A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume II, Part 81

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

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On the 25th of November, 1858, in the Congregational church in Pomfret, Mr. Botham was united in marriage to Miss Nancy Botham, who was born in Pomfret, where she has spent her entire life. She is a daughter of Merrick and Cornelia (Green) Botham. Her father was born in Pomfret and devoted his entire life to agricultural pursuits. His wife was born in Rhode Island and with her parents removed to Phoenix- ville, in the town of Eastford, Windham county, during her childhood, her father being there employed in the Phoenixville mills, so that Mrs. Botham was reared to young womanhood in that place. Her father was a son of Darius Botham, who was a native of Pomfret and followed farming as a life work. He, in turn, was a son of Obediah Botham, who became a resident of Pomfret during the period of the Revolutionary war.

Mr. and Mrs. James N. Botham became charter members of Wolf Den Grange. His political allegiance was given to the republican party but he never sought or desired office as a reward for party fealty and although interested in town affairs would not consent to accept nomination for political preferment. In 1905 he purchased a nice home on the state road, about a mile west of Pomfret Center, and there his widow still resides. He passed away in Pomfret, March 16, 1913, leaving to Mrs. Botham a pleasant home and a comfortable competence, acquired through his well directed energy and thrift. He was a man of genuine personal worth whom to know was to respect and honor and at his demise he left behind him many friends in the community in which he had spent his entire life.

HERMAN JEROME BARNES.

An excellent farm property of eighty-two acres pays its tribute of production in return for the care and labor bestowed upon it by the owner, Herman Jerome Barnes, who working diligently and persistently has won substantial success as a farmer and dairyman. He is a native son of Massachusetts, having been born at Beachmont, Janu- ary 15, 1875, but after completing his education he came with his father to the farm in the town of Thompson on which he now resides. He is a son of Jerome K. and Malinda (Copelin) Barnes. His father, of Connecticut birth, was reared and educated in the town of Thompson and in young manhood he worked for his father upon the old home- stead farm for several years. Later he went to Beachmont, Massachusetts, in 1875 and for three years was in the employ of the narrow gauge railroad as a foreman while the road was being built. He afterward removed to the town of Thompson, Connecticut, and purchased land from his father, acquiring the property in 1878. His remaining days were devoted to the further development and improvement of the place and he was a very successful agriculturist. During the winter months he devoted his time to making shoes by hand. He passed away September 15, 1905, while his wife survived several years, her death occurring in 1912. In their family were four children: Hattie M., who married George F. Phipps, of Quinebaug, Connecticut; Everett, who passed away

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in infancy; Lillian A., the wife of Elmer Ryant, an engineer on the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad, who makes his home at Readville, Massachusetts; and Herman J.

The last named spent the period of his boyhood and youth in the town of Thompson and after attending the district schools continued his education in the Nichols Academy at Dudley, Massachusetts. When his educational course was completed he returned to the home farm with his father and has remained thereon to the present time. Upon his father's death the farm came to him by the terms of the will and he has been very successful in cultivating this place. He is a worthy representative of the typical New England family. He devotes his time and energies to general farming and dairying upon an eighty-two acre tract of land which is equipped with all modern farm machinery and all the facilities and accessories that aid in the advancement of farm work. There is a small portion of the farm which annually proves the ability of the family to pro- ductively cultivate land because this little tract has been used as a family garden for seventy years, is under cultivation each year, producing vegetables for home consump- tion, and the results secured are ever most satisfactory.

At Fabyan, Connecticut, on the 15th of December, 1917, Mr. Barnes was married to Miss Allie Ursula Putney, a daughter of George Andrew and Sarah (Burgess) Putney and a native of the town of Thompson. Mr. and Mrs. Barnes attend the Congregational church, and Mr. Barnes gives his political endorsement to the republican party. His entire life has been devoted to farming interests and at all times he has carried forward the work of improvement upon his property in accordance with the progressive methods and measure of the times.

JASON PHILIPS LATHROP, JR.

Jason Philips Lathrop, Jr., now living retired on the Lathrop farm, in the town of Plainfield, was born at Griswold, Connecticut, June 9, 1849, his parents being Jason and Susan (Peckham) Lathrop, the former born in the town of Griswold, New London county, and the latter in Central Village. The father devoted his entire life to agricul- tural pursuits and always retained his residence in Griswold, both he and his wife passing away in that town. Their family numbered eight children.

