A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume II, Part 93

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

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Mr. Lincoln was united in marriage, October 22, 1906, to Miss Elizabeth F. Rose, a daughter of Joseph F. and Mary (McFetteridge) Rose, who were natives of Phila- delphia, Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln have one child, Melvin Eugene II, who was born in Willimantic, October 24, 1908. Mrs. Lincoln is a member of the Episcopal

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church, which Mr. Lincoln also attends and supports. His political endorsement is given to the democratic party and he has served for two terms as city tax collector. He was connected with the fire department for twenty-one years and during twelve years of this time was on the board of fire engineers. In 1916 he was elected select- man of the town of Windham and reelected in 1917, 1918 and 1919, and is still filling that office, the duties of which he discharges in a most prompt and capable manner. He is the vice president of the Chamber of Commerce, is treasurer of the Chamber of Commerce Realty Company and he is treasurer also of the Thread City Cycle Club. He became a charter member of the Willimantic Lodge, No. 1311, B. P. O. E., and also belongs to the Loyal Order of Moose No. 1440. He is keenly interested in all that has to do with the progress and upbuilding of Willimantic along the lines of material, intellectual, social and moral progress and his cooperation can be counted upon to further any plan or measure that seeks to advance the welfare and upbuilding of the city.

CHARLES MERRICK THOMPSON.

There are few merchants of Willimantic who can claim as long continuous connec- tion with the business interests of the city as Charles Merrick Thompson, a member of the firm of A. D. Spellman & Company, proprietors of a meat market, and throughout all the intervening period, covering forty years, he has maintained an unassailable reputation for commercial integrity and has been actuated by a spirit of commercial enterprise that has never stopped short of the successful accomplishment of his purpose.

Mr. Thompson is a native son of Connecticut, his birth having occurred in Mansfield on the 11th of October, 1859. His father, Philo W. Thompson, departed this life in 1910, having long survived his wife, who bore the maiden name of Sarah R. Glaser and who passed away in 1871.

Charles M. Thompson was a public school pupil in Mansfield and at an early age began farm work. In 1878 he took up his abode in Willimantic, where he entered the employ of Joel Webb, one of the early meat dealers of the city. Three years later he purchased the business, which he conducted for three years and then bought his present business, known as the Turner Market. He continued to conduct business in that con- nection until the 29th of June, 1901, when he sold his interest. Indolence and idleness, however, are utterly foreign to his nature and he could not content himself without occupation, so that he soon bought back the business which he had formerly sold. He has thus been identified with the meat trade of Willimantic for about four decades and is perhaps the oldest merchant of the city. His present partner, A. D. Spellman, pur- chased an interest in the business about eighteen years ago. They have one of the leading markets of Willimantic, carrying an extensive stock attractively arranged and of ex- cellent quality. That their patronage is extensive is indicated in the fact that they have ten employes and utilize two trucks and two wagons in delivery.

On the 2d of August, 1887, Mr. Thompson was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Elizabeth Webb, of Willimantic, by whom he has three children, namely: William Webb, Wales G. T. and Evelyn M., who are twenty-seven, twenty-three and seventeen years of age, respectively. Mr. Thompson is a member of the Baptist church. He is a charter member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he has filled all of the chairs save that of grand master. He votes with the republican party, which he has supported since age conferred upon him the right of franchise, and he has always kept in touch with the trend of modern political thought, seeking enlightenment upon the questions and issues of the day in order to cast an intelligent ballot and thus faithfully perform his duties of citizenship. He has ever stood for improvement and progress in community affairs and his aid and influence have always been given on the side of general advance- ment. He has never sought to figure prominently in the public light, but he enjoys in unusual measure the esteem and goodwill of his fellow townsmen, and no higher testi- monial of an upright career could be given.

FRANK DWIGHT SKINNER.

