A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume II, Part 56

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

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The foregoing article was in type several weeks before Dr. Parker's death and is allowed to stand as a fair, conservative statement of the public estimate of his life in action. At that time there was no intimation that his life was so soon to close. It was known only to a few friends that about two years before his death he showed signs of very serious heart trouble, and he was urged by fellow physicians to relinquish a portion of his labors. But that was at the height of World-war needs, and in such a crisis Theodore Raymond Parker would no more falter than if he were a soldier at the front. Never had his community such need of him and he stood by. The following winter came the unprecedented epidemic of influenza, with its demands upon home physicians even more strenuous than in war time; and Dr. Parker never relaxed in any degree his untiring devotion, although it was now becoming evident to many that he was going far beyond his strength. Yet not until about a month before the end did he consent to curtail his activities. He died of angina pectoris in the early morning of Saturday, July 17, 1920. Then the community began to realize what his service and sacrifice had really meant. In an editorial the Daily Chronicle said: "The passing of

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Theodore Raymond Parker has taken from this community a life very unusual in its many-sided relation to Willimantic and a wide circle of neighboring towns. 'No one could have been taken who will be so generally missed; no one has rendered greater service here in his day and generation'; this has been the common verdict, expressed on the street and in the homes of the people, and none are more cordial in this expression than his professional associates."

"Dr. Parker was the best loved man in Windham county," was the declaration of one of the leading physicians in eastern Connecticut, and there is universal assent to that estimate.

The funeral was attended Tuesday, July 20th, from his late residence at 134 Church street and the house was filled with sincere mourners. Nearly forty physicians were present, especially members of the Windham County Medical Society, and also several specialists from Hartford and New Haven with whom he had been associated. The places of business on Main street in Willimantic were closed during the hour of the funeral. The final paragraph of the Chronicle editorial read as follows: "Many homes are sorrowing for him today, and it will be a long, long time before the precious memory of his wise counsel, his loyal friendship, and his faithful, self-sacrificing service, will cease to exert a definite and positive influence for good in this community."

NELSON ARNOLD BENNETT.

Nelson Arnold Bennett, a resident of the village of Sterling, conducting a successful business as a quarryman, was born in the village of North Sterling, in the town of Foster, Rhode Island, August 13, 1870, his parents being Abraham and Zilpha (Andrews) Bennett. The father was also born in the town of Foster and spent his entire life in Rhode Island, in the vicinity of his birthplace, where he followed the occupation of farming until his retirement from active business life. He then removed to Providence, Rhode Island, and made his home with a daughter until called to his final rest. His wife was born in Johnston, Rhode Island, and passed away when her son Nelson was a lad of but nine years.

In the schools of his native town Nelson Arnold Bennett pursued his education and there spent his youthful days. The town of Foster in Rhode Island is just across the boundary line from the town of Sterling, Connecticut, where he now lives. Owing to his mother's death he went to live with relatives when nine years of age and also during his youth lived with neighboring farmers, doing farm work and attending a few terms of school in the winter seasons. He was industrious and energetic and eventually was being paid twelve dollars per month for farm work. He continued to work in that way in Rhode Island until 1889, when he crossed the boundary line into the town of Sterling and entered the employ of Jerry Boswell, who owned and operated a stone quarry and also a farm. Mr. Bennett did farm work for Mr. Boswell but was anxious to work in the quarry and learn how to cut paving blocks. However, the paving block cutters in the quarry would not teach him and did what they could to prevent him from taking up the work. However, when his farm work was over for the day, he would make his way to the quarry, as he also did on Sundays, and thus he familiarized him- self with the use and manner of handling the tools and eventually was able to obtain employment in the quarry. Utilizing every opportunity to learn the business, he eventu- ally became a paving block stonecutter and after working for Mr. Boswell for three years, during which time he mastered the business, he began buying stone for himself and cut out the blocks. At first he sold them to his former employer but afterward began selling to others, especially selling direct to the contractors who did the paving of city streets. He started the business in a small way but began to expand his inter- ests and his patronage grew rapidly owing to the thoroughness of his work and his unquestioned reliability. It was not long before he had a contract to deliver one-half million paving stones to The Rhode Island Company, and up to the present time he has sold and delivered over eight million paving blocks to this one company alone. His early success soon justified him in the purchase of a quarry and from time to time he has bought other quarry properties. He now owns the Boswell quarry, where he began to work in his youthful days, the Kenneth Mackay quarry and the Ben Smith quarry, all in Sterling, and in 1915 he purchased the Beaton quarry in Coventry, Rhode Island, which is the largest one that he now owns. It has two large stone houses on it, each one furnishing homes to four families, thus providing housing for the workmen. He has made vast improvements on the place, utilizing the latest ma- chinery to quarry and cut the stone, and in the conduct of his business has ever followed the most progressive methods. He also owns nine houses for rental in the village of Sterling and his investments further include two farm properties in the town

