A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume II, Part 78

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

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REV. CHARLES F. BEDARD

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and taking of the Indian fort there, which he in said petition proved by living testi- monials, and which he believes the Hon. John Chandler and other worthy members of the honorable court do yet remember, and whereas, your aged, decrepit and poor me- morialist hath never yet received any gratuity or reward in land or otherwise for his said father's services and sufferings, as many others have done, your most humble memorialist again most humbly prayeth this honorable court in their wonted goodness and compassion would make him a grant of some piece of country land for said serv- ices or otherwise, as in their great wisdom they see fit; which will oblige your most humble memorialist as in duty bound will ever pray.

"March 23, 1749."

(Signed) "PETER SHUMWAY."

The will of Peter Shumway I reads as follows:

"I, Peter Showmway, of Boxford of Essex, in New England, considering the cauges of man doe desier by the hellpe of the Lord to settell my con searnes as may be for the glories of God and the good of my family my soule I desier to resinne and com- mit into the handes of my heavenly father, Jesus Christe, he is lord. My righteousnes. My boddy to be decently beried in earthe in hope of a glorious and blessed reseureck- tion by Christ, Amen. The estat which God hath gratiously given unto me I doe despoose of as followeth.

"Item for my hole estat. I doe bequeth and give unto my beloved wife Frances R. Showm way one halfe of the hole and the other halfe unto my children equaly for to be divided when they doe come unto age. I doe apwint my loved wife and Leftenant John Pebody of Boxford for to be my to exsacutors to this my last will and testement for my loving wife and my sonne for to cari on the farme together dewring my leace (I have instetuted and apwinted my loving naighbowers and frindes, that is to say Leftenant John Pebody and Sargeant John Hovey senior of Topsfield to be the over- seeres to oversee the business of carring an end of the business fore said farme) and in cause the Lord should be pleased for to take awaye any of my children by deathe that pte of my estat that belonged unto them for to be equaly devided amongst thos that shall then be living this is to be understood if they die before they come of age this is my last will and testement of me, Peter Showmway, as wittness my hande and seale,

"Peter Showmway, senior, age about three score this 10 daye (tenneth) of Aprill (yeares) on thowsand six hundred ninty-five, witness hearunto

JOHN HOVEY, Seneor JOHN HOVEY, Juner JOHN LOVELL his

- PEETER X SHOWMWAY

marke

Essex ss By ye Hon'ble Bartholmew Gedney esqr, Judge of Ye probate &c for county July present mo. 1695. John Hovey Senr (for S R) and John Lovell made oath thatyy were present & saw Peter Shamway signe & Seale this instrument & heard him publish & declare it to be his last will & testement and that he was then of a disposing mind and that these deponents together with John Hovey Junr subscribed as witnesses thereunto. Sworne attest-Steph. Sewall-Regr. On which this will was proved, approved & allowed."

Peter Shumway's family numbered five children, Peter, John, Samuel, Dorcas and Joseph. The line of descent comes down through the oldest, Peter Shumway, Jr., who was born in Boxford, Massachusetts, June 6, 1678, and afterward removed to Oxford, Massachusetts. There, in successive generations, were born Jeremiah, Peter and Noah Shumway, all of whom were farmers. Noah Shumway, father of Judge Shumway, re- mained a resident of Oxford, Massachusetts, to the age of ten years and then went to Burrillville, Rhode Island, where he became identified with the woolen mill industry, and with the exception of two years spent in the state of New York, he remained con- tinuously a resident there until 1848, when he removed to Danielson, Connecticut. In the latter place he was employed in the Cundall Woolen Mills for many years, but eventually retired from active business and spent his remaining days in the enjoyment of well earned rest in Danielson. He was a quiet, easy-going man, and while interested in local and town affairs, he never sought or held public office. He married Elizabeth Hill Stiness, who was born at Marblehead, on Cape Ann, Massachusetts, and died in Danielson. Her parents were Samuel and Ruth (Bessom) Stiness, the former a native of England, while the latter was born in New Hampshire.

