USA > Vermont > The Lake Champlain and Lake George valleys, Vol. III > Part 56
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It should be a pleasing reflection to the residents of the Lake Champlain and Lake George valleys that, as their testimonials to the character and career of Thomas F. Conway show, they have disproved the age-old adage that "a prophet is never without honor save in his own country."
BIRD J. A. BOMBARD, M. D .- Since his entry into the field of medicine and surgery more than thirty-three years ago, Dr. Bird J. A. Bom- bard has practiced his profession in Burlington, where he is highly respected as a most able physician and surgeon and a leader in civic life.
Dr. Bombard was born at Au Sable Forks, New York, May 11, 1883, the son of Moses A. and Amelia (Sawyer) Bombard, both deceased. Moses A. Bombard, a native of Keeseville, New York, was engaged in general farming for many years previous to his death at the age of ninety-six years. He was a veteran of the Civil War, having served with Company L., 2d New York Cavalry. His wife was a native of Au Sable Forks, New York.
Dr. Bird J. A. Bombard completed his secondary education in the public schools of Keeseville, New York, and then enrolled at St. Charles Borromeo
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College in the Province of Quebec, Canada. He remained there until 1901, and then transferred to the University of Vermont, where he was graduated in 1905 with Doctor of Medicine degree. He launched his private practice in Burlington later in the same year, and ever since that time has been a most distinguished member of the local medical profession, enjoying the confidence and good-will of an extensive clientele. He is an associate surgeon at Mary Fletcher Hospital, and an attending surgeon at Fanny Allen Hospital and Bishop De Goesbriand Memorial Hospital, and the present State medical direc- tor for M. W. A. He also serves as a professor of anatomy at St. Michael's College, and as a member of the board of directors of this institution.
Dr. Bombard is a communicant of St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church, and a well-known figure in Republican politics, serving as alderman of the Sixth Ward for two years, a member of the board of health for ten years, and for a time as examiner for the retiring board. He is affiliated with Burlington Council, Knights of Columbus, Burlington Lodge, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Vermont State and American Medical associations, the Sons of Veterans, and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He is also a past president of the Chittenden County Civic Society, and a member of the Burlington Country Club.
He was married in 1907 to Lucille A. Courcy, a native of Burlington, and they are the parents of four children: I. Ruth A., a graduate of Margaret Bourgeous College in 1931, married Charles R. Holt of Plattsburg, New York. 2. Dr. Clarence E., a graduate of the University of Vermont in 1934 with a Bachelor of Science degree, and in 1937 with Doctor of Medicine degree. 3. John R., a graduate in 1936 of St. Michael's College. 4. Shirley T.
CHARLES H. GOSSELIN-Deputy United States Marshal for Clinton and Essex counties, Charles H. Gosselin conducts the oldest general store business in his native town of Redford and, on his mother's side, is the grandson of Patrick Hanlon, one of the earliest and most prominent settlers in Clinton County.
Born August 13, 1899, at Redford, New York, Mr. Gosselin is the son of Joseph Oliver and Margaret Anne (Hanlon) Gosselin. The father, a native of Rouses Point, New York, was the railroad station agent and tele- graph operator there and later was employed in the mines at Irondale, now Clayburg. In later years he conducted a general store owned by his father-in- law, Patrick Hanlon, and finally operated a store of his own at Redford. He married Margaret Anne Hanlon, now deceased, the daughter of Patrick Hanlon, an early pioneer, landowner and lumber operator in Clinton County. Mr. Hanlon, who came from Clayburg (or Irondale as it was originally named) headed a vast lumber industry and owned practically all the land
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where the village of Saranac Lake now stands. Here he carried on his lum- bering operations. He became a large stockholder in the Plattsburg National Bank and was also on its board of directors. A very influential man, Mr. Hanlon was associated with some of the outstanding leaders of his day, including Smith M. Weed, and he entertained at his home in Clayburg, Pres- ident Mckinley.
