A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume II, Part 98

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 98

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Clyde Sawyer Miller, reared in the town of Plainfield, was a pupil in the public schools and later became a student in the Killingly high school. At a subsequent period he became a student in the Connecticut Agricultural College, which he attended for two years. Eventually on account of poor health he went to Florida and took charge of a farm, which he conducted under the name of the Florida Pecan Associa- tion. He was identified with the business for four years and set out upon that place about sixteen thousand pecan trees, having on an average twenty-five men work- ing under his direction. He managed the farm very successfully until he contracted malaria, when he returned to his old home in Moosup and became identified with his father in the work of farming and dairying. To the further development and improve- ment of the home farm and the dairy business he is now devoting his energies with good success.

In January, 1907, at Storrs, Connecticut, Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Maud Olin, a daughter of Herbert and Nettie (Webster) Olin, both natives of Springfield, Massachusetts. To Mr. and Mrs. Miller have been born four children: Rena A., who was born in Waukeenah, Florida, May 27, 1908; Olin M., born in Moosup, Connecticut, April 10, 1911; Margaret, born in Moosup, June 7, 1914; and Clyde W., who was born April 17, 1917, at Moosup, and died there in October, 1918.

In his political views Mr. Miller is a republican but has never been an office seeker, preferring to concentrate his time and energies upon his business affairs. He has al- ways lived in the town of Plainfield save for the period of four years which he spent in the south, and he is well known to his fellow townsmen, who have ever recognized in him those substantial traits of character which have made him a valued and repre- sentative citizen of the community.

PIERRE BOULIANE.

Pierre Bouliane, proprietor of one of the leading grocery establishments of Daniel- son, was born at Murray Bay, Canada, October 3, 1871, and is a son of Onesime and Jose- phine (Bouliane) Bouliane, who were also natives of Murray Bay. There the father acquired his education and started in the business world as a clerk in one of the gen- eral stores of his native place, being thus employed for some time. About a year after his marriage, however, he removed to Tadousac, Quebec, and soon afterward started in business for himself, establishing a general store which he conducted successfully

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for many years. About 1901 he disposed of his mercantile interests there and opened a hotel at Tadousac, known as Hotel Bouliane. This he managed in a profitable man- ner for about twelve years or until his death, which occurred in March, 1913. He was a well known citizen, active in the interests of the town and in support of his political party, and at one time he served as mayor of Tadousac, having been elected as a repre- sentative of the liberal party, which he always supported. He was also a devoted mem- ber of the Catholic church. It was at Murray Bay, Canada, that he was married and seven children were born to him and his wife, of whom Pierre is the eldest of those now living. The others are: Henri, who was born at Tadousac, where he makes his home; Anne Marie, who was also born and still resides at Tadousac.

Pierre Bouliane was but three months old when his parents removed from Murray Bay to Tadousac and there he obtained his early education, while later he pursued a three years' commercial course in Point Levis College. He subsequently continued his studies in St. Charles Seminary at Sherbrooke, in the province of Quebec, where he was graduated with the class of 1888. He afterward became a clerk in the grocery store of Campbell & Hopkins at Sherbrooke, where he remained for about two years. He later became connected with the firm of Proulx & Company, with which he continued for a year, and in 1891 he returned to Tadousac, where for a year he was assistant register of deeds.

On the 26th of November, 1892, Mr. Bouliane came to the United States, settling first in Manchester, New Hampshire, and for a time he was employed as bookkeeper by the Singer Manufacturing Company. He was later transferred to the Nashua branch of the business at Nashua, New Hampshire, where he acted as bookkeeper for about a year. In July, 1893, he removed to North Grosvenor Dale, Connecticut, where he was employed by a firm which conducted a large general store there, with which he continued for several years, or until April, 1899, when he became a resident of Daniel- son, Connecticut. At that time he accepted a clerkship in the dry goods department of the store conducted by the Quinebaug Company, while later he served as bookkeeper with that firm until March, 1918. He then went to Southbridge, Massachusetts, where he was employed as bookkeeper in the general store of A. L. Desaulniers, with whom he continued until February, 1919, when he returned to Danielson, Connecticut, and purchased the grocery business of C. E. Austin on Main street, having today one of the best grocery stores on that thoroughfare.