Judge Shumway supplemented his public school training, received in Danielson, by study in the Phillips Exeter Academy and entered Harvard University in 1869, but did not complete a course there by graduation. He studied law in the office of Hon. Albert Mason, judge of the superior court of Massachusetts, at Plymouth, Massachu- setts, and also under the direction of Judge Earl Martin, a member of the superior

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court of Connecticut, located at Danielson. After thorough preliminary training and preparation Judge Shumway was admitted to the bar in 1874 and practiced in Danielson until January, 1894, when he was appointed by Governor Morris to the position of judge of the superior court for a term of eight years. In 1901 he was reappointed by Governor McLean for a second term of eight years and received a third appointment from Governor Lilly in 1909, whereby he continued upon the bench until August 30, 1918, when he was retired by reason of age limitation. He was also appointed by Governor Marcus Holcomb as judge of the supreme court of errors, taking office in March, 1917, and from this position he was also retired on the 30th of August, 1918, by reason of the age limit, the Connecticut law allowing no judge to remain upon the bench after reaching the age of seventy years. The legal profession demands not only a high order of ability, but a rare combination of talent, learning, patience and in- dustry. The successful lawyer and the competent judge must be a man of well balanced intellect, thoroughly familiar with the law and practice, of comprehensive general information, possessed of an analytical mind and self-control that will enable him to lose his individuality, his personal feelings, his prejudices and his peculiarities of disposition in the dignity, impartiality and equity of the office to which life, property, right and liberty must look for protection. Possessing these qualities, Judge Shumway justly merits the high honor which was conferred upon him by his elevation to the bench of the superior court and to the supreme court bench. His position indicates strong mentality, careful analysis, a thorough knowledge of the law and an unbiased judgment. He is a man of well rounded character, finely balanced mind and of splendid intellectual attainments, and he has proven himself the peer of the ablest members who have sat upon the bench of the court of last resort.

On the 7th of March, 1876, Judge Shumway was united in marriage to Miss Mary Adline Woodward, who was born in Canterbury, Connecticut, a daughter of Sylvanus M. and Hannah (Lucas) Woodward, the former a mason by trade.

Politically Judge Shumway has always been a stalwart republican, and many political honors have been conferred upon him. He served as justice of the peace of Danielson, and in 1886 and 1887 he represented Killingly in the state legislature. During the first session he was chairman of the committee on cities and boroughs and was also a member of the judiciary committee. During the session of 1887 he was made chairman of the judiciary committee and was political leader of the house. He was also a member of the committee on contested elections. In 1890 he was elected to the state senate, of which he was a member during the famous deadlock session. For three years he was acting state's attorney for Windham county during the inca- pacity of Mr. Penrose, the state's attorney. Both he and his wife attend the Episcopal church, of which she is a member. Judge Shumway belongs to Moriah Lodge, No. 15, A. F. & A. M., of which he is a past master; Montgomery Council, No. 4, R. & S. M., in which he has held office; and Columbia Commandery, K. T. He is a member of the Windham County Bar Association and is serving on its examining committee. He also belongs to the Harvard Club of Connecticut, of which he was president in 1914, and he is a member of the Bohemian Club of Danielson. He makes his home in Danielson and he ranks as one of the most distinguished residents of his state. The record of no man has reflected greater credit upon the judicial history of the state, for his opinions have shown great research, industry and care and have challenged the approval of, and commended themselves to, the bench and bar.

MATTHEW TURNER DARTT.

For a quarter of a century Matthew Turner Dartt has been a resident of Quinebaug and for sixteen years of this period has engaged in the grocery business. He was born at Green's Creek, Colchester county, Nova Scotia, August 22, 1870, and is a son of Daniel and Mary Jane (Fisher) Dartt. The father was also a native of Green's Creek, where he spent his entire life. In the early days he was postmaster there. By trade he was a caulker and shipbuilder, and he and his brother were partners in a ship-building enterprise. They built many small schooners and Daniel Dartt con- tinued in the business until his health failed, when he turned his attention to farming, to which he devoted his energies throughout his remaining days. His wife was also born at Green's Creek and passed away there several years prior to the death of her husband. The family is of Scotch descent, the parents of Daniel Dartt being George and Abigail (Dimmock) Dartt, who were natives of Scotland and became early settlers of Nova Scotia.