Charles H. Gosselin attended the grade schools at Redford, graduating from Plattsburg High School. As already noted, his father owned and operated a general store here. Established originally, many years ago, by F. A. and M. Moore, this oldest store of its kind in Redford was next under the proprietorship of Hooey and Littlejohn, from whom Joseph Oliver Gosselin purchased it. Charles H. Gosselin now conducts the business. Active in politics, he is Democratic committeeman for Clinton County, was town clerk of Redford for three terms and supervisor for two terms. He was then appointed. June 6, 1935, Deputy United States Marshal for Clinton and Essex counties and the Northern District, working out of Utica headquar- ters. Hunting and baseball are Mr. Gosselin's favorite diversions. He is a member of the Assumption Church in Redford and affiliated with Lodge No. 621 at Plattsburg of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
Mr. Gosselin married Dora Turner, born at Plattsburg and educated in its grammar and high schools. Their children are: I. Carlton Pavone, born at Plattsburg and now a student at Mount Assumption Institute there. 2. Joan Pavone, also born at Plattsburg, and now attending Sallaz Academy at Redford.
CHARLES A. BROWN-Charles A. Brown, well known Burlington accountant, was born here October 3, 1888, the son of Robert J. and Katharine (Barrett) Brown. Robert J. Brown, a native of Ireland, came to the United States when a boy and first settled in the Dakotas where he remained until 1875, at which time he came to Burlington, where he was engaged for many years as a landscape gardener. Katharine (Barrett) Brown was born at Burlington.
Charles A. Brown received his early education in the Burlington public schools, and then he entered the National School of Accounting at Portland, Maine. He later studied at the Alexander Hamilton Institute in New York City, where he received his accountant's degree in 1920. From 1907 until 1915 he was associated with the Lumiere Chemical Works in Burlington and he then went to Waterbury, Connecticut, to become an accountant in the treasurer's office of the American Brass Works. He remained there for five years, and then became assistant treasurer of J. E. Cashman, Incorporated, in which capacity he served until 1936. He was then appointed supervisor of
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accounts for the Vermont State Planning Board, and also accountant for the State Finance Commission, later becoming a member of the Vermont State Unemployment Compensation Board. He held this post until October, 1938, since which time he has been associated here with Donald E. Beach in general accounting work.
Mr. Brown is a communicant of the Roman Catholic Church, and a great lover of all outdoor sports. He was married in 1907 to Celia S. Hanlin of Burlington, and they are the parents of four children : I. John G. 2. Grace C. 3. Charles R. 4. Elizabeth J.
JOHN J. FLYNN-For considerably more than a half century John J. Flynn has been a resident of Burlington, Vermont, and a prominent figure in business and industrial affairs in this region. Banking and real estate have constituted a great deal of his work, and he owns, in addition to other prop- erty, the Starr Farm Beach, where there are forty cottages. He deserves great credit for his accomplishments when, more than seventy-five years of age, he is able to look back upon a career that has benefited others, aware that his life has been a credit to Burlington and to the State of Vermont.
Mr. Flynn was born June 22, 1864, at Dorset, Vermont, son of James and Katharine (Shea) Flynn, natives of Ireland, both now deceased. James Flynn came to the United States in his youth, settling in Dorset, where he worked for years in the marble quarries. Later he became superintendent of the Bennington and Rutland Railroad, so serving for the rest of his life.
John J. Flynn attended the public schools in Dorset, then came in 1880 to Burlington where he entered the employ of James A. Shedd, president of the Burlington Savings Bank. Mr. Shedd owned a large farm, and Mr. Flynn was engaged to sell milk. In 1882, while he was still only seventeen years of age, he was given complete charge of the farm, and at eighteen he leased it and carried on the work for himself. In 1886 he had saved enough money to enter the grocery business, though he found this enterprise not of sufficient interest to absorb the full energies of one so wide awake and eager for accomplishment. In 1887 he invested money in a tract of timberland, gradually increasing his holdings until he owned 27,000 acres and operated on this acreage a toll road between Manchester and Bellows Falls, which was later taken over by the State. Mr. Flynn had many opportunities to dispose of this tract of land, which he finally sold to the International Paper Com- pany. Then, returning to Burlington a wealthy man, he realized the possi- bilities of the real estate trade here.