On the 10th of July, 1899, at North Grosvenor Dale, Connecticut, Mr. Bouliane was married to Miss Sara Paradis, who was born at Baltic, Connecticut, a daughter of Henri and Olivine (Fortier) Paradis, the former a native of Canada and the latter of Baltic, Connecticut. Mr. and Mrs. Bouliane have become parents of the following named: Valmore, who was born at Danielson, Connecticut, October 8, 1900, and died in 1905; Roland, who was born at Danielson, April 6, 1902; Gerald, who was born at Daniel- son, May 15, 1903; Pauline, born in Danielson, February 9, 1906; and Fleurette, on the 8th of July, 1907.

Mr. Bouliane is a member of St. James church of Danielson and belongs also to L' Union St. Jean Baptiste of America. He is also connected with the Fraternal League of Boston, is a member of the Bohemian Club of Danielson and has otherwise been inter- ested in the social and moral activities of the community. In politics he is a republican and was former sealer of weights and measures, occupying the position in Danielson for about twelve years, while from 1915 until 1918 he served as tax collector. He has ever been prompt and faithful in the discharge of his public duties and the same fidelity and enterprise manifest in his business career has brought him steadily forward until he is now proprietor of one of the attractive grocery establishments of Danielson.

ALPHONSE G. MARION.

Alphonse G. Marion, proprietor of a grocery store and meat market on Providence street in Putnam, was born in Douglass, Massachusetts, December 7, 1872, a son of Marion and Alexen (Farley) Marion, who were natives of Canada. The father came to the United States in young manhood and settled at Douglass, where he engaged in dif- ferent lines of work for about six years. He then returned to Canada, where he lived for a period of eight years, after which he once more came to the United States, being then about thirty-five years of age. He located this time at Putnam, Connecticut, where he was employed as a workman until his death, which occurred May 23, 1917. He met an accidental death, being buried alive in a cave-in while aiding in putting in a sewer system in Putnam. His political allegiance was given to the democratic party and he held membership in St. Mary's Catholic church. His family numbered twelve chil- dren: Eucher, who was born in Canada and is married and lives at Putnam, Connec-

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ticut; Adalard, who was born in Douglass, Massachusetts, and is married and resides in Putnam; Alphonse G., of this review; and nine others who are yet living.

Alphonse G. Marion pursued his education in the schools of Putnam and started out in the business world as an employe in the Morse mill. He there worked until he reached the age of twenty-three years and in the meantime he carefully saved his earn- ings until his industry and economy had brought him sufficient capital to enable him to engage in business independently. He then established a meat market and grocery store on Providence street in Putnam and has since successfully conducted it, his patronage steadily growing.

On the 21st of November, 1898, in Putnam, Connecticut, Mr. Marion was married to Miss Ellen Barcello, who was born in Putnam, a daughter of Augustine and Pholen (Bellrose) Barcello. Mrs. Marion died in Putnam, February 18, 1920.

Politically Mr. Marion is a democrat and he belongs to St. Mary's church, to St. Jean Baptiste Society and to the Artisans Society. A laudable ambition has prompted him to put forth earnest and untiring activity since he started out in the business world on his own account and his life illustrates what can be accomplished through personal effort when guided by sound judgment.

REAR ADMIRAL WILLIAM SWIFT.

Rear Admiral William Swift was one of the distinguished sons of Windham of whom the city had every reason to be proud. He became a figure of national importance and one who contributed great good to the nation. He was born in Windham, Con- necticut, March 17, 1848, a son of William and Harriet (Byrne) Swift, who were also natives of Windham, where the father conducted a general store for many years. Wil- liam Swift was graduated from the United States Naval Academy with the class of 1867, was commissioned ensign in 1868, master in 1870, lieutenant in 1871, lieutenant commander in 1889, commander in 1897, captain in 1902 and rear admiral in 1908, while in 1910 he was placed on the retired list for age. His was a distinguished career. He made his midshipman's cruise on the famous Constitution and as a young officer served on the old Kearsarge and Colorado and on the flagship Susquehanna. From 1894 to 1897 he served as the first executive officer of the armored cruiser New York, now the Sara- toga, on the European station at the time of the opening of the Kiel Canal and of the Indiana, commanded by Captain Robley D. Evans. Between 1900 and 1902 he was in command of the Prairie, which took the United States government exhibit to the Paris Exposition, and of the Concord and Yorktown. During this cruise he acted for six months as governor of Guam. In 1906 he commanded the U. S. S. Connecticut. From 1886 to 1890 Admiral Swift was on ordnance duty at the Washington navy yard, performing valuable service in connection with the establishment there of the first big gun plant in this country. For four years thereafter he was in Philadelphia, on leave of absence, as chief engineer of Bement-Niles Company and consulting engineer of William Sellers & Company. In 1894 he was at the Newport War College. During the Spanish-American war he was ordnance officer of the New York navy yard and had in addition special duty in connection with the production and distribution of ordnance materials throughout the east. From 1902 to 1906 he was on duty in the bureau of ordnance and as a member of the general board and Army and Navy joint board. He was commandant of the Boston navy yard from 1907 to 1909 and was the first aid for material at the navy department in 1909 and 1910. While at the Boston yard he made a report on management of navy yards which resulted in his appoint- ment by Secretary George von L. Meyer as head of the so-called Swift board, which in- vestigated and reported on the whole subject of reorganization of the navy department. The recommendations of the board were approved, and the departmental system of aids for operations, material, personnel, and inspections adopted at that time was the fore- runner of the office of naval operations which was later established in permanent form by congress. After his retirement in 1910 he continued for a number of months as ad- viser to Secretary Meyer on navy yards and industrial affairs in the navy. Admiral Swift was regarded as one of the ablest officers of the navy, being particularly qual- ified in ordnance matters and in navy yard and departmental organization and admin- . istration.

