A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume II, Part 62

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

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The religious faith of the family is that of the Roman Catholic church and Mr. Jette is identified with L'Union St. Jean le Baptiste and is an ex-president of Coun- cil Rochambeau, No. 174. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and in 1906 he was elected a selectman of the town of Plainfield, in which position he has made so creditable a record for capability and fidelity that he has been reelected in each succeeding year to the present time and is now serving in that position. His efforts in behalf of public welfare have been far reaching and beneficial, his course being marked by the utmost devotion to the general good. He is widely known in Wauregan, where the entire period of his manhood has been passed, for he was a youth of but eighteen years at the time he removed to Connecticut. In all the intervening period his course has commended him to the confidence and goodwill of those with whom he has been associated and his circle of friends here is an extensive one.

KILLOUREY BROTHERS.

Daniel F. and Thomas H. Killourey constitute the firm of Killourey Brothers, well known undertakers of Willimantic. They are conducting a business which was estab- lished by their father, John Killourey, in 1883. The latter was born in County Clare, Ireland, a son of Michael and Margaret (Flannigan) Killourey, who resided at Ennis- timon, in County Clare, where they made their home until 1864, when they bade adieu to friends and native country and with their family sailed for the United States. They were passengers on the steamer Pennsylvania, which weighed anchor at Queenstown and which after a voyage of two weeks reached the harbor of New York. They resided for a time at Jamaica, Long Island, but in August of the same year arrived in Willi- mantic, where Michael Killourey was employed by the New England Railroad as a laborer. He passed away January 26, 1888, at the age of sixty-seven years, and was sur- vived for some years by his widow, who made her home with her daughter.

John Killourey was largely reared to manhood in Willimantic and acquired much of his education in its schools. He attended evening sessions, for he early began to earn his living, and while working in the day he devoted the evening hours to study in order to qualify for further responsibilities in the business world. Like his father, he entered the employ of the New England Railway, working as water boy, for which he received a dollar and a half per day. He remained with the railroad until he was seventeen years of age and received as high as two dollars and a half per day as water carrier. When the line was completed he had charge of a stationary engine and later was made locomotive fireman on the run between Willimantic and Putnam. Railroad life, however, did not satisfy his laudable ambition and he secured a position in the engine shop of the spool room of the Willimantic Linen Company. He afterward occupied a position in the dye house of the same concern and was there employed for about six years. In 1877 he estab- lished a livery business in Willimantic and in 1879 he erected a building for his own accommodation and in the conduct of his livery barn met with substantial success. He broadened the scope of his activities in 1883 to include the undertaking business and again prosperity followed his labors. It was characteristic of Mr. Killourey that he carried forward to successful accomplishment whatever he undertook. He allowed no obstacles or difficulties to bar his path if they could be overcome by persistent and hon-

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orable effort and his close application to his business, his unremitting energy and his efficiency and straightforward dealing brought him a constantly increasing patronage.

On the 14th of October, 1880, in Willimantic, Mr. Killourey was united in marriage to Miss Julia McNamara, a native of Lebanon, Connecticut, born November 5, 1860, her parents being Timothy and Bridget (Brown) McNamara, who on coming to the new world from Ireland settled in Willimantic, where they were married. Her father fol- lowed the occupation of farming to the age of sixty years, when death called him. He owned a tract of land in Lebanon which he converted into a valuable farm. To Mr. and Mrs. Killourey were born three children: John F., who died at the age of three years and six months, and Daniel F. and Thomas F., who now constitute the firm of Killourey Brothers and have succeeded to their father's business. Mr. Killourey was a democrat in politics although his first presidential vote was cast for an independent candidate, Horace Greeley. He represented the third ward in the city council and was actively interested in community affairs, giving his support to many well defined plans and measures for the general good. He had membership in the Catholic church and in San Jose Council, No. 14, K. C. He likewise belonged to the Ancient Order of United Work- men. He passed away March 22, 1905, respected by all who knew him, for his genuine worth entitled him to the warm regard of those with whom he was associated. Prac- tically his entire life had been passed in Willimantic and he had made for himself a most creditable position in its business circles.