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of Sterling, one of which is within the corporation limits of the village of Sterling. As a quarryman he has steadily advanced to a place in the front rank of this line of business and he contracts to deliver any number of paving blocks of any size for any kind of cut granite work. He likewise sells gravel by carload lots and his business is today one of great magnitude. His success is the direct and legitimate outcome of close application, earnest effort, laudable ambition and sound judgment, which enables him readily to discriminate between the essential and non-essential in all business affairs. In 1899 he built a fine home in the village of Sterling, where he has since resided.

In March, 1890, at Moosup, Connecticut, Mr. Bennett was married to Miss Lillian Carr, who was born in Sterling and is a daughter of Nathan and Nancy (Babcock) Carr. They have since secured a legal separation. There were two children of that marriage: Arthur, who died when but ten days old; and Bertha May, who on the 6th of May, 1916, became the wife of Ralph Eugene Barr, of Sterling, and they have one child, Avis Madaline, born in Sterling, April 9, 1917.

In politics Mr. Bennett is a republican and, while well informed on the questions and issues of the day and interested in the success of his party, he has never had time to seek public office. His life has been concentrated upon his business affairs and his record shows what can be accomplished when one has the will to dare and to do. From a humble position in the business world he has worked his way steadily upward until he is now the leading quarryman in his part of the state and, moreover, his record indicates that success and an honest name can be won simultaneously.

FREDERICK E. WILCOX, M. D.

Dr. Frederick E. Wilcox, who has devoted his time, talents and energies to the pro. fession of medicine and surgery since 1881, was born in Pomfret, Connecticut, May 11, 1860, a son of Chester P. and Emily (Braman) Wilcox, and removed with his parents to Woodstock, Connecticut, in 1876, where his paternal home now remains, his father having retired from business activities several years ago.

After leaving the public schools of his native place, he entered the Putnam high school, where he remained for two years, afterwards completing his academic course at Woodstock Academy. He then spent three years in private study and teaching, a part of which time he was instructor in English at Professor Bucklyn's school at Mystic, Connecticut.

Deciding on the study of medicine, he matriculated at the New York Homeopathic Medical College and Flower Hospital and was graduated with second honor from that institution in 1884. During the first two years of his medical course, he was under the preceptorship of Dr. Gardner L. Miller, of Putnam, Connecticut, now of Providence, Rhode Island, and the remainder of the time he was associated with Dr. George Austin Bowen, now deceased, of Woodstock, Connecticut.

After receiving his degree, Dr. Wilcox located at Rochester, New Hampshire, an im- portant railroad center, where he soon attained success as a practitioner, and particularly in gynecology and surgery, and acted as local surgeon for the Portland & Rochester, Wor- cester, Nashua & Rochester and Boston & Maine Railroads. All of these roads have since merged into the Boston & Maine system. Three and one-half years after locating in New Hampshire his practice had become one of the most extensive and desirable in the state, requiring the regular services of an assistant. At this time Dr. Wilcox was tendered an assistant professorship in the medical department of Boston University, at Boston, Mas- sachusetts. Declining this opportunity, he continued his practice at Rochester for an- other year, when impaired health made necessary a rest and change of climatic conditions and he disposed of his practice to his assistant, Dr. Robert V. Sweet, formerly of Port Byron, New York.