Admiral Swift was united in marriage to Miss Grace Ransom, of Brooklyn, New York, a daughter of Admiral G. M. Ransom, U. S. N. The children of this marriage were seven in number: Virginia, now a resident of Richfield Springs, New York; Justin, who is president of Franklin Manufacturing Company of Franklin, Pennsylvania; Pauline, the wife of Dr. Fred Asserson, a surgeon of the United States navy; Madge, the wife of George Percy Auld, a paymaster of the navy, now on duty in Paris, France;

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Garfield, who is with the Clark Car Company of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Jennie and Julia, who died in childhood. Mrs. Swift passed away in 1910, at Washington, D. C., where the family home was maintained, and Admiral Swift died at Newport, Rhode Island, June 30, 1919, Thus passed away one who had long been a conspicuous and honored figure in connection with the naval affairs of the country, who was ever actuated by the highest sense of duty and devotion to country and who in every land and port that he visited fully sustained the honor of the government which he rep- resented.

HENRY A. ROBERTS.

Henry A. Roberts, overseer of the carding room in the Cranska Mills at Moosup, was born at Plainfield, Connecticut, July 17, 1862, his parents being John H. and Maria (Boss) Roberts, who had but two children, the daughter Mellie passing away in 1867. The father was employed as a carpenter in the Cranska mills, and our subject's ma- ternal grandfather, Fenner C. Boss, who was a weaver, started the first looms in what is now the Floyd Cranska Company mills at Moosup in 1832.

Henry A. Roberts attended the public schools of Plainfield and later, when his text- books were put aside, entered the employ of the Gladden mills at Moosup in 1877. With exception of six months when he occupied a position in the Cranston Paint Works at Providence, Rhode Island, he has been continuously employed in what was then the Gladden mill but is now the Floyd Cranska Company's mills at Moosup. He first worked as a drawing tender and subsequently went on the slubbers. From there he was transferred to the speeders and eventually was made a card grinder. Later he was promoted to the position of second hand of the carding room and afterward was advanced to the position of overseer of the carding room, in which important posi- tion he is now serving. He is thoroughly familiar with every phase of the business, so that he is well qualified to direct and supervise the labors of those who serve under him.

On May 15, 1889, Mr. Roberts was married to Miss Kate Mortimer, a native of Eng- land, and a daughter of Joel and Emma Mortimer. They are well known socially in the community where they reside and both are consistent members of the Union-Plainfield Baptist church, of which Mr. Roberts has been a deacon for more than twenty years. Politically he is a republican but has never been a politician in the sense of office seek- ing, preferring to devote his time and energies to his business interests and to his home and friends.

CHARLES BACKUS POMEROY.

Charles Backus Pomeroy, of Willimantic, who is actively identified with farming interests, was born at Stafford Springs, Connecticut, November 17, 1872, a son of Charles Backus and Elizabeth (Palmer) Pomeroy. The father has passed away but the mother is still living and makes her home in Willimantic. Their son, Charles B., is a repre- sentative of the fourth generation of the family in direct line to bear the same name, Charles Backus Pomeroy. The ancestral line, however, is traced back much farther to Elwood Pomeroy, who was the founder of the family in the new world, coming to this country from England, where he was born. His death occurred in Windsor, Connecticut, in 1662. He was with the colony that came to the new world with Governor Winthrop, landing at Nantucket, Massachusetts, in March, 1630. He soon after removed to Dor- chester, Massachusetts, and in 1633, when the town government was established, he was made chairman of the board. Five years later he and his family, together with other English colonists, settled at Windsor, Connecticut, where he owned two houses, one on the Palisades and the other on the Sandstone road.

