A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume II, Part 89

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

USA > Connecticut > Windham County > A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume II > Part 89

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Mr. Johnson was married on the 24th of March, 1914, to Miss Ethel Foote, a daughter of Roger and Minnie (Sherman) Foote and a native of Lebanon, Connecticut. She is a member of the Congregational church of Lebanon, and Mr. Johnson often attends the church with his wife and contributes generously to the church work. He belongs to the Norwich Nest of Owls, No. 1396, of which he is a charter member. He is now serving as first selectman of his town and is a stalwart republican in his political views. He is interested in all that pertains to progressive citizenship and is discharging the duties of his office with marked capability and fidelity. His aid can be counted upon to further any plan or measure for the general good and his worth as a business man and citizen is widely acknowledged.

CHESTER ARTHUR KEENEY.

Chester Arthur Keeney, who is extensively and successfully engaged in farm- ing at Windham, employs the most advanced and progressive methods in the conduct of his agricultural interests and carries forward to profitable completion whatever he undertakes. Connecticut numbers him among her native sons, for he was born at Quaker Hill, in the town of Waterford, December 4, 1884. His father, Captain George Keeney, was a representative of one of the old families of this state and was born in Waterford, January 6, 1838, his parents being Ezra and Catherine (Chapman) Keeney, the former a seafaring man in early life and afterward a farmer. Captain George Keeney attended the schools of Waterford and Wilbraham Academy until sixteen years of age and while there always led his class in mathematics. He studied navi- gation several years under Captain David Daball, a well known navigator of New London, Connecticut. On starting out in the business world he engaged in fishing along the coast, selling his product to the New York market and to local dealers. When eighteen years of age he shipped on board a whaler on a voyage that covered thirty- seven months. Mr. Keeney was afterward made second officer of the "Hannibal" of New London for Benjamin F. Brown & Sons, sailing on the 21st of March, 1860, but the ship was wrecked in the ice floes October 9, 1863, and he returned on the "Black Eagle" of New Bedford, Massachusetts. Many and varied were the experiences which came to him during the period of his connection with seafaring interests. His next voyage was made as first officer of the "Tymore," formerly of Sag Harbor, under the command of Captain Dexter E. Bellows, and he was later on the bark "Newburyport," of Boston. He remained on these vessels but a short time. Both vessels were used for blockading purposes during the Rebellion. On May 9, 1862, he shipped under Captain Benjamin F. Rogers on the brig "Georgiana" on a whaling expedition, and re- turned home at the end of nineteen or twenty months, having been quite successful. After a short time spent at home, Mr. Keeney, on April 12, 1864, sailed as master of the same vessel, and was gone eighteen months, arriving home October 7, 1865, having made a voyage worth one hundred and fourteen thousand dollars, or his cargo sold for that sum. After twenty days at home, Captain Keeney sailed as first officer of the schooner "S. B. House," under command of Captain John O. Spicer, to the coast of Labrador, looking for new whaling ground, and after eight months, he returned May 8, 1866. This time he remained at home only twenty-one days, and then sailed as master of the same schooner on an Arctic voyage, returning in October, 1867, as usual being successful. On May 18, 1869, he sailed as master of the schooner "Franklin" of New London, and met with good luck, although on September 19th, in company with the schooner "Quick Step," he experienced a severe cyclone, and the latter went

