A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume II, Part 73

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

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whose husband is a farmer of Sweden; Carl, deceased; Carl August, of this review; and Oscar, a minister in Sweden.

Rev. Carl A. Lindevall attended the public schools of his native country and also Jonkoping College in the province of Smaland, being there graduated in 1888 with the Bachelor of Arts degree. He afterward spent three years as a student in the University of Lund in Skane, Sweden, and in 1893 came to the United States, settling first at Tidioute, Pennsylvania, where he remained for a year as pastor of a church. He then entered the theological seminary at Rock Island, Illinois, and following his course in theology was graduated in 1896 with the B. D. degree. For two years there- after he was pastor of the Lutheran church at Big Rapids, Michigan, and then spent . a similar period at Bay City, Michigan. Returning to the east, he was for four years pastor of the Lutheran church at Lynn, Massachusetts, and for two years filled the pulpit of the Lutheran church in Philadelphia. In 1905 he came to North Grosvenor Dale, Connecticut, where he has since remained, and he has done much effective work among the people of the town and has secured many improvements upon the church property and parsonage.

Rev. Lindevall was married to Josephine Lind, a daughter of John and Marie (Anderson) Lind, and they now have four children: Marie, Ruth, Esther and Hannah, all at home.

Politically Rev. Lindevall is a republican and is a strong supporter of the tem- perance cause, having labored untiringly to advance prohibition. He is well known, too, in literary circles, having written various bocks and pamphlets upon religious subjects.

CARL RAUGNY NELSON.

Carl Raugny Nelson, who is cost accountant and paymaster with the Nightingale- Morse mill at Putnam, was born in Pomfret, Connecticut, September 24, 1898, his parents being John and Alma (Strum) Nelson, both of whom were natives of Sweden. The father spent the period of his minority in his native country and came to the United States in 1880, settling first at Woodstock, Connecticut. There he was employed at farm labor, and afterward removed to Pomfret, where he engaged in farming. He spent his remaining days in that place, his death occurrring on the 22d of December, 1912. To him and his wife were born eight children: Eleanor, Harold and Helen, all at home; Carl R., of this review; and Iver, Rudolph, Gertrude and Milton. The younger members of the family are also under the parental roof.

In the acquirement of his education Carl R. Nelson attended the public and high schools of Putnam. He was reared to the occupation of farming and early became familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. After his textbooks were put aside he worked for a year at farm labor on the Benjamin Gros- venor place at Pomfret and in 1917 he became connected with Nightingale-Morse mill at Putnam, first in a clerical capacity and afterward as officer. He is now cost accountant and paymaster with the firm and is most loyal to the interests which he represents.

In his political views Mr. Nelson is an earnest republican and in religious faith is a Congregationalist, being identified with the church at Pomfret. His religious belief has characterized his entire life, making him a man whom to know is to respect and honor, for nothing causes him to deviate from what his judgment dictates as right in connection with the world's work.

JOHN MUNDAY DEAN, JR.

One of the most prominent of the growing enterprises of Putnam is that conducted under the name of the John M. Dean division of the Otto Heineman Phonograph Supply Company. This extensive plant is devoted to the manufacture of textile pins, talking machine needles and similar articles. The business has in recent years grown by leaps and bounds, and, ready for any emergency and any opportunity, John Munday Dean, Jr., and his associates in the firm have so directed their interests that the business has become one of the most important productive industries of central Connecticut. It was owned by the John M. Dean Company, Incorporated, until September, 1917, and was then taken over by the Otto Heineman Company, while the two brothers, John M. Dean, Jr., and Charles E. Dean, remained as managers of the business.

John M. Dean, Jr., was born in Lowell, Massachusetts, June 20, 1885, and acquired

JOHN M. DEAN, JR.