His twelfth child, Joseph Pomeroy, born in 1652, died in 1734. He married Hannah Lyman, who was born in Northampton, July 20, 1658, and was a daughter of Richard Lyman. Her death occurred in 1736. Joseph Pomeroy was one of the eight original owners of Colchester, Connecticut, under a grant from the crown. He engaged in farm- ing, contracting and building and was a prominent citizen of his time. He, too, had a large family, his twelfth son being Noah Pomeroy, who was born in 1700 in Colchester, Connecticut, and died at Somers in 1799. In 1752 he removed from Coventry to Somers, where he owned a large tract of land, and engaged in farming. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Sterling, was born in Lyme, Connecticut, in 1700 and died in Somers in 1779. They were the parents of Joshua Pomeroy, who was born in Coventry

CHARLES B. POMEROY, SR.

CHARLES B. POMEROY, JE.

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in 1737 and who was married in Somers to Mary Davis, whose birth there occurred in 1736 and who passed away in 1815.

Samuel Pomeroy, the son of Joshua and Mary (Davis) Pomeroy, was born in 1767 and died in 1847. In early manhood he taught school through several winters, but devoted most of his life to farming. He married Katharine Day, who was born in West Springfield, Massachusetts, in 1772 and passed away in 1838.

Their son, Charles B. Pomeroy, grandfather of Charles B. Pomeroy whose name in- troduces this record, was born in Somers in 1806 and was there reared to farm life. He wedded Mary A. Hurlburt, who was born in Somers in 1810, a daughter of Captain Job and Lucinda (Collins) Hurlburt and a granddaughter of Jabez Collins. About 1840, Backus Pomeroy, as he was known, removed with his family to a place called Sixteen Acres, near Springfield, Massachusetts, and there followed farming when the condition of his health permitted. He died in Ludlow, Massachusetts, in September, 1846, while his wife survived until November 18, 1878. They were members of the Congregational church and Mr. Pomeroy gave his political support to the whig party. At one time he served as a captain in the Connecticut militia.

Charles Backus Pomeroy, son of C. B. and Mary A. (Hurlburt) Pomeroy, was the second in a family of four children and became a leading farmer of Willimantic, where he also dealt in real estate. He was called to the office of sheriff of Windham county and was long regarded as a prominent and influential citizen of that community. He was but eight years of age when his parents removed to Sixteen Acres, and being the eldest son in the family, was early forced to aid in the work of the farm on account of his father's ill health and from the time he reached his twelfth year was largely dependent upon his own resources. Following his father's death he accompanied his mother to Somers and they made their home with her father, Captain Job Hurlburt. While still a youth Charles B. Pomeroy removed to Rockville, where he served an apprenticeship at the carpenter's trade. Soon after his marriage he became a resident of New Haven, where he engaged in carpentering for several years, and later he gave his attention to farming and carpentering at Webster, Massachusetts, for three years. He was afterward pro- prietor of a farm at Long Meadow and later owned a country store at Willington, Con- necticut, where he also served as railway station agent and as postmaster. He after- ward bought a farm in Tolland, where for some time he served as deputy jailer, and when he left that place he purchased the Springs House at Stafford, conducting it for a year and a half. On disposing of the property he took up his abode in Willimantic in 1875 and turned his attention to the real estate business. Two years later he was made deputy sheriff of Windham county and nine years later was elected sheriff of the county, occupying the position in a most acceptable manner for twelve years, or until 1899, when he retired from office as he had entered it-with the confidence and goodwill of all con- cerned. Still higher political honors came to him, for he was elected on the republican ticket to represent the town of Tolland in the general assembly. He served very accept- ably as selectman of his town and he always voted with the republican party from the time when he cast his first presidential ballot for General John C. Fremont. He was well known in Masonic circles, having membership in Eastern Star Lodge, F. & A. M .; Trinity Chapter, No. 9, R. A. M .; also in the council; in St. John's Commandery, No. 11, K. T .; and in Sphinx Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of Hartford. He was likewise a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Willimantic and held membership with the Sons of the American Revolution. He was a prominent member of the Congregational church, as was his wife, who was also active in Sunday school work, in the Ladies' Aid Society of the church and in the Woman's Christian Temperance Union.

