A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume II, Part 99

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 99

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The last named began his education in the schools of Jewett City, where he remained until about twelve years of age, but before leaving that place he started upon his busi- ness career, working in a mill there. He afterward became a resident of Putnam, Con- necticut, when the family removed to the latter place, and again he was engaged in mill work until the family home was established at Southbridge, Massachusetts, where he worked for about two years. Later he returned to Putnam and was again employed in a mill for four years, at the end of which period he went to East Brookfield, Massa- chusetts, where he worked in the shoe shops for about a year. He was afterward at Webster, Massachusetts, for six months and when twenty-two years of age he estab- lished his home at New Bedford, Massachusetts, where for two years he was employed in the Wamsutta Mills. While thus engaged he also pursued a course in the New Bed- ford Business University, thus further qualifying for life's responsible activities and duties. A little later he removed to Danielson, Connecticut, where he worked for a time in the mills, and during the evening hours he learned the meat business as an em-

Vol. II-41

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ploye of Joseph Picard on Main street, the business being located at the place where Mr. Lacas now conducts a meat market of his own. He purchased the business of Mr. Picard on the 15th of July, 1901, and has since been very successful in its conduct. He has led a life of diligence and industry, being a hard-working man from boyhood to the present time, and his success is the direct outcome of his persistency of purpose and his unfailing energy to reach the top. He has today one of the leading markets of Danielson, well appointed in every particular.

On the 5th of November, 1899, at Danielson, Mr. Lacas was married to Miss Marie Perreault, who was born at Cap St. Ignace, in the province of Quebec, a daughter of Elzeard and Josephine (Corron) Pearreault. They became parents of three children, but the first-born, a son, died at the age of three months. Rose Blanch, the second, was born in Danielson, October 31, 1902, and lives at home. Yvonne was born in Danielson, December 16, 1904.

The family are communicants of St. James Catholic church and in politics Mr. Lacas is a republican. The family has long been known by the name of Lockwood owing to the fact that there were many English-speaking families who could not pro- nounce the Canadian name. The father had learned to fluently speak the English language, which he studied through his own efforts, gaining an excellent knowledge of English when but a boy. Because his name was difficult to the English-speaking people he adopted that of Lockwood and by this name the family has since largely been called. A spirit of enterprise and diligence has dominated the career of John B. Lacas since he started out to provide for his own support and step by step he has advanced, winning the substantial rewards of labor in the conduct of his market at Danielson.

WILLIAM STUART BABCOCK.

William Stuart Babcock, deceased, was widely known as an enterprising and rep- resentative farmer of the town of Plainfield and commanded the respect and goodwill of all who knew him. He was born in North Stonington, Connecticut, March 22, 1822, and died in the town of Plainfield on the 18th of May, 1899. The Babcock family is of English lineage and was founded in America by three brothers-James, Jesse and Na- thaniel Babcock, who landed at Newport, Rhode Island. Nathaniel Babcock, learning that Stonington, Connecticut, offered excellent advantages for settlement, hired in Moosup a very powerful Indian of the name of Moosuck to carry him to that place, which task the red man accomplished by the aid of a stick basket strapped to his shoulders. Nathaniel Babcock, the grandfather of William Stuart Babcock, wedded Mary Laricon, who was very well-to-do, her property descending to her great-great- grandchildren. Nathaniel and Mary (Laricon) Babcock had three children: Jonas L., who was drafted to serve in the Revolutionary war, fought under Washington and was killed at the battle of White Plains, New York; Stephen H .; and Mary. The son Stephen was born in North Stonington, Connecticut, June 13, 1765, and there made his home through much of his life. He was engaged extensively in farming and also con- ducted a lumber business, selling timber for shipbuilding. He was married three times. He first wedded Mary Hinckley and his second wife was Elizabeth Stuart, who was born in Voluntown, Connecticut. His third wife, Mercy Davis, was born in North Stonington, Connecticut, March 16, 1782, and they were married on the 7th of September, 1808. By the first marriage there were born four children, by the second marriage one child and by the third marriage there were six children.