Jason P. Lathrop, Jr., who was the fourth in order of birth in the family, was reared and educated at the place of his nativity and his training was that of the farmbred boy, so that he early became familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. After leaving home he worked on various farms in his section of the state and prior to his marriage was employed in the grocery store and meat market of Judge Waldo Tillinghast at Plainfield, for some years. Later he was with A. & W. Sprague at Cranston, Rhode Island, and eventually went to Westerly, Rhode Island, where he accepted a clerkship with the Smith Granite Company, spend- ing several years in its store. Later because of poor health he left that position and removed to Central Village, Connecticut, where he rented farm land which he cultivated for several years. In March, 1897, he located on his father-in-law's farm in Plain- field, which property came into possession of his wife on the death of her father, and there they have since resided. His attention was given to its further development and improvement for some time but he is now living retired. He was quite successful in his farming operations, so that he acquired a very substantial competence that now enables him to enjoy all the comforts and some of the luxuries of life without further recourse to labor.

In Plainfield, on the 15th of November, 1883, Mr. Lathrop was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Hannah Palmer, of Plainfield, Connecticut, a daughter of Walter and Hannah (Shepard) Palmer and a native of Plainfield. To Mr. and Mrs. Lathrop have been born five children: Susan is now the wife of Charles Dodge, a resident farmer of Plainfield, and they have four children: George, Olney, Hazel and Harold. Elsie is the wife of Fred D. Briggs, a farmer living at Oak Lawn, Rhode Island, and they have three children, Ruth Irene, Fred D., Jr., and Marjorie Palmer. Mildred is the wife of Walter C. Rockwood, a resident of Norfolk, Massachusetts, and they have two children, Walter Clark, Jr., and Natalie. Walter P. and Raymond J. complete the family. The former was born in Central Village and the latter on the old Palmer homestead, which was also the birthplace of his mother. They have remained on the farm and have charge of the same at present. Walter P. was married September 12, 1917, to Ruth Maddock, of Amesbury, Massachusetts, and they have a son, Walter P., Jr.

Mr. Lathrop served for one year in the office of selectman but has never been a politician although he has always given unfaltering support to the democratic party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He is a past master of Plainfield

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Grange and for a number of years was its treasurer. He and his family are all mem- bers of the Congregational church. The name of Lathrop has indeed been long asso- ciated with the agricultural development of this section of the state and has always stood as a synonym for activity and progressiveness in connection with the farming interests of the town of Plainfield.

EDWARD HILTON.

Edward Hilton, who since 1913 has conducted a printing establishment in Plain- field, was born in Kearney, New Jersey, September 18, 1887, and is a son of Asa and Sarah (Cavanaugh) Hilton. The father was born in England, where he obtained his education, and on attaining his majority crossed the Atlantic to the United States, settling in New York, where he soon entered a factory, in which he was employed for about seventeen years, working in the different branches of mill work. He afterward removed to Westerly, Rhode Island, and spent nine years in the mills there. He then came to Plainfield, Connecticut, with his family and has since been connected with the Lawton Mills Company. His political endorsement is given to the republican party and he is a member of the Sons of St. George, while he also holds membership in the Episcopal church. During the period of his residence in New York he married Sarah Cavanaugh and they became the parents of five children: Alice, who was born in Kearney, New Jersey, and is now with her parents in Plainfield; Edward, of this review; May, who was born in Kearney and is the widow of Joseph Ozanne, of Westerly, Rhode Island, who died in France of influenza while serving in the World war, leaving one child, Joseph, who was born in Westerly since the father's death; John, who was born in Kearney, and died at the age of nine years; Asa, born in Kearney, an employe of the Lawton mill at Plainfield; and Rose, who was born in Kearney and is with her parents in Plainfield.

