and year by year his progress was continuous. At the same time he has ever maintained the same spirit of loyalty which marked him when as a soldier of the Civil war he followed the stars and stripes upon the battlefields of the south.

JAMES C. PALMER.

James C. Palmer, deceased, who was a respected and representative resident of Windham county for many years, was born at Eastford, Connecticut, February 28, 1833, and was a son of James B. and Sally Palmer. The father was born in Ashford, Con- necticut, in 1796, and became a resident of Brooklyn, Connecticut, in 1839. The mother was born in Hampton, Connecticut, in 1794. James C. Palmer was but seven years of age when his parents removed to Brooklyn, Connecticut, where he was reared and edu- cated, attending the district schools. At the age of nineteen years he entered the employ of his brother, John Palmer, who was proprietor of a store, in which he worked for five years, from 1853 until 1858. In the latter year he became an employe of the Windham County Mutual Fire Insurance Company and filled that position until January 1, 1893, when he was elected one of the officers, being made secretary of the company, in which position he succeeded his brother John, who at that time resigned. John Palmer was a man thoroughly versed in the insurance business and had contributed much to the development and success of the company with which he was connected. James C. Pal- mer also developed marked capability in that line and became a prominent figure in insurance circles in eastern Connecticut. His labors were a potent force in the growth of the company and he continued in the business until about 1910, when he resigned and removed to Brooklyn, where he lived retired throughout his remaining days.

James C. Palmer was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Farnum, and they became the parents of five children, as follows: Ella Josephine, who occupies the old

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home in Brooklyn and to whom we are indebted for the material concerning her parents; Frederick J., who married Rose Shippee and has passed away; Louis S., who married Cecelia Murphy and is an electrician in Manchester, Connecticut; Mary L., the wife of Howard Travis, a photographer of Newton, Massachusetts; and James S., who wedded Mildred Stearns and is engaged in the fire insurance business at Attleboro, Massachusetts, having thoroughly learned the business under his father's direction and now meeting with good success in his undertakings.

The death of Mr. Palmer occurred at Brooklyn, Connecticut, May 11, 1918, while his wife passed away on the 16th of January, 1916. In politics he was a republican and during the time that his father was judge of probate he served as the efficient clerk for two years and he also assisted in the office of town clerk for a time. He was very accurate and reliable in all that he did, thoroughly upright in his business deal- ings and was a most pleasant and agreeable gentleman, popular in all circles.

OLIVER BASSETT.

Oliver Bassett, the capable manager of the town farm in the town of Killingly, was born at Danielson, Connecticut, May 12, 1876, his parents being John B. and Adeline (Dragon) Bassett. The father, a native of Canada, remained in that country to the age of twelve years and then came to the United States, continuing his education, which had been begun in the schools of his native country, by study in a night school at Danielson. He was afterward employed in the Quinebaug mills of Danielson, spend- ing twenty-five years as a loom fixer. Later he purchased a farm near Danielson and for sixteen years devoted his attention to general farming and dairying and also oper- ated a cider mill upon his place. He passed away May 19, 1909, and is still survived by his widow, who makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. William Ross, on Broad street in Danielson. Their family numbered four children: Oliver, of this review; Clara, who is the wife of William Ross, a reed manufacturer who also operates a sawmill in Danielson; John, who married Eva Rapp, of Danielson, and is associated with Mr. Ross in reed manufacturing; and Alfred, who wedded Lillian McNeal, of Providence, Rhode Island, and is also connected with Mr. Ross in the reed business.

Oliver Bassett was a pupil in the public schools of Danielson and in youth began working in the cotton mills, being thus employed for five years. He afterward turned his attention to farming and from 1889 until 1900, or for a period of eleven years, was employed by Daniel Shippee. Later he purchased the old home place, which he rented to others for a time but eventually sold. He then leased a farm from Mrs. Charles Perkins in the town of Killingly for a period of eleven years and thereon devoted his attention to the cultivation of his fields and to dairying, conducting his business affairs with very gratifying success. He afterward purchased farm land near Danielson and it was his intention to there engage in the lumber business, but he was solicited by the officials of the town to take over the town farm and accordingly he rented his place in Danielson and assumed the management of the town farm in November, 1916. Here he has since remained, giving excellent satisfaction by his capable management of the property and the care of those living thereon.

On the 20th of March, 1898, Mr. Bassett was married to Lena Shippee, daughter of Daniel and Mary (Thompson) Shippee, natives of Windham county. To this mar- riage five children have been born: Lawrence O., Mary E., Earl, John E. and Adeline, all yet at home with the exception of Earl, who has been called to the home beyond.

Mr. Bassett is a republican in his political views. He worked for the town several years as foreman of the roads and he has always maintained a helpful attitude in public affairs. The family attend and support the Congregational church of Dayville.

JOSEPH COURNOYER.

Joseph Cournoyer, owner of one of the best farms in the town of Plainfield, Wind- ham county, was born in St. Simon, in the province of Quebec, Canada, March 13, 1877, a son of Paul and Josette (Petit) Cournoyer. The father was a native of Sorel, Quebec, where he was reared and educated. He there took up the occupation of farming and afterward removed to St. Simon in the same province, where he also carried on agri- cultural pursuits for some time. Later he retired from farming and with his family removed to Woonsocket, Rhode Island, where he passed away April 30, 1890. His wife, who was born in St. Helen, in the province of Quebec, is now living at Woonsocket.

