History of Windham County, Connecticut, Part 114

Author: Bayles, Richard M. (Richard Mather)
Publication date: 1889
Publisher: New York, Preston
Number of Pages: 1506

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Otis E. Keith was born in 1829 in Thompson, Conn. He is the only son of Captain Joseph D., who was the oldest son of Eleazer Keith, who was lieutenant in the war of 1812. His wife was Kelita Tyler. His father was lost in the revolutionary war, after which Eleazer was adopted by Joseph Demmon, of Mass- achusetts, who removed later to Thompson. The mother of Otis E. was Lucy, daughter of Silas Bundy, whose father, Eben- ezer, once owned a large tract of land, including the mill privi- lege where the Putnam Manufacturing Company is now located. Mr. Keith is a farmer. He has been president of the Putnam Cemetery Association for six years. He was married in 1859 to Elizabeth Rowland, who died in 1879, leaving one son, Luther M. He was married August 16th, 1880, to Sarah M., daughter of Ezra Howard. They have one daughter, Abbie H. Mr. Keith is a staunch prohibitionist and a member of the Attawau- gan Methodist Episcopal church.

Ann Kershaw is a daughter of John and Phœbe (Gregory) Stokes. She was married in 1859 to Robert Kershaw, son of William. Mr. Kershaw was a mill operative and mill superintend- ent at Burrillville. In 1884, in company with two others, he rented a mill in Burrillville, which they operated until 1886, when Mr.

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Kershaw retired on account of ill health. He built a residence in Dayville in 1875, where he died in October, 1886, aged 57 years. He was a member of the Masonic order.

Fannie H. Kies, born in Coventry, R. I., is a daughter of Clark and Eunice (Matteson) Cornell. She was married in 1855 to George Kies, a son of Harris and Sarah Ann (Goodspeed) Kies, and a grandson of William Kies. Mr. Kies was a house carpen- ter by trade. He enlisted in 1862 as second lieutenant in Com- pany K, 18th Connecticut volunteers, and served until the close of the war. He was promoted to first lieutenant during that time. He died in 1872. They have one son living, Walter E. They lost three children: Lenora A., Leroy E. and Victoria G.

Henry V. Lathrop, born April 9th, 1851, in Norwich, Conn., is a son of Richard S., and grandson of Septimus Lathrop, who was the seventh generation from Reverend John Lathrop, who was educated at Queens College, Cambridge, where he grad- uated in 1609. His mother was Jane F., daughter of Festus and Eliza Thompson. She died July 7th, 1857, leaving two children, Mary E. and Henry Vaughn. The latter was educated at the public and select schools of Plainfield. He has been engaged in reed manufacturing in Danielsonville since February, 1869. In November, 1870, R. S. Lathrop bought the reed business here, and from that time until his death in May, 1882, Henry V. worked with his father, but since that time he has been manager of the business. He is a prohibitionist. He has been two years in the court of burgesses. He was married October 5th, 1875, to Mary H., daughter of William M. and Elizabeth (Shepard) Johnson. They have three children: Frank E., J. Bessie and Claribel A. Mr. Lathrop is a member of Moriah Lodge, No. 15, F. & A. M., and a member of the Westfield Congregational church. Mrs. Lathrop is a member of the Baptist church of Danielsonville. She is president of the local W. C. T. U.

George H. Law, born in 1816 in Killingly, is the eldest son of Jeremiah, whose father, George, was a son of George Law. His mother was Hepsibeth, daughter of Ebenezer Leach. Jeremiah Law was born in 1796, was member of the legislature one term and selectman several terms as a democrat, was the father of seven children, and died in 1876. George H. went from Chest- nut hill to Rhode Island at the age of seventeen, where he was engaged in cotton manufacturing for twenty-two years. In 1870 he bought the farm where he now resides, and since that time

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has been a farmer. He represented the town in the legislature two terms, in 1881 and 1883, as a republican. He was married in 1839 to Clarinda, daughter of Joseph Clark. They have eight children: Jennie (Mrs. C. T. Westcott), George, Sarah Ellen (Mrs. C. G. Mowry), Clara, Carrie (Mrs. E. Jencks), Emma, Joseph and Charles F. George was in the war of the rebellion, 3d Rhode Island Cavalry.