In April, 1889, Dr. Wilcox located in Willimantic, establishing offices in the United Bank building, where they have remained to the present time. Dr. Wilcox has been a con- stant student of the science of medicine, and has kept in touch with the latest researches and investigations which bear upon the laws of health, and with the passing years his ability has increased as the result of his study and practice, until he ranks as one of the first physicians of the state.

With the incorporation of Willimantic as a city, he was appointed city health officer, and served in that capacity for four years. In October, 1898, he received the appointment of health officer for the town of Windham, which position he holds at the present time.

Dr. Wilcox is a member of the surgical staff of St. Joseph's Hospital, at Willimantic, and is lecturer of anatomy at the training school for nurses connected with that institu- tion. He is a member of, and past president of the Connecticut Homeopathic Medical Society, and a member of the state board of medical examiners. He is a member of, and past president of the Willimantic City Medical College, a member of the Alumni Associa-

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tion, and of the Hahnemannian Society, of the New York Homeopathic Medical Society and Flower Hospital; a member of the American Institute of Homeopathy, and a corre- sponding member of the New Hampshire Homeopathic Medical Society, etc. As a con- tributor to the leading medical journals, some of his writings have received marked at- tention, and he is well and favorably known in professional connections throughout Con- necticut and New England.

In March, 1884, Dr. Wilcox was married to Miss Etta M. White, of Putnam, Connecti- cut, and his second wife, to whom he was married in July, 1898, was Miss Catherine L. Rouse, of Mansfield, Connecticut.

Dr. Wilcox has no religious preference, but is an attendant of the Congregational church. Fraternally, he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, being a member of Obwebetuck Lodge, No. 16, and Windham Encampment, No. 10, both of Willi- mantic. He is a republican in politics, and while he has held various positions of honor and trust, he could never be called a politician in the usually accepted sense of office seek- ing, but gives loyal support to the principle in which he believes.

Dr. Wilcox is a member of the Willimantic Chamber of Commerce, and has served on the Willimantic Board of Education. He is also one of the original trustees of the Norwich State Hospital for the Insane, appointed by the legislature in 1903, and served from that date until 1916, and for eight years was secretary of the board. His public work has been of an important character, and his professional activities have received the hearty support of both the laity and the medical profession.

EDWARD N. JOSLIN.

In the passing of Edward N. Joslin, whose death occurred on the 7th of June, 1915, Putnam lost one of its representative business men, a progressive citizen and one whose well spent life commanded for him the esteem and good will of all with whom he was brought in contact.

He was born in Newport, Vermont, March 2, 1869, a son of Edward Joslin, who was a farmer of Newport. Upon the homestead farm Edward N. Joslin remained until he reached the age of seventeen years, when he turned his attention to the lumber and native timber business, working in the woods of the Green Mountain state. He had been em- ployed in that way prior to the time when he severed home ties and went to Rhode Island when a youth of seventeen years. He settled at Pascoag, where he continued until 1895, and was there engaged in the native timber business, operating two portable sawmills in the woods. He afterward removed to Putnam, Connecticut, bringing with him his port- able sawmill outfit, and here he engaged in the lumber business, buying native wood lots, from which he cut the wood, which he sold in town. Afterward he turned his attention to the ice business, harvesting and marketing the ice, and in that connection he entered into a partnership relation under the firm style of Joslin & Whipple. That connection was maintained until 1902, in which year Mr. Joslin sold his sawmill outfit and withdrew from the firm handling ice in order to concentrate his attention upon the coal trade. He organized the Putnam Coal & Wood Company and in 1913 the business was incorporated, Mr. Joslin becoming the president and general manager, which offices he continued to fill to the time of his death, which was the outcome of an automobile accident that he sus- tained on the 28th of March, 1915. In the meantime he had built up a large coal and wood trade, having purchased property adjoining the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad tracks. He put in a spur track and had a large yard, while his business as- sumed extensive and gratifying proportions, owing to his close application and straight- forward business methods.

