A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume II, Part 45

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

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Mr. Conant was happily situated in his home life. On the 11th of May, 1852, in Ellington, he wedded Caroline A. Chapman, a daughter of Deacon C. Simon and Jerusha (McKnight) Chapman. They became parents of two children: John Winslow, born August 30, 1854, and now proprietor of a silk mill at Westerly, Rhode Island; and Henry Wilbur Deloraine, who was born in July, 1861, and died at the age of nine months. Having lost his first wife, Mr. Conant was married November 18, 1864, to Mrs. Marietta (French) Brown, the widow of Andrew H. Brown, who had been killed in battle while serving as a soldier in the Union army during the Civil war. Mrs. Conant's parents were James and Mary (Lamphear) French and her father, who was a stone mason by trade, died in Willimantic when Mrs. Conant was but a child. She afterward made her home with George B. Armstrong until her marriage to Mr. Brown and they had one child, Frank W. Brown, now superintendent of a silk mill in Petaluma, California. Mrs. Conant was born in Poughkeepsie, New York, April 27, 1835. By her second marriage she became the mother of two children: George Andrew, who was born April 21, 1866, in

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Willimantic, and died February 24, 1889; and Julius Deloraine, who is mentioned on another page of this work.

Mr. Conant was ever a man fearless in the expression of his honest opinion and loyal to any cause in which he believed. For several years he served as president of the New England Christian Association, which opposed the lodge system. He cast his first presidential vote in 1852 for John P. Hale and was among the first to espouse the cause that led-to the formation of the republican party in Connecticut. He continued one of its stalwart champions until 1872, when feeling that the republican party had accomplished its mission in the preservation of the Union and that the question of tem- perance was now a paramount one before the people, he joined in the organization of the prohibition party. In 1884 he was the candidate of the American party for vice president on the ticket with Senator Pomeroy of Kansas as candidate for president. He continued to act with the prohibition party and was ever an advocate of those progressive interests and movements which he believed would uphold the moral standards of the individual and the community.

In early life he united with the Wesleyan Methodist church and in later years trans- ferred his membership to the Fourth Congregational church of Hartford, remaining a member thereof until 1881, when he united with the First Berean church at Willimantic on its formation. He ever stood conspicuously for reform, progress and improvement, strongly opposing all those agencies or elements which he believed were detrimental to the best interests of the individual and of the country at large. Though men differed from him in opinion, they always respected his integrity and his loyalty to his honest convictions. Life was to him purposeful and earnest and every obligation was bravely met and faithfully performed. He did not weigh his acts in the scale of policy but in the scale of right and his example of fidelity to principle and faithfulness to duty is one which may well be followed.

WILLIAM JOHN LINDEMAN.

William John Lindeman, actively engaged in agricultural pursuits in Woodstock, was born in Dorum, Germany, on the 6th of November, 1861, and is a son of Louis Henry Lindeman, who for many years was a leading agricutlurist of this county, to which he came in 1866. After having made arrangements for the reception of his family, he was joined by his wife and their children, who crossed the Atlantic in 1868, William J. Linde- man being at that time a youth of about six years. Further mention of the parents is made elsewhere in this work in connection with the sketch of L. H. Lindeman, Jr.

In the district schools of Windham county William J. Lindeman pursued his edu- cation and spent his time upon his father's farm until 1890, when he purchased Elm- wood Hall, an old colonial inn that stood near the Woodstock Academy. He made many improvements upon the property and conducted the inn until 1898, when he sold it to his sister, Mrs. John Clark, who conducted the hotel for ten years. On the expiration of that period W. J. Lindeman bought the property back and again did considerable im- proving in the way of painting and interior decorating and had it all ready to open for the summer season when it was burned to the ground on the 18th of June, 1907. He then retired from the hotel business and concentrated his attention upon market gar- dening on Woodstock Hill and with the exception of one year, when he was proprietor of a livery stable in Boston, he has continuously engaged in market gardening in Wood- stock since retiring from the hotel business. He has broad experience in this connection owing to thorough training with his father in youth and later labor along the same line. He produces a large amount of high grade vegetables and garden products annually, his output finding a ready sale on the market, while the standard of his goods enables him to command a high market price.