The youngest of these was Hon. William Stuart Babcock, who for many years was a prominent citizen of Plainfield, Connecticut. After attending the district and select schools of North Stonington he took up the profession of teaching, which he followed in the winter seasons, while in the summer months he devoted his attention to farm work. He later concentrated his efforts and energies solely upon general agricultural pursuits and purchased of Hon. Joseph Hutchins a splendid farm property in Plain- field, embracing one hundred and twenty acres, to which he removed in 1865. Thereon he made his home until called to his final rest. Mr. Babcock was a man of considerable inventive genius and gave much of his time to perfecting inventions, many of which have been of great value. He secured patents for improvements on plows, wagons and farm machinery and implements and he was constantly studying out new methods to render the labor of the farmer more effective. He became one of the stockholders in the Robinson & Fowler Foundry Company and for several years was its treasurer. He was also president of the Plainfield Cemetery Association for many years, continuing in that position to the time of his demise.

In community affairs Mr. Babcock took the deepest interest and his life ever meas- ured up to the highest standards of manhood and citizenship. His military record

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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY

covers service as lieutenant of a company in the town of North Stonington when he was but nineteen years of age and later he was promoted to the rank of captain. He was called upon to fill a number of local offices, including that of selectman and justice of the peace, and he was also made a member of the board of relief. In 1871 he was chosen to represent his district in the state legislature and proved an able working member of that body, being connected with much constructive legislation during his term of service in the house of representatives. His political endorsement was ever given to the republican party and he was most loyal to every cause which he espoused.

On the 4th of October, 1859, at North Stonington, Connecticut, Mr. Babcock was married to Miss Frances Eliza Main, who was born June 15, 1840, a daughter of Richard Holmes and Abbie S. (Crandall) Main. Mrs. Babcock is also descended from one of the old New England families, her ancestry being traced in direct line back to Ezekiel Main, who married and in 1670 removed to Stonington, where he made large invest- ments in land and also received land grants in 1672 and 1680. He passed away June 19, 1714. Among the descendants of himself and his wife, Mary, was Simeon X. Main, who . was the father of Richard H. Main. The latter was born in North Stonington, February 24, 1808, and married Abbie S. Crandall. His death occurred September 26, 1901, when he had reached the advanced age of ninety-three, and the mother passed away Sep- tember 9, 1851, in her forty-sixth year. Their children included Mrs. Frances E. Babcock, who with one exception is the oldest resident of her section of the town of Plainfield. All of the other families, with the exception of one, who were living in this district when the Babcock home was established in this section of Connecticut have passed from the scene of activity here. Mrs. Babcock still resides on the old home farm. To Mr. and Mrs. Babcock were born six children. William Payson, of Plainfield, born February 5, 1862, was married May 11, 1892, to Gracie A. Green and they have three children: Frances Eva, Lillian Carrie and William Edwin. Frances Nella, born July 28, 1865, was married January 1, 1890, to George L. Bradford, a farmer of Can- terbury, and following his death she became the wife of his brother, William Bradford. Anna Evenor, who was born January 16, 1867, was married April 25, 1889, to Nathan Exley, a farmer of Plainfield, and they have four children: William Stuart, born Jan- uary 14, 1891; Edith Main, September 18, 1893; Florence Ridell, September 27, 1896; and Lucius Morgan, September 1, 1901. Stephen Richard, born February 6, 1870, was married April 6, 1898, to Birdie May Kenyon and they had a daughter, Ella May, who was born January. 25, 1899, and died October 30, 1917. Stephen R. Bab- cock now operates the home farm left by his father. Callia Main, born November 16, 1871, became the wife of Albert Exley, a locomotive engineer of Groton, Connecticut, in October, 1897, and their children are Bertha E., Clarice Callia, Martha Mildred, Maybelle Evelyn, and Charles Albert. Telley Eugene, born October 22, 1876, was grad- uated from the Norwich Academy and the Boston University School of Law and is now an attorney of Norwich, Connecticut. He wedded Mary Elizabeth Geeson, of Boston, and has three children, Anita Marion, Stuart Eugene, and Beatrice Elizabeth.

Such in brief is the life history of William Stuart Babcock, who for many years was a most valued and honored citizen of Plainfield, who not only left the impress of his individuality and ability upon the agricultural development of the district but also upon its material progress along various lines, while in public affairs he exerted a wide- spread influence for progress and for good.