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down with all hands on board, but Captain Keeney's ship only lost its bulwarks. On May 28, 1871, he sailed as master of the brig "Isabella" for the Arctic Ocean, and made a good voyage. Only remaining at home a short time, on May 25, 1873, he again set sail for the northern waters, as master of the same vessel, but this time was not able to penetrate the ice and reach the whaling grounds. On May 5, 1875, he sailed as first officer, Captain John O. Spicer, on the bark "Nile," and made a short voyage, returning on January 11, 1876. Remaining at home until June 10, 1876, he again sailed as first officer, going to the Arctic whaling grounds to take command of the brig "Isabella," in which he finished the incomplete voyage. On June 1, 1880, he sailed as first officer of the ill-fated bark "Trinity" of New London, bound to the Antarctic waters, which was driven by the fierce gales ashore October 17, 1880, -in longitude 73-23 E., latitude 53-6 S. An excellent swimmer managed to carry a line to land, and the entire crew were safely brought to shore. The last to leave the sinking ship were the captain and his brave first officer, Mr. Keeney, who by dint of hard work managed to land three months' provisions. The situation was not very encouraging. They were cast upon an island thirty miles north and south by nine wide, altitude six thousand feet, upon which were three volcanoes and nine extinct craters, and but three months' provisions. At first there were plenty of wild cabbage roses, which officers and men ate gladly. They all devoted their time to hunting the game found in Antarctic regions, seals, penguin, eggs, and occasionally the brave men, thirty-five in number were forced to gather dead fish, which, though killed in heavy surf, were most excellent eating. Two of the crew, a carpenter, George W. Watson, and a young man named Kelly, lost their lives while in search of food upon the icebergs. The government sent the sloop-of-war "Marion" in search of the party, commanded by Captain Silas Terry, January 13, 1882, which rescued them and carried them to Cape Town, whence they took passage by steamer to England and thence home. No words can express the sufferings of these men, and the memory lingered with them through life. While on the island, Captain Keeney killed a sea elephant which measured twenty-three feet in length, as well as other big game, but he lost his entire outfit and finally reached home April 5, 1882. On July 16, 1882, Mr. Keeney took charge of the U. S. schooner "Alice," which was in the engineer service. In March, 1885, he purchased the schooner yacht "Brander" for the government, and sailed to make experiments in the St. John's river, Florida, in exploration and preparation for the mining of Hell Gate, arriving home on June 15, 1885. After this he refitted and made surveys along the coast. between Stonington and the head of Long Island Sound in the Third District, during 1886 and 1887 being engaged in the same work in the rivers and harbors survey of the government in the New York District. In 1888, after his life of great adventure, he located in North Coventry, and he passed away November 8, 1904. His widow now resides with her son, Chaster A. Keeney, on Wind- ham Green.

It was on the 31st of December, 1870, that Captain Keeney was married to Minnie E. Chipman, a native of New London, Connecticut, as was her father, Nathaniel S. Chipman. Captain and Mrs. Keeney became the parents of the following named: Catherine, born August 25, 1873, is now the wife of H. C. Lathrop, of Windham, Con- necticut, and they have two children, Henry Keeney, born October 12, 1903; and Charlotte Elderkin, born January 26, 1905; Charles, born October 9, 1875, married Ida Goss and is now engaged in the meat business in New London, Connecticut. Leolin Horace, born June 1, 1878, married Mamie Andrews, a native of New Britain, Con- necticut, by whom he has one son, Kenneth, born May 20, 1909. Francis Marion, born December 4, 1884, married Hallie Humphrey, of Los Angeles, California, where they reside, he being there engaged in the ice business. Chester Arthur is the twin brother of Francis Marion. Mary Josephine, born February 26, 1895, is the wife of Guy S. Richmond, of Willimantic, Connecticut, by whom she has one child, Edgar S. The gratitude of Captain Keeney and his wife for the action of President Arthur in sending a relief party to the rescue of those so sadly in need of help, induced them to name one of their twins for the president and the other for the relief ship. Their son, Leolin Horace, entered the service in the World war and in January, 1917, went overseas as general secretary of the Y. M. C. A., being in England for two years. He was stationed in Archangel, Russia, for a few months, and later returned to England, remaining in service there until 1920.

C. Arthur Keeney was but three years of age when his parents removed with their family to North Coventry, Tolland county, and there he obtained his early education. Later he spent about four years as a pupil in a private school in North Coventry, con- ducted by Miss Fannie J. Kingsbury, and when his education was thus completed he became interested in farming with his father, with whom he was thus associated in business until the latter's death. About that time the farm was sold and in Janu- ary, 1905, C. Arthur Keeney removed to Windham, settling on the Green, where he has

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since made his home. He is actively and profitably interested in agriculture and stock raising and has recently purchased a herd of goats for breeding, probably having the first herd in Windham. His farming interests are conducted along most progressive lines and since coming to Windham he has also been chosen as general caretaker of estates, people greatly relying upon him for service of this character, for at all times he is thoroughly reliable and displays sound judgment in the conduct of the interests entrusted to his attention.

In politics Mr. Keeney is a republican and served as borough tax collector of Windham in 1906 and 1907, while for the past ten years he has been a borough com- missioner. After serving in the third office he was elected to the second and finally became first commissioner, occupying the position at the present time and also acting as chairman of the board. He belongs to Eastern Star Lodge of Masons and has also taken the degrees of chapter, council and commandery in Willimantic. He is a mem- ber of the First Congregational church of Windham, is deeply interested in its work and no good deed done in the name of charity or religion ever seeks his aid in vain.