Frank Dwight Skinner, assistant superintendent of the mills of the Fabyan Woolen Company, was born at Stafford, Connecticut, August 17, 1880. His parents, Newton D. and Ella E. (Whitney) Skinner, are natives of Woodstock, Connecticut, and there the father attended the district schools to the age of sixteen years, when he took charge of the home farm for his father, who at that time joined the Union army for

CHARLES M. THOMPSON

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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY

active service in the Civil war. This was Stephen Dwight Skinner, who was a veter- inary surgeon and joined the cavalry forces. When the war was brought to a success- ful termination he returned home and resumed farming. His son, Newton D. Skin- ner, thus released from the responsibilities of carrying on the old homestead, after- ward worked in various places and later turned his attention to the grocery trade, in which he engaged as a partner in the firm of Eaton & Skinner at Staffordville, Con- necticut. There he was a partner in the store for several years and later removed to North Woodstock, Connecticut, where he purchased a grocery store, continuing in busi- ness at that place for a short time. On selling out there he went with his family to Boston, Massachusetts, where he opened a real estate office and conducted his agency for a period of nine years. Returning to Connecticut, he settled at North Wood- stock, where he now lives retired and the competence which he formerly acquired is sufficient to supply him with all of the comforts and some of the luxuries of life. He filled the office of deputy sheriff of Windham county for sixteen years, was also town clerk and treasurer of town of Woodstock for a number of years and likewise served as postmaster at North Woodstock. He has made an excellent record in public office, just as he did in business circles, and has at all times commanded the respect and con- fidence of his fellow men. He was twice married, his first wife being Mary Corbin, and to them were born two children: George S., a resident of Fabyan; and Mary, who died at the age of fifteen years. For his second wife he chose Ella E. Whitney and their only child is Frank Dwight of this review.

Spending his youthful days in North Woodstock, where he removed with his parents when three months old, Frank D. Skinner attended the public schools and continued his education in the Woodstock Academy. Still later he went to the Wor- cester Business Institute, where he studied for a year. His early training was re- ceived in his father's store, in which he was employed for several years, and upon the removal of the family to Boston he established a store at Roxbury, Mass., which he conducted for nine years. He next went to Arlington, Massachusetts, where he lived for a year and afterward removed to North Woodstock, where he was in his father's employ for three years. Later he worked in various places until he came to Fabyan and since 1917 has occupied the position of assistant superintendent of the mills of the Fabyan Woolen Company.

Mr. Skinner was married at Roxbury, Massachusetts, June 10, 1908, to Miss Lyle H. Foote and they have become parents of three children: Newton D. and Ella E., both born in North Woodstock; and Norman L., born in Jamaica Plains, Massachusetts. The family are members of the Congregational church of North Woodstock and Mr. Skinner belongs also to Irsael Putnam Lodge, No. 33, I. O. O. F., of Putnam, while his political allegiance is given to the republican party. He has been dependent upon his own resources since starting out in business on his own account and step by step he has advanced along a line of orderly progression until his position is now one of re- sponsibility and prominence.

JOHN WRIGHT PATTERSON.

John Wright Patterson, founder and promoter of the Brookhill Manufacturing Company of Danielson, which since 1919 has carried on business in the manufacture of buff wheels, was born in Sutton, Massachusetts, August 14, 1872, a son of John and Isabelle (Fulton) Patterson. The father, a native of Ireland, came to the United States in his childhood days, the family home being established in Sutton, Massa- chusetts, where he was reared and educated. When a young man he began work in the cotton mills and won promotion until he became overseer. He was employed in various places and eventually took up his abode at Willimantic, Connecticut, where he was overseer in the cotton mills. He afterward went to Williamsville, now Good- year, Connecticut, where he remained for several years, employed by the Williamsville Manufacturing Company. At length he retired and made his home in Norwich, Con- necticut, where he passed away, while his wife died in Williamsville. In their fam- ily were five children.

John Wright Patterson, spending his youthful days at Williamsville, there pur- sued a public school education and when his textbooks were put aside entered the employ of the Williamsville Manufacturing Company, manufacturers of buff wheels, with which he served an apprenticeship as a machinist. He won promotion from time to time until he became master mechanic and was associated with the company for twenty-five years. With the removal of the business to Danielson he became super- intendent and occupied that place of responsibility for four years. Desirous of engag. ing in business on his own account, he then established a mill near Elmville, Con-

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necticut in 1915, and began the manufacture of buff wheels, conducting the enterprise under the name of the Brookhill Manufacturing Company. The new undertaking prospered and the business was there carried on for three years or until 1918, when Mr. Patterson purchased the property known as the Young shoe shop, on Mechanics street in Danielson and to this removed his factory. Here he has since conducted business under the same name and employs about sixty-five workmen, mostly women and girls. His business has increased three hundred per cent and he finds it im- possible to supply the demand.