Matthew T. Dartt obtained his education in his native town, pursuing his course in the district schools to the age of fourteen years. He then started out to provide

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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY

for his own support by working as a boy in a lumber camp at Clovisdale, Nova Scotia, where he continued for about a year. He then crossed the border into the United States, making his way to Providence, Rhode Island, and afterward to West Woodstock, Connecticut, where he worked in connection with a sawmill. He took up his abode at Woodstock in 1888 and did farm and sawmill work there for nine years. He then entered Hinman's Business College at Worcester, Massachusetts, from which he was graduated on a Friday night, and the following Monday was appointed station agent at Quinebaug, Connecticut, accepting the position in 1895. He continued to act as agent for nine years, but, desirous of engaging in business on his own account, he established a grocery and general store, purchasing the business of W. E. Wheelock at Quinebaug. Through the intervening period extending from 1905 until 1920 he has continued in this line of business and he now has a large and gratifying trade. He has ever recognized the fact that satisfied patrons are the best advertisement and has put forth every effort to please his customers, thus gaining a business of very satisfactory proportions. '

On the 21st of October, 1902, in Woodstock, Connecticut, Mr. Dartt was married to Miss Florence May Morse, who was born in that city, her parents being Joseph M. and Lucy (May) Morse, who were also natives of Woodstock. Her father was a repre- sentative in the eighth generation of one of the old colonial families of New England. He was a son of Leonard Morse, who was born in East Woodstock, Connecticut, October 27, 1770, and there passed away May 11, 1845. In 1813 he had married Remembrance Meacham, a daughter of Joseph Meacham, of Windham, and her death occurred Novem- ber 27, 1857. The fifth of their children was Joseph M. Morse, who was born on the old homestead farm in Woodstock, April 1, 1823, and passed away in East Woodstock, April 17, 1898. He was a man of many estimable traits of character and was highly honored and esteemed by all who knew him. After attending the common schools he served an apprenticeship to the carriage-making trade, beginning when seventeen years of age. He devoted four years to acquiring a thorough knowledge of the business and then entered the employ of L. M. Dean, a leading vehicle manufacturer of Woodstock, with whom he remained for several years. He next went to Springfield, Massachusetts, and later was employed at his trade in Hartford, Connecticut; Wilmington, North Carolina; and Bowling Green, Kentucky. Following the outbreak of the Civil war he enlisted in Company F, Twenty-sixth Connecticut Volunteer Infantry, August 22, 1862. The regiment was assigned to the Department of the Gulf and participated in the Red River expedition under General Banks, taking part in various important engage- ments. After the close of his military service he returned to Woodstock and began farming on the old homestead with his brother Stephen. Still later he located on the Abiel May farm and there continued to cultivate the soil to the time of his death. In politics he was a stanch republican and filled various offices, including that of state legislator. He was a man of distinct and forceful individuality, strong in his con- victions and yet tolerant of the opinions of others. In addition to his farming interests he had various other business activities. He was a member of the board of directors of the National Bank of Webster, Massachusetts, and one of its principal stockholders, as he was likewise of the Putnam Savings Bank and the Thompson Savings Bank. He was a prominent member of the Woodstock Agricultural Society and a consistent member of the Congregational church. On the 11th of December, 1873, he married Miss Lucy May, who was born in Woodstock, a daughter of Abiel and Dolly (Day) May and a representative of a family that has been connected with American interests as long as the Morse family. Her grandfather was Captain William May, who was born in Woodstock in 1760 and there died December 12, 1849. He married Sarah Paine, of Woodstock, and they reared a family of seven children. His title was won by service as an officer in the state militia. He was a son of Thomas May, who was born in Woodstock, February 14, 1723, and died August 7, 1803. Thomas May was married in 1751 to Lucy Goddard, who died December 17, 1790. Their family of eight children included Abiel May, who was born in Woodstock, Connecticut, May 18, 1794, and there passed away May 3, 1880. On the 18th of June, 1835, he was married to Dolly Day, who was born in Webster, Massachusetts. Abiel May was one of the prosperous and influential farmers of Woodstock and was a most highly respected and honored citizen. To Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Morse were born but two children. The daughter, Florence May, who was born in East Woodstock, October 12, 1874, was graduated from the Wood- stock Academy in June, 1893, and was a teacher prior to her marriage to Matthew T. Dartt. The son, Arthur George, born in East Woodstock, February 5, 1883, was graduated from Woodstock Academy as a member of the class of 1900 and has since devoted his attention to farming. To Mr. and Mrs. Dartt have been born four children, Dorothy Morse, Stanley J., Mary Lucy and Sylvia, all natives of Quinebaug.

