A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume II, Part 72

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

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In the public schools of his native city Clare N. Turner began his education, passing through consecutive grades to the high school of Amherst, and graduating from there in June, 1912. He was eighteen years of age when he entered the employ of the Good- year Tire & Rubber Company at Akron, Ohio, in the treasury department to learn the financial end of the business. While thus working he also completed a course of study in the Alexander Hamilton Institute of New York city, mastering a commercial course. In 1914 he was transferred to Goodyear, Connecticut, as cashier and purchasing agent of the Killingly Manufacturing Company, which plant had been purchased by Goodyear a few months previous. In 1915 he became office manager and at the time of the reorgan- ization in December, 1916, when the corporation name was changed to Goodyear Cotton Mills, Inc., he was made a director. In 1919 he became assistant secretary and treasurer of the Goodyear Cotton Mills, Inc., and thus step by step he worked his way steadily up- ward, an orderly progression bringing him to a place of prominence in the commercial circles of Connecticut.

In March, 1920, Mr. Turner was transferred to Los Angeles, California, as assistant treasurer of the Goodyear Textile Mills Company, which is a new and modern cotton mill of thirty-three thousand spindles, manufacturing tire fabrics to supply the new plant of the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company of California, located in the same city. He is also assistant secretary and treasurer of the Williamsville Water Company, which supplies the village of Goodyear and the factory with water. This is obtained from one

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of the finest spring lakes in New England, known as Alexander's lake and located in the town of Killingly. Along still other lines Mr. Turner has put forth his efforts and is now a trustee and director of the Brooklyn Savings Bank of Danielson and assistant secretary of the Danielson Building & Loan Association. He is regarded as a forceful and resourceful young business man, alert and enterprising, ready for any opportunity and at all times measuring his activities by the highest commercial standards and ethics.

On the 27th of October, 1915, Mr. Turner was married to Miss Hilda Roberts, of Danielson, the adopted daughter of Mr. and Mrs. E. C. Roberts. They now have two children: Barbara Mae, born January 16, 1917; and Richard Roberts, born November 12, 1919.

Mr. Turner gives his political support to the republican party, and the nature and breadth of his interests is shown in his membership in Moriah Lodge, No. 15, A. F. & A. M., of Danielson, in the Bohemian Club, and in St. Alban's Episcopal church, of which he is the treasurer. His life has been actuated by many admirable qualities-ambition and energy in business, recognition of his obligations to his fellowmen and an equal recognition of the duties of citizenship.

HON. WILLIAM RUFUS MAY.

Hon. William Rufus May, who has represented his district in the state legislature and who has long been numbered among the most enterprising and progressive of the farmers of the town of Pomfret, was born July 30, 1860, on the farm which he now owns and occupies, and to the cultivation and development of which he has devoted his entire life.

His father was a son of William Pitt and Anna (Cook) Bean and was born Novem- ber 27, 1825, in Harrisville, in the town of Putnam, but in his very early childhood was left an orphan and when four years of age was adopted by Captain Rufus May, of Pomfret, a seafaring man who commanded a whaling vessel and followed the sea until 1824, when he took up his abode in Pomfret and purchased the farm now occupied by William R. May of this review. He resided thereon until his death, which occurred February 9, 1844. His wife, Lucy May, of Pomfret, was born January 29, 1795, and died June 24, 1881. They were married October 4, 1824, and having no children of their own, adopted Smith Bean, who took their name and in his later life requited his foster mother for her care, love and attention by caring for her in her last years. He engaged in general farming throughout his entire life and his business affairs were successfully and profitably managed. His political allegiance was given to the republican party and he served as town constable and in other local offices. His religious faith was that of the Baptist church, in the work of which he was actively interested, and in its faith he passed away June 27, 1886. On the 27th of November, 1846, he had married Elizabeth H. Clark, a daughter of Palmer Clark, a farmer of New York state, who died in Eastford, Connecticut. Mrs. May was born August 30, 1829, and was called to her final rest Feb- ruary 4, 1877.