Edward Hilton was educated in the graded schools of Kearney, New Jersey, and in the Pawcatuck high school. When eighteen years of age he became an employe of the E. A. Stillman Printing Company of Westerly, Rhode Island, and there learned his trade, serving a three years' apprenticeship with that company. About the time he reached manhood he came to Plainfield with his parents and soon afterward opened a printing office in the Eden building on Railroad avenue. There he established a trade that steadily increased as his excellent work became recognized and after about two years, or in 1915, he sought larger and more commodious quarters in the central part of the town, where his business has increased yearly. He has the only printing establishment of its kind in Plainfield and is very popular as a business man. His thorough reliability is widely recognized and his efficiency in his chosen line is attested by the many patrons that he has secured.

Mr. Hilton is a republican in his political views, having supported the party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He attends the Episcopal church and is a young man of sterling worth, enjoying the warm regard, confidence and goodwill of all who know him.

LORENZO LILLIBRIDGE.

Lorenzo Lillibridge, who is remembered as a progressive farmer and reliable man, was born in Killingly, Connecticut, November 14, 1822. His ancestry is traced back to Thomas Lillibridge, who was born in England in 1662 and became the founder of the family in the United States. The earliest record of him in this country is as a signer of a petition dated September 26, 1699, to the earl of Bellomont, then in Newport, Rhode Island, that he might use his influence with His Majesty William III for the establishment of a Church of England at Newport. His descendants settled in Rhode Island at Richmond and at Exeter. The line of descent comes down through Thomas Lillibridge (II), who was born in 1703; Edward, born in 1732; Lester, in 1759; and Edward, in 1797, to Lorenzo Lillibridge, born in 1822. Edward was a native of Rhode Island and there resided until he removed to Killingly, where his last days were spent. His wife, Lucinda Swan, there passed away in 1863. Their children were: Lorenzo; George, who was born in Killingly in October, 1824, and wedded Mary Clarke, by whom he had three children, Henry, George and Frank; and Louisa, who was born in Killingly in 1826 and married Alexander Mitchell, of Webster, Massachusetts, by whom she had five children, Seth, Laura, George, Ellen and Ormsbrey.

Lorenzo Lillibridge was educated in the common schools of Killingly and at an

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early age began farming for Elisha Danielson, thus working for a number of years. When about twenty-five years of age he purchased the old James Danielson farm, west of the Quinebaug river, in Brooklyn, and there carried on farming from 1848 until his death. He started out in life as a poor but work-loving boy with a strong ambition to own a farm and pleasant home. He lived a simple home life, characterized by honesty and uprightness, the memory of which is cherished by his descendants. His son Edward died October 30, 1869, when not yet twenty-one years of age. He taught the winter school in his home district during his last year with marked success and also the summer term at Brooklyn Center. He then cancelled an engagement for the fall term of school in order to enter Phillips Academy at Exeter, New Hampshire, but there, with other boys, he was stricken with typhoid fever, the germs of which were found in the water supply.

The death of Lorenzo Lillibridge occurred May 11, 1885, after which his widow and daughter lived upon the old homestead until the mother's death, January 22, 1910, the home farm being then sold in 1911. It was in Killingly, on the 20th of February, 1848, that Lorenzo Lillibridge wedded Mary Morey Adams, who was born in Pennsyl- vania and came to Connecticut with her parents, Zebina and Rhoda (Day) Adams, when a young girl. In addition to the son Edward, previously mentioned, they had a daughter, Edna Matelia, who was born in Brooklyn, Connecticut, February 12, 1856, and is now the sole survivor of the family. The father, while living a quiet, unassum- ing life, won success and left to his daughter the priceless heritage of an untarnished name.

OMER LARUE, M. D.

For many years Dr. Omer LaRue was a most prominent physician of Putnam and in fact such was his ability that he won wide reputation in professional circles throughout the state. Moreover, he was a recognized leader in the democratic party, in the interests of which he was a coworker with some of the leading politicians and statesmen of the country.

Dr. LaRue was born in St. Denis, Quebec, March 14, 1849, and was descended from one of the oldest families of Canada. Liberal educational opportunities were accorded him. He pursued a classical course in the College of St. Hyacinthe and then, deter- mining upon the practice of medicine as a life work, entered Victoria Medical College (now the medical department University of Laval) at Victoria, Montreal, where he completed a four years' course in 1872. It was not long afterward that he opened an office in Putnam, Connecticut, where he remained throughout the residue of his days save for a few months spent in Worcester, Massachusetts.