ALFRED EVERETT HARVEY.

Alfred Everett Harvey has throughout his entire life been identified with agricultural interests and is now one of the capable and progressive farmers of the town of Putnam, where he is specializing in Guernsey cattle. He was born in Windham, Connecticut, August 9, 1879, and is a son of Henry S. and Ida (Robinson) Harvey. The father was born, reared and educated at Lebanon, Connecticut, and in early manhood worked as a farm hand in that locality. Later he became superintendent of the farm lands and other property of the Winchester estate at South Windham and on leaving there was superintendent of the Moulton estate at Windham Center, where he remained for five years. He was thus employed until his industry and economy had brought him suf- ficient capital to enable him to purchase property, when he invested in a farm near Windham Center and devoted his attention to general agricultural pursuits and dairy- ing for many years. At length he put aside the more arduous cares of business life and is now living retired in Windham, enjoying the fruits of his former toil. His wife, who was born in Scotland, Windham county, died in April, 1920, at Windham Center. To them were born four children: Hattie S., who is the wife of Charles Woodson, for- merly of Danielson, Connecticut, but now a farmer of Phenix, Rhode Island; Alfred E.,

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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY

of this review; Etta, deceased; and Arthur S., who is at home with his parents in Windham.

Alfred E. Harvey pursued his education in the schools of Windham Center and later worked with his father upon the home farm, early becoming familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. He afterward rented farm land at Windham Center from his father for eight years and on the expiration of that period removed to Woodstock, Connecticut, where he became superintendent of the estate of Horace E. Deming of New York city, of which he had charge for five years. Later he took up his abode in the Sawyer district of Putnam, where he purchased what is known as the old Talbot farm in November, 1916. Through the intervening period he has given his attention to the further development and improvement of this place and is now successfully engaged in general farming and dairying. He is likewise interested in handling thoroughbred cattle and is developing an excellent herd of Guernseys. His place is supplied with all modern equipments and accessories such as are found upon the model farm of the twentieth century and he employs the most progressive methods in the care of his fields and in the development of his stock.

At Pawtucket, Rhode Island, February 25, 1903, Mr. Harvey was united in marriage to Miss Grace Evelyn Martin, a daughter of Ira J. and Varina (Pray) Martin, of Paw- tucket. They became the parents of two children: Earle M., who was born in Wind- ham, and Harold E., who was born in Woodstock and is deceased.

Politically Mr. Harvey is a republican, always giving stalwart support to the men and measures of the party. He and his wife are members of the Congregational church of Putnam and are highly esteemed people. Mr. Harvey is also identified with the Windham County Farmers Association and is a member of its board of directors, rep- resenting the town of Putnam. In all that he undertakes or does he displays a most pro- gressive spirit that is particularly manifest in the conduct of his business affairs.

ALMA FORCIER.

The commercial interests of Goodyear find a prominent representative in Alma Forcier, who in 1913 purchased the business which he has since conducted, being now owner of a large general store with which he has been associated as clerk and pro- prietor for twenty-eight years and which is accorded a most liberal patronage. Mr. Forcier is a representative of that large class of substantial citizens that Canada has furnished to Windham county. He was born at St. Pie, in the province of Quebec, July 20, 1869, his parents being Oliver and Elide (Godin) Forcier. The father was a native of Yamaska, in the province of Quebec, but spent the greater part of his life at St. Pie in the same province, where he owned and operated a farm and where all of his children were born. He died June 16, 1914, having for a long period survived his wife, who passed away February 14, 1886. They were the parents of twelve children: Joseph, who married Laise Cote and after her death married Linore Cote, his home being now at St. Pie, in the province of Quebec, where he is living retired; Laurence, who married Louis Cote and is a farmer of Dayton, Minnesota; Isaac, deceased; Mary, residing at St. Pie, Quebec; Albert, who married Elisa Lasselle and is a mill man of Pawtucket, Rhode Island; Rosiene, the wife of Albert Prulx, a mill man of Pawtucket, Rhode Island; David who has passed away; Victorine, the wife of Alexander Lasselle, a retired farmer now living at St. Pie; George, who died in infancy; Adelard, who married Antellia Gervais and is a mill man of Pawtucket, Rhode Island; Anna, who married Joseph Prulx, a master mechanic of New Bedford, Massachusetts; and Alma, of this review.