FRANK WILLIAM GORDON.

Frank William Gordon is now living retired in East Woodstock but for many years was actively connected with business affairs in Windham county, having for a long period carried on business as a farmer and lumber dealer. He was born in Palmer, Massachu- setts, May 10, 1842, and is a son of Charles and Mary Ann (Done) Gordon. The father was born in Nova Scotia and was of Scotch descent. In early life he learned the stone- cutter's trade in the United States, having crossed the border into this country about 1830, at which time he took up his abode in Palmer, Massachusetts. There he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Ann Done, who was born in England and became a resident of Palmer when a maiden of fifteen summers. The death of Mr. Gordon occurred in Palmer in 1848, at which time he was survived by his widow and son, Frank William, an only child, then a little lad of six summers. Mrs. Gordon afterward worked in the mills of Palmer in order to provide for the support of herself and little son. She later became the wife of James Brown and removed to Brimfield, Massachusetts, where she passed away.

In early boyhood Frank William Gordon was placed with a farmer at Munson, Massachusetts, and was there reared but had little opportunity for attending school, his educational advantages being very limited. In the school of experience, however, he has learned many valuable lessons, and possessing an observing eye and retentive memory, has constantly broadened his knowledge. His patriotic spirit was aroused at the time of the Civil war by the continued attempt of the south to overthrow the Union and in May, 1862, he responded to the country's call for troops, enlisting as a member of Com- pany I, Thirty-fourth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. He enrolled at Palmer, Massa- chusetts, and served until May, 1864, when he was honorably discharged at Fort Lyon, Virginia. He was a teamster in his regiment, which during the first year of its service did guard duty in the vicinity of Washington, D. C. Later he participated in campaigns in Virginia under General Phil Sheridan, General Hunter and General Sigel.

After the close of his military experience Mr. Gordon went to Brimfield, Massachu- setts, and also to Munson, and in 1868 he purchased a farm near Holland, Massachusetts. He there carried on general agricultural pursuits for about two years but in 1870 sold his property there and removed to the town of Union in Tolland county, Connecticut, where he invested in farm land and also, in addition to the cultivation and further im- provement of his place, engaged in the native timber business for seven years. On the expiration of that period he went to North Ashford, Windham county, where he con- tinued in the timber business and in farming. He had three farms under cultivation at the same time and was also extensively engaged in the timber and lumber business, operating sawmills in the woods and cutting a large amount of timber. In a word, he became one of the forceful, enterprising and resourceful business men of his locality, conducting interests of large extent and importance. At a later period he again lived in Union, Tolland county, and afterward removed to Eastford and still later to Woodstock Valley. During this entire period he was engaged in farming and in the timber business, continuing the operation of sawmills and the cutting of native timber. He remained a resident of Woodstock Valley for six years and in addition to his large timber interests he was conducting two farms, which he profitably managed, cultivating his land accord- ing to modern scientific methods which were productive of excellent results. At length he sold his farms in Woodstock Valley and leased a house in the village of Woodstock but after a short time purchased a fine home in East Woodstock, of which he has been the owner and occupant since 1912. He is most comfortably situated and has retired

MR. AND MRS. FRANK W. GORDON

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from farming and the lumber business, giving his supervision merely to his invested interests. He loans much money, all of which has been acquired through his persistent, earnest effort. His life has been one of untiring industry and thrift, and notwithstanding the handicap of a lack of early educational opportunities, he has worked his way steadily upward and is today one of the prosperous and highly honored residents of his com- munity. He has ever been a man of unassailable integrity, exact in all business transac- tions, and his word has ever been one that could be fully relied upon. It is a matter of pride to him that his word has never been called into question and his promise is as good as any bond ever solemnized by signature or seal.

On the 29th of September, 1879, Mr. Gordon was united in marriage to Miss Ellen F. Bishop, of Willington, Connecticut, who was born in Willington and died in East Woodstock, Connecticut, on the 25th of April, 1914, her death being deeply regretted by many friends. She was a daughter of Jeremiah and Caroline (Wilson) Bishop. Her father was born in New London county, Connecticut, while her mother was a native of the state of New York. Mr. Bishop followed the occupation of farming and also operated a factory at Willington for the manufacture of ax handles and tools. At one time he was also proprietor of a store at Somers, Connecticut, and was an active and influential business man of his community. He also exerted considerable influence over public affairs and he and his family were highly esteemed in the district in which they lived.