William Rufus May of this review was the seventh in order of birth in a family of nine children, all of whom were born on the old homestead farm. There the days of his boyhood and youth were passed in the usual manner of the farmbred lad. He divided his time between the duties of the schoolroom, the pleasures of the playground and the work of the fields, and as his age and strength increased he assisted more and more largely in farm work and following his father's death purchased the interests of the other heirs in the old homestead property. He is today the owner of one hundred and twenty-three acres of valuable land, mostly in Pomfret, although a small portion of the place lies in the town of Putnam. Its neat and attractive appearance indicates his practical and progressive farm methods. He has added various improvements and con- ducts his farm according to modern scientific plans. He had also devoted considerable attention to the dairy business and his various interests have been intelligently directed, resulting in the attainment of a substantial measure of success.

On the 22d of September, 1886, Mr. May was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. White, a native of Ashford, Connecticut, and a daughter of David M. and Jane E. (Squire) White. Her grandfather, Peter White, removed from Douglass, Massachusetts, to Ashford, Connecticut, and there devoted much of his life to blacksmithing and farming. He afterward took up his abode in Putnam, where he spent his remaining days in the enjoy- ment of a well earned rest, passing away at the home of his son, David M. White, then a resident of Westville, Massachusetts. His wife bore the maiden name of Lydia Trum- bull and their family included David M. White, who was born in Douglass, Massachusetts, December 30, 1831, but became a resident of Ashford, Connecticut, in his infancy. In

HON. WILLIAM R. MAY

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young manhood he secured a position in a factory at Willington, Connecticut, devoted to the manufacture of pocketbooks. He afterward worked at the shoemaker's trade in Willington and later turned his attention to blacksmithing in Ashford. He has since followed that trade in various places. For a time he resided upon a farm in West Wood- stock but eventually became a member of the household of Mr. and Mrs. May. He wedded Jane E. Squire and their eldest child, Mary Eva, became the wife of William Rufus May.

Mr. and Mrs. May attend the Congregational church and are highly esteemed in the community where they reside, having many friends who recognize their substantial traits of character and esteem them for their fidelity to high principles. Mr. May votes with the republican party, of which he has ever been a stalwart advocate, and in 1907 he was elected on its ticket to the state legislature, where he was made a member of the committee on insurance. His has been an active and useful life, passed on a quiet plane, for he has preferred to concentrate his efforts and attention upon agricultural pursuits rather than seek public prominence through political activity. His worth, however, was recognized by his fellow townsmen in his election as their representative to the general assembly and at all times, whether in office or out of it, Mr. May has proven loyal to the best interests of the community in which he resides.

FRANK M. SMITH.

Frank M. Smith, treasurer and manager of the Wilson Drug Company of Willi- mantic, belongs to that class of representative men who are upholding the commercial standards of the city and continually promoting its trade relations. Connecticut numbers him among her native sons, his birth having occurred in Windsor on the 31st of March, 1872, his parents being Benajah and Caroline (Hatheway) Smith. The father has passed away but the mother is living.

Frank M. Smith was a little lad of but six summers when the family home was established in Willimantic, where he attended the public schools and also spent one year as a high school pupil. He then started out in the business world and from that time has steadily worked his way upward, his first position being in the No. 4 thread mill, where he was employed for a few years. In 1892 he accepted a position with the Frank Wilson Drug Company, and gradually working his way upward in that connection, was admitted to the firm in 1900 and is now treasurer and manager of the business.

On the 10th of June, 1897, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Emir Aber- nethy, of Hartford, and they have become the parents of three children: Morris B., twenty-one years of age, who is now located at Elyria, Ohio; Ruth, seventeen years of age; and Francis, aged six.

The parents are consistent members of the Congregational church, contributing generously to its support, and interested in its work. Mr. Smith is prominently connected with the First Church in Dedham, which has been the church of his an- cestors since its organization in 1638. He has also been the efficient president of the Norfolk County Conference of Unitarian Churches. He is likewise a member of the Masonic fraternity and in these associations are found the rules which govern his conduct and shape his life's relations. He belongs to the Chamber of Commerce, which indicates his public-spirited devotion to the general good. While a resident of Dover he was interested in the local Grange and was the lecturer of the Pomona Grange of Norfolk and Middlesex counties. In politics he is a republican and in 1909 and 1910 served as alderman of his city, exercising his official prerogatives in support of many well defined plans and measures which had to do with the upbuilding and development of the municipality.