It was on the 27th of May, 1852, that he wedded Mary E. Palmer, who was born June 18, 1832, a daughter of Harris and Amelia Ann (Starr) Palmer, of Webster, Massa- chusetts, who was a representative of one of the old pioneer families, descended from Thomas Palmer, of Rowley, Massachusetts, the direct ancestors in successive generations being Thomas Palmer, Samuel, Samuel, Samuel, Samuel, Parker and Harris Palmer, the last named the father of Mrs. Pomeroy, who by her marriage became the mother of six children. Lizzie A., born April 14, 1853, in New Haven, was married November 7, 1872, to John Bliss Fuller, who died in 1883 in North Carolina, and she has since become the wife of L. Litchfield, of Willimantic. Minnetta J., born March 27, 1858, at Long Meadow, Massachusetts, is the widow of Theron M. Cooley of New Haven. Mary E. lives at home. Mrs. Alice P. Everest is living in Willimantic, and Dr. H. S. Pomeroy is a resident of Peabody, Massachusetts.

The sixth member of the family, and the fifth in order of birth, was Charles Backus Pomeroy whose name introduces this review. After acquiring a public school education and spending two years as a high school student he afterward pursued a regular course in the Connecticut Agricultural College at Storrs, Connecticut, where he was graduated with the class of 1890. He was popular during his college days, was made secretary of his class and afterward served for two years as president of the Alumni Association. He

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has always followed farming and dairying, and the methods which he has pursued have been of the most progressive character. That his opinions are largely accepted as authority upon such matters is indicated in the fact that he is now the president of the Connecticut State Dairymen's Association, of which he has also served as a director. He has a splendidly equipped dairy, business being carried on along scientific lines, having the utmost regard to sanitation and all that has to do with the proper care of the milk.

Mr. Pomeroy holds to the religious faith of his ancestors and is identified with the Congregational church. He is also a Mason, belonging to lodge, chapter and council. His political endorsement is given to the republican party and for one term of two years he served as alderman of Willimantic. He manifests a public-spirited devotion to the general good and while he does not care to hold positions of political preferment, he always stands for progress and improvement in community affairs, and his aid and in- fluence are substantial factors in the upbuilding of the community in which he has always made his home.

JOHN BAPTISTE LACAS.

Actuated by a spirit of indefatigable energy and persistency of purpose, John Baptiste Lacas has steadily advanced since starting out in business life on his own account and is now proprietor of one of the excellent markets of Danielson. The story of his life is the story of earnest endeavor intelligently directed. He was born at Jewett City, Connecticut, October 21, 1873, and is a son of John Baptiste and Aglia (Berthiaume) Lacas, the former a native of Sorel, Canada, while the latter was born in St. Denis, Canada. John Baptiste Lacas, Sr., removed with his parents to Rock- land, Rhode Island, when but three years of age. Soon afterward the family home was established in Killingly, Connecticut, and when he was a lad of but eight years he went to work in a mill at what is now Goodyear, Connecticut, but was then Williamsville. There he learned carding and later he was appointed a second hand, continuing there for some time after learning the trade. Later he removed to Danielson and was em- ployed in several mills in the small towns of Killingly as second hand. He afterward returned to Goodyear, where he remained for several years. He was about twenty- two years of age when he located at Jewett City, Connecticut, where he spent the greater part of his life. He was one of the first Canadians employed in his line there who could speak English fluently and while residing in Killingly he was appointed as agent to go to Canada by several of the mills of Killingly and secure operatives for the different factories, bringing them back to take work in the Killingly mills. He was also one of the first Canadian carders and second hands in Killingly. While residing at Goodyear and when a young man of but eighteen he was married to Miss Aglia Ber- thiaume and three children were born to them there. Following the removal of the family to Jewett City nine other children were added to the household. On account of ill health Mr. Lacas eventually took his family to Putnam, Connecticut, where he re- sided for two years. He lived retired in order to regain his health and then went to Southbridge, Massachusetts, in 1888, where later he was appointed foreman of the Southbridge yarn mill, continuing in that position until his demise, which occurred May 5, 1890. After his death the family returned to Putnam, where they resided for about four years and then removed to Danielson, Connecticut, where they took up their permanent abode, the wife and mother there passing away April 14, 1905. The liv- ing children of the family are: Martha, who was born at Jewett City and is the wife of Exida Moran; Peter, who was born at Jewett City and married but whose wife is now deceased; Philip, who was born at Goodyear, Connecticut, and is married; and John B., of this review.

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A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume II, Part 98

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