A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume II, Part 91

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

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Mr. Spaulding gives his political allegiance and endorsement to the republican party and from the age of twenty-one years he has been a faithful follower of Ma- sonic teachings, being a member of Moriah Lodge, No. 15, A. F. & A. M., of Daniel- son. He also belongs to the Brooklyn Grange, which he joined on its organization, his membership therewith covering about thirty years. He is likewise a member of the Congregational church and has lived an upright life that commends him to the confidence and goodwill of all who know him.

WALTER LEON DIXON.

Walter Leon Dixon, the president and manager of the Keystone Department Store of Danielson, where for a long period he has figured as a most alert and energetic merchant, was born in Plainfield, Connecticut, September 5, 1869, and is a son of Horace Arnold and Hattie Elizabeth (Lilley) Dixon, the latter a native of Ashton- under-Lyne, England, while the former was born in Sterling, Connecticut. There the father obtained his education and in young manhood he went to Norwich, Connecticut,

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where he learned the machinist's trade. He remained there until the beginning of the Civil war, when he put aside all other interests, feeling that his duty to his country was paramount. He enlisted from Norwich and served as a private in Com- pany E, Fifth Connecticut Volunteer Infantry, for about four years, participating in many of the hotly contested engagements of the war. When hostilities were over he returned to Connecticut, settling in Killingly in 1865. He began work as a machinist with the Quinebaug Company of Danielson and was thus engaged for several years. He afterward accepted a position with the Danielson Cotton Company as master mechanic and was connected with that company for about seventeen years as master mechanic, accepting the position when about forty-five years of age. On severing his connec- tion with that company he entered the furniture store of his son Walter on Main street in Danielson and when the business was incorporated in 1909 under the name of The Keystone Department Store Company he was elected to the presidency and served in that position until his death, which occurred in January, 1913, when he had reached the age of seventy-four years, the year of his birth having been 1839. His wife, who was born in 1849, passed away in Danielson in December, 1918. They had for many years been valued and representative residents of Danielson, highly re- spected by all who knew them. In his political views Mr. Dixon was a republican but never was an office seeker. He held membership with the Grand Army of the Re- public, proudly wearing the little bronze button that proclaimed him a veteran of the Civil war, and he attended the Baptist church of Danielson.

Walter Leon Dixon, the only child of Mr. and Mrs. Horace A. Dixon, was educated in the Killingly schools and started upon his business career in the furniture store of C. H. Bacon, of Danielson, by whom he was employed for about two years. On the 28th of August, 1888, he opened a furniture store of his own on Main street in Danielson and continued in the business for about sixteen years. He then be- gan making some changes in his business, adding other lines, and gradually he gave up the furniture trade. In 1909 he incorporated the business under the name of The Keystone Department Store Company, of which he was made treasurer. From that time forward different lines were added and the furniture trade was ultimately en- tirely abandoned. Since then the business has been confined to dry goods, shoes and. general merchandise. Upon his father's death Mr. Dixon was elected to succeed him as president and today holds the offices of both president and treasurer. The store is one of the leading commercial enterprises on Main street and the trade of the house is very extensive and gratifying.

Mr. Dixon was married in Danielson to Miss Minnie C. Woodbridge, who lived from childhood with her uncle, the late Dr. Woodbridge, of Brooklyn, Connecticut. The children of this marriage are as follows. Lorimer Harold, the eldest, born in Danielson, May 21, 1895, married Mildred Nason, of Clinton, Maine, September 17, 1919, and is now connected with the Windham County National Bank. He entered the United States army for service in the World war October 4, 1917, and was sent to Camp Devens, Massachusetts, and from there very soon afterward to Mineola, Long Island. He sailed for France on the 22d of November, 1917, and served in the Four Hundred and Ninety-third Aero Squadron of Romorantin, France, returning home on the 22d of January, 1919. Homer Woodbridge, the second son, born in Dan- ielson, September 20, 1898, is now attending the Connecticut State College at Storrs. Kermet Courtland, born in Danielson, August 5, 1903, is now a clerk in The Key- stone Department Store.