He has continued his real estate interests down to the time of writing, occupying most of his time in this connection with the Starr Farm Beach development, referred to above. About 1895 General Peck, backed by a num-
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ber of other men, secured a franchise to build and operate a street car line between Burlington and Essex Junction, where the United States Army had been building a post, Fort Ethan Allen. Some connection was much needed between these two points, but after all plans were made the group found that the Central Railroad of Vermont had control of the right-of-way over the river between Burlington and Winooski and were bitterly opposed to the project because they had a road running in the same direction. The railroad fought the new project and it was temporarily abandoned. At that point Mr. Flynn stepped in, purchased the franchise, and, singlehanded, started to build the trolley car line. He bought his rails, poles and materials and personally organized his large crew of men, succeeding in completing the roadway from Burlington to the river. There he was temporarily stopped by the Central Vermont Railroad. Undaunted, he proceeded to finish the road on the other side of the river, from Essex Junction to the Winooski bridge. One Sunday morning, when no legal interference could obtain, the rails were laid, and before evening of that day a car was put on the tracks. The railroad was built, the Central Vermont Company defeated, and Mr. Flynn the victor in another battle against considerable odds. The Military Post Street Railway Company, as the car line was called, was later run in conjunction with the Burlington Traction Company. Then Mr. Flynn sold his holdings in the line, though in 1897 he built another trolley car line: that between Barre and Montpelier. He also built the Barre Gas Plant and purchased the Vergennes Power and Light Company, increasing the output and supplying gas and electricity to many outside communities. He installed an electric light and power plant also in the Alburg-Grand Isle District and so made it possible for the outlying small towns to have modern advantages.
In 1901 Mr. Flynn organized the Chittenden County Trust Company, selected its personnel and served as chairman of its board of directors and its executive head. In 1932 the bank's quarters in College Street became over- crowded, whereupon Mr. Flynn purchased the site at College and Church streets and erected the beautiful bank and office building that now graces the corner, an edifice of white Vermont marble and an outstanding structure in Burlington. It is significant that, with limited education and wholly depend- ent upon his own powers, Mr. Flynn should have accomplished so much work of value to Burlington and to Vermont as a whole. He remains actively inter- ested in the world around him down to the time of writing, and is one of Burlington's best known and most respected citizens. He follows an inde- pendent course politically. For some years he was city assessor and is now park commissioner of Burlington. He is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and is a trustee of his lodge.
John J. Flynn married, in 1887, Nellie F. Waite, daughter of Albert and Sarah (Davis) Waite, of Peru, Vermont. The Waites came to Dorset shortly
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after Mrs. Flynn's birth. She was formally educated in the Dorset schools and at Manchester Seminary, in Manchester, Vermont, and later took a special course in western New York. Mrs. Flynn, who died in 1922, was always interested in plant and flower culture and was, particularly, an authority on Vermont flora, a subject on which she wrote several books, some of which Mr. Flynn published after her death. Her book, "The Flora of Burlington and Vicinity," posthumously published by her husband, is a most complete treatment of the material and is highly prized by all students of flowers. She also produced a story of "The Flora of Nantucket, Massachusetts," having spent much time there. The 1937 edition of "Flora of Vermont" was issued as the third of a series prepared under the auspices of the Vermont Botanical Club. It was at the annual meeting of the club in January, 1921, that Elsie M. Kittredge proposed a revision of Vermont flora, and a committee was named to make a preliminary survey and effect a permanent organization, the committee consisting of Miss Kittredge, Dr. Ezra Brainerd, Mrs. Flynn and Dr. George P. Burns. At the field meeting of 1921 the committee made its report and a permanent committee was named, with Mrs. Flynn as chairman. Under its guidance several sub-committees carried on detailed work. After Mrs. Flynn's death, her husband made possible the publication of his wife's work, and different botanical clubs in Vermont expressed their deep grati- tude to him. He has now set aside a large sum to establish and build a memo- rial building at Goddard College, in Plainfield, Vermont, to commemorate his wife's achievements along these lines and to house her large collection of Vermont flora, which she had long kept in her home in Burlington.
ROBERT S. LONG-An able lawyer, connected with much of the litigation of importance to the business and general interests of the "North Country," Robert S. Long, of Plattsburg, had the background of a noteworthy war record before he completed his professional studies. He was a captain in the United States Army and is a city judge in civil life. Mr. Long is a native of this city, born August 25, 1895, son of Timothy F. and Anna (Hellinan) Long, the latter named also born in Plattsburg. The father was a native of Beekmantown, New York, and was engaged in railroading until his death.