In his political views Mr. Gordon is a republican and is a most patriotic citizen, loyal at all times to the interests of community, commonwealth and country. He is a past commander of D. P. Corbin Post, No. 74, G. A. R., of Union, Connecticut, and is one of the four surviving members of this post. Years ago he took a most active part in the work of the Grand Army and he has always maintained the most pleasant relations with his old military comrades, while in matters of citizenship he has been as true and loyal to his country as when he wore the nation's blue uniform and followed the starry banner upon the battlefields of the south.

JOSEPH VERIGA.

Joseph Veriga, engaged in blacksmithing in Westford, was born in Somogy, Hun- gary, November 28, 1875, his parents being Joseph and Tererz (Decsi) Veriga, who were also natives of the same country. The father was there reared and educated and there learned the blacksmith's trade. He became a well known worker at the forge in his town and continued to engage in blacksmithing to the time of his death, which occurred about 1889. His wife had passed away a few years before. Their children were all born in Hungary, namely: John, now living in his native town; Joseph; Mary, who died in early life; and Julius, who also lives in Hungary.

Joseph Veriga obtained a common school education in his native land and when a youth of fourteen years began learning the blacksmith's trade under the direction of his father and followed that business at the place of his nativity for about fifteen years. Thinking to enjoy better business opportunities in the new world, he came to the United States on the 6th of June, 1906, and settled in New York, establishing a blacksmith shop at Sixth avenue and Third street, where he remained in business for about five years. In 1911 he removed to Westford, Connecticut, where he opened a shop and conducted business for about four years. He later spent two years in Hart- ford, Connecticut, engaged in the same business, and about 1917 returned to Westford, where he has since engaged in blacksmithing and has a liberal patronage.

Mr. Veriga was married in New York to Miss Susanna Beres, who was born in Hungary, a daughter of John Beres, and they have one child, Susanna, who was born in New York, May 3, 1911. The parents are members of the Catholic church and have many friends in Westford, where Mr. Veriga is known as a reputable and thoroughly reliable workman.

LOUIS VICTOR CAONETTE.

Louis Victor Caonette, a general contractor of North Grosvenor Dale, in the town of Thompson, was born at St. Theodore D'Acton, in the province of Quebec, Jan- uary 14, 1882, his parents being Julian and Emily (Gauthier) Caonette. The father, a native of St. Damase, Quebec, was there reared and educated, attending the parochial school, and later went to Webster, Massachusetts, where he completed his studies as a public school pupil, having taken up his abode at Webster in 1858. He afterward learned the carpenter's trade, which he has followed throughout liis entire life, work-

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ing at various places in the United States. In 1892 he removed to Waterbury, Con- necticut, where he resided for twenty years or until 1912, working there as a car- penter throughout the entire period. In the latter year he went to Southbridge, Mas- sachusetts, and there resides in the employ of the American Optical Company. His wife was born in St. Pie, Quebec, and the family home is maintained at Southbridge. In their family were nine children, of whom three have passed away.

Louis V. Caonette was the fifth in order of birth. He obtained a parochial school education at Grosvenor Dale, Connecticut, and Waterbury, this state, completing his education in a convent school. When seventeen years of age he entered upon an ap- prenticeship to the carpenter's trade and in 1903 was employed by Oscar Bernier of Waterbury, Connecticut, with whom he remained for a short period. He was then in various places until 1911, at which date he took up the business of contracting at Southbridge, Massachusetts, where he continued in business for five years. In 1916 he returned to Waterbury, where he became associated with Oscar Lacroix as a general contractor, continuing there for a brief time. He next removed to Grosvenor Dale and became associated with Eudore Langlois, a general contractor. Through the intervening period he has continued business here and has been closely and prom- inently associated with building operations of a varied character, his efficiency and trustworthiness being attested in the liberal patronage accorded him.

On the 1st of January, 1910, Mr. Caonette was married to Miss Alvina Beauregard, of Grosvenor Dale, a daughter of Herman A. and Cordelia (Caonette) Beauregard, who were natives of St. Damase, Quebec. The two children born of this marriage, Louis R. and Rene E., are at home.