In his political views Mr. Dixon has always been a stalwart republican but has never sought nor desired the emoluments of office as a reward for party fealty. He has membership with the Sons of Veterans and is a consistent member of the Dan- ielson Baptist church, of which he is serving as treasurer. His entire life since making his start in the business world has been devoted to mercantile pursuits, and his long experience, his thoroughness and his enterprise have been dominant factors in the attainment of his success.

EUGENE GILBERT McDANIELS.

Eugene Gilbert McDaniels, who for the past five years or more has devoted his attention to farming in the town of Ashford, was born in Prattsville, Greene county, New York, August 26, 1878, a son of George and Phoebe (Conroe) McDaniels, the former a native of Greene county and the latter of Jefferson, New York. The father was educated in the schools of his native town and in young manhood learned the hatter's trade, carrying on business as a hat maker in Greene county for a num- ber of years. He afterward took up his abode in Prattsville and purchased a

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farm, which he conducted for a few years, but about 1888 removed his family to Windham, Connecticut, and again carried on agricultural pursuits for three years. He then took up his abode in the town of Ashford and purchased what was known as the old Asher Knowlton farm, whereon he continued to engage in the tilling of the soil until his death in 1912. His widow survives and is now residing in Mansfield, Connecticut. They were parents of six children: Wallace, who was born in Middle- town, New York, and died at the age of nine years; William, who was born in Middle- town and married Clara Boyd and resides in Canton, Oklahoma; Harriet, who was born in Prattsville, New York, and is the wife of George Palmer, a resident of Cats- kill, New York; Charles, who was born in Prattsville and married Etta Whitaker, their home being in the town of Mansfield, Connecticut; Anna, who was born in Prattsville and is the wife of Herbert Brown of Ashford, Connecticut; and Eugene Gilbert, of this review. The father voted with the democratic party, and his religious faith was that of the Methodist church.

Eugene G. McDaniels was educated in the schools of Prattsville, New York, and in Windham, Connecticut, removing with his parents to this state in 1888. When his textbooks were put aside he became interested in teaming, at which he worked for a time in the employ of others and then established a teaming business of his own in Ashford when about eighteen years of age. He followed that business success- fully for about eighteen years, taking contracts for hauling lumber and material for the building of highways. About 1914 he took over his father's farm in Ashford, abandoned the teaming business and devoted his attention to general agricultural pursuits. His practical labors result in the harvesting of large crops, for his methods are in accord with the most scientific principles of land development.

Mr. MeDaniels has been married twice. His first wife bore the maiden name of Dora Blakely and was born in Willington, Connecticut, their marriage being cele- brated in Warrenville, Connecticut. Their children were: Lloyd Eugene, who was born in West Ashford, June 1, 1909; Sela, born in Ashford, July 16, 1912; and Allen and Leon, twins, born in Norwich, Connecticut, December 5, 1914. The son Leon died at birth and Mrs. McDaniels died May 11, 1916. Mr. McDaniels was again married at Willimantic, February 27, 1917, his second union being with Mrs. Alice (Aldrich) Upton, the widow of Miland Upton, of Ashford. She was born in Conantville, Con- necticut, a daughter of Edwin and Minnie (Roswell) Aldrich, of that place. By his second marriage Mr. McDaniels has one child, Dora Elizabeth, born in Ashford, Octo- ber 8, 1919.

Mr. McDaniels votes with the democratic party, which he has supported since at- taining his majority, but he has never sought office nor is he connected with any fraternal orders. He attends the Baptist church, loyally supports every plan or measure for the general good but prefers to devote his time and attention to his farming interests, which are now bringing to him substantial and gratifying returns.

CARL ERNEST GILBERT.

Carl Ernest Gilbert is a well known and highly respected resident of Pomfret, where he is filling the position of station agent. Almost his entire life has been devoted to railroad service and in this connection he has steadily worked his way upward.