The last named largely acquired his education in the schools of Attawaugan, Con- necticut, where the family located when he was but seven years of age, living there from 1876 until 1881. They then removed to Fall River, Massachusetts, and resided there until 1884, at which time they returned to St. Pie, province of Quebec, Canada, where Alma Forcier remained for two years. For several years he worked in cotton mills and was employed along various other lines at different places in New England. In 1888 he became a resident of Williamsville, now Goodyear, Connecticut, and was employed in the mill of the Williamsville Manufacturing Company until 1892, when he became clerk in the general store owned by that company. He was ambitious to engage in business on his own account, however, and carefully saved his earnings until his industry and economy were sufficient to enable him to purchase the business of his employer and since 1913 he has been proprietor of the store. He carries an extensive and carefully selected stock and his business has reached very gratifying proportions.

At Goodyear, on the 12th of August, 1889, Mr. Forcier was married to Miss Clara Thomas and to them were born seven children, but all have passed away, and the mother died on the 9th of August, 1898. On the 19th of November, 1900, Mr. Forcier was mar-

ALMA FORCIER

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ried to Elodie Chenail and they have become parents of seven children, all born at Good- year, of whom four are living: Aurore, attending high school; Lafayette, a student in the Assumption College at Worcester, Massachusetts; and Alma and Valmore, both at home.

Politically Mr. Forcier is a republican and is recognized as one of the local leaders in the party. He served as a member of the town central committee of the republican party for twenty years and did everything in his power to promote the growth and insure the legitimate success of the party organization. He and his family are mem- bers of the Catholic church and he belongs to Union St. John the Baptist of Goodyear, of which he is secretary, holding that office since the organization of the lodge.

HARRY ALBERT BLANCHETTE.

Harry Albert Blanchette, who is station agent at Willimantic for the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad and also for the Central Vermont Railroad, was born at North Windham, Connecticut, July 7, 1886, and is a son of Henry and Melvina (Sicard) Blanchette. The father, a native of Newport, Vermont, was there reared and educated and after leaving school learned the blacksmith's trade, which he made his life work. For forty years he followed that business in Willimantic, but is now living retired and makes his home at Simsbury, Connecticut. He has been married twice and by his first wife had one son, Henry, who wedded Agnes Lafleur and is manager of the Stearns Harness Company in Willimantic. By the second marriage there were born four children: Harry A., of this review; Dora, who resides in Willimantic; Frederick J., living at Hartford, Connecticut; and Arthur, who is a relief agent with the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad.

Harry A. Blanchette largely spent his youthful days in Willimantic, where he at- tended St. Joseph's parochial school. He also continued his education in the Windham high school and afterward became a student in the New London (Conn.) Business Col- lege. On the 4th of June, 1904, he entered the employ of the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad, as station agent at South Lyme, Connecticut, and afterward worked in various places until the 1st of November, 1917, when he was transferred to Willi- mantic as local agent for the same company and also for the Central Vermont Railroad. He has since occupied this position and is found to be a courteous and obliging repre- sentative of the road, loyal to its best interests and at the same time extending helpful assistance to its patrons.

On the 12th of July, 1912, Mr. Blanchette was married to Miss Ida J. Messenger, a daughter of Lyman and Agnes E. Messenger, and they now have two children, born in Simsbury, Connecticut: Harry A., November 27, 1912, and Ruth B., February 4, 1914, both at home.

In his political views Mr. Blanchette is a democrat and has ever been keenly in- terested in the success of the party. While in Simsbury, Connecticut, he served as town auditor and was also chairman of the democratic town committee. He belongs to the Willimantic Lodge, No. 1311, B. P. O. E., and also to Court Massacoe, No. 141, of the Independent Order of Foresters. He is a communicant of the Catholic church.

ALANSON BATES COLVIN.