On the 15th of June, 1892, Mr. Joslin was united in marriage to Miss Ella Ida Alton at Worcester, Massachusetts. She was born at Putnam, Connecticut, and in her early child- hood was taken to Worcester, Massachusetts, by her parents, Sylvanus and Asha (Law) Alton. Her father was a native of Illinois but in early life became a resident of New England and was employed in shoe factories of Putnam. Later he became a merchant of Webster, Massachusetts, and he died in Southbridge, that state. His wife was born in Rhode Island and following the death of her first husband she became the wife of Henry Phillips, of Pascoag, Rhode Island, who there departed this life. Mrs. Phillips afterward returned to Putnam to be near her daughter and passed away in this city. It was in 1895 that Mrs. Joslin returned to Putnam, where she has since lived. The only child born of her marriage died in infancy.

In his political views Mr. Joslin was a stalwart republican and did everything in his power to advance the legitimate success of his party and secure the adoption of its prin- ciples. He served on the city council of Putnam and was interested in everything relating to the general welfare. He attended the Baptist church, in which Mrs. Joslin takes an

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active interest. He was also connected with the Elks lodge of Putnam, with the Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows and with the Royal Arcanum. Prospering in his business affairs, he made judicious investment in real estate, becoming the owner of considerable property whereby he was enabled to leave his wife in very comfortable financial circum- stances. Mrs. Joslin is well known socially in Putnam, where much of her life has been passed and where she has a circle of friends almost coextensive with the circle of her acquaintance.

HON. DAVIS ARNOLD BAKER.

Hon. Davis Arnold Baker, for many years one of the leading business men and most progressive citizens of the town of Ashford, long exercised a marked influence over the public welfare for, actuated by a loyal and patriotic spirit, his efforts proved at all times resultant and beneficial. To know Davis A. Baker was to esteem and honor him, for the strength and nobility of his character were manifest in everything that he did.

He was born in the town of Ashford on the 28th of October, 1834, a representative of one of the old New England families. His grandfather, John Baker, was born in Douglass, Massachusetts, in January, 1780, and while still residing in that locality became chief farmer for the Slaters. In 1830 he removed to Ashford and with the capital which he had acquired through his industry and economy he made investment in two hundred and fifty acres of land in the western part of the town, this property remaining in possession of the family until 1888. He at once undertook the task of developing and improving the land and won substantial success in the conduct of his business affairs, while the integrity of his methods at all times gained for him the goodwill and respect of those with whom he was associated. His political allegiance was given to the demo- cratic party and he filled a number of local offices. In early manhood he wedded Lois Eddy, also a native of Douglass, Massachusetts. Her death occurred March 31, 1857, when she was eighty-one years of age, and the death of John Baker occurred on the 9th of September, 1867. Their family numbered four children: Enoch E .; George, who wedded Mary Chaffee and followed farming near Marietta, Ohio; John, who married Betsey Wheaton and died on his farm in the town of Ashford; and Laura, whose death also occurred in Ashford.

Enoch E. Baker, the eldest of this family, was born in Douglass, Massachusetts, in October, 1801, and after acquiring a common school education he remained upon the home farm in the Old Bay state until he accompanied his parents to Connecticut in 1830, at which time his father gave him one hundred acres of land and erected for him a residence, as he also did for his other son, George. Enoch E. Baker continued upon his farm to the time of his death, which occurred December 2, 1876. Like his father before him, he was recognized as a citizen of worth to the community. He belonged to the old militia, gave his political allegiance to the democratic party and was one of the active members of the Baptist church of West Ashford, generously contributing to its support. He reared a large family of sons and daughters who became a credit to his name, and in each suc- ceeding generation the representatives of the Baker family have proven most loyal and valuable citizens of Windham county.

