A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume II, Part 63

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

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On the 10th of January, 1883, Mr. Davenport was united in marriage to Miss Nellie E. Freeman, who was born in Pomfret, a daughter of Samuel Freeman. They became the parents of five children. Frank Freeman, born December 3, 1883, organized the Daven- port Lunch Rooms, a system or chain of restaurants in Pennsylvania, in which con- nection he has developed a very extensive and profitable business. He makes his home in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and he is a thirty-second degree Mason. He married Elsie Williams, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and they have become parents of two children, Frank Freeman and Henry Haskell, the former named for his father and the latter for his grandfather. Leroy Haskell, born May 31, 1885, is operating the Waldorf restaurant in Philadelphia. He wedded Beulah Munson, of Cozad, Nebraska, and they have two daughters, Beatrice L. and Helen L. Zillah E., born December 13, 1888, died on the 18th of April, 1890. Hazel E., born September 19, 1890, is teaching school in Hartford. Henry Haskell, the youngest of the family, who was born August 15, 1895, passed away on the 23rd of September of the same year.

In his political views Mr. Davenport has always been an earnest republican, since attaining his majority and thus winning the right of franchise. In 1892 he served as town constable and in 1901 was chosen a member of the state legislature from the Pomfret district and served on the committee on insurance. In 1914 he was again a mem- ber of the legislature being on the important committee on appropriations. He has always been interested in community affairs and cooperates heartily in plans and meas- ures for the general good. He became a member of the Woodstock Fair Association, served as its first vice president in 1900 and in the fall of that year was elected presi- dent, to which office he was reelected in the fall of 1901. He was also president of the Windham County Fair Association. Fraternally he is well known as a member of Putnam Lodge, A. F. & A. M .; Putnam Chapter, R. A. M .; and Putnam Council, No. 340, of the Royal Arcanum, while of the Putnam Lodge of Elks he is a charter member. He owns a beautiful home in Pomfret, in addition to which he has extensive holdings in farm lands, but he maintains his office in Putnam. He has a wide acquaintance through- out the county and his uniform courtesy and sterling worth have gained him not only high respect among his fellow townsmen but have also won for him wide popularity.

HARRY WEBB STANDISH.

Actively identified with business interests in Willimantic is Harry W. Standish, a well known jeweler and dealer in photo supplies. In the career of the enterprising business man there is nothing spectacular, nothing which wins particular notice as does that of the political or military leader, but it is none the less essential and valuable to the community and the growth of every city depends not so much upon the machinery of government or even upon the men who fill the public offices as it does upon the sub- stantial and progressive merchants and manufacturers.

In this connection Harry W. Standish deserves more than passing notice, for he is entirely a self-made man, who since attaining the age of eighteen years has placed him- self in his present creditable and enviable position among the representative merchants of Windham county. He was born September 24, 1884, in Danbury, Connecticut, a son

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of George G. and Evalyn M. (Webb) Standish, the latter a representative of the promi- nent Webb family that has figured extensively in connection with events of Connecti- cut's history. Mrs. Standish passed away when her son Harry was but three years of age and he was reared by his grandparents. He pursued a public and high school edu- cation and after putting aside his textbooks entered the employ of D. C. Barrows, a jew- eler, in 1902. He thoroughly mastered the business, became familiar with every phase of the trade, and in November, 1914, took over the establishment which he has since owned and conducted. He is a practical watchmaker and jewelry repairer and as well thor- oughly understands the principles and methods of modern salesmanship. His business therefore has steadily grown, for he is able to give to the public what it demands in his line, and, moreover, he carries a very attractive stock, thereby winning a substantial patronage. He has a fine store, occupying a room twenty by seventy feet, and he em- ploys two salesmen. In addition to his jewelry stock he carries an extensive line of photo supplies, being agent for the Eastman Kodak Company. He has other interests in addition to his commercial pursuits, for he is the owner of a fine fifteen room Duplex house on Windham road. On the 5th of June, 1912, Mr. Standish was united in mar- riage to Miss Nellie Frances Wilmarth, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wilson E. Wilmarth, of Willimantic, and they have become the parents of two children, Basil and Evalyn. Mr. Standish belongs to the Chamber of Commerce and he is a former member and secretary of the Thread City Cycles and the Neponset Canoe Club. He likewise is affiliated with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and is a prominent Mason, having taken the degrees of blue lodge, chapter, council, commandery and Mystic Shrine, and in the blue lodge he is a past master. He serves on the board of directors of the Willimantic Building & Loan Association, an organization which has done much toward the growth of the town and which has greatly facilitated constructive operations and homebuilding. His life has measured up to the highest standards of Masonic teachings and he has an extensive circle of warm friends among his brethren of the fraternity and is also held in the highest regard by those who have met him in other connections.