On the 15th of April, 1897, Mr. Patterson was married to Miss Leffie Belle Shippee, a daughter of Albert E. and Fannie A. (Keene) Shippee. Mr. and Mrs. Patterson at- tend and support the Congregational church and he gives his political allegiance to the republican party. He never seeks or desires office, however, preferring to con- centrate his efforts and attention upon his business affairs. He has gradually worked his way upward since making his initial step in the business world and has thoroughly mastered every task entrusted to him, so that his capability and efficiency have con- tinually developed. He is thus well qualified to manage the enterprise which he has established and which is one of the growing productive industries of Danielson.

ERNEST LASEN THOMPSON.

Ernest Lasen Thompson, one of the proprietors of a garage in Sterling, being a member of the firm of Thompson & Frink, was born in Killingly, Connecticut, April 29, 1887, a son of Hugh L. and Almira M. (Mitchell) Thompson. The father was a native of Glasgow, Scotland, and when a child came to the United States with his par- ents. He was reared and educated in Brooklyn, Connecticut, and afterward removed to Dayville, this state, where he was employed as a weaver in woolen mills. Work- ing upward in that connection, he ultimately became overseer in the Sayles Woolen Mill at Elmville, in the town of Killingly, occupying that position for a number of years. Eventually he retired from mill work, and he met his death in 1889, being killed on a railroad crossing in Greenwich, Rhode Island. His widow survives and \ still occupies the old home place at Dayville. They had a family of five children: Al- bert C., Charles W., Martha J., Benjamin C. and Ernest L.

The last named was a pupil in the public schools of Killingly and when his edu- cation was completed he turned to the business world in order to provide for his own support. He secured employment in the mills of the Assawaugan Woolen Company at Dayville, working as a weaver. Later he turned his attention to the automobile busi- ness, entering the employ of C. H. Pellett, of Danielson, and afterward removed to Sterling, where he was employed by H. B. Mowry in the capacity of chauffeur for a period of nine years. On the 1st of March, 1919, he formed a partnership with Irving E. Frink, under the firm name of Thompson & Frink, and they established a garage in Sterling, which was the first garage to be opened in that village, and they are now doing an excellent business.

On the 8th of November, 1916, Mr. Thompson was married to Miss Helen M. Burke, of Willimantic, Connecticut, a daughter of Thomas and Mary (Nash) Burke, of that place. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson now have one child, Ernest Burke, born at Sterling, November 8, 1917.

The religious faith of the family is that of the Catholic church, and in political connections Mr. Thompson maintains an independent course. He belongs to All Hal- lows Council, No. 270, of the Knights of Columbus, at Moosup and has many friends in that organization. He is an industrious and progressive business man whose me- chanical skill and ingenuity are finding expression in the conduct of his garage busi- ness, which is steadily growing and promises well for the future.

SAMUEL RICH.

Samuel Rich, who throughout his entire life has been identified with silk manu- facturing in New England, is now the overseer of the spinning department with the H. K. H. Silk Company at Putnam. He was born January 28, 1859, in Trowbridge, England, a son of William and Caroline (Lindsey) Rich, who were also natives of that place. The father spent the period of his boyhood and youth in his native city and became a dresser in a woolen mill. Thinking to enjoy improved business oppor- tunities in the new world, he crossed the Atlantic in 1862, making his way to Putnam, Connecticut, where he was identified with milling interests throughout his remain-

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ing days, his death occurring in April, 1914. His wife has also passed away. Their family numbered eight children: Martha, who became the wife of Pardon Langley and after his death married Samuel Hopkins, who is now living retired, while her death occurred in 1913; Benjamin L., who married Mattie Brown and is engaged in merchandising at Fitchburg, Massachusetts; Miriam, the wife of Charles Fuller, of Putnam; Samuel; Frank, who wedded Mary Arnold, of Putnam; Jesse E., who married Silla B. Finchan and is a merchant of Putnam; Walter, who married Villa Park, of Preston, Connecticut, and is a pattern maker at the Putnam Foundry; and Charles, who wedded Lillian Kingsbury and is a piano tuner of Fitchburg, Massachusetts.