On the 28th of December, 1897, Mr. Lindeman was united in marriage to Mrs. Alice Melora (Robinson) Hyde. She was born in Oxford, Massachusetts, and married Lieuten- ant Frederick Griswold Hyde of the United States Navy at Chepachet, Rhode Island, on the 15th of June, 1887. Her first husband died in Woodstock, September 10, 1890, leaving two children: Marvin Foster and Eugene Schuyler, who died in infancy. The elder son was born July 11, 1888, and married Florence Wilcox, of Uncasville, Connecticut. They became the parents of two children, Frederick Griswold and Asa Wilcox. Marvin F. Hyde departed this life January 4, 1914. Mrs. Lindeman is a daughter of Marvin Wilson and Mary Jane (Corbin) Robinson. Her father was born in Windham county and acquired his education in Putnam. He was married in Thompson and made his home in Brimfield, Massachusetts, for a time but afterward removed to Oxford, Massachusetts, where he was station agent for more than twenty years. He then retired from active life and made his home with Mr. and Mrs. Lindeman in Woodstock, there passing away.

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His wife was born in Thompson. To Mr. and Mrs. Lindeman has been born a son, Walter Robinson, whose birth occurred in Woodstock, December 1, 1898.

In politics Mr. Lindeman is a stalwart republican but has never been an office seeker. He and his wife attend the Congregational church, of which she is a loyal member and active worker. He belongs to Putnam Lodge, No. 46, A. F. & A. M., and the Elks lodge, No. 574, of Putnam, and both are members of Senexel Grange, No. 4, in which both have also held office. They are well known residents of Woodstock, where their genuine worth and many excellent traits of character have gained for them the warm friendship of those with whom business or social relations have brought them in contact.

EDWARD JOSEPH GALLAGHER.

Edward Joseph Gallagher is one of the representatives of the woolen mill industry in Windham county. He was born in Blackstone, Massachusetts, February 20, 1876, a son of John and Ann (O'Donnell) Gallagher, natives of Ireland. Both left the Emerald isle at the age of twelve years and came to America, the families settling in Blackstone, Massachusetts, and there the parents were married and made their home for the remainder of their lives.

Edward J. Gallagher attended the public schools in Blackstone and subsequently was for five years connected with the agricultural department of the state of Massa- chusetts. He then entered the employ of the Saranac mills at Blackstone, which were owned by Colonel James E. Fletcher. He gradually worked his way upward and ac- quainted himself with all phases of the woolen industry. When this mill was ab- sorbed by the American Woolen Company, Colonel Fletcher established the Coronel mills at Mapleville, Rhode Island, and Mr. Gallagher became connected with these. In 1906 Mr. Fletcher founded the Plainfield Woolen Company at Central Village, where Mr. Gallagher is now located. Not only is he well versed in the woolen industry and thoroughly capable of handling every detail connected with the business, but he also has the executive ability which is necessary to direct the help.

In June, 1905, Mr. Gallagher married Miss Georgiana Cooney, the ceremony being performed at Blackstone. Mrs. Gallagher was born in that city, a daughter of Robert and Philomena Cooney. Mr. and Mrs. Gallagher have two children, namely, Mary and Gertrude, both born in Central Village.

Mr. Gallagher gives his political allegiance to the republican party and his reli- gious faith is that of the Roman Catholic church. Fraternally he belongs to All Hallow Council, K. C., of Mossup, Connecticut, is a past grand knight and past district deputy. He is also a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. In all public matters he takes a lively interest and every measure undertaken to further the general welfare he eagerly supports. He is president of the Central Fire Company, Inc., of the Central Village Fire Department, and takes a helpful interest in this organization. In social life he is active, is well liked, popular and amenable. He is a broad-minded man, gen- erous in his judgment of human nature and is kind to those who come to him for advice or assistance. As an employer he is appreciated by his men, who respect his firmness and the kind interest which he takes in them personally.

FREDERICK WILLIAM EUGENE LOVERING.

Frederick William Eugene Lovering, deceased, was an honored veteran of the Civil war and was well known in business circles as master mechanic of the Powhattan mills, a position which he occupied for a period of more than forty years, remaining throughout the entire time one of the honored and respected residents of Putnam.