Robert S. Long acquired his academic education in the Plattsburg grammar and high schools, and was attending the Albany Law School of Union Uni- versity when he enlisted for military service in the army in April, 1917. He received a commission as second lieutenant on August 15, 1917, had been promoted to first lieutenant while overseas, and was a captain in rank when he received his honorable discharge in April, 1919. For more than eighteen months he was with the American Expeditionary Forces in France, and was
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cited for bravery in action while serving in the Soisson sector. For the most part he was with the Ist United States Division abroad.
In civilian life Mr. Long went about carrying out an ambition which war had interrupted. In 1920 he was graduated from the Albany Law School, with the degree of Bachelor of Laws, and that same year established himself in a general practice in Plattsburg with an office at No. 17 Clifton Street. He keeps in close touch with colleagues by memberships in the American Bar Association, the New York State Bar Association, and the Clinton County Bar Association. Politically, Mr. Long is a Democrat, and since 1932 has been municipal judge of the city of Plattsburg. Since 1935 he has been a member of the Board of Education, and chairman of the Board of Parks and Beach Association. Fraternally, Mr. Long is affiliated with Plattsburg Council, Knights of Columbus, of which he is a Past Grand Knight, and Plattsburg Lodge, No. 621, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is a Past Commander of Post No. 20, American Legion; is a Past Commander of the Clinton County Post of this organization, and formerly was president of the Kiwanis Club.
In 1923 Robert S. Long married Kathleen G. Ryan, a native of Platts- burg, and they are the parents of four children: I. Robert S., Jr. 2. Mar- guerite A. 3. Helen M. 4. Thomas J. Long.
BRIGADIER-GENERAL LEONARD FISH WING-An active contributor to the professional life of the Lake Champlain district, Brigadier- General Leonard Fish Wing is a practicing lawyer in Rutland, Vermont, where he is a member of the law firm of Fenton, Wing and Morse.
General Wing was born November 12, 1894, at Ira, Vermont, son of David E. and Dora A. (Fish) Wing. His father was a native of West Rutland and his mother of Ira. She died March 9, 1927.
The school of his native district furnished Leonard Fish Wing's early formal education and he was graduated from high school at Rutland with the class of 1914. In that same year he began reading law in the office of Lawrence, Lawrence and Stafford, in Rutland. While serving in the army- his work in that connection is given in detail below-Mr. Wing passed the bar examinations. When he was discharged from the service, he began the practice of law in January, 1919. In February of that year he and George E. Morse formed the law partnership known as Wing and Morse, which con- tinued as such until in April, 1924. a third partner was admitted and the style became Fenton, Wing and Morse. As a member of this firm General Wing has carried on his professional work down to the time of writing, participating in much important litigation and earning the esteem and admiration of his contemporaries in all walks and departments of life.
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Along with his other activities General Wing has made a notable contribu- tion to civic and social life. For two terms, from 1919 to 1921, he was city attorney for Rutland. From February, 1921 until 1925 he was city judge. He is also a member of the board of trustees of the Vermont Soldiers' Home, Rutland Post No. 31, of the American Legion, Vermont Chapter of the Mili- tary Order of the World War and Vermont Commandery of the Military Order of the World War and Vermont Commandery of the Military Order of Foreign Wars. General Wing was Judge Advocate of the Vermont Depart- ment, American Legion of 1930-31, Commander of the Vermont Commandery Military Order of Foreign Wars in 1929, president of the Vermont Chapter Reserve Officers' Association, 1931, member of the board of managers of the Vermont State Bar Association in 1932, and executive clerk for Governor Stanley Wilson during the years 1933 and 1934.