Hon. Davis A. Baker, whose name introduces this review and who was the fourth child of Enoch E. Baker, eagerly availed himself of the opportunity of acquiring a good education, After mastering the branches taught in the district schools he continued his studies in the Ashford Academy and later attended the State Normal School at New Britain. Through vacation periods he assisted in the work of the home farm and early became familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and enhancing its productive- ness. At eighteen years of age he left home to learn the carpenter's trade, which he followed until about the time he attained his majority. The summer months were after- ward given to carpenter work for a number of years, while through seventeen consecutive winters he taught school, receiving twenty dollars per month, the highest price ever paid to a teacher in that locality at that period. He taught also in East Willington, at West- ford, at West Ashford and eventually at Warrenville and was regarded as one of the most capable educators of the state, having among his pupils many who later attained fame and eminence in various walks of life.

The name of Baker became associated with the commercial development of Warren- ville when in 1874 Davis A. Baker entered into partnership with Everett M. Durkee, with whom he was thus connected for three years under the firm style of Baker & Durkee. On the expiration of that period he purchased an interest in the business of John A. Murphy, at Warrenville, and conducted the store for three years. After disposing of his interest in the same he purchased the store of Mathewson Brothers and in the succeeding years built up one of the largest and most profitable commercial enterprises of the town, his

HON. DAVIS A. BAKER

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success being attributable to the integrity and enterprise of his methods and his earnest desire to please his patrons.

In March, 1859, Mr. Baker wedded Eliza H. Walbridge, a native of Ashford and a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Shurtliff) Walbridge. They became the parents or four children: Eldora, who died at the age of two and a half months; Oscar D., men- tioned elsewhere in this work; Lewis A .; and Julia A., who died at the age of two and a half years.

Mr. Baker died in Ashford, February 5, 1908, and his wife passed away on the 9th of the same month. He figured prominently in democratic circles, taking an active part in politics from the time he attained his majority. He was again and again called upon to serve in positions of public trust by his fellow townsmen, who recognized his ability and his devotion to public duty. His first office in Ashford was that of school visitor, in which position he served for seventeen years, being acting visitor a part of that time. He was on the board of selectmen for five years, part of the time as chairman, and for twelve years he was justice of the peace, his decisions being at all times based upon equity and the law in the case. He served as town clerk and treasurer for many years and in 1878 was chosen by popular suffrage for the office of probate judge, from which he resigned two years later. He was reelected the following year and held the office several years. He was chosen for legislative honors in 1867 and did such efficient work as a member of the general assembly that he was reelected in 1877 and during his second term was a member of the committee on school funds. In 1887 he was again chosen to represent his district in the Connecticut legislature and served on the com- mittee on humane institutions. He was one of the county commissioners from 1894 until 1898, during which period the new county jail was crected at Brooklyn. Governor Luzon B. Morris appointed him a trustee of the Connecticut School for Boys at Meriden, to fill out an unexpired term, and he also served as jury commissioner .. He was made postmaster of Warrenville during President Cleveland's first administration and occu- pied that position until 1887, when he resigned to again enter the legislature, at which time his son, Oscar D., was made postmaster. The father was once more appointed to that office under President Cleveland's second administration and in 1902 he was once more chosen state representative by a very large majority, so that for four terms he was a member of Connecticut's general assembly. He thoroughly studied the vital problems and questions affecting the commonwealth, and his aid and influence were always given on the side of progress and improvement. He was perhaps the most dominant figure in political circles in Windham county through many years and there are few men who were longer retained in public office in the state, while the record of none has been more faultless in honor, fearless in conduct or stainless in reputation.

OSCAR DAVIS BAKER.

Oscar Davis Baker, successfully engaged in the grocery business in Warrenville as head of the firm of O. D. Baker & Son, has also been prominent in political circles and for a number of years represented his district in the general assembly of Connecticut. He has thus in various ways left the impress of his individuality and ability upon the public life of his community, and his aid and influence have ever been given on the side of advancement and improvement. He was born in Ashford, Connecticut, January 21, 1867, and is a son of Davis Arnold and Eliza Holt (Walbridge) Baker, mentioned else- where in this work.

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A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume II, Part 56

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