In politics Mr. Dartt is a republican and is now filling the office of justice of the peace. His wife is a member of the Woodstock Congregational church, and Mr. Dartt belongs to the Grange at Dudley, Massachusetts, and to the Ancient Order of United

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Workmen at Woodstock. Both are highly esteemed people, enjoying the warm regard of a circle of friends that is almost coextensive with the circle of their acquaintance. As a merchant Mr. Dartt displays enterprise and progressiveness and in his vocabulary there is no such word as fail. He carries forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes, and allows no difficulties or obstacles to bar his path, but regards such rather as an impetus for renewed effort on his part.

ERNEST NORTH BROOKE.

Ernest North Brooke, general agent of the Plainfield Woolen Company of Central Village, was born in Huddersfield, England, October 26, 1872, and is a son of Joseph and Ellen (North) Brooke, who were also natives of Huddersfield. The father, spend- ing his youthful days at that place, obtained his education in the public schools and afterward learned designing, taking up that business in connection with designing cloth in woolen mills. He afterward became a mill manager in Huddersfield and followed that business throughout his remaining days, there passing away in 1896. To him and his wife were born four children: Florence, who is in England; Mary, the wife of F. W. Wilson, deputy town clerk of Pudsey, England; Charles, who married Charlotte Bailey and is a woolen manufacturer of Huddersfield, England; and Ernest N.

The last named is the only one who ever came to the new world. After pursuing his education in the public schools of his native town he attended Victoria University in Leeds, England, and following his graduation turned to the woolen manufacturing business as a field of labor. He was, as it were, "to the manner born," for his father had always been connected with this line of business. Mr. Brooke, however, took up the work from a somewhat different angle, as in 1900 he began the study of textiles and from that date until 1907 he was mill manager of woolen mills in Huddersfield. In the latter year he came to the United States, settling first at Westerly, Rhode Island, where he was designer and superintendent for the Pawcatuck Company, occupying that position for three and a half years. Subsequently he removed to Sherbrooke, in the province of Quebec, Canada, and for four years occupied the position of chief designer with the Paton Manufacturing Company. He next went to New York city as manufacturing expert for Deering, Milliken & Company and continued there for four years. On the expiration of that period he accepted the responsible position of general agent with the Plainfield Woolen Company of Central Village and has here since con- tinued. He is thoroughly familiar with every phase of cloth manufacturing and his expert knowledge and skill have well qualified him for the important duties and responsibilties that had previously and are still develoving upon him.

At Ravensthorpe, England, in July, 1895, Mr. Brooke was married to Miss Susie Stanley, a daughter of John and Annie (Dent) Stanley, and they have an adopted child, Lillian. Politically Mr. Brooke is a republican and fraternally he is connected with Prince of Wales Lodge, No. 63, A. F. & A. M., at Sherbrooke, Canada. He and his wife are members of the Episcopal church and occupy an enviable position in those social circles where intelligence and true worth are accepted as the passports to good society.

MRS. ELLA JENCKS GREENE.

Mrs. Ella Jencks Greene, residing in the town of Ashford, was born in Willimantic, Connecticut, May 13, 1859, and is a daughter of Smith J. C. and Mariette (Dow) Bartlett. Her father was born in Utica, New York, and received his education in Smithfield, Rhode Island. As a young man he conducted a general store in Manchaug, Rhode Island, for several years, but afterward sold his business there and removed to Willimantic, Connecticut, where he conducted a general store for a number of years. Later he disposed of that property and came to Ashford, Connecticut, giving his atten- tion to the development of a farm owned by his wife, the place being known as the Squire Dow farm. Mr. Bartlett gave his attention to general agricultural pursuits and dairying throughout his remaining days, passing away on the 24th of February, 1892. For about two decades he had survived his wife, whose death occurred in April, 1872. They were the parents of five children: Susan, who became the wife of S. J. Miller, both being now deceased; Imogene, who died in infancy; George T., who married Vera Snow, of Willimantic, Connecticut, both having passed away; Emma C., now in Nor- wich, Connecticut, and Mrs. Greene.