General Wing's enlistment for World War service came in 1917, when he became a private in the first Vermont Infantry Regiment, so serving until Jan- uary, 1918, when he was transferred to the 3d Officers' Training Camp at Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia. Later, he was commissioned second lieutenant, and in June, 1918, was assigned to the 99th Division at Camp Wheeler, Georgia. There, in October of the same year, he was promoted to first lieu- tenant. He received his honorable discharge at the close of the war and returned home. In June, 1919, he was instrumental in effecting the organ- ization of Company A, Ist Vermont Infantry Regiment, and was placed in command of this company, the first rifle company organized in Vermont after the war, though he had only the title of second lieutenant. Later, he was made first lieutenant and then captain of the company, and in May, 1921, was appointed major of the 172d Infantry Regiment of the Vermont National Guard. General Wing served the Vermont Regiment as its commanding officer from February, 1933 to July, 1938, at which time he was promoted to the grade of brigadier-general, having as his command the 86th Brigade, which includes the 172d Infantry, Vermont National Guard, and the 103d Infantry, Maine National Guard.
In June, 1938, Norwich University Military College of the State of Ver- mont, in recognition of General Wing's contributions to both the civil and mili- tary activities within the State of Vermont, with a very fitting and well deserved citation, conferred upon him the decree of Master of Science.
General Wing is a Republican in his political views. In 1919 he was made a member of the party State Committee, becoming treasurer of the committee in 1920 and so serving until 1925, when he was made a chairman. He belongs to the Rutland Chamber of Commerce, the Rutland Country Club, Center Lodge, No. 34, of the Free and Accepted Masons ; Vermont Lodge, No. I, of the Knights of Pythias; Rutland County Bar Association, the Vermont Bar
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Association, the American Bar Association, Cairo Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, Rutland Aerie, No. 1001, Fraternal Order of Eagles, and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
In June, 1939, General Wing was again honored by Norwich University by being elected a member of the board of trustees of the institution. General Wing worships in the faith of the First Baptist Church in the city of Rutland.
General Leonard Fish Wing was married (first), November 9, 1919, to Bernice G. Kidder, of Middlebury, Vermont, who died in October, 1923, leaving one son, Leonard Fish Wing, Jr. General Wing married (second), June 28, 1934, Margaret E. Clark, of Rutland. They have two children : Bruce C. and Patricia.
EDWARD CLARENCE RIPLEY-Becoming associated with his father in the lumber business more than half a century ago, Edward Clarence Ripley has been actively identified with this industry to the present day, and since 1916 he has been president of the Ripley Lumber Company, Incorpo- rated, a concern that has been engaged in the lumber business for almost eighty-four years.
Mr. Ripley was born in Poultney, Vermont, October 14, 1861, the son of Charles and Esther (Morse) Ripley, both deceased. Charles Ripley, born in Poultney in 1838, was engaged for many years in the lumber business and also the general merchandising field. In 1872 he purchased the retail lum- ber business of Whitlock and Smith, an establishment which was first organ- ized in 1854, and he operated the business under his own name until 1886 when, after his sons became associated with him, the firm name became Charles Ripley and Sons. Five years later the business was incorporated as the Ripley Lumber Company, Incorporated, with Charles Ripley as president, which post he retained until his death, October 19, 1916. He was also well known in political life, having been a member of the House in 1880 and 1882, and a State Senator in 1888. He was the son of Charles Ripley, who was born at Tinmouth November 10, 1804, and departed this life March 4, 1877, and a descendant of William Ripley, who together with his wife and two children, emigrated from England to America in 1638, settling in Hingham, Massachu- setts. Esther (Morse) Ripley was born at Poultney August 24, 1831, and died here March 4, 1890.
Edward Clarence Ripley received his early education in the Poultney schools, and later studied at Troy Conference Academy, where he was a member of the class of 1878. In 1886 he became associated with his father in the manage- ment of the Ripley Lumber Company, and he served in the capacity of vice- president until 1916 when, upon the death of his father, he became president of this company, which post he has filled to the present day. Mr. Ripley
Frank C. Hooper
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has also served as director of the Poultney Cooperative Savings and Loan Association, since its inception, and he has been treasurer of the Poultney Cemetery Association for the past thirty-seven years.
Mr. Ripley is a member of the Baptist Church and is well known in local political life, having been honored with town, fire and village offices continu- ally, since the beginning of the twentieth century, and he is especially proud of the fact that his ancestors have served one hundred and eleven sessions in the New England Legislature. Fraternally he is affiliated with Morning Star Lodge, No. 37, Free and Accepted Masons, and in 1907 he served as Master of this body. He also served as secretary of the Modern Woodmen of America for more than thirty years.
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