CHARLES BARSTOW.

Charles Barstow, one of the substantial and prominent farmers of Canterbury, was born November 10, 1858, on the old Barstow homestead, which he now owns and occupies. He is a son of Dwight and Aurilla (Lyon) Barstow, the father's birth having occurred in the same house as that of his son Charles. All of his life was spent upon the old home farm, and he was one of the leading and influential citizens of his time in the town of Canterbury. He closed his eyes in death in the house in which he had opened them to the light of day. His wife was a native of Hanover, Connecticut, and she, too, passed away in Canterbury. The ancestral line is traced back through several generations to Hezekiah Barstow, a native of Massachusetts

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and the first of the family to settle in Canterbury, he being the one who purchased the old Barstow homestead. It was he who also built the present house upon the place. He was a cooper by trade and devoted his life to that pursuit. When he came to Canterbury it was largely an undeveloped wilderness, and with the work of progress and improvement he was closely associated throughout his remaining days. He married Olive Bradford, and their son, Hezekiah Barstow, was born in the house which his father had builded. He learned the cooper's trade under his father's direc- tion and also took up the occupation of farming, spending his entire life upon the place where his birth occurred. He married Rebecca Gager and they were parents of Dwight Barstow, father of Charles Barstow of this review, who is therefore a repre- sentative of the third generation born on the old farmstead of the family which came into possession of his great-grandfather, Hezekiah Barstow, the founder of the family in Connecticut.

Charles Barstow acquired a district school education and has always lived in the same house in Canterbury in which his birth occurred. In young manhood he assisted his father in the cultivation of the fields and worked upon the home place, which later he began operating on his own account following his father's death, when he came into possession of the ancestral farmstead, upon which he yet remains. His entire life has been devoted to the cultivation of the soil in the production of the crops best adapted to climatic conditions here. He has also engaged in stock raising and in dairying, and is a splendid specimen of the typical New England farmer, having a valuable property in the management of which he displays thrift, energy and enter- prise.

On the 16th of October, 1889, Mr. Barstow was married to Miss Hannah Maria Rollinson, of Norwichtown, New London county, Connecticut. She was born at Mill- ville, Massachusetts, and is a daughter of Joseph and Mary Ann (Colwell) Rollinson, who were natives of England.

Politically Mr. Barstow has always been a stalwart republican and has served as tax assessor in Canterbury. He has long been active in church work and for many years has served as a deacon of the Westminster Congregational church. He is now the clerk and treasurer of the ecclesiastical society of that church and his wife is likewise an active church worker. Mr. Barstow is a past master of Canterbury Grange. His entire life has been characterized by advancement and progress, and the careful management of his business affairs has brought to him a very substantial measure of success, he being today one of the representative agriculturists of Can- terbury.

GEORGE DESPATHY.

George Despathy is a representative of that large quota of citizens that Canada has furnished to Windham county. He is now a well known citizen of Moosup, where he is engaged in the plumbing business. He was born in Roxton, Quebec, Canada, August . 14, 1881, a son of Gregoire and Anna (Nadeau) Despathy. The father was born in Roxton, Quebec, about 1860, and ten years later became a resident of Jericho, Rhode Island, where soon afterward he became an employe in a mill. In 1880 he returned to his native town and was there employed at farm labor, while subsequently he learned and followed the carpenter's trade. In 1889 he again made his way to Jericho, Rhode Island, in company with his family and there engaged in carpentering, while at other points in southern New England he likewise followed his trade for more than twenty years, eventually settling at Baltic, Connecticut, where he resided until his removal to Moosup in 1918. His wife was born at Roxton Falls, in the province of Quebec, and was there reared and educated. She had liberal intellectual training and became a teacher in the public schools of her native city. She now makes her home in Moosup and to Mr. and Mrs. Despathy were born twelve children, seven of whom are living, namely: George, Zoel, Louise, Wilfred, Alfred, Emile, and Claire.