Daniel F. Killourey was born in Willimantic, August 10, 1883, and after attending the parochial and high schools of the city he learned the undertaking business under the direction of his father and succeeded to the business at the latter's death as the associate of his younger brother.

Thomas H. Killourey was born in Willimantic August 23, 1891, and he, too, supple- mented his parochial school training by study in the high school, and, like his brother, mastered the undertaking business under his father's direction. He was married June 4, 1913, to Margaret J. Hughes, of Willimantic, and they have one child, Eleanor May.

Both brothers are members of St. Joseph's Roman Catholic church and are identified with the Knights of Columbus, while the younger brother is also a member of the Benevo- lent Protective Order of Elks and the Loyal Order of Moose. Both give their political support to the democratic party and are stalwart advocates of its principles. They are not politicians, however, in the sense of office seeking, but are concentrating their efforts and attention upon their business interests, which are constantly growing in volume and importance.

SAMUEL BOYER HARVEY.

Samuel Boyer Harvey was born in Mansfield, Connecticut, July 27, 1866, and is a son of Samuel and S. Jennie (Boyer) Harvey. The former was born in Mansfield, Con- necticut; the latter was a native of New Village, New Jersey. Samuel B. Harvey pre- pared for college in Vermont Academy at Saxtons River, Vermont, and was graduated from Wesleyan University with the Bachelor of Science degree as a member of the class of 1890. He is engaged in the practice of law at Willimantic, Connecticut.

On the 14th of September, 1892, Mr. Harvey was united in marriage to Miss Evelyn Maude Bennett, a daughter of Origen and Cornelia (Ford) Bennett, both of Chaplin, Connecticut. Mr. and Mrs. Harvey have three children: Samuel Hugh, Margery Ben- nett and John Boyer. In politics Mr. Harvey is a democrat.

FERDINAND GAGNON.

Ferdinand Gagnon, who is engaged in the auto expressing business at Putnam, was born in Quebec, Canada, January 27, 1882, a son of Augustine and Esther (Chauvin) Gagnon, who were also natives of Canada. The father was a farmer by occupation and followed that pursuit in his native country until his removal with his family to the United States, at which time he settled in Worcester, Massachusetts. He there engaged in the teaming business for about fifteen years, after which he returned to Quebec, where he and his wife spent their remaining days. Their children were: Joseph, who was born in Worcester, Massachusetts; Albina, who was born in Quebec; Ferdinand, of this review; and Eugene, who was born in Quebec and now resides in Woonsocket, Rhode Island.

Ferdinand Gagnon was educated in the common schools of his native state and in St. Aimee College, where he pursued a three years' course in English and French. He

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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY

came to the United States when thirteen years of age and, taking up his abode in Putnam, Connecticut, spent two years as a clerk in a department store. He afterward went to North Grosvenor Dale, where he learned the trade of cotton weaving, which he followed for twelve years. About 1910 he returned to Putnam and opened a boarding and room- ing house, but during 1911 turned his attention to the trucking business and has today a splendidly developed auto express service for local and long distance work, unsurpassed in the county.

Mr. Gagnon was united in marriage at North Grosvenor Dale, April 17, 1902, to Miss Marguerite Kay, who was born in Webster, Massachusetts, a daughter of Noah and Bridget (Corcoran) Kay. Their children are: Beatrice, who was born in Lonsdale, Rhode Island, August 31, 1902; and Earl, born in Putnam, Connecticut, February 3, 1913. The parents are members of St. Mary's Catholic church and Mr. Gagnon belongs to L'Union St. Jean le Baptiste. He is also connected with the Knights of Columbus, with the Foresters, with the Eagles and with the Red Men and is thus well known in fraternal circles. Politically he is a democrat but has never been an aspirant for office, preferring to concentrate his efforts and attention upon his business affairs, which are bringing to him well deserved success.

WILLIAM PETER JORDAN.

William Peter Jordan is a well known hardware dealer of Willimantic and is promi- nently identified with various other business interests which place him in the front rank among the progressive and enterprising residents of the city.