John W. Law was born in 1855 in Killingly. He is a son of Parris M., son of William, son of George, son of George, son of David Law. His mother was Emily (Perry) Law. Mr. Law began as clerk in the Williamsville store in 1876, where he has been since that time.

James K. Logee, son of Elisha Logee, is a baker by trade. In 1840 John Sparks established a bakery where the Central Hotel now stands in Danielsonville. In 1843 he sold the busi- ness to James K. Logee, who continued it at the same place until 1860. At that time he built a bakery in Westfield, which burned in February, 1879. It was rebuilt the same year, and since that time the business has been pastry baking; prior to that time it was a cracker factory. He was married in 1844 to Julia N., daughter of John Sparks. They had three sons: James E., William K. and Henry F. His wife died in 1858, and he was married in 1859 to Hannah H. Bruce. She died in 1877, leaving one daughter, Mary S. (Mrs. J. E. F. Brown). He was married in 1881 to Mary Chadwick Babson.

James E. Logee, son of James K. and Julia N. (Sparks) Logee, was born March 6th, 1845. He was brought up a baker, and in 1866 took an interest in the baking business with his father, and since that time they have carried on the business together. He was married in 1866 to Ada S. Tucker, who died one year later. He was married in 1873 to Lucy A., daughter of David B. Wheaton. They have two children : Arthur W. and Lucy T. Mr. Logee is a republican.

Calvin B. Long, born in 1837 in Canterbury, Conn., is a son of William, and grandson of David Long. His mother was Lucy Varnum. Mr. Long came to Danielsonville in 1869, and about four years later bought a blacksmith shop, which he has since operated. He was married in 1857 to Sarah, daughter of David Monroe. Their children are: William Henry, Jennie (Mrs. George Baker), and George. Mr. Long is a democrat. He served about three months in the war of the rebellion in the 3d Connecticut volunteers.

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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.

John Mahrs was born in Dublin, Ireland, and came to Massa- chusetts at the age of four years with his father, John Mahrs. He came to Danielsonville in March, 1858. He is a shoemaker by trade. He was appointed sexton of the Westfield Cemetery in 1877, and built the house where he now lives in 1869. Mr. Mahrs was married January 3d, 1848, to Eliza E., daughter of Waldo Parkhurst. Their children are: Lora J., now Mrs. P. H. Sprague; Susan E., now Mrs. W. K. Logee; John W. and Char- lotte H., now Mrs. Henry Thompson. Mr. Mahrs is a prohib- itionist. His wife is a member of the Congregational church.

William H. Marland, son of James Marland, was born in Eng- land, and came to Killingly in 1881. In 1882 he went back to England, returning again in 1884, and since that time he has been employed in the lumber yards of John A. Paine. He owns a residence on Maple street, known as "the Twin Cottages." He was married in January, 1882, to Hannah King. They have three children: Rupert K., Myrtie E. and Sidney P. They lost one son, Earl. Mr. Marland is a member of Danielsonville Epis- copal church, and a member of Moriah Lodge, No. 15, F. & A. M.

Charles Mason, born in 1841, is a son of David, whose father Shubael, was a son of Peletiah Mason, whose wife was Sarah Allen. His mother is Lucy (Bowen) Mason. Shubael Mason's wife was Nancy Law. David and Lucy Mason had eight children: Israel B., George L. (deceased), Erastus (de- ceased), Maria F. (deceased), Charles, David A. (deceased), Emily L. (deceased), and William Henry. Charles has been a mer- chant for a number of years in Providence and other places. For the past few years he has had no business except a little farming. He was married in 1864 to Mary Crabtree, who died the year following. He married in 1868 Mrs. Abbie F. Rice, a daughter of W. R. and Chloe Lillibridge, of Exeter, R. I.

Lucy A. Mason is a daughter of Rufus and Susanna (Round) Simmons. She was married November 16th, 1861, to George L. Mason, son of David and Lucy Mason. He died leaving two daughters-Abbie F. (Mrs. E. M. Young), and Harriet E., who married F. Smith, son of James and Mary Ann (Williams) Smith. He was born in 1856, and works at carding in the Whitestone cotton mills.