In Canada Dr. LaRue was married to Hermine David, a daughter of Dr. David, of Canada, and their children were: Antonio, who was born in Putnam and is now engaged in the practice of dentistry; Arthur, who was born in Putnam and is now a physician and surgeon of Worcester, Massachusetts; Eudore, who was born in Putnam and is located in Boston; Bella, who was born in Putnam and is now a nun in St. Joseph's convent, Hartford, Connecticut; Aline, who was born in Putnam and is now the wife of Arthur Dubruiel of Willimantic; Maude, who was born in Putnam and is the widow of Henry A. Allard; Achille, who was born in Putnam and went overseas with the Fifty-ninth Infantry during the World war, but although now out of service he lives in France; and two who have passed away.

Dr. LaRue was endowed by nature with marked intellectual force and he used his talents wisely and well. He was a polished and convincing speaker, a presiding officer of ability and in several campaigns was heard on the rostrum. He became recognized as one of the eminent representatives of the democratic party in New England and in 1893 served as the first vice president at the democratic national convention in Chicago and as such presided over the convention through five hours of turbulent debate. He was at one time nominated for congress, but his party was greatly in the minority in his district and hence he failed of election. He filled a number of local offices, however, serving as selectman, as councilor, as health officer and member of the school board. He was identified with various social organizations and was keenly interested in all that had to do with the welfare and progress of his section of the state along the lines of material, intellectual, social, political and moral development.

It was in his professional capacity, however, that Dr. LaRue was perhaps most widely known. He belonged to the Windham County Medical Society, of which he served as president in 1898, and he also had membership in the State Medical Society and the American Medical Association. Following his demise Dr. S. B. Overlock of Pomfret wrote of him: "As a physician, Dr. LaRue built up a large practice in

Vol. 11-34

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Putnam and adjoining towns. This was not only among the French-speaking people but included many others besides. He was always ethical in his dealings with his fellows in the profession. One who had known him long and come frequently into intimate contact with him in practice has said of him: 'If it ever appears that there has been a transgression of medical etiquette where Dr. LaRue is concerned, be assured it is from some misunderstanding and not from intent.' In these days of commercialism in everything, even in some instances in the medical profession, no higher praise than this can be given to any physician. For years he had the largest obstetrical practice in the county and was, without doubt, the most skillful mechanical obstetrician in this section of the state. During all the active years of practice he was the chief consultant in this class of cases. He was also an authority on smallpox and was frequently called in consultation in this and neighboring states during epidemics of this disease, where diagnosis was difficult and a particular case was in doubt. In addition to these special branches his worth as a general practitioner was well known to the public and fully recognized by his colleagues. As a consultant he aimed, as every consultant should aim, to be of benefit both to the patient and to the attending physician. As a man he was friendly toward mankind and loved to mingle and come into contact with others. He made friends with his associates, whether in the profession, in business, or in social life. He had a true sense of humor and a keen appreciation of human foible and weakness. The ludicrous in incident and in the acts of others appealed to him strongly. On the other hand, his sympathies were broad and humane, his criticisms were rather analytical than harsh, and were not shown or expressed at the needless expense of another. At the same time he could show and express righteous indignation in regard to anything that he disapproved. Deeply loyal to friends and charitable toward others, he nevertheless saw the failings of all, both that of individuals and of organizations."

His views of any vital situation were always sane and he correctly valued life's opportunities, wisely using his time and talents for the benefit of his fellowmen. His demise occurred in Putnam, Connecticut, December 28, 1917, when he was in the sixty- ninth year of his age.

HORMISDAS DION.

Hormisdas Dion, a well known merchant of Willimantic, alert, enterprising and pro- gressive, was born at St. Pie, Quebec, Canada, a son of Anthony and Louise (Dudos) Dion, both of whom were representatives of old French Canadian families that had been represented in Canada through many generations. The father passed away in 1895, having for several years survived his wife, who died in 1889.