George Despathy began his education in the schools of his native city and in 1889 came to the United States with his father and the family. He afterward continued his education by attending night school at Jericho, Rhode Island, working in the mills there during the day. At a subsequent period he removed to Baltic, Connecticut, where he learned the trade of plumber and steam fitter, being employed at his trade there from 1902 until 1905. In the latter year he purchased the business of Emile Belleau, a plumber at Baltic, Connecticut, where he remained until 1913, when he sold his business there and removed to Moosup, opening his present plumbing, heating and steam fitting establishment. Here he has remained to the present time, covering a period of about seven years. In November, 1918, he purchased the block formerly

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owned by Dr. Gregoire and removed his business to the new property. He is accorded a liberal patronage, for it is recognized that he does expert work in his line.

Mr. Despathy was married to Miss Marion Gagner, a native of Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada, the marriage, however, being celebrated at North Grosvenor Dale, Connecticut. She is a daughter of Pierre and Mary Gagner, who were likewise natives of the province of Quebec. Mr. and Mrs. Despathy have three children: Yvonne, born March 19. 1902; Medora, March 6, 1903; and Wilfred, April 2, 1905.

Mr. Despathy belongs to the Roman Catholic church and is also a member of All Hallows Council, No. 217, K. C., at Moosup and of Union St. John the Baptist at Baltic, Connecticut. He has membership with the Elks lodge at Putnam, Connecticut. The greater part of his time and attention, however, are concentrated upon his business affairs, in which he feels the keenest interest. He has acquainted himself with every phase of the trade and from every angle, and has been accorded some most important plumbing and steam fitting contracts, including that of the Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic church at Baltic, Connecticut, the Academy of the Holy Family at Baltic and All Hallows parochial school at Moosup. He also received the contract for the work at the Catholic church at Taftville, Connecticut, and he has a well earned reputation as a most thorough and competent plumbing and steam fitting contractor. His success is the direct outcome of his own labors, for he started out in the business world empty-handed and step by step has worked his way upward through industry and efficiency.

EDWARD RILEY, JR.

Edward Riley, Jr., now deceased, was well known as a hotel proprietor in Central Village to the time of his death. He was born in Killingly, Connecticut, near Daniel- son, on February 15, 1867, a son of Edward and Bridget (McGuire) Riley. The father was born in County Cavan, Ireland, while the mother's birth occurred in County Fermanagh. Edward Riley, Sr., followed the occupation of farming on the Emerald isle and after his marriage came with his wife to the new world, where he took up the occupation of farming in the town of Killingly, Windham county, thus giving his attention to the work of tilling the soil until he retired, since which time he has lived in the village of Dayville.

Edward Riley, Jr., was reared in the town of Killingly and attended the district schools near the home farm, while later he continued his education in the Killingly high school at Danielson and was graduated from the Bryant & Stratton Commercial College, thus qualifying for life's practical and responsible duties. He served as postmaster of the Killingly postoffice in the village of Dayville from 1892 until 1896. In 1901 he purchased the Central Hotel property at Central Village and made extensive improvements thereon, bringing the hotel up to modern standards in its service. He thus became one of the popular and best known hotel keepers in this part of the state and remained proprietor of the hotel until his death, which occurred on the 2d of May, 1918.

Mr. Riley was a member of All Hallows Roman Catholic church of Moosup and fraternally was connected with the Ancient Order of United Workmen at Dayville. His political allegiance was given to the democratic party, but he never sought nor desired office, concentrating his efforts and attention upon his business interests. He had a wide acquaintance throughout this part of the state and enjoyed the friendship of many with whom he came in contact.

WILLIAM JOHN SHAUGHNESSY.