William Mathewson was born December 22d, 1825. He is a son of Mason, and grandson of Royal Mathewson, whose wife

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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.

was Hepsibeth Mason. His mother was Margaret Taft. Mr. Mathewson is a farmer. He was married September 14th, 1851, to Mary M., daughter of David and Elizabeth Graves, and has one son, William T.

Frank W. Medbery, born in 1857, in Plainfield, Conn., is a son of Nathaniel, whose father Nathaniel, was a son of Nathaniel Medbery. His mother is Susan F., daughter of Sabin L. Haw- kins. Mr. Medbery worked in the market of the Wauregan Com- pany at Wauregan eight years. In November, 1881, he bought the meat business of J. P. Dexter in Danielsonville, which he enlarged, until now he keeps a full line of meats and canned goods, doing a business of about $1,500 per month. He was married in 1878 to Nellie J. Johnson.

Esquare B. Miller was born in August, 1827, in Killingly, Conn. He is a son of Welcome and grandson of Peter Miller, whose father was a preacher. His mother was Elsie (Bartlett) Miller. Mr. Miller was a farmer with his father until 1859, and since that time he has been a carpenter. He came to Dayville in 1861 and for fifteen years worked on repairs, both wood and iron, for S. & H. Sayles. Since that time he has been a contrac- tor and builder. He was selectman and clerk of the board for twelve years in succession. He was married in 1846 to Sarah H., daughter of Ephriam Warren. She died in May, 1887, leaving five boys: Chauncy T., Esquare J., Henry J., Everett E. and Fred. L. They lost one in infancy, Daniel W. Mr. Miller is a republican, a member of Moriah Lodge, No. 15, F. & A. M., and also a member of the Chapter and Council.

Frank Mitchell was born in 1837 in Killingly, Conn. He is the oldest son of Ezekiel, son of Abraham, son of Ezekiel, son of Experience Mitchell, who came from England to Massachusetts in 1649, and whose son, Ezekiel, came to Killingly about 1768. Mr. Mitchell has worked in cotton mills since he was eight and one-half years old, with the exception of five years which he spent in California. He was overseer of weaving at Packer- ville eleven years. Since August, 1875, he has been superin- tendent for the Whitestone Manufacturing Company. He was married in 1865 to Susan G. Aynesworth, who died in July, 1875, leaving one daughter, Alice. Mr. Mitchell is a republican.

Orrin D. Mitchell, born in 1819 in Killingly, is a son of Lott and grandson of William Mitchell. His mother was Celinda Martin. He runs a grist mill on the Whetstone brook, between

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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.

Killingly Centre and East Killingly, where his father owned a grist and saw mill for many years. He was married in 1845 to Phœbe, daughter of Joseph Hammond. They have four child- ren living: Wesley, Deloss, Oliva and Adelbert. They have lost three: Marcus E., Lovina and Celinda.

Luke Monahan, son of Thomas Monahan, was born in Ireland, came to America in 1850 and one year later came to Almyville, in Plainfield, where he remained until 1879, and for the last five years there he was boss farmer. In May, 1879, he came to Danielsonville, where he has since been overseer of general out- door work for the Danielsonville Manufacturing Company. He married Ann Hughes and they have six children: Thomas, Michael, Mary, Bridget, James and Nellie.

William A. Newton was born in 1834 in Thompson, Conn., and has resided in Killingly since 1840. In 1859 he opened a store at East Killingly, and continued there until 1862, when he fitted up a store, and moved his business to the valley, one mile west, where he has since remained. He was married in 1854 to Abbie Mowry. She died in 1870, leaving two children, Melissa and Jennie. He was married in 1871 to Esther Gibson, daughter of Ira Gibson of Sterling. He is a democrat.