His is a creditable record of successful achievement, prompted and promoted by a laudable ambition that has ever before it a desired goal toward which he is striving.

SAMUEL FERMOR JARVIS, D. D.

Samuel Fermor Jarvis, D. D., a man of most scholarly attainments, who for many years devoted his life to the work of the ministry, passed away in Brooklyn on the 27th of October, 1910, leaving a memory that remains as a blessed benediction to all who knew him. He was born in Beacon street, Boston, in 1825, a son of Samuel and Sarah McCurdy (Hart) Jarvis. He was but four years of age when taken by his father to Europe and his preliminary education was acquired in Bern, Switzerland. Later the family returned to America and he continued his education in Hartford, Connecticut, becoming a student in Washington College, now known as Trinity College. He was likewise at one time a student in Dr. Muhlenburg's school in New York. He remained throughout his life a close and discriminating student, constantly broadening his knowl- edge and seeking those lines of enlightenment which prompted his efficiency in the min- istry.

Dr. Jarvis started upon his business career as a civil engineer and, characterized by the progressive spirit that was manifest throughout his entire life, he soon became head surveyor and surveyed the land and prepared the plans for the proposed railroad through Brooklyn. This project failed however owing to the strong protest of the farmers along the proposed route. Dr. Jarvis entered the ministry of the Episcopal church and was in 1856 ordained, becoming rector of the church in Thompsonville, Connecticut. Later he accepted a call from St. John's church at Salisbury, Connecticut, where lie labored until 1861, when he volunteered as a chaplain of the Union army, joining the First Connecticut Heavy Artillery, which was fitted out by Colonel Colt. He remained with that command until 1865, when he was mustered out of the service and resumed his ministerial duties, becoming rector of St. George's church, Utica, New York. There he labored until 1868, when he removed to Ridgefield, Connecticut. In 1874 he came to Brooklyn and was made rector of Trinity church, occupying that position for thirty-five years or until 1909, when he retired from the ministry. He was esteemed, loved and honored by all who knew him, not only by the people of his own denomination but by everyone with whom he came in contact.

At Cambridge, Massachusetts, on the 25th of August, 1858, Dr. Jarvis was married to Miss Lucy Cushing Holman, a daughter of Silas and Lucy (Cushing) Holman of Gardiner, Maine. This marriage was blessed with three children: Lucy Cushing, now the wife of Victor Smith, a resident of Brooklyn, who has an adopted daughter, Ellen;

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Samuel Fermor, who was born in 1866 and died in 1901; and Ellen A., who was born in 1874 and resides in Waltham, Massachusetts. It is not from the few conspicuous deeds of life that the blessings chiefly come which make the world better, sweeter, happier, but from the countless lowly ministries of the everyday, the little faithfulnesses that fill long years. While Dr. Jarvis was a man of strong intellect and scholarly attainments, he was moreover a man of kindly heart and of the deepest sympathy who was continually extending a helping hand or speaking an encouraging word to a fellow traveler on the journey of life. His influence was indeed a potent force for good and the memory of such a man can never die while living monuments remain upon which were imprinted the touch of his noble soul.

GEORGE L. PADGETT.

George L. Padgett, president of the Putnam Chamber of Commerce and one of the owners and publishers of the Windham County Observer, is an alert, wide-awake busi- ness man and citizen, who does not stop short of the successful accomplishment of his purpose and whose purposes always have a creditable object-the legitimate advancement of his business interests or the promotion of public welfare.