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his education in its public schools, pursuing his studies to the age of fifteen years, when he put aside his textbooks to enter his father's pin manufactory at Lowell. He thor- oughly acquainted himself with the business from start to finish, mastering every branch of the trade and every process of manufacture, so that he is well qualified to assume a position of administrative direction and executive control. His father, John M. Dean, Sr., established business in Lowell in 1899, beginning the manufacture of textile pins, talking machine needles, and comb, faller, feeder and card pins. The business was begun on a small scale but the trade steadily grew and in 1910 the plant was removed to Putnam, where buildings were erected especially for the manufacture of pins. Still the trade steadily increased and in 1913 the business was incorporated under the name of the John M. Dean Company, Incorporated, with the father, John M. Dean, as the treasurer, John M. Dean, Jr., as the secretary, and another son, Charles E. Dean, as the president. The business remained a family affair until September, 1917, when it was sold to the Otto Heineman Company and the father then retired from active business, while the sons remained in charge. The factory as it now stands employs eighty hands and because of the large demand for pins, talking machine needles and other articles of that character, further importation of these things from Europe being stopped by the World war, the company is now engaged in the construction of an addition which will double the capacity of the plant. They maintain the highest standards in the excellence of their' product and the output is sold all over the world. Owing to the rapid increase of their trade the business makes continuous demands upon the efforts and attention of the managers and Mr. Dean, of this review, is recognized as a most alert and energetic young business man whose future is well worth the watching if the past foreshadows coming events.

In April, 1910, Mr. Dean was united in marriage to Miss Ethel J. Kerr, of Lowell, Massachusetts, in which city she was born, a daughter of John and Frances (Griffiths) Kerr, who are natives of England and, on coming to America, settled in Manchester, New Hampshire. A year later they removed to Lowell, where they are now residing. Mr. and Mrs. Dean have become the parents of two children, Doris and Natalie Frances, both of whom were born in Putnam.

Mr. Dean is a republican in his political views and the firm has membership with the Putnam Chamber of Commerce. His religious faith is that of the Baptist church. He is not identified with lodges or clubs, preferring to devote his leisure hours to the interests of his own fireside, finding his greatest happiness in the companionship of his wife and children, and the simplicity and beauty of his daily life, as seen in his home and family relations, constitutes an even balance to his splendid business ability.

FRED JOHN DARLING.

Fred John Darling is a partner of Arnold R. Stone in the ownership and conduct of an extensive farm and also in the breeding and raising of live stock. Mr. Darling was born July 13, 1891, and is a son of William Linus and Elizabeth (Widmer) Darling. The father was born at Boonville, New York, November 7, 1868, and there pursued his education to the age of twenty years. In 1888 he removed to Pomfret Landing, Wind- ham county, in company with his parents, and here followed the occupation of farming, working for others for some time. In 1898 he removed to South Woodstock, where he engaged in the teaming business for six years and then returned to Pomfret Landing in 1904. Again he followed farming there until May, 1919, when he went to East Woodstock, where he is now devoting his attention to the development of a farm that is owned by his son, Fred J., and Mr. Stone. It was at Boonville, New York; that he married Elizabeth Widmer, who was born in Switzerland and came to America in her childhood days, being reared at Boonville. Mr. and Mrs. Darling became the parents of five children. William is foreman for the American Optical Company at Southbridge, Massachusetts. Fred John is the second of the family. Arthur is a farmer living at Pomfret Landing. Gertrude is the wife of Frank Taylor, a mechanic of Pomfret Landing. Edwin follows farming in Pomfret. The paternal grandparents of Fred J. Darling were George Austin and Amelia Darling. The former was born in Burrillville, Rhode Island, and was a blacksmith by trade. At twenty years of age he went to Boonville, New York, where he carried on blacksmithing and later engaged in farming. In 1888 he removed with his family to Pomfret Landing, Windham county, Connecticut, where he conducted a blacksmith shop for a year and then resumed agricultural pursuits. He died at Pomfret Landing.

John F. Darling, whose name introduces this review, was born in Worcester, Mas- sachusetts, and was educated in the district schools of Pomfret Landing and in the Woodstock schools. When his textbooks were put aside he took up farm work, making

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his home at Pomfret Landing. In May, 1919, in partnership with A. R. Stone, he pur- chased the old John Paine farm of one hundred and sixty acres in East Woodstock. This is a fine place upon which is a large residence and extensive barns and outbuildings for the shelter of grain and stock. They have placed three thousand dollars worth of modern farm machinery thereon and are conducting their farming operations on an extensive scale, employing the most modern and scientific methods. They are also breeding and dealing in cattle and are conducting a dairy business, having a fine herd of Holsteins. They have every modern facility to promote the work, and their business affairs are conducted along the most progressive lines. Both are wide-awake, alert, energetic young men, and their activities are most intelligently directed, bringing substantial results.