He was born in New Boston, Connecticut, on the 27th of April, 1843, his parents being Freeman and Rebecca (Scott) Lovering. The father was born in the west but in early life accompanied his parents to Rhode Island, where he learned the trade of shoemaking. He afterward became a resident of Worcester, Massachusetts, and later removed to New Boston, Connecticut, where he passed away. His wife was a native of Swansea, Rhode Island.

F. W. E. Lovering, whose name introduces this review, pursued his education in the schools of Worcester, Massachusetts, and in young manhood went to Putnam, Connecti- cut, where he learned the machinist's trade and entered the employ of the Powhattan mills as a machinist. Working his way steadily upward, he soon became master me- chanic of the mills, and his marked efficiency, fidelity and trustworthiness were indi-

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cated in the fact that he continued in that position for more than four decades, retiring in 1915. The only interruption to his active business life came during the period of the Civil war. He was one of the first to volunteer in defense of the Union, joining the First Connecticut Cavalry, and later he reenlisted as a member of Company K of the Seventh Connecticut Volunteer Infantry, serving in all for three years.

Mr. Lovering was married in Putnam, Connecticut, in 1863, to Miss Clarissa Augusta Whitney, a native of Putnam, where she still makes her home, her birth having occurred on the 30th of January, 1842. She is a daughter of Whitford and Mehitabel (Hopkins) Whitney, who were natives of Foster, Rhode Island, and removed to Putnam soon after their marriage, continuing to make their home in this city until called to their final rest. Mr. and Mrs. Lovering became the parents of two children. Nellie Edith, born in Putnam, is the wife of William J. Turner of the Turner Heating Company of Provi- dence, Rhode Island, and has one child, Ralph Fitch. Bertha Evangeline, the younger daughter, also a native of Putnam, is the widow of Nathan Avery Brewster, who was a member of the firm of N. B. Brewster & Son, wool brokers of Norwich, Connecticut. He was born in Norwich, where he spent his entire life, there passing away September 16, 1896. His widow now makes her home with her mother, Mrs. Lovering, in Putnam.

Mr. Lovering, the husband and father, passed away November 9, 1916. He was a man of high character, beloved by all who knew him, and he was one of the best known residents of his city. For more than forty years he occupied a home on Providence street, opposite the Powhattan mills. He was a very active church man, serving as deacon in the First Baptist church for an extended period, and he also held mem- bership in the Grand Army of the Republic, thus maintaining pleasant relations with those who were his military comrades during the dark days of the Civil war. In mat- ters of citizenship he was always as true and loyal to his country as when he fol- lowed the nation's starry banner on the battlefields of the south.

ARTHUR CHARLES ANDREW.

A notably successful career is that of Arthur Charles Andrew, who is a most prominent figure in the music trade of Willimantic and this section of the state. He was born in Norwich, Connecticut, May 17, 1858, and is a son of Charles and Ellen (Foss) Andrew, both of whom have passed away. In early generations the Andrew family were seafaring people engaged in the East India trade.

James Andrew, the grandfather of Arthur C. Andrew of this review, filled an important position in connection with a cotton mill and his business activity made him widely known throughout New England. He died at Bean Hill, near Norwich, Connecticut. For about forty-five years he was a most prominent and active member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and his entire life was characterized by the most manly principles and by the strictest fidelity to duty. His son, Charles N. Andrew, was born in Poquetanuck, in the town of Preston, Connecticut, and there resided until he reached the age of thirty years. He was obliged to leave school at an early age in order to provide for his own support and in young manhood he embarked in merchandising at Norwich, Connecticut, in connection with his brother, Erastus, conducting a grocery store at that point until 1864. He then removed to Philmont, New York, where he conducted a grocery establishment for three years. In 1867 he arrived in Willimantic, where he established a grocery store which he carried on until 1871. In that year he opened a fire insurance agency and in 1883 reentered mercantile circles as proprietor of a hardware store. In 1891 he again established a fire insurance agency, which he conducted until his demise on the 9th of May, 1898. He had married Ellen Foss, who was born in Mansfield, a daughter of John and Sarah (Slade) Foss, who removed to Willimantic in her early girlhood, her father becom- ing a merchant of that city. The death of Mrs. Charles N. Andrew occurred June 10, 1908. Both were consistent members of the Congregational church and Mr. Andrew also belonged to the Masonic fraternity and gave his political allegiance to the repub- lican party. To him and his wife were born two children, the younger being a daugh- ter, Sarah, who became the wife of C. F. Clark, of Whitneyville, Connecticut.