He was born on the old family homestead at Lebanon, Connecticut, February 28, 1863, and is a son of Peter Jordan, whose birth occurred in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, March 22, 1822, his parents being Paul and Lena (Page) Jordan. Paul Jordan was a farmer who died in 1829, leaving three children, Peter Jordan being at that time only seven years of age. Heavy responsibilities early devolved upon him because he was the only son of the family. He attended school for a few months each winter and through the summer seasons engaged in hard work upon the farm. He later took up road con- tracting and met with a fair measure of success in that undertaking, but, believing that he would have still better opportunities in the new world, he severed the ties that bound him to his native land and came to the United States, sailing from Havre, France, in April, 1848. When the vessel had been five days at sea she 'sprang a leak and the captain turned back to Falmouth, England, for repairs. A fortnight later the voyage was resumed and on the 20th of July the vessel dropped anchor in the harbor of New York. While Mr. Jordan's cash capital consisted of but fifty dollars, he possessed an un- limited amount of energy, determination and resolution and soon found employment on construction work in connection with the building of the Pennsylvania Railroad between New York and Philadelphia. He afterward engaged in farm work about twenty-five miles north of New York city, receiving five dollars per month for the first two months, after which he was paid ten dollars per month for the succeeding four months. On the expiration of that period he made his way to Norwich, Connecticut, where resided Jacob Gross, who had been a boyhood acquaintance of Mr. Jordan. On the 25th of September, 1849, the latter entered the employ of Orlando Johnson, a farmer of Lebanon, and three months later he secured a position at the tannery of George Hill in Lebanon, there con- tinuing for four years. He later spent a brief period in the employ of General William Williams, of Norwich, but returned to Lebanon and afterward rented a farm upon which he resided for some time. He then located upon the farm which was so long his home, and after renting the property for five years purchased it, becoming owner of one hun- dred and seventy-two acres, which he brought under a high state of cultivation and to which he added many modern improvements in the way of good buildings. He was a man of liberal political belief and for two terms served on the board of relief in his dis- trict. He attended the Baptist church and he commanded the respect and good will of his fellow townsmen, who recognized in him a self-made man whose energy and perse- verance constituted the basic elements of his well earned success.

In New York city, on the 1st of January, 1853, Peter Jordan was united in marriage to Miss Philopena Page, who was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, December 18, 1826, a daughter of Peter Page. In 1851 she came to the new world with an uncle.

William Peter Jordan, whose name introduces this review, was the sixth in order of birth in a family of seven children. He spent his youthful days upon the old home farm in Lebanon and supplemented his district school training by study in a select school at Liberty Hall and further study in the Natchaug high school at Willimantic, being numbered among its alumni of 1882. He made his initial step in the business

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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY

world as time-keeper in the employ of the Willimantic Linen Company, but after a few months he resigned to take up the profession of school-teaching, which he followed at Lebanon Center for one term and at South Coventry for two terms. He next opened a private school at Lebanon, which he conducted for two terms, and in 1884 he directed his attention to commercial pursuits by accepting a clerkship in the drug store of Wilson & Leonard of Willimantic. After a time Mr. Wilson became sole proprietor and in 1890 sold to Mr. Jordan an interest in the business, which was then conducted under the firm style of F. M. Wilson & Company. Mr. Jordan was a partner in the enterprise until 1898, when he joined his brother, Frederick D. Jordan, in a partnership and thus became prominently connected with the hardware trade of Willimantic. He has continued in this line and the business has since been reorganized under the name of the Jordan Hardware Company, of which he is the secretary and treasurer. The company conducts both a wholesale and retail business and their patronage is very gratifying. William P. Jordan does not confine his efforts to a single line, however, for he is identified with many important business interests which constitute leading factors in the commercial and industrial development of the city. He is now the treasurer of the Windham Silk Company, of which he became a stockholder and director in 1901. He is also the presi- dent of the Watts Laundry Machinery Company, engaged in the manufacture of presses and mangles, on which they hold patents, their output being shipped all over this coun- try and also to France under government contract. Mr. Jordan also became a stock- holder and one of the directors of the Willimantic Trust Company, which he assisted in organizing in 1915, and he is identified with the Willimantic Industrial Company and is president of the Jordan Automobile Company, which is featuring the Dodge, Buick and Cole cars, their sales territory covering Windham and New London counties in the sale of the Dodge and Cole, while their sale of the Buick cars covers a part of Windham county and of Tolland and New London. Mr. Jordan's interests have thus become im- portant and extensive and his activities place him in the foremost rank of the leading business men of his adopted city.