Joseph Oatley, born in 1816 in South Kingstown, R. I., is a son of Reverend Jonathan, whose father, Joseph, was a son of Jonathan Oatley, who came from England to Rhode Island in 1642. His mother was Amy, daughter of Joseph and Nancy Champlin. He came from South Kingstown with his father to East Killingly in 1834. He is a stone cutter by trade, although he worked in cotton mills several years when a young man. In 1843 he bought a granite ledge which he has worked since that time. He was married in 1838 to Cyntha, daughter of Moses and Sally Taft. . They have five children : George W., Edward R., Joseph F., Sarah E. and Alice. Mr. Oatley is a democrat, and has been a member of East Killingly Baptist church for forty-five years.

William H. Oatley, born in 1824 in South Kingstown, R. I., is a son of Reverend Jonathan Oatley. He has been working at cotton manufacturing since boyhood. Since November, 1877, he has been night watchman in Ross' Mill. He has been jus- tice of the peace twenty years in succession, and registrar of voters since 1872. He represented the town in the legislature of 1872 as a republican. He has been twice married, but has no

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children. He has been a member of the East Killingly Baptist church since 1838, is a member of Moriah Lodge, No. 15, F. & A. M., also a member of the Chapter and Council, and a member of Marvin Waite Post, No. 51, G. A. R. He was in the war of the rebellion in Company K, 7th Connecticut volunteers from September, 1861, to August 1865; was made drum-major in February, 1862, which rank he filled until the close of the war.

Charles Paine, born in Killingly, is the eldest son of Lewis Paine and grandson of Joseph Paine. His mother is Lillis, daughter of William Hopkins and granddaughter of Barnett Hopkins. Mr. Paine is a farmer, and with his brother, Fred- erick A., runs the farm of his father. Since April, 1885, they have run a milk route in Danielsonville. They take great pride in their stock and fowls, which are of the best.

Frederick A. Paine, born in Killingly, is the youngest son of Lewis and Lillis (Hopkins) Paine, and grandson of Joseph and Drusilla (Hopkins) Paine. Mr. Paine's father was in Cali- fornia from 1850 to 1854. In 1857 he bought the farm of 200 acres where he lived until his death in April, 1877, and since that time the two sons have run the farm. Mr. Paine is a fancier of fine stock and poultry, of which he has some thoroughbred specimens. Mr. Paine's father was married in 1855 to Lillis Hopkins, and they had three sons: Charles, William H., who died in 1877, and Frederick A.

Christopher Paine was born in 1816 in Foster, R. I. His father, Joseph Paine, came to Killingly from Rhode Island in 1822. His wife was Drusilla, daughter of Barnett Hopkins. Mr. Paine is the only survivor of a large family. He bought the farm which he now owns in 1848, and twelve years later built the house where he now lives. He was married in 1843 to Miranda, daughter of William Hopkins. They have five children living: Harriet, John, Maria, Alzaida and George. Mr. Paine is a re- publican, and a member of the Advent church.

James A. Paine, born in 1834 in Massachusetts, is the young- est son of Ransom and grandson of Benjamin Paine. He came to East Killingly in 1857, where he kept a store for about four years, after which time he established a slipper manufactory, which he conducted about three years. He then sold the busi- ness and bought, in 1864, the store of A. M. Paine, which he has run since that time with the exception of three years. He was married in 1861 to Mariette Mathews. They have two sons,

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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.

James M. and Almond M. In politics Mr. Paine is a repub- lican.

John A. Paine, born in 1850 in Woodstock, Conn., is a son of Martin and grandson of Cyril Paine. His mother was Lucia, daughter of Amos Perrin. Mr. Paine was bookkeeper and sales- man for John O. Fox & Co., of Putnam, about five years. In 1877 he came to Danielsonville and in company with John Daven- port bought the coal, lumber, fertilizer and builders' supplies business of O. M. Capron & Son. In 1880 the partnership was dissolved and the business divided, Mr. Davenport taking the coal business and Mr. Paine keeping the balance, which he still continues. He was married in 1882 to Fanny, daughter of Charles Dorrance. They have three sons: Everett A., Arthur R. and Wallace M. He is a member of the Congregational church and a republican.