Arthur C. Andrew was educated in a private school in Norwich, in the public schools of Philmont, New York, and in the Perkins Institute in Boston, where he had the most advanced musical instruction. Because of his blindness he became a student when eleven years of age in the Massachusetts School for the Blind, where his edu- cation was of a very complete character. He early manifested a decided talent for music and thus it was that his powers along that line were developed. He naturally turned to the music trade as a source of livelihood and in 1878 established a music house in Willimantic, of which he has since been one of the proprietors. After con-

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ducting the business alone for a year he formed a partnership with Thomas Rollinson under the firm style of Rollinson & Andrew. This association was maintained for about a year, or until Mr. Rollinson withdrew in order to accept a position with the Oliver Ditson Company of Boston, prominent music publishers, with whom he is still connected. Mr. Andrew then remained alone in business until 1906, when he incor- porated the business, of which he became president and treasurer, with his wife as the secretary. In July, 1893, he established his store at Nos. 804-806 Main street, where he had exceptionally attractive quarters. There he remained until the fall of 1917, when he removed his business to the finest building in the city. He deals ex- tensively in pianos, talking machines and musical instruments generally as well as everything in the line of musical merchandise. He handles many of the finest musical instruments upon the market and carries an extensive line of standard music. The Andrew Music Store enjoys a most enviable reputation and is today among the largest retail houses of Connecticut, its sales covering all parts of New England and extending as well into other states. The business has been upbuilt not only upon a foundation of enterprise, ambition and progressiveness, but has ever been managed with the strictest regard to integrity and Mr. Andrew has never been known to deviate from a course which he believed to be right between himself and his fel- lowmen and the old saying, his word is as good as his bond, finds exemplification in his career.

On the 16th of January, 1889, Mr. Andrew was united in marriage to Miss Harriet Post, who was born in South Coventry, Connecticut, June 10, 1859, her parents being Francis G. and Elizabeth (Watrous) Post. In 1861 her father removed with the family to Willimantic and for a number of years was a prominent contractor and builder of this city, his death here occurring February 20, 1902.

In politics Mr. Andrew is a stanch republican and for two years represented the first ward in the city council. He and his wife attend the Congregational church and they are among the most highly respected and valued residents of Willimantic, esteemed by all who know them and most of all where they are best known.

MELVIN E. LINCOLN.

Melvin E. Lincoln is the president of the Lincoln & Boss Lumber & Coal Company, Inc., of Willimantic, has been prominently identified with building operations and has been an officer of the Willimantic Saving Institute for thirty-three years. He is thus actively and prominently connected with interests which have constituted the most important elements in the growth, upbuilding and development of the city. He was born in North Windham on the 23d of February, 1849, a son of Lorin and Elizabeth (Parker) Lincoln. His education was acquired in the district schools of North Windham and in Chaplin, Connecticut, and he also spent one term as a student in the high school at Willimantic. He took up the profession of teaching when but sixteen years of age, teaching one winter in the town of Chaplin, where the remuneration was three dollars per week, and board around. Later on he took up labor in a grist and sawmill, also general teaming, which occupied his attention until he reached the age of twenty years, when he removed to Willimantic and for a short time was engaged in the grocery business, devoting four years to that line of trade save for a period of about two months. He then entered his present business under the firm name of L. & M. E. Lincoln. This was in 1873 and in the development and enlargement of the business he bought out several other enterprises of similar character. On April 1, 1882, he took as a partner Charles L. Boss. At a later period Mr. Lincoln sold out his interest in the lumber and coal business to Mr. Boss, and for thirteen years was engaged in the native lumber, grocery, and insurance business, also serving one term as postmaster, but when the business was incorporated he returned as the president and is at the head of the com- pany at this writing. He has erected over forty buildings individually in Willimantic, always drawing his own plans. He was president of the Willimantic Saving Institute for nine years and has been one of its trustees for thirty-three years. He has taken an active part in making this one of the most substantial moneyed concerns of the county and in all connections has ever been known as a most progressive and thoroughly reliable business man, actuated by a spirit of enterprise in all that he has undertaken. When the United Charities Association of Willimantic was organized in 1914 Mr. Lincoln was elected its president and has remained at its head since.