William John Shaughnessy, one of the progressive and successful hotel pro- prietors of Windham county, is the proprietor of the Central Hotel in Central Village. He has had long experience in hotel management and displays much of the spirit of the pioneer in that he is constantly introducing new and improved methods. He was born at Guild, New Hampshire, January 2, 1892, and is a son of James E. and Bridget (Riley) Shaughnessy. The father is a native of County Roscommon, Ireland, and in young manhood came to the new world, settling first in Pittsfield, Massa- chusetts, where he secured employment in the mills, working in the dyeing depart- ment. He thoroughly learned the dyeing business and remained as an active factor in the operation of the Pittsfield woolen mills for ten years. On the expiration of that period he removed to Elmville, Windham county, Connecticut, where he became the

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boss dyer of the Elmville mills, and while there residing he was married. He con- tinued to act as boss dyer of the worsted and woolen mills at Guild, New Hampshire, until 1894, and since that date he has been employed in the woolen mills of North Adams, Massachusetts, of Bennington, Vermont, and of Worcester, Massachusetts, prior to going to Gloversville, New York, where he is now filling the position of boss dyer in a mill. His wife, who was born at Killingly Center, Windham county, Con- necticut, passed away in Central Village in 1903.

William John Shaughnessy was but two years of age when his parents removed to North Adams, Massachusetts, and there he attended school for two years. He afterward spent five years as a pupil in parochial schools of Bennington, Vermont, and for two years was a student in the public school of Worcester, Massachusetts, thus being well qualified through liberal training for life's practical and responsible duties. In the year 1901 Mr. Shaughnessy became a resident of Central Village, Con- necticut, removing to this place in order to assist his uncle, Edward Riley, who was then proprietor of the Central Hotel. Under his uncle's guidance he acquainted himself with every phase of the business, and when his uncle died he became pro- prietor of the hotel which he is now conducting with excellent success. He has made it a most popular hostelry, for he puts forth every possible effort to promote the comfort of his guests. The rooms of the hotel are well furnished and he sets an excellent table, which always constitutes an attractive feature in hotel management. Moreover, Mr. Shaughnessy is a popular host because of his genial nature and social disposition, combined with the ready wit for which the people of Irish birth and descent are justly noted.

Mr. Shaughnessy belongs to All Hallows Roman Catholic church. His political endorsement is given to the republican party and he keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day, but the honors and emoluments of office have no attraction for him. However, he is not remiss in the duties of citizenship, but loyally supports every activity which tends to promote the welfare and advance the progress of Central Village.

JOHN OTIS FOX, JR.

John Otis Fox, Jr., now secretary and treasurer and also assistant manager of a business that was established by his father, the firm being dealers in lumber and builders' supplies, was born in Putnam, where he still makes his home, his natal day being December 30, 1889. He is a son of J. O. Fox, Sr., mentioned elsewhere in this work. After attending the public schools and passing through consecutive grades to the Putnam high school he joined his father in business and made a thorough study of the lumber trade in every particular. The company handles all kinds of lumber and builders' supplies, and as his experience and knowledge have increased John O. Fox has more and more largely taken over the control of the business, of which he is now assistant manager, his official connection being that of secretary and treasurer of the company.

In April, 1914, Mr. Fox was united in marriage to Miss Marguerite E. Lynch, of Putnam, a daughter of Michael J. Lynch of this city. They have become the parents of one child, Barbara, who is the life and light of the household. Mr. and Mrs. Fox are members of the Advent church of Putnam and Mr. Fox is also identified with Israel Putnam Lodge, A. F. & A. M. His political endorsement is given to the demo- cratic party, and he was elected city alderman for the year 1919-20. While a member of the council he served on the committee on city highways and the committee on city fires. He is interested in all that has to do with public progress and improvement, and his cooperation can be counted upon to further various measures and activities for the general good.

REV. CARL AUGUST LINDEVALL.

Rev. Carl August Lindevall, pastor of the Lutheran church at North Grosvenor Dale since 1905, was born in the province of Calmar, Sweden, May 17, 1863, a son of Olof Peterson and Marie Johnson, their son taking the name of Lindevall when eighteen years of age. The father gained his education in Sweden and throughout his life followed farming. He was also a talented violinist and much devoted to the art of music. He died in 1882 while his wife passed away in 1911. Their children were five in number: Matilda, a widow now living in Illinois; Mrs. Ida Jolinson,

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A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume II, Part 72

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