Mr. Padgett is a native of Columbus, Ohio, born March 27, 1870. He was engaged in newspaper work in Columbus and other Ohio cities, after which he went to New York city and did space work on the metropolitan papers for ten years. During a part of that period he also conducted a successful printing business on his own account. In 1911 he removed to Putnam, where he entered into partnership with Harry C. Meinken and purchased the Windham County Observer, established at Putnam in 1882. He put new life into this paper, which he has conducted as an independent sheet, and it is today a progressive and successful paper. The Observer Company has an excellently equipped newspaper plant and conducts a large job printing business in addition to the publica- tion of the Observer.

Mr. Padgett was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Sloane, of Zanesville, Ohio. . He is an independent democrat in his political views and for the past four years has served as a member of the city council of Putnam.

CARL CLINTON HELMOLD.

Carl Clinton Helmold has long been a prominent figure in musical circles in Willi- mantic and in this section of the country. He was born in Clinton, Massachusetts, May 25, 1871, a son of Godfried Edward Adler and Clara Ellen Helmold. The father, who was born in Hanover, Germany, is living at Clinton, Massachusetts, at the age of eighty-five years. The mother is a native of Steep Falls, Maine, and makes her home with her son Carl at the age of sixty-seven years. The father was liberally educated in his native country and when twenty years of age came to the United States. He learned photog- raphy and conducted a good business as proprietor of a photographic studio for a num- ber of years. He has also acted as court interpreter, speaking French, German and English. He is enthusiastic in his American citizenship, is straightforward and deter- mined in all of his ways and convictions and has long been a reliable and progressive citizen.

Carl C. Helmold pursued his education in the public schools of Clinton and also had the advantage of a business course in that city. He learned the art of photography under the direction of his father and of his mother, the latter having taken charge of the busi- ness, in connection with which she introduced all the latest improvements, securing expert assistants. For sixteen years she was one of the leading photographers of Massa- chusetts, her work being extensively used by the best magazine and periodicals. During this time C. C. Helmold was with his mother as business manager and took contracts for photographic work. Imbued by nature with a love of music, he began studying when eight and a half years of age, pursuing his study of music in Clinton and in Boston under the most competent teachers. He devoted ten years to the study of the art and when seventeen years of age he was leader of an orchestra in Clinton, giving professional concerts. Such was his marked ability that this orchestra became famous not only in the city, but throughout that part of the state. In 1894 he began teaching instrumental music in Clinton, including giving instruction on the violin and mandolin, and for seven years he was on the concert and vaudeville circuit. In 1898 he came to Willimantic, where he engaged in the hotel business for two and a half years. He also taught music to some extent and was a member of the theater orchestra. He has been a teacher of music in

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Willimantic since 1901 and is instructor in music in the Colchester Academy, and for four years was orchestra leader in the Windham high school. He is now instructor of The Wheeler School of North Stonington. He has the Hickey & Helmold Orchestra, doing all kinds of orchestral work, and in addition he carries a full stock of musical merchan- dise and has built up a business of substantial proportions in this direction.

In 1902 Mr. Helmold was married to Miss Mabel E. Ray, of Leominster, Massachu- setts, who died in 1910. In 1913 he wedded Miss Ann E. Knight, of Portland, Maine, who is a milliner, now successfully conducting a store of that character in Willimantic. They have one child, Charles Clinton.

Mr. Helmold is a member of the Chamber of Commerce and fraternally is connected with the Knights of Pythias and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. He is not connected with any church organization but always endeavors to follow the golden rule, doing unto others as he would have them do unto him. The development of his native talents has not only constituted a substantial source of income to him but has been the source of great pleasure to the communities in which he has lived and has done much to stimulate a love of music and a more discriminating taste for musical compositions of a higher class.

MARO VIRGIL PALMER.

Maro Virgil Palmer is a retired mechanical engineer of Willimantic, whose quiet, unassuming and well spent life has gained for him the regard and goodwill of those with whom he has been brought in contact. His neighbors and those who know him best are his warmest friends-a fact that indicates an honorable and upright career. He was born in Canterbury, Connecticut, August 8, 1848, only child of Thomas and Sarah (Spicer) Palmer. The father was born in Ashford, where his father, Joseph Palmer, and his grandfather, Joseph Palmer, Sr., were prominent physicians. The birth of Sarah (Spicer) Palmer occurred in Westminster, Connecticut, and her father, Peter Spicer, was a very prominent man of that locality and filled the office of postmaster for several years.