On the 22d of November, 1888, Mr. Jordan was united in marriage to Miss Salina A. R. Little, of Willimantic, who was born in Mansfield, Connecticut, and to them have been born the following named: Marion R., who was born July 5, 1893, and is a grad- uate of the Willimantic high school and of Smith College with the degree of Bachelor of Arts; and Maurice P., who was born January 7, 1897, and is engaged in business with his father.

Fraternally Mr. Jordan is connected with Obwebetuck Lodge, No. 16, I. O. O. F., and Windham Encampment, No. 10, and he has been a delegate to both the grand lodge and state encampment and has passed through all of the chairs in the local organization. He attends the Congregational church and he gives his political allegiance to the republican party. For one term he served as alderman from the. second ward and has been chairman of the republican city committee and a member of the republican town committee. Aside from his connection with the Order of Odd Fellows he is well known as a Mason, belonging to the lodge, chapter, council, commandery and also to the Mystic Shrine at Hartford. He is active in civic affairs, standing for all that has to do with general advancement and improvement, and he is always eager to embrace opportunities that promise to enhance the general welfare. His life record is an indication of the fact that the simple processes are those which win results-not the intricate, involved plans- and thus it is that analyzation brings to light that the successful men are those whose rules of business are simple in plan, even though there is a multiplicity of details. He has become identified with important interests which he has conducted along straight- forward lines, and he has won a substantial measure of success, but without allowing personal interests or ambition to dwarf his public spirit. His breadth of view has not only seen possibilities for his own advancement but also for the city's development, and his lofty patriotism has prompted him to utilize the latter as quickly and as effectively as the former.

EDWARD ALOYSIUS SULLIVAN.

Edward Aloysius Sullivan, of Danielson, is well known in newspaper circles in this vicinity, being reporter and local advertising man for all of this section of the state on the Norwich Bulletin, a very important daily of the state.

He was born in Danielson, February 6, 1880, a son of Michael and Johannah (Fogarty) Sullivan. Both parents were born in Ireland, the father in Limerick and the mother in Tipperary. Michael Sullivan left the Emerald isle when about eleven years, while his wife was fifteen when she bade good-by to her old home. The father first came to Canterbury, Connecticut, where for a few years he farmed. Later he

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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY

removed to Danielson, which place he made his home for over fifty years, and here he passed away. He was a landscape gardener of great experience and reputation, and his services and advice were often sought by those interested in that line. He was an exceedingly genial and pleasant man and his friends in Danielson were countless. The mother first made her home in Wauregan, Connecticut, but subsequently came to Daniel- son with her husband, and here she still lives. In their family are six children, all born in Danielson and all living: Hannah, the wife of John McGowan of Westerly, Rhode Island; Mary and Margaret, at home; Michael J., of Providence, Rhode Island; Edward A., of this review; and Agnes C., of Danielson.

Edward A. Sullivan attended public and parochial schools of Danielson and the Killingly high school, from which he was graduated in 1897. He then entered upon his business career, becoming connected with dry goods establishments as a young man, and while so engaged as clerk in a store did work as local reporter for the Norwich Bulletin. This was in 1903 and since that year he has continued with the paper although he now devotes all of his activities to this purpose. He is reporter for the Norwich Bulletin and also acts as advertising man for this section of the state. As both he is successful, for he has, as it is called, a "sense for news" and is equally successful in soliciting and sug- gesting advertisements, having gained quite a reputation as a paper publicity man. The Norwich Bulletin is a paper of very high standing and enjoys the very best reputation, not only from the news point of view, but also as an advertising medium.