ARNOLD REICHENBERG STONE.

This has been called preeminently the age of young men. It is a recognized fact that many of the most important business interests are in the care of young men- men of notable enterprise and progressiveness who are thoroughly alert to opportunities and conditions. To this class belongs Arnold Reichenberg Stone, who is associated with Fred J. Darling in the ownership and conduct of a valuable farm property at East Woodstock. He was born in Danielson, Connecticut, July 5, 1877, and is a son of Henry Arnold and Annie (Reichenberg) Stone. The father was born at Danielson, Connecticut, in a house now owned by the Palmer family, on Main street, opposite the Westfield Congregational church. He received his education in his native village, attending the public schools and also the old Danielson Academy. Like his father and grandfather, he was connected with the stage coach business and conducted a stage line from Danielson to Providence, Rhode Island, following the example of his father and his grandfather in this particular. He formed a partnership with John Richards under the firm style of Stone & Richards, and they continued in the stage coach business until the railroads were well enough established to make their undertaking no longer profitable. Mr. Stone then turned his attention to the conduct of a grocery store at Danielson, continuing in the business until his health failed, when he retired and removed to Providence, Rhode Island, making his home with his sons. He later went to Brockton, Massachusetts, where he lived with other sons, and there passed away October 11, 1917. His wife, who was born in England, came to America at the age of thirty years and died in Brockton, Massachusetts, January 29, 1918. They had a family of five children, all born in Danielson: Ernestine Richmond, who now resides at Provi- dence, Rhode Island; Arnold R .; Alice Wakefield, who is the wife of Harold Tucker, of Providence, Rhode Island; William Henry, who is captain of a steamboat engaged in the coast trade; and Stephen Searles, an electrician of Stoughton, Massachusetts, who married Ethie Smith of that place.

Arnold R. Stone acquired a public school education in Danielson and then entered the Highland Military Academy at Worcester, Massachusetts, while later he continued his studies in the Dean Academy at Franklin, Massachusetts. He then went to Provi- dence, where he took up the study of electricity, and after gaining a thorough knowl- edge of the business through practical experience he removed to Brockton, Massa- chusetts, and was there engaged in the electrical contracting business from 1908 until 1919. He then withdrew from that field of labor to enter into a partnership with Fred J. Darling in the purchase of the old John Paine farm in East Woodstock, of which they became owners in the month of May. The place comprises one hundred and sixty acres and constitutes one of the fine farms in this section of the state. It is being most progressively developed and improved and the present owners have added three thou- sand dollars worth of farm machinery and implements to facilitate the work. They are also engaged in the raising and breeding of fine stock, making a specialty of Holstein cattle, and they conduct a dairy business in connection with their other interests.

On the 12th of November, 1901, Mr. Stone was united in marriage to Miss Clarabel Morris, who was born in Blackstone, Massachusetts, and they have become the parents of three children, one of whom has passed away. The first two, Milton Potter and Vinton Wright, were twins and the latter died in infancy at East Providence, Rhode Island, where they were born. The other member of the family is Rita Arnold, born in Brockton, Massachusetts.

In politics Mr. Stone maintains an independent course. His religious faith is that of the Episcopal church. He has been identified with a number of independent military organizations, including the Plattsburg Rifle Club of Brockton, of which he was quar- termaster for five years, He was also captain of Company S of the Fourteenth Regiment

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of the Massachusetts National Guard at Brockton, Massachusetts. He enlisted in Com- pany F of the Third Connecticut Infantry, National Guard, being identified with the Danielson Company of the regiment for four years. He has thus been well known in military circles as well as through his business connections. His entire life has been passed in Windham county and steadily he has advanced in a business way until he is now widely known as an active and prominent representative of agricultural life in this section of the state.