Joseph Cournoyer spent his youthful days at the place of his nativity and in Woon-

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socket, Rhode Island, attending school in both districts. Early in life he learned the butchering business and followed the trade for a time at Woonsocket, but in 1892 he and his brother Dolphus removed to Wauregan, Windham county, where Joseph Cour- noyer secured employment with Joseph Picard as a butcher. He remained in that con- nection for more than twelve years and it was during that period that he became well acquainted with Windham county and its people. Seeing the opportunities offered along agricultural lines, he decided that some day he would become a farmer and own a tract of land in Windham county. He never lost sight of this ambition, although it was some time before he had the chance to put his plans into practical execution. In 1905 he re- turned to Woonsocket, Rhode Island, and during the succeeding four years worked in a silk mill there. In 1909 he became a spinner in a woolen mill of Woonsocket, but by the summer of 1919 he had accumulated sufficient money to return to Windham county and make investment in land. On the 15th of August, therefore, he bought the highly improved farm of one hundred and fifty acres owned by George E. Mortimer and located near the village of Moosup, in the town of Plainfield. He has recently established his family upon this farm and is making every plan to carefully, systematically and intelli- gently develop and improve the property. This is one of the excellent farms of the town of Plainfield and anyone knowing Mr. Cournoyer and his industrious and ambitious nature will have no reason to doubt the outcome of his labors as an agriculturist

On the 22d of June, 1897, at Wauregan, Connecticut, Mr. Cournoyer was married to Miss Eugenie Parre, who was born at Wauregan, Connecticut, a daughter of Frank and Mary (Fortier) Parre. The father was born at Charlestown, Massachusetts, and for many years was an employe in the mills of Wauregan, in which city he passed away. The mother was born at St. Theodore, in the province of Quebec, Canada. Mr. and Mrs. Cournoyer have become the parents of seven children: Frank X. and Irene, both of whom were born in Wauregan and are at home; Beatrice, who was born in Wauregan; Leo, who was born in Attawaugan and died in Woonsocket, Rhode Island; Donea, who who was born and died in Woonsocket; and Arham and Raymond, both born in Woon- . socket.

Mr. Cournoyer is an active worker in the Knights of Columbus. He joined Mystical Rose Council, No. 49, at Wauregan, and was transferred to Woonsocket Council when he removed to Rhode Island. His membership at the present time is in All Hallows Council at Moosup, Connecticut. Mr. Cournoyer is a very intelligent and enterprising man who has lived a life of industry and thrift and who has ultimately realized his early ambition of owning a fine farm.

EVERETT HYDE.

Everett Hyde is now largely living retired in the town of Pomfret yet is the owner and still supervises the conduct of a valuable farm property on the state road, which he has developed into one of the modern farms of this section. He was born in Danielson, Connecticut, April 12, 1860, a son of Silas and Levonia (Rickard) Hyde. His father was born in the town of Canterbury, Connecticut, on the old Hyde homestead, and acquired a common school education. In young manhood he assisted his father in the farm work, the Hydes having lived in Canterbury for many generations. As a young man Silas Hyde went to Providence, Rhode Island, where he learned the trades of plumber and tinsmith. Returning to Windham county, he settled in Danielson, where he established business on his own account and also made stoves, as was the custom in the days when tin stoves were largely used. He prospered in that business and afterward admitted his brother Isaac to a partnership. As time passed on they extended the scope of their activities to in- clude the sale of furniture and met with substantial success in their undertakings, acquiring a handsome competence. Both retired from business while still compara- tively young. Isaac Hyde removed to Oakland, California, where his remaining days were passed, while Silas Hyde, who retired from business when forty-five years of age, devoted the remainder of his days to looking after his financial interests. He owned large farm and business property holdings in Connecticut, together with con- siderable beach property at Brunswick, Maine, and at Bailey's Beach, Maine. He was for many years a trustee and afterward became the president of the Killingly Sav- ings Bank and he served as a director in other banking institutions. Silas Hyde was married three times. He first wedded Levonia Rickard and after her death married Melissa Polk, of Danielson, while his third wife was Laura Stover, of Bruns- wick, Maine. She, too, passed away ere the death of Mr. Hyde, who was called to his final rest in Danielson, Connecticut, September 22, 1911. By his first marriage he had three children, Mary, Frank and Everett.

GEORGE RICKARD

SILAS HYDE

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The last named is the only survivor of the family. He was reared and educated in Danielson, where he spent his entire life until 1914, when he removed to the old Rickard farm on the state road. This property was at one time owned by his mother's brothers, who lived in the town of Pomfret and reached a ripe old age, accumulating a large fortune. They never married and lived alone, leaving at their death all of their land and possessions to their nephew, Everett Hyde, who, removing from Dan- ielson, took possession of the Rickard farm in Pomfret in 1914. Up to this time he had been the driver of the water wagon for the borough of Danielson for a period of thirty years. Resigning that position in 1913, he removed in the following year to the farm which he inherited from his uncles, having now one hundred and sixty acres of valuable land. He has made large and extensive improvements upon the place, has rebuilt the home buildings and is conducting a most modern and progres- sive farm with the assistance of hired help. He has studied the best methods of caring for and developing the place and his well devised plans have found expres- sion in the successful conduct of the farm property.

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A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume II, Part 41

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