Hormisdas Dion was a pupil in the public schools of his native city and also at- tended St. Césaire College, while later he devoted a year and a half to the study of English, for up to that time, in the family circle and among his associates, he had used the French language. He came to Connecticut in 1872 and was first employed in a company store at Taftville, Connecticut, the company owning the store being the prede- cessor of the present Ponemah Mill Company. Mr. Dion occupied a position in the store for fourteen years and during that period rose from clerk to auditor. In 1886 he became a resident of Willimantic and established a bakery, employing one man and having one horse and wagon for delivery. He has constantly developed and enlarged his business and is now at the head of an extensive retail store, in which he enjoys a very large trade. The volume of his business is indicated somewhat by the fact that he now has fifteen employes and utilizes three trucks and five teams for delivery and hauling purposes. As the years have passed on and he has prospered in his undertakings he has made judicious investments in property and is now the owner of large land and farm interests.

On the 12th of July, 1875, Mr. Dion was united in marriage to Miss Delia Bourque at Baltic, Connecticut, and they became the parents of four children who are living: Dora, the wife of J. M. Bernard and the mother of one child, Roderick Dion; Carrie, the wife of Dr. J. F. Rochambeault, of Arctic, Rhode Island; Alma, the wife of George W. Hickey, by whom she has one child, Evelyn Frances; and Roderick George, who com- pletes the family. They also lost one child, Rosana. Their children all were educated in Willimantic. Mrs. Dion passed away September 23, 1917, after forty-two years of a happy married life. Her death caused deep sorrow to her immediate family and sincere regret among her many friends, for she was a woman of the highest principles and endearing qualities which made her well beloved by all who knew her.

The religious faith of the family is Roman Catholic and they are communicants of St. Mary's church, in which Mr. Dion has been a trustee for nine years. He belongs to the society of St. Jean Baptiste and has been president of the Union for twelve

MR. AND MRS. HORMISDAS DION

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years and is honorary president of St. Jean Baptiste Society." The Union in- cludes all of the societies in New England and some in western states and Mr. Dion was the first president. He is also connected with the Knights of Columbus and is serv- ing as auditor. He is likewise a trustee of the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic church at Taftville, which was the first church of that denomination there. In 1880 he was a delegate to the national Canadian-American convention and from its inception, covering a period of seven years, he has been president of the Federation of French Canadian Societies. His political allegiance is given to the democratic party and for ten years he served on the naturalization committee and was its president for three years. He has also filled the office of assessor of his town for nine years, was councilman at large for two years, was city assessor for two years and a member of the school board for six years. He has thus taken an active and prominent part in community affairs and is actuated in all that he does by a spirit of progress that has brought substantial re- sults as the years have passed on. He has largely furthered the public welfare in many ways and at the same time he has carefully, systematically and successfully conducted his private business interests and is today one of the foremost business men of Willi- mantic.

HOWARD EDWIN MAIN.

Howard Edwin Main, who is actively engaged in the grain trade at Moosup as the secretary of the T. E. Main & Sons Company, was here born April 20, 1882, his parents being Thomas Edwin and Julia Emma (Babcock) Main. The father was born in Griswold, Connecticut, while the mother's birth occurred in Westerly, Rhode Island. It was in 1880 that Thomas E. Main removed to Moosup and assisted in establishing what was then known as the Aldrich & Miller mills, in which he filled the position of superintendent of the weaving department for about twenty years. In 1900 he estab- lished a grain, coal, wood and lumber business, which he conducted under his own name for a time and then admitted his sons to a partnership. They continued with him in that connection until 1909, when the business was incorporated under the style of the T. E. Main & Sons Company and has since been thus conducted. The father is president of the company and is still active in the management and control of the interests of the firm. While rather reserved and retiring in manner, he is nevertheless popular among a large circle of friends and associates, who recognize in him a capable and successful business manager and a man who is thoroughly reliable in every relation of life. In politics he is a stalwart republican and fraternally he is connected with the Masonic lodge at Moosup, of which he is a past master. He is also one of the most earnest and active members of the Methodist Episcopal church of Moosup, is serving as president of its board of trustees and is superintendent of the Sunday school-a position which he has filled for about forty years. He was married in Westerly, Rhode Island, to Miss Julia Emma Babcock and they have become the parents of three children: James Orville, who was born in Westerly, August 26, 1870; Lewis Sands, who was born in Alton, Rhode Island, and married Gladys Wood, by whom he has two children, Dorothea and Bernice, their home being in Moosup; and Howard Edwin, of this review.

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A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume II, Part 81

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