He was born in Bolton, Tolland county, Connecticut, on the 29th of March, 1874, and is a son of James and Emma Jeannette (Bacon) Gilbert. The father was born in Lon- donderry, Ireland, and in childhood came to America with his parents. He acquired his education in the schools of Ipswich, Massachusetts, and afterward learned the machinist's trade in Boston, subsequent to which time he followed machine work for the railroad company, repairing locomotives. He was employed in Missouri, Indiana and other western states and afterward entered the employ of the New York, New Haven & Hart- ford Railroad Company at Hartford, Connecticut. He spent many years in railroad service and his efficiency, fidelity and capability won him good positions. At length he retired and removed to Bolton, Connecticut, where he purchased a farm. After operating it for some time he sold that property and removed to Abington, in the town of Pomfret, Windham county, where he carried on general agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred on the 1st of February, 1907, when he had reached the age of seventy- nine years and six months. He came of Scotch ancestry and he displayed many of the sterling characteristics of the Scotch people. His wife was born in Ware, Massachusetts, and, still surviving her husband, makes her home at Abington, Windham county. In their family were six children, five of whom are yet living: Arthur J., a carpenter, re- siding in Pomfret, Connecticut; Emma S., who is the wife of F. B. Post, a farmer of Gilead, Connecticut; Jennie Hamilton, who is the widow of J. H. Way and resides in

CARL E. GILBERT

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East Hartford, Connecticut; Arline Jessie, who gave her hand in marriage to E. M. Bebee, of Hartford, Connecticut; and Carl Ernest, of this review.

The last named acquired his education in the schools of Bolton, in the South Man- chester school and in the Cheney high school, and when not busy with his textbooks aided in the work of the home farm, being largely occupied with the tasks of the fields during his vacation periods. For a time after leaving school he assisted his father in the farm work but felt that he preferred other lines of labor and entered the employ of the old New York & New England Railroad Company at Bolton. While working at the station there he learned telegraphy in 1893 and was appointed operator at Steeles Cross- ing. He afterward served as telegraph operator at various places, including Hartford, Boston and Putnam, Connecticut, and advancing steadily in this connection, was made division operator for the New York, New Haven & Hartford at Boston and afterward filled the responsible position of train dispatcher in that city. In 1902 he was appointed station agent at Pomfret, one of the most important positions in the service of the rail- road company. Here he has since remained, covering a period of sixteen years, and he is regarded as a most courteous and obliging railway official, always watchful for the interests of the patrons of the road and at the same time thoroughly loyal to the interests of the corporation which he represents. He has been one of the most popular agents that Pomfret has ever had. This station handles all the Pomfret millionaire business of the summer residents and is one of the busy stations on the line. A friend speaking of Mr. Gilbert said he possesses marked diplomacy and is a past master in pleasing the patrons of the road as well as in rendering prompt and efficient service. He is also agent for the Adams Express Company at this point.

On the 22d of February, 1905, the old depot at Pomfret was destroyed by fire and through this efforts and influence the road built one of the finest depots on all its line at this place. It was opened in December, 1905.

In 1897 Mr. Gilbert was united in marriage to Miss Constance S. Allen, of Abington, Connecticut, a daughter of George and Ellen Allen, of that place. On the 4th of April, 1914, Mr. Gilbert was married to Miss Edith E. Cook, of New York city, who was born in Derbyshire, England, and when fourteen years of age came to America, settling in Lynn, Massachusetts. She is a daughter of Charles E. and Charlotte Cook, who are natives of Derbyshire, England, but became residents of Lynn, Massachusetts, where they now reside. Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert have one child, Ruth Evelyn, who was born in Pomfret.

In his political views Mr. Gilbert is a republican, believing firmly in the principles of the party yet not seeking nor desiring office as a reward for party fealty. His religious faith is that of the Congregational church and he always attempts to consistently follow its teachings and make the Golden Rule the guiding spirit of his life. He belongs to the Order of Railway Telegraphers, while fraternally he is associated with Israel Putnam Lodge, No. 46, A. F. & A. M., of Woodstock; Putnam Chapter, No. 41, R. A. M., of Putnam, Connecticut; Montgomery Council, No. 10, of Danielson, Connecticut; Columbian Com- mandery No. 4, K. T., of Norwich, Connecticut; the Consistory, A. & A. S. R., of Nor- wich, Connecticut; and Sphinx Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of Hartford. He is a most worthy follower of the craft and is ever ready to extend a helping hand to his brethren of the fraternity. He is likewise connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, belonging to Lodge No. 574, at Putnam.