Mr. Lincoln has been married twice. On the 23d day of November, 1871, he wedded Sarah A. Burnham and to them was born one son, Louis B., whose birth occurred March 26, 1876, who was educated in the public and high schools of Willimantic and married Grace Elizabeth McAvoy, by whom he has four children: Helen Burnham, George Melvin,

MELVIN E. LINCOLN

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Robert J. and Edith G. Louis B. Lincoln is associated with his father in the Lincoln & Boss Lumber & Coal Company, Inc., and is also spending a large part of his time in newspaper work. When in high school he was president of his class and was editor of the high school paper. The cause of education has ever found in him a stalwart cham- pion who has put forth earnest and effective effort to advance the welfare of the schools. His political allegiance is given to the republican party. Having lost his first wife, Melvin E. Lincoln was again married, his second union being with Edith M. Lincoln. The wedding was celebrated December 19, 1878, and to them has been born a son, Frank Melvin, whose birth occurred July 17, 1880. He, too, was educated in the public and high schools and on the 22d of October, 1906, he married Elizabeth Rose. They have one child, Melvin Eugene, who was born October 24, 1908, and named in honor of his grandfather.

In religious faith Mr. Lincoln is a Congregationalist. He belongs to the Chamber of Commerce and he gives his political allegiance to the democratic party. He began serving his town and city in a political capacity by acting as clerk of the borough of Willimantic and since has served the city as burgess, and collector, and the town of Windham as selectman, grand juror, constable and on the board of relief. He joined the fire department at its inception, and held various offices while connected with it. He served on the building committee of the new high school and is secretary and treasurer of the Willimantic Development Company and the Willimantic Industrial Company. His activities and his interests have thus been broad and varied and public welfare has been largely promoted through his efforts. Willimantic has ever honored him as one of its progressive business men and his worth is attested by all with whom he has been associated.

GEORGE WASHINGTON JAQUES.

George Washington Jaques, a mason contractor of East Killingly and even more widely known as a caterer, his activity in this direction winning him the sobriquet of King George, has won. fame for himself and his district in his clam bakes. He was born at East Killingly, Windham county, July 4, 1851, a son of James Monroe and Sarah Ann (Richardson) Jaques. The father was a native of Rhode Island and in young manhood removed to East Killingly, where for seventeen years he was overseer in the Ebenezer Young mill. He secured a situation there when a youth in his teens and worked his way upward to the position of overseer, in which he was continued for almost two decades- a fact indicative of his capability, fidelity and trust- worthiness. On the expiration of that period he purchased a farm on Chestnut Hill at East Killingly and devoted his remaining days to the cultivation and development of his place. His wife was born in Thompson, Connecticut, and following the death of her husband removed to Putnam, Connecticut, where her remaining days were passed. They were the parents of a family of seven children, of whom four are yet living: Oscar, now a resident of Providence, Rhode Island; George W .; Olive, the wife of Francis French, of Putnam, Connecticut; and Frank M., a jeweler of Attleboro, Massachusetts.

George W. Jaques .pursued his education in the schools of East Killingly and in young manhood took up the occupation of farming, which he followed for a time, but thinking to find other pursuits more congenial, he turned his attention to the trade of stone and brick mason and also learned the plastering business. He has been active along these lines for many years and in fact still follows his trade, taking contracts for the laying of stone foundations and for the building of large chimneys. These include difficult jobs, such as the large chimneys required for the big mill power houses and other manufacturing establishments. He has been the builder of some of the most difficult chimneys, involving a certain amount of danger in their construction and requiring the services of expert workmen. Mr. Jaques has also built many of the fine greenhouses that are to be found on the beautiful estates in Windham county, doing the foundation work in this connection. He had the contract for the foundation work for the greenhouses on the estates of Mrs. Randolph M. Clark at Pomfret, Connecticut, and also on the estate of J. W. Doane in Thompson, Connecticut. During the forty-two years of his connection with his line of contract- ing he has always enjoyed a liberal patronage and his work has many times been of a most difficult and frequently of a dangerous character. His ability has brought him steadily to the front and he occupies a position of leadership in this connection.

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A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume II, Part 45

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