Thomas Palmer died when his son, M. V. Palmer, was but seven weeks old, and he was left an orphan by his mother's death when a lad of but ten years. He attended the public schools and pursued his high school course in Brooklyn. When twelve years of age he began work in the mills during the summer seasons, while in the winter months he continued his education. In 1865 he began learning the machinist's trade at the plant of the Smith & Winchester Manufacturing Company of South Windham. He pos- sessed much natural mechanical skill and ingenuity and very quickly mastered the busi- ness, so that he was soon made a traveling representative of the firm, engaging in in- stalling paper machinery in mills all over the country. He continued with the company for twelve years. In December, 1878, he turned his attention to the manufacture of book and news paper at Glasgow in company with Peter Thom, but the business did not prove profitable, as their location was too far inland. After this venture at Glasgow, a joint stock company was formed consisting of Mr. Palmer, Mr. Thom, Mr. Scovell and Mr. Patric Garvan, known as The Garvan & Thom Paper Company, and the business re- moved to South Windsor. While a partner in the company, Mr. Palmer did not go im- mediately to South Windsor but accepted the position of master mechanic with the Sey- mour Paper Company of Windsor Locks-later going to South Windsor.

In June, 1883, he came to Willimantic and entered the employ of the Willimantic Linen Company, now the American Thread Company, with which corporation he was associated until 1913. He acted as experimental engineer and had charge of all ex- perimental work. He patented several machines and devices which were adopted by the company and proved of great worth in the operation of the plant. He continued in close connection with the business until 1913, when he retired from active life and is now spending his days in the enjoyment of a well earned rest. In appreciation of him and his services, and in recognition of his high qualities of character and the results which he had achieved while connected with the business, the company voted him a pension. This expression of gratitude on the part of the company was received by Mr. Palmer with appreciation not only because of its integral value but also because of the spirit in which this grant was made him. It truly stands as a testimonial to the years of faithful labor which Mr. Palmer devoted to the interests of the concern with which he was so long connected.

Mr. Palmer was united in marriage on the 27th of April, 1880, to Miss Hattie L. Fuller, of Willimantic, a daughter of Alexander L. Fuller, a carpenter, and a descendant of one of the prominent old families. Mr. and Mrs. Palmer are the parents of two chil- dren: Virgil Maro, of Rochester, New York, who is an industrial engineer connected

MARO V. PALMER

MRS. MARO V. PALMER

Vol. 11-27

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with the Eastman Kodak Company and who is married and has two sons, Virgil Maro, Jr., and Harold Bradford Palmer. Maurice Fuller, who is the younger son of M. V. Palmer, is an electrician of Willimantic.

Politically Mr. Palmer inclines to the prohibition party. His has been an active and useful life and there have been no spectacular phases in his career. He has faithfully performed each day's duties as they have come to him and in their faithful performance has found strength and inspiration for the labors of the succeeding day. His business activity has brought to him a comfortable competence that now enables him to live retired, while his fidelity to honorable principles and to manly conduct has gained him the respect and good will of those with whom he has been associated.

CLINTON WILLIAM WHITFORD ATWOOD.

For more than four score years the name of Atwood has figured in connection with manufacturing interests in the town of Killingly and is represented in the present gen- eration by Clinton W. W. and Harold B. Atwood, brothers, who are now conducting the business with which their great-grandfather, John Atwood, became associated in the early part of the nineteenth century.

Clinton W. W. Atwood was born in Williamsville, in the town of Killingly, October 5, 1886, a son of Henry C. Atwood, who for many years was superintendent and agent of the Williamsville Manufacturing Company and for a long period its treasurer. In his youthful days Clinton W. W. Atwood attended the public schools of Williamsville, also the schools of Danielson and the Killingly high school. When his school days were over he entered the employ of the Williamsville Manufacturing Company in its cotton mills and later became identified with the buff manufacturing business, in which he is now actively and successfully engaged. The company is devoting its attention to the manufacture of buff wheels and also to the manufacture of parcel post mailing bags. In 1911 Mr. Atwood removed to Danielson upon the organization of the Williamsville Buff Manufacturing Company and became its president and treasurer. In connection with his brother, Harold B. Atwood, he also owns and conducts the School Street garage of Danielson and both branches of his business are proving profitable undertakings.