FRANK LA FAVRE.

Frank La Favre, postmaster of Central Village and also identified with farming interests, was born in Centralia, Illinois, June 1, 1875. His father, Elias La Favre, was a native of Shelbyville, Indiana, born July 4, 1841, and followed the business of banking in that state, but afterward removed to the state of Washington, where he engaged in ranching. On the 4th of May, 1891, he died at Rathdrum, Idaho. He married Ellen Adams, who passed away in 1875, leaving three children: Charles A., who was born November 8, 1866; Richard E., born January 24, 1869; and Frank.

Owing to his mother's early death Frank La Favre went to live with an aunt at Humbird, Wisconsin, and there remained until 1887. During that period he attended the public schools of the town and following his removal from Humbird in 1887 became a resident of Mount Ida, Wisconsin, where he worked as a farm hand until 1895. He then went to Idaho, where he was engaged in mining, and later he went to Butte, Montana, where he followed mining from 1900 until 1903. In 1904 he left Butte and returned to Idaho, where he resided until 1912, when he once more became a resident of Butte, there remaining until 1913. In the latter year he crossed the continent to the east and established his home at Central Village, Connecticut, here purchasing the farm upon which he now resides. In 1918 he was appointed postmaster and is now filling that position, while at the same time he manages and cultivates his farm.

While in the west Mr. La Favre was married in 1903 to Miss Myrtle J. Borah and they have four children: Charles E., who was born May 31, 1905; John F., born March 3, 1907; Marion E., September 14, 1911; and Margery, who was born in Central Village, May 1, 1914. The other three children were born in Rathdrum, Idaho. Mr. La Favre and his family have made many friends during the period of their residence in Central Village and have become thoroughly identified with the interests and up- building of the town.

EARLE CLINTON ROGERS.

Earle Clinton Rogers, the genial and popular proprietor of the Putnam Inn at Putnam, Windham county, has been a lifelong resident of this section of the state, his birth having occurred at Central Village, in the town of Plainfield, March 16, 1867. He acquired his education in the district schools there and when still a boy in years began learning the blacksmith's trade with the firm of Torrey Brothers in his home town. On the 1st of July, 1885, he purchased the livery stable of S. J. King of Central Village, who conducted the largest hotel and livery business in the town. Mr. Rogers was at that time but eighteen years of age, and after acquiring the livery business he conducted it successfully for about five years, during which period he made a careful study of horses and their needs and treatment, thus acquiring a practical knowledge of the veterinary science. In the spring of 1890 he disposed of his livery business and removed to Narragansett Pier, where he practiced veterinary surgery for a period of two years. He was considered an excellent judge of horses, and in 1892 he became interested in their training for the race track, devoting the succeeding eight years to the care of and sale of race horses, during which period he became associated with many of the best known horsemen of the country. He also developed and drove many of the finest horses and was a conspicuous figure at the track meets in many states.

In 1900 Mr. Rogers purchased Clarke's Summer Hotel at Narragansett Pier and conducted this hostelry successfully during the seasons of 1900 and 1901. In the fall of the latter year he disposed of the hotel and removed to Putnam, where he purchased the City Hotel, then owned by Stephen H. Cole. This, too, proved a profitable under- taking from the beginning, and he continued in charge for more than three years, but sold out in 1905 and acquired the ownership of the hotel which has since become famous under his management and constant, development-the Putnam Inn. It is

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now a most popular resort with traveling men and tourists from all parts of the country. A few years ago Mr. Rogers purchased the old Hayward farm of about two hundred and forty acres and converted it into a dairy and vegetable farm, using most of the products for the hotel table, so he provides his guests with the freshest vegetables and fruits, thus securing for them the best that the market affords.

Mr. Rogers has never sought publicity along the line of office holding, but has always taken active interest in the commercial and social development of Putnam and is recognized by his vast host of friends and acquaintances as a man of sound judgment and marked business ability.