The last named attended the public schools of Willimantic, Connecticut, and also

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of Ashford, and subsequently studied through the F. A. Owen Correspondence College of Danville, New York. She became a lady of liberal education and has always been a broad reader. After her school days were over she taught in an evening school in Providence, Rhode Island, for fifteen years, this school being conducted by the city. Later she removed to Ashford and taught school at various places in the town. In 1903 she became connected with the Ashford town school and is here devoting her time and efforts to the instruction of the young. She has ever been keenly interested in children and their development and in as far as possible, in the time allotted her, gives to each personal attention, trying to stimulate each pupil to do his best and bring about a rounded development.

At Ashford, May 5, 1899, Miss Ella J. Bartlett became the wife of Frank Greene, a son of John T. and Lucy E. (Davis) Greene, who were natives of Rhode Island. Mr. Greene now follows general farming, and although he has been afflicted with blindness for the past thirty-three years, he is yet able to do considerable work on the farm. He gives his political support to the democratic party and he and his wife attend the Congregational church of Ashford. They are widely and favorably known throughout the section of the county in which they reside and Mrs. Greene has made a most ex- cellent record as a teacher, her capability in this direction being constantly developed through experience and further study.

MISS NELLIE LAVISA BLOXHAM.

Nellie Lavisa Bloxham, superintendent of the Day Kimball Hospital at Putnam, Connecticut, brings to her responsible duties broad experience that is based upon thorough preliminary training. She was born at Thompson, Susquehanna county, Pennsylvania, and is a daughter of Ely H. and Mary E. (Harris) Bloxham. Her father was a native of Mount Ararat, Pennsylvania, where he was reared and educated, attend- ing the district schools. He afterward took up the occupation of farming, which he followed for several years, and later he became a miller of Thompson, Pennsylvania, where he carried on business for a considerable period, winning substantial success that enabled him in the later part of his life to live retired in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil. He passed away in Thompson, May 10, 1908, having for six years survived his wife, who died July 3, 1902.

Nellie L. Bloxham was one of a family of seven children. Her girlhood days were passed at the place of her nativity and she attended the private school conducted by Professor Tingley. She afterward took up the profession of teaching, which she fol- lowed for a brief period, and in 1898 she entered the Bayonne City Hospital at Bayonne, New Jersey, where she began the study of nursing. She was graduated with the class of 1900 and for a year engaged in private nursing. In 1901 she came to Putnam to accept a position as nurse in the Day Kimball Hospital, with which she was thus con- nected for six years. In 1907 she went to Jersey City, New Jersey, where she engaged in private nursing for seven years, but during this period sh enever lost interest in the Day Kimball Hospital and often visited Putnam, where she had made many friends. In 1913 she returned to take up the duties of nursing in the Day Kimball Hospital, and in 1917 she was promoted to the position of superintendent, in full charge of the insti- tution. She displays marked capability in this connection. She has always kept in touch with professional advancement through reading and study and broad experience has constantly added to her knowledge and efficiency.

Miss Bloxham is a member of the New Jersey State Nurses Association and also a member of the American Hospital Association. She is a stanch advocate of woman suffrage and has worked untiringly along that line. She belongs to the Congregational church and her life work has found expression in most kindly and helpful interest in her fellow beings, a broad humanitarian spirit actuating her in all that she undertakes, while at the same time her success is based upon broad scientific attainments.

ALFRED E. MIGNAULT.

The very prosperous and extensive grocery business which for many years was con- ducted in Dayville, Connecticut, by Alfred E. Mignault is very successfully continued by Mrs. Mignault, who after the demise of her husband took charge of affairs and has proven herself a very able business woman indeed. Mr. Mignault was born in Putnam, Connecticut, February 16, 1874, a son of Frank and Delimar (Boulay) Mignault, natives of Quebec, Canada. The father is a carpenter by trade and they subsequently came to

ALFRED E. MIGNAULT

Vol. II-33

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Putnam, where he has been engaged in business for many years. Both he and his wife are highly esteemed there and still make their home in that city.

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A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume II, Part 78

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