Edwin L. Palmer, born in 1847 in Griswold, Conn., is a son of Asher and Joanna (Ames) Palmer. Asher was in the war of 1812. Mr. Palmer established an insurance and real estate agency in Danielsonville in 1875, which he continued until 1886. In September of that year he sold the insurance business to S. W. Crofut, and since that time he has paid all his attention to real estate and western land securities. He is secretary of the Danielsonville board of trade and was clerk of the borough from 1880 to 1887. He was married in 1871 to Phœbe A. Keach, who died in 1873. He was married in 1880 to Ella M. Kennedy. They have three children: Harry E., Gladdis J. and Charlotte. He is a member of the Congregational church and superintend- ent of the Sunday school. He is a member of Moriah Lodge, No. 15, F. & A. M., Warren Chapter, No. 12, and Montgomery Council, No. 2.

Joshua Perkins was born in Lisbon, Conn. He is a son of Charles, son of Joshua, son of Matthew, son of Joseph, son of John, son of John Perkins. His mother was Betsey Payne. Mr. Perkins began to learn dentistry about 1857, and came to Dan- ielsonville in 1863, where he has since practiced. He has con- trol of the state for an electric vibrator for extracting teeth. He was elected warden of the borough of Danielsonville in 1884, 1885 and 1886. He was a delegate to the democratic national convention in Chicago in 1884.

Charles Phillips, born February, 1848, is a son of Charles Phillips, who was a cotton manufacturer. Mr. Phillips was edu-

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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.

cated at the schools of Douglass, Mass. He was head clerk in a store in Sutton, Mass., for nine years, then had charge of one of the stores of B. B. & R. Knight in Rhode Island for one year, coming from there in the spring of 1875 to Danielsonville, where he has had general charge of the store and grist mill of the Quinebaug Manufacturing Company since that time. He has been several years a member of the court of burgesses in the borough of Danielsonville. He was married in April, 1868, to Sarah M., daughter of Benjamin Abbott. They have two boys: Charles A. and William A. Mr. Phillips is a republican. He has been deacon of the Westfield Congregational church since March, 1888.

Christopher C. Pilling, born in 1848, in Smithfield, R. I., is a son of Reuben Pilling, who came from England about 1844. His mother was Ann Withington. Mr. Pilling began learning the carpenter's trade at the age of sixteen, and with the exception of three years which he devoted to painting, he has followed that business as a contractor and builder. He was married in June, 1873, to Ellen M., daughter of Joseph Wheaton. They have one daughter, Maud W., and one that died, Bertha M. Mr. Pilling is a deacon in the Baptist church here, and has acted in several official capacities in the church, and also in the Sunday school. He is a member of Moriah Lodge, No. 15, F. & A. M.

Albert S. Potter, son of Asa Potter, was born in 1815 in Thomp- son, Conn. His mother is Ruth, daughter of Edward Stafford. Mr. Potter worked at cotton manufacturing for several years. In 1870 he came to Dayville, and since 1875 has been boss farmer for the Sabin L. Sayles Manufacturing Company. He was mar- ried in 1838 to Eliza, daughter of Nathan Young. They had four children: Emily A. (Mrs. Samuel Cogswell), Alonzo A., Frank W. (deceased), and one that died in infancy. His wife - died in 1852. He was married again in 1859 to Mrs. Almira Sweet, daughter of Leonard Williams. She has practiced medi- cine for several years.

Alfred Potter, son of Olney E., and grandson of William Pot- ter, was born in 1823 in Foster, R. I. His mother was Orra (Cole) Potter. Mr. Potter came from Rhode Island to Killingly in 1848. He worked in the woolen mill of H. and S. Sayles about ten years. Then in company with Warren Potter, under the firm name of A. & W. Potter, he bought the Elmville mill property, which was built by Jonathan and Marvin Dexter, and operated the

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same until August, 1874, when the mill was destroyed by fire. The same year the brick mill was built in its place, and the man- ufacture of fancy cassimeres was continued until 1883. The property was sold in 1886 to C. D. & C. S. Chase, and since that time Mr. Potter has been a farmer. He was married in 1860 to Maria, daughter of Stephen S. Pierce, who was a son of Thomas Pierce. Mr. Potter built his present residence in 1872.