The religious faith of the family is that of the Catholic church and Mr. Caonette is identified with St. Bernard Council of the Knights of Columbus. His diligence and industry have been the dominant forces in his business advancement and since taking up the carpenter's trade he has worked continuously along this line and is today re- garded as one of the leading contractors of his section of the county.

THOMAS COOK JESSUP.

Thomas Cook Jessup. of Danielson, was born at Kendall, Illinois, June 11, 1887, and is the son of the Rev. Theodore F. and Belle (Cook) Jessup, who were natives of the state of New York. The father's birth occurred at Florida, Orange county, New York, October 10, 1841. He prepared for college in the select school of the Rev. George Pierson and in the S. S. Seward Institute. In 1864 he was graduated from Hamilton College with the Bachelor of Arts degree, at which time he was a class- mate of the Hon. Elihu Root. He belonged to the Phi Beta Kappa society, a mark of high scholarship, and was also a member of the Delta Upsilon, a college fraternity. In May, 1868, he was graduated from the Union Theological Seminary and the same year was commissioned a home missionary by the Home Missionary Society of the Pres- byterian church. He served as pastor at Garnett, Kansas, and organized a church . at Central City, Kansas. For fourteen years he was pastor of the Presbyterian church at Ausable Grove, Illinois, and in 1887 he began his ministry at Boonville, New York, serving that church for twenty-nine years. He died at Boonville, April 21, 1917. During his ministry of almost fifty years he was many times honored by his church. Six times he was commissioned to the general assembly, was often a delegate to the synod and finally became moderator of the Presbytery of Utica. He was a charter member of the Kappa Nu society and he was widely known as a fine scholar, a most interesting preacher and as a representative of the highest type of Christian gentle- man. As a personal friend he was loved and admired and was respected by the entire community. To him and his wife were born three children: Janette Cook, who married C. H. Warfield, treasurer and manager of the Wilcox & White Company of Meriden, Connecticut; Belle, who is in the United States mail service at Boonville; and Thomas Cook, of Danielson.

The last named attended the Boonville high school, where he prepared for col- lege. He entered Hamilton College at Clinton, New York, pursuing the scientific course, and was graduated in 1911 with the Ph. B. degree. He is a member of the Delta Upsilon fraternity. After leaving college he went to Detroit, Michigan, where he was employed by the Chalmers Motor Company, working in all the departments of the plant and at length becoming connected with the testing and engineering depart- ments. Leaving Detroit, he went to New York city, where he was engaged as man- ager and salesman in the Staten Island agency for the Studebaker automobiles. In May, 1913, he came to Danielson and has since been in the employ of the Connecticut Mills Company, manufacturers of automobile tire fabrics. Starting in the testing and

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inspecting departments, he has worked his way upward and in 1916 was made assistant superintendent, which office he now holds.

In politics Mr. Jessup is a republican but has never been an aspirant for office. He attends the Westfield Congregational church and his aid and influence are always on the side of right, progress and improvement.

JOHN HENRY RENSHAW.

John Henry Renshaw, master mechanic at the Nightingale-Morse Mills in Putnam, was born at Millbury, Massachusetts, November 17, 1861, and is a son of Joseph and Catherine (Senett) Renshaw. The father was a native of Ashton-under-Lyne, Eng- land, where he pursued his education in the public schools. At the age of eighteen years he crossed the Atlantic to the new world, becoming a resident of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, where he was employed as a mechanic by the Slater Cotton Company. He afterward worked in various places as a master mechanic and eventually came to Putnam, Connecticut, to become master mechanic in the Nightingale Mills, oc- cupying this position of responsibility to the time of his death. His entire service as a master mechanic for this company covered a half century. No higher testi- monial of his capability, efficiency and fidelity could be given. He enjoyed the full confidence of the company which he represented and his loyalty to their interests ever stood as an unquestioned fact in his career. He passed away at Putnam, Con- necticut, and his wife, who was born in Wexford, Ireland, and came to the United States when a young woman of eighteen years, also died at Putnam. They were the parents of eight children, six of whom survive: John Henry of this review; Mary, living in Putnam; Sarah, who is a school teacher at Pascoag, Rhode Island; Charles, a mill man of Putnam; Thomas, office manager with the Nightingale-Morse Mills; and Nellie, the wife of Seth McDonald, who is an engineer of New York city.

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A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume II, Part 89

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