Politically Mr. Sullivan is a democrat and is thoroughly in accord with the principles of that party, giving it his steadfast support. He has taken quite an interest in educa- tional matters and for six years served as a member of the Killingly school board, namely from 1909 to 1915, being chairman of the board for the last three years of that period. The cause of education received many a new impetus through his activities, and the schools and the school system of his town have been bettered through the interest which he has taken in their behalf. Other semi-public activities have also gained his attention and he has been particularly active in extending the trade and commercial relations of his town as secretary of the Danielson Business Men's Association, in which position he has done much to further the material growth of his town. Fraternally Mr. Sullivan is prominent in the Knights of Columbus, belonging to Rose of Lima Council, and he is a past grand knight, a past district deputy and a past state warden, indicating the active interest which he has taken in the welfare and growth of the organization and also the esteem in which he is held by his brethren. In June, 1917, he was appointed a member of the local exemption board for district No. 16, Windham county, Connecticut, and also was appointed chairman of the Killingly War Bureau Publicity Committee, and is discharging his onerous and manifold duties with circumspection and dispatch, guided by a spirit of patriotism that is flawless and above the slightest criticism or reproach.

HENRY HASKELL DAVENPORT.

Henry Haskell Davenport makes his home in Pomfret, where he owns and occupies a commodious and attractive residence, but maintains his office in Putnam since ap- pointed to his present position as supervisor of repairs of state roads for Windham county. His has been an active life, winning for him the well deserved title of a self- made man, for his success has come as the direct result of his close application to business and his intelligent direction of his interests and investments.

He is a native son of Woodstock, born on the 11th of December, 1859, his parents being Cyrus C. and Mary A. (Haskell) Davenport, the latter a daughter of Henry and Nancy (Vinton) Haskell, while the former was a son of Cyrus C. and Tryphosa (Kendall) Davenport.

Henry Haskell Davenport, was but eleven years of age when he entered the employ of Captain Shubael Day, a Woodstock farmer, with whom he lived until he reached the age of sixteen, and as compensation for his services he received his board, clothing and the privilege of attending school through the winter months. His life there was not an easy one. His day's work extended from dawn until dark and the slightest service rendered him was charged to his account, so that at the end of five years in Captain Day's employ there was a sum of but one hundred and five dollars due him ac- cording to the Captain's reckoning. He next entered the employ of Henry T. Childs, his cousin, who followed farming at Woodstock and with whom he remained for two years. During the first year he was paid seventy-five dollars and had the privilege of at- tending school through the winter months. The next year he received fifty dollars for his work and had the privilege of attending both the fall and winter terms at the Woodstock Academy and for his tuition paid twenty-two dollars and a half. He was ambitious, however, to improve his education and has never regretted the step. In

HENRY H. DAVENPORT

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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY

fact, he has remained a close student in the school of experience since that day and has learned many valuable lessons.

After leaving the academy he engaged in the butchering business as an employe of J. J. Williamson, of Woodstock, and in 1878 he removed to Pomfret, where he was em- ployed by A. P. Dennis, proprietor of a meat market, for whom he drove the meat cart for two years and four months. On the 19th of June, 1881, he purchased his employer's business, incurring a heavy indebtedness by so doing, but his laudable ambition told him that he could make good in the undertaking, which he did, soon freeing his establishment of any financial incumbrance. He closely applied himself to the upbuilding of the trade and it was not long before his patronage justified the use of another wagon. Mr. Davenport continued successfully in the meat business until 1899, when he disposed of his store. The previous year he had established a livery business and not only furnished horses and vehicles for hire but also began selling high-grade horses, harnesses and car- riages. Again success attended him in his undertakings and he developed a business of large and gratifying proportions, year after year adding to his prosperity as the result of his diligence and determination. Still further broadening the scope of his activity, he became a contractor in road building and built many of the macadam roads in Pomfret. Eventually he disposed of his livery stable and was appointed supervisor of repairs of state roads for Windham county, in which connection he has charge of all roads within the county borders. His experience as a road builder well qual- ified him for the position and he has made an excellent record in office.

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A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume II, Part 62

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