It was at Bellows Falls, Vermont, in November, 1916, that Mr. Rogers was married to Miss Mary Helen Jenkins, who was born at Georgetown, Prince Edward Island, a daughter of William Wallace Jenkins, who was one of the prominent business men of that place, conducting the largest general department store of the town and also connected with the leading shipbuilding company there. He was likewise a large stockholder in the Eastern Canning Company and a stockholder in a large fox farm. At one time he served as mayor of Georgetown and was thus active in the public life of the community as well as in the development of its commercial and industrial activity. He was also a thirty-second degree Mason. He died very suddenly in Georgetown in January, 1920, his death being the occasion of deep and widespread regret to many friends.

Politically Mr. Rogers is a republican but does not hesitate to cast an independent ballot if his judgment so dictates. He belongs to the Elks lodge of Putnam and he finds his chief recreation with rod and gun. Hanging on the walls of the Putnam Inn may be seen many trophies of his hunting and fishing trips, showing his skill in that direction. He knows just how to combine geniality with business ability and enterprise, and the results thereby produced are most gratifying in the successful conduct of the Putnam Inn.

JOHN RAYMOND SMITH.

John Raymond Smith, who is teller with the Willimantic Savings Institution, was born February 23, 1887, in the city which is still his home, and is a son of J. M. Smith, mentioned elsewhere in this work. He pursued his education in the public schools of Willimantic and also in the schools of Windham, after which he continued his studies in the Windham high school. He started upon his business career as an employe of the American Thread Company, working in the office for two and a half years. He left that position to enter the employ of the Willimantic Savings Institution in a clerical capacity. Proving his capability and fidelity in that connection, he was advanced to the position of teller, in which capacity he is now serving, and has made for himself a creditable name and place in financial circles.

On the 29th of April, 1912, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Gladys E. Clark, a daughter of William D. and Gertrude E. (Linnell) Clark, who were natives of Willimantic, Connecticut. To them have been born two children, Gail L. and Joyce L.

Politically Mr. Smith is a republican, having given stanch support to the party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. For four terms he filled the office of town auditor, making an excellent record in that position. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias of Willimantic and also to Eastern Star Lodge, A. F. & A. M. His life is actuated by high and honorable principles that commend him to the confidence and goodwill of all who know him.

ILDEGE LOUIS DRAGON.

Ildege Louis Dragon, conducting a merchant tailoring busines at No. 16 Main street in Putnam, where he has made his home since 1898, was born in St. Denis, in the province of Quebec, Canada, May 18, 1874, and is a son of Cleophais and Sophie Dragon, who were also natives of St. Denis. The father there spent the period of his minority and after attaining adult age turned his attention to the occupation of farming, which he followed throughout his entire life. He was married twice and was the father of twenty-six children.

Ildege L. Dragon, a son of the first marriage, pursued his education in parochial schools of his native city and after his education was completed turned his attention to the men's tailoring business in Montreal, Canada. There he remained until twenty years of age, when he crossed the border into the United States and settled in Woon-

Vol. II-31

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socket, Rhode Island, where he completed his trade. He afterward removed to Wil- liamstown, Massachusetts, where he was employed at tailoring for a short period, and in 1898 he came to Putnam, where he has since resided. Here he entered into partner- ship with J. B. Huard and they bought out the business of William Lamothe at No. 16 Main street. There they conducted a men's tailoring business and some time afterward Mr. Dragon acquired the interest of his partner and has since been sole proprietor of the shop. He has a well equipped establishment and is doing a business of very sub- stantial proportions; in fact, has the leading patronage in his life in the town.

On the 27th of January, 1898. Mr. Dragon was united in marriage to Miss Melvina Pelland, daughter of Adolph Pelland, and to this marriage have been born five children: Lionel, who died in infancy; Leonard, who passed away at the age of six years; and Edgar, Aldore and Viola, all at home.

The religious belief of the family is that of the Cathoilc church, and they are members of St. Mary's church. They have gained a wide acquaintance during the period of their residence in Putnam, Mr. Dragon having here made his home for twenty-two years. He has become widely recognized as a reliable and progressive business man and one whose sterling traits of character are manifest in every relation of life.

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A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume II, Part 73

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