Alonzo B. Potter was born in 1832 in Scituate, R. I. He is a son of Robert N., son of Robert, son of Moses, son of Robert, son of Ralph, whose father John was a son of Robert Potter, who came to Rhode Island in 1630 and died in 1661. Mr. Potter came from Rhode Island to Killingly in 1849 with his father, who was a spool and bobbin manufacturer in Williamsville from that time until his death, April 26th, 1878. He had charge of a store at Dayville two years, 1856-7, then was a farmer until August, 1862, when he enlisted in Company K, 18th Connecticut volun- teers, serving until July, 1865. Since that time he has been a farmer, with the exception of five years, when he had charge of the Williamsville store. He was married in 1854 to Lucy A., . daughter of Lawton Wade. They have one daughter, Alice J. (Mrs. F. W. Young, of Providence). Mr. Potter is a republican, and a member of Williamsville Congregational church.

Minnie N. Potter is a daughter of Robert Nelson and Rhoda (Parker) Potter, the latter a daughter of Joseph Parker. She is a sister of Alonzo B. Potter, mentioned above. Miss Potter lives in the house where her father lived from 1849 until his death in 1878. Her mother died in August, 1887. Robert N. Potter was a captain in the Dorr rebellion of Rhode Island, and afterward was made colonel in the state militia.

Charles T. Preston was born in 1848 in Killingly, Conn. He is a son of Charles, born in 1804, son of Levi, son of Daniel, a son of Levi Preston, who was a Scotchman. His mother is Eliza A., daughter of George Tyler. Charles T. is a house painter by trade. He was on the board of assessors two terms, and repre- sented the town in the general assembly in 1884 as a democrat. Mr. Preston's father was married to Eliza A. Tyler. They have three children living: Lamira, Emeline F. and Charles T. Mr. Preston is a farmer. He lives on the Spaulding homestead on " Horse Hill." He taught school several terms when a young man. He was representative in 1846, and has been justice and selectman.

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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.

Frank T. Preston, son of Enos L. Preston, was born in 1853 in Brooklyn. He is a jeweler and watchmaker by trade. He came to this town in 1879, and November 3d, 1881, the firm of Preston & Carpenter was established. They bought the busi- ness of Amasa Dowe, which they still conduct. Mr. Preston was elected town treasurer October 5th, 1885, and on the 22d of the same month was appointed town clerk, which offices he has held since that time. He is president of the People's Library Asso- ciation, treasurer of Moriah Lodge, No. 15, F. & A. M., Warren Chapter, No. 12, and of Montgomery Council, No. 2. He was married in 1885 to F. Myrtie Chase. They have one daughter, Florence C. Mr. Preston is a member of the Baptist church, a deacon, and superintendent of the Sunday school.

Albert D. Putnam, born in 1852 in Brooklyn, Conn., is a son of William H. Putnam, and is the fourth generation removed from General Putnam. Mr. Putnam's early education was in the schools of Brooklyn and Danielsonville, and later he attended the state Normal school. He taught school for eight consecu- tive winters. He was a farmer until 1888, and since that time has lived in Danielsonville, where he intends to engage in mer- cantile business as soon as his health will permit. He was mar- ried in December, 1876, to Harriet, daughter of Charles and Janette (Sharp) Dorrance. They have three children: William H., Sarah J. and Eliza D. Mr. Putnam is a member of the Epis- copal church, a member of Moriah Lodge, No. 15, F. & A. M., and a member of Brooklyn Grange, No. 43, P. of H.

Royal C. Rawson, born in 1850 in Brooklyn, Conn., is a son of Daniel C., and grandson of Reverend Nathaniel Rawson. His mother is Eliza Copeland. Mr. Rawson is a farmer. He came to Danielsonville in December, 1877, where he runs a milk route. He was married January 1st, 1878, to Emily Martin, and has two sons-George R. and Walter A. He is a member of the Congregational church and a republican.

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History of Windham County, Connecticut, Part 114

Author: Bayles, Richard M. (Richard Mather) Publication date: 1889 Publisher: New York, Preston Number of Pages: 1506

Author: Bayles, Richard M. (Richard Mather)
Publication date: 1889
Publisher: New York, Preston
Number of Pages: 1506