Alanson Bates Colvin, a member of the United States navy during the World war and now a member of the contracting firm of McEwen & Colvin of Danielson, was born at Voluntown, Connecticut, June 27, 1894, and is a son of Everett M. and Alma (Philips) Colvin, who are natives of Woodstock, Connecticut. There the father was reared and educated and afterward went to Danielson, where he was engaged in the meat business for several years. Subsequently he became a resident of Voluntown, where he again conducted a meat market for a number of years, after which he removed to Plain- field and was again engaged in the meat business, there remaining for seventeen years. On the expiration of that period he opened a meat market in Danielson but in 1918, on account of ill health, retired from the business and is now in the employ of the Gen- eral Supply Company. To Mr. and Mrs. Colvin were born three children: Karah, the wife of Henry Wayne, a musician of Boston; Waldo, who is now at home but who be- came a soldier in the World war and was at Camp Upton; and Alanson B., of this review.

The last named largely spent his boyhood and youth in Plainfield, where he at-

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tended the public schools. He afterward became a resident of Danielson and initiated is business career as a clerk in the Quinebaug store, where he continued for two years. He afterward entered upon an apprenticeship at the painter's trade under William Mc- Ewen and was thus employed until the winter of 1915-16, when he went to Palm Beach, Florida, being there engaged in painting. After America's entrance into the World war he enlisted for active service in the United States navy and was assigned to patrol service, being rated a first-class mechanic. He was thus engaged from June, 1917, until March, 1919, when, the necessity for patrol service being over, he received an honorable discharge.

In January, 1920, Mr. Colvin became connected with his former employer, Wil- liam McEwen, in the painting business, under the firm style of McEwen & Colvin, and they now do contracting work of that character, receiving a liberal patronage. In his political views Mr. Colvin is a republican and he stands and supports the Congregational church. He has always lived in this section of Connecticut save for the brief period spent in Florida, and that his has been an upright and honorable life is indicated by the fact that many of his stanchest friends are those who have known him from his boyhood to the present time.

ADELARD LAFRAMBOISE.

Adelard Laframboise is a prosperous farmer of the town of Canterbury, where he has carried on general agricultural pursuits and dairying since the 4th of May, 1916. He has always lived in New England, his birth having occurred at Blackinton, Massa- chusetts, February 4, 1880. His parents are Donat and Malvina (Vezina) Laframboise, who are natives of the province of Quebec, Canada, where the father spent his youthful days and pursued his education. At the age of sixteen years he came to the United States, taking up his abode in Vermont, where he was engaged in farming at various times. He afterward returned to Canada but is now a resident of Hope, Rhode Island. He was married May 12, 1877, to Miss Malvina Vezina and their children were eight in num- ber, as follows: Conrad; Adelard, of this review; Clothilde; Clovis, who is deceased; Donat; Napoleon, who has passed away; Rose; and Blanche.

Adelard Laframboise was reared in Readsboro, Vermont, and attended the public schools there, while later he went to Harrisville, Rhode Island, where he was employed in the woolen mills for a number of years. Removing to Canterbury, Connecticut, he resumed the occupation to which he had been reared and on the 4th of May, 1916, purchased the farm upon which he now makes his home. Through the intervening period he has been engaged in general farming and dairying and he has supplied his place with all modern equipments and the farm today presents a most neat and attractive appear- ance. He raises various cereals best adapted to soil and climatic conditions and also is successfully engaged in dairying, maintaining a milk route at Wauregan.

Mr. Laframboise has been married twice. He first wedded Celina Rivet, of Nason- ville, Rhode Island, and they became parents of a son, Louis L., born March 26, 1909. Their marriage was celebrated May 19, 1908, in Nasonville, and the wife and mother passed away April 4, 1909. In Providence, Rhode Island, on the 3d of June, 1913, Mr. Laframboise was married to Miss Angelina Penelle and they have become parents of three children, but the first-born, Irene C., is now deceased. The others are Helen E. and Francis B., both born in Canterbury.

Mr. Laframboise is a member of Union St. John the Baptist of Harrisville, Rhode Island, and he and his family are of the Catholic faith. In politics he maintains an in- dependent attitude, supporting such measures and candidates as he deems will further the best interests of the community. His has been an active and useful life and he has won well deserved classification with the leading farmers of the town of Canterbury.

JOHN WOOD LEES.

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A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume II, Part 99

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