Mr. Gilbert has recently erected a fine modern residence near the depot in Pomfret, a visible evidence of his life of well directed energy and thrift. He and his wife are widely and favorably known in the city in which they reside and the hospitality of their own home is greatly enjoyed by their many friends. That Mr. Gilbert has been a most capable railway official is indicated in the fact of his long retention in railway service, for the great railway corporations do not keep in their employ men who are in the least inefficient or dilatory. For sixteen years he has represented the company at Pomfret and there are many who have come in contact with him in a business way who entertain for him the warmest regard and are ever ready to speak a word in his praise.

JOHN CLARK KINGSLEY.

John Clark Kingsley is identified with the business activity of Plainfield as a grocer and as a garage proprietor, being connected with his father in the former business and with his brother in the latter. He is a wide-awake, alert and energetic young business man, who was born in Plainfield, October 24, 1890, a son of Walter and Isabella S. (Clark) Kingsley. The father is a native of Norwich, Connecticut, and there attended the public schools, while later he removed to Canterbury, Con- necticut, where he was employed in the grocery store of his father for a number of years. He afterward removed to Plainfield, where he established a branch store

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in company with his father and brother but is now conducting the store in connection with his son, John C., under the firm style of Kingsley & Son. They have a well appointed establishment, carrying a large stock of staple and fancy groceries and han- dling the best goods that the markets of the world afford. Mr. Kingsley was united in marriage at Canterbury, Connecticut, to Miss Isabella S. Clark, and they became the parents of three children: John C., Mary and Clarence W.

While spending his youthful days under the parental roof John C. Kingsley at- tended the public schools of Plainfield and afterward became a student in the Nor- wich Free Academy. He next entered the Bliss Business College at North Adams, Massachusetts, and was thus well qualified for life's practical and responsible duties. Following his graduation from the business college with the class of 1910, he returned to Plainfield, where he became engaged in business with his father, an association that has since been maintained. They follow the most progressive methods in the conduct of their grocery store and they have ever recognized the fact that satisfied patrons are the best advertisement. Mr. Kingsley of this review is also associated with his brother, Clarence W., in the garage business, and they have the agency for the Harley Davidson motorcycle and also carry a full line of automobile supplies, equipment and tires.

On the 30th of June, 1915, Mr. Kingsley was married to Miss Rhoda M. Marsland, of Plainfield, and they had one child, Nellie Louise, who died in infancy. Mrs. Kingsley is a native of England and was brought to the United States during her early girlhood days.

Mr. Kingsley gives his political allegiance to the republican party, believing firmly in its principles as factors in good government. Both he and his wife are members of the Congregational church and guide their lives according to its teachings, so that they are highly respected residents of Plainfield, where they make their home.

DAVID NICHOLS.

David Nichols is occupying the position of overseer of weaving with the Fabyan Woolen Company mills at Fabyan. He was called to this position in 1910 and has since most carefully and efficiently directed the work of his department. He brought to the position knowledge gained through considerable experience in former years and is today a well known representative of milling and manufacturing interests in New England. His birth occurred in Thompson, Connecticut, August 17, 1866, his par- ents being David and Harriet (Sumner) Nichols, who were also natives of Thomp- son. The father spent the period of his boyhood and youth at that place and ac- quired his education in the district schools. Starting out in the business world he obtained employment as a station agent with the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad and occupied that position in various places through a number of years. At length he went to Louisville, Kentucky, where he was station agent for a num- ber of years, and afterward he removed to Webster, Massachusetts, where he conducted a greenhouse for James Howe for a considerable period. At length he retired from active duty and returned to Kentucky, where he spent his remaining days. His wife died in Thompson, Connecticut. In their family were four children: Fannie, who is the wife of Albert Shumway, a farmer of the town of Thompson; Isabelle, the wife of J. W. Pratt, a printer of Fall River, Massachusetts; David, of this review; and Hattie, the wife of August Lowne, a United States meat inspector at Tacoma, Washington.

David Nichols of this review is indebted to the public school system of Thompson, Connecticut, for the educational opportunities that he enjoyed and which fitted him for life's practical and responsible duties. In his youth he worked upon the home farm and when nineteen years of age made his way to New Boston, now Fabyan, Connecticut, where he entered the woolen mill of George T. Murdock in order to learn the business. He afterward took up weaving and later became a loom fixer, occupying the position for fifteen years. He was subsequently with the E. F. Stevens Mills at Quinebaug, for a period of twelve years as loom fixer and in 1910 he entered the employ of the Fabyan Woolen Company at Fabyan as overseer and has since been in charge of the weaving department. His thorough training and experience well qualified him for the responsible duties that now devolve upon him and that he has been most capable and efficient is indicated in the fact that he has been retained in the position for a decade.

Mr. Nichols was married at New Boston, Connecticut, August 13, 1890, to Miss Jennie H. Davis, daughter of Dyer and Sarah (Monroe) Davis, of Dudley, Massa- chusetts. They became parents of two children. Ralph S., who died in August,

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1916, at the age of twenty-two years, was a greatly admired young man, possessing many attractive social qualities. The other son, Roy, died in infancy.

Mr. and Mrs. Nichols attend the Congregational church and his political sup- port is given the republican party. Since starting out in the business world he has made steady progress and the thoroughness with which he has mastered every task entrusted to him has been one of the potent elements in his advancement. His posi- tion is now one of large responsibility and he is today a well known and highly re- spected figure in the manufacturing circles of Windham county.

LESTER T. SALISBURY.

Lester T. Salisbury is the junior partner in the firm of C. D. Salisbury & Son, successful and progressive hardware merchants of Moosup. For a long period the Salisbury family has been represented in this section of the state and its members have taken active part in the business development and substantial upbuilding of Windham county. Lester T. Salisbury was born in Moosup, April 23, 1890, and is a son of C. D. and Agnes (Matthews) Salisbury. The mother was a native of Eng- land and came to the United States in her girlhood days, landing at New York city, after which she went to Harrisville, Rhode Island, and later became a resident of Moosup. The father, C. D. Salisbury, was born in South Killingly and there attended the public schools. Later he was connected with the hotel business in various places in the southern part of New England and afterward took up his abode in Moosup, where he established a grocery store in connection with his brother, E. E. Salis- bury. Later he disposed of his interest in the business to his brother and turned his attention to the hardware trade, opening a store in the Salisbury block. Subse- quently, however, he removed the business to the Hill block, where the store is now to be found. In 1914 he sold a part of the business to his son, Lester T., and their enterprise is carried on under the firm style of C. D. Salisbury & Son. They are pro- gressive merchants, carrying a large and well selected stock, and their business methods commend them to the confidence and support of the general public.

C. D. Salisbury was married in Moosup, Connecticut, to Miss Agnes Matthews, and they have become the parents of four children: Lester T .; Lowell M., who was born on the 27th of July, 1891; Dorothy E .; and Alice E., all natives of Moosup.

In the public schools of his native village Lester Theran Salisbury pursued his early education and passed through consecutive grades until he was prepared for entrance in the Killingly high school of Danielson. At a later date he was grad- uated from the Plainfield high school as a member of the class of 1908. After his textbooks were put aside he began working in the store with his father, and in 1911 he established a garage. in which business he was associated with his father until 1914. He then purchased an interest in the hardware store which has since been conducted under the firm style of C. D. Salisbury & Son. They have a well appointed store and their reasonable prices, their honorable business methods and progressive spirit constitute the dominant factors in their continued and growing success.

Mr. Salisbury's loyalty to his country during the period of the great World war was manifest by his enlistment in the United States army on the 22d of July, 1918. He then went to Camp Devens, Massachusetts, and became clerk of Company C, Seventy-fourth Infantry. On the 13th of October, 1918, he entered the Officers Train- ing School at Camp Lee, Virginia, and was there discharged on the 23d of November, 1918, following the signing of the armistice. He is a progressive young business man, energetic and determined, and laudable ambition is prompting him to put forth every possible effort to develop his commercial interests and win for himself a creditable name and place in business circles.

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A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume II, Part 91

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