On the 14th of December, 1914, Mr. Atwood was united in marriage to Miss Deborah Russell, of Dayville, Connecticut, where she was born, a daughter of Charles A. Russell. In his political views Mr. Atwood is a republican, having always given stanch support to the party since reaching adult age. He belongs to the Westfield Congregational church, to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and to the Bohemian Club-associations which indicate much of the nature of his interests and the rules that govern his conduct. He is one of the progressive and representative business men of his city, alert and energetic, and from the outset of his career has ever recognized the fact that success slips away from the sluggard, tauntingly plays before the dreamer but yields its rewards to the man of resolute purpose and energy. He has therefore bent every effort to the upbuilding of his business along modern commercial lines and is today prominently connected with growing and profitable enterprises in Danielson.

CHARLES SEDER.

Charles Seder, a clothing merchant of Putnam, who is numbered with the most pro- gressive business men of the city, was born in Russia, May 30, 1878, and is a son of Hirsh and Ida (Kauffman) Seder, both of whom were also natives of Russia. The father was a man of progressive spirit and during the period of his residence in Russia was actively engaged in the provision business and in the lumber trade and was likewise connected with the German-Prussia Stock Exchange at Koenigsburg. Some of his chil- dren came to the United States at an early age in order to secure improved business conditions and opportunities and the father finally joined them at Worcester, Massa- chusetts, where he soon engaged in the manufacture of ladies' shirt waists. He became a prominent and influential business man there and continued his manufacturing inter- ests up to the time of his death, which occurred in Worcester in March, 1911. His widow is still living and yet makes her home at Worcester. They had a large family, all of whom were born in Russia, and eight of the children yet survive, namely: Joseph, Kalie, Isadore, Samuel, Charles, Sophia, Jacob and Rosa.

Charles Seder acquired his education in the schools of his native country, complet- ing his studies in a high school, and in a Hebrew College. Like his father, he was am- bitious, energetic and enterprising and when eighteen years of age he severed home

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ties in order to try his fortune in the new world. He arrived in the United States in May, 1896, and made his way to Danielson, Connecticut, where he joined an older brother, Isadore, who had previously crossed the Atlantic and had opened a clothing store there. Charles Seder started upon the road with a wagon, selling dry goods, and at the end of two years he was able to purchase his brother's business, then conducted under the name of the Blue Front Store, on Main street in Danielson. He changed the name to the Star Clothing Company and continued its operation at Danielson for about seven years, doing a flourishing business. About August, 1903, he opened a branch clothing store in Put- nam and a year later became sole owner of the business. Soon afterward he united his Danielson stock to his Putnam store and has conducted a constantly increasing busi- ness to the present time. His place is located on the main street of Putnam and is one of the leading commercial establishments of the city. Mr. Seder has done much to pro- mote business enterprise in Putnam and create a home consumption. He is interested in other enterprises and for a period conducted a moving picture theater in Willimantic, Connecticut.

On the 7th of March, 1915, in Dorchester, Massachusetts, Mr. Seder was married to Miss Gertrude Lichtenstein, who was born in South Bend, Indiana, a daughter of Barnet Lichtenstein. Their children are: Howard Edward, who was born in Putnam, November 20, 1915; and Marion Adelaide, who was born in Putnam, October 26, 1917.

In his political views Mr. Seder is a republican and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day but does not seek nor desire office. Fraternally he is connected with Putnam Lodge, No. 574, B. P. O. E .; and Israel Putnam Lodge, No. 33, I. O. O. F., at Putnam, and he is also a member of the Hebrew Synagogue at Putnam. His life has been characterized by untiring enterprise and diligence, and starting out independ- ently when a youth of eighteen years by leaving his native land and coming to the new world, he has since been dependent upon his own resources and has gained a most credit- able position in the commercial circles of his adopted city.

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A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume II, Part 63

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