Norwich bulletin. [volume] (Norwich, Conn.) 1895-2011, 1917-01-01
OBITUARY..
Harold Lawton.

Harold Lawton, organizer OF the
mills at Plainfeld and several others
and one of the most prominent men in
the textile business in New England,
died on Saturday afternoon in a New
York hospital where he underwent an
operation
Harold Lawton was born in Moos-
ley, England, the son of Mr.. and Mrs.
John Lawton. about 65 years ago.
When only a boy of nine years he
started on his life work and enter
ed a mill and has since been con-
nected with many mills. He came over
located in Boston and vicinity. He
has been connected with mills in New
ton, Mass. Woonsocket, R. l., North
Grosvenordale, Centerville. Montreal.
Canada, Moosup. Baltic, Plainf1eld and
other places.
At one time he was in charge of
the Gladding mills at Moosup and for
nearly four years he was superintend-
ent and manager of the Baltic mills.
In the year 1905 he went to Plainfield
and built the Lawton Mills. At the
time the mills were put in operation
the. had 10000 spindles while now they
have 1870 900. Mr.. Lawton has done
much towards the growth of Plainfield
and of other places where he reSid-
ed.
The company when frst organic
ed was capitalized at $3.