Samuel Rich, spending his youthful days in Putnam, obtained his education in the public schools and in young manhood entered the silk mill of Hammond & Knowlton. He applied himself closely to the mastery of the work and by reason of his develop- ing skill and efficiency won various promotions until he was made overseer of the winding department. Later he established a silk throwster mill, which he conducted for sixteen years. He then sold out to the H. K. H. Silk Company and accepted the position of overseer of their spinning department, in which capacity he is still work- ing. He is thoroughly familiar with all phases of silk manufacturing and is thus well qualified to occupy the responsible position which he is now filling.

On the 17th of May, 1904, Mr. Rich was married to Miss Bertha M. Hawkins, of Putnam, daughter of George A. and Annie (Thurber) Hawkins and a native of Thompson, Connecticut. Politically Mr. Rich is an earnest republican, thoroughly versed on the vital questions and issues of the day, but has never been a politician in the sense of office seeking. His religious faith is manifest in his membership in the First Baptist church of Putnam and for twenty-five years he has been the leader of its choir. He takes a keen interest in all that pertains to the material, intellectual, social and moral progress of his community and his aid and influence have been a potent force for upbuilding and advancement.

GEORGE EDWARD MORTIMER.

George Edward Mortimer, who follows farming and dairying in the town of Plainfield, was born in Trowbridge, England, May 7, 1874, his parents being Joel and Emma (Slatford) Mortimer. The father was born in Broughton, England, where he was reared and educated, and in young manhood he removed to Trowbridge, where he entered the woolen mills and became an expert weaver, thoroughly learning his trade as was the custom in England. He made his home in Trowbridge for some time, was married there and in 1880, with his wife and five children, came to America, settling in Providence, Rhode Island, where he found employment in the woolen mills. After a year, however, he removed to Fall River, Massachusetts, where he spent three years and then returned to Providence. In 1887 he and his family became residents of Moosup, Connecticut, where he secured employment in the weaving room of the mills of the Aldrich-Milner Manufacturing Company. In 1891 he retired from that field of activity and purchased a splendidly improved farm of one hundred and fifty acres near the village of Moosup, in the town of Plainfield, the place being known as the Hezekiah French farm. At the time Mr. Mortimer purchased the property, it was owned by Michael Hallesey. Mr. Mortimer carried on general farming on that place until 1912, when he put aside the cares of agricultural life and sold the farm to his son, George E., since which time he has made his home with his daughter, Mrs. Eyers, near Central Village. His wife, who was born in Trowbridge, England, passed away in Moosup, Connecticut, July 5, 1906. In their family were six children, five of whom are yet liv- ing: Ellen, the wife of F. W. Martin, of Frome, England; Sarah, the wife of Henry Merritt, owner of the Merritt Mills of Webster, Massachusetts; Kate, the wife of Henry Alonzo Roberts, boss carder of the Floyd Cranska mills of Moosup; Floress, the wife of Arthur H. Eyers, loom fixer at Central Village, Connecticut; and George E.

The last named was reared and educated in the various cities in which the family home was maintained, having been a lad of but six years when his parents emigrated with the family to the new world. He has since been a resident of New England and when his school days were over he spent one year as a clerk in the general store of Salisbury Brothers at Moosup and for one year was employed in the carriage shop of A. M. Smith of that place. From 1892 to 1896 he had charge of the shipping and in- specting rooms of the Floyd Cranska mills at Moosup, but in the latter year he resigned and began assisting his father, who had purchased a farm in 1891, and in the fall of 1896 he took over the management of the place. When his father retired from farm- ing in 1912, George E. Mortimer purchased the home place and gave his attention to the further development and improvement of the property for a long period. He carried

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on general farming but specialized in the dairy business and had a local milk route in Moosup for twenty-eight years. He raised high grade cattle and took great pride in the condition of his herd, having at various times many valuable animals on his place, some of which were fine registered stock. In August, 1919, he sold this farm to Joseph Cournoyer and removed to a forty-acre tract of land which he had purchased in 1904 and which is located on the main state road north of the village of Plainfield, near French Crossing. Upon this place he now resides and is still conducting a dairy busi- ness. In fact everything about his place indicates his progressive measures and his enterprising disposition.

On the 21st of December, 1896, at Moosup, Connecticut, Mr. Mortimer was married to Miss Anna M. Gadbois, a daughter of George O. and Ella Gadbois. She passed away July 8, 1912, and at Webster, Massachusetts, on the 15th of April, 1914, Mr. Mortimer wedded Nina Pearl Misner, who was born at Ingram Port, Nova Scotia, but in young girlhood became a resident of Webster, Massachusetts, in company with her parents, Hubert and Susie (Boutlier) Misner, natives of England. Her father is a contractor of Ingram Port, Nova Scotia, where he still lives. Mr. and Mrs. Mortimer have two children: Dorothy May, born in Norwich, Connecticut, February 18, 1915; and Marjory Emma, born in Worcester, Massachusetts, November 24, 1917.

In his political views Mr. Mortimer is a republican and his religious faith is in- dicated by his membership in the Baptist church of Moosup. He is also a member of Moosup Lodge No. 113, F. & A. M., and has been an active member of Plainfield Grange. His life has ever been governed by high and honorable principles and his activities have measured up to advanced standards cf manhood and of citizenship.

HERBERT ELLSWORTH WILSON.

Herbert Ellsworth Wilson is the superintendent for the General Supply Company at Danielson, Connecticut, manufacturers of mill supplies, and his efficiency and re- liability are strongly manifest in his long connection with this company. He was born in Douglass, Massachuestts, June 24, 1872, and is a son of George L. and Eliza J. (Ham) Wilson. The father was born at Thompson, Connecticut, February 16, 1846, and there his youthful days were passed. His education was acquired in the district schools to the age of seventeen years, when his patriotic spirit was thoroughly aroused by the attempt of the south to overthrow the Union and he enlisted in the Eighteenth Con- necticut Infantry for service in the Civil war. Later he was transferred to the cavalry, and, having sustained injuries, was sent home, after having faithfully served for two years. Later he went to Killingly, Connecticut, and worked in a cotton mill for a short time, while subsequently he was at Lawrence, Massachusetts, where he was also em- ployed in cotton mills. He next went to Putnam, Connecticut, where he purchased a farm, which he cultivated for several years, and then sold the property, removing to Danielson, Connecticut, where he engaged in the practice of veterinary surgery and also conducted a livery and sales stable. He remained at that place for four years and then went to Morristown, New Jersey, where he conducted business as a general con- tractor for a number of years. Eventually he retired from active life and passed away in Morristown in 1914. His wife was born in Barrington, New Hampshire, November 3, 1845, and was there reared and educated. She afterward lived in Dover, New Hampshire, and her death occurred in the latter city in 1910. In their family were four children.

Herbert E. Wilson largely spent his youth in Danielson, where he attended the public schools, and on starting out in the business world he secured employment in the hosiery manufacturing plant of E. Pilling & Company, with whom he continued for three years, gaining a thorough and comprehensive knowledge of the business and winning various promotions. He occupied the position of foreman of the knitting department when he left that concern. At the age of twenty-one years he formed a partnership with his brother Louis L. Wilson under the name of the H. E. Wilson Company and began the manufacture of hosiery on his own account where the plant of the River Weaving Company of Danielson now stands. They continued there for several years and later consolidated their interests with those of the Uncas Knitting Company of Danielson, but after two years Herbert E. Wilson sold his interest in the company and went to Norfolk, Virginia, where he was made superintendent of the Virginia Hosiery Mills. After six months, however, he removed to Elizabeth City, North Carolina, and for three years was superintendent of the Elizabeth City Hosiery Mills. From that place he went to Monroe, North Carolina, where he built a mill, which he conducted for two years under the name of the Crow Hosiery Mills, Inc. Ill health, however, caused him to sell his interest in the mill and he bought a farm at Meredith, New Hampshire, spend- ing three years thereon in order to regain his health. While living upon the farm he

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spent much time in designing machinery for the manufacture of mill supplies and later he established a shop at Dover, New Hampshire, for the General Supply Company, acting as superintendent for that corporation for three years. Later the company re- moved its plant to South Berwick, Maine, where he continued in the same position for five years, and in 1918 the business was established in Danielson, Connecticut, where he remains as superintendent. He is an expert mechanician and possesses, moreover, much inventive genius and skill and has long been identified with manufacturing and kindred interests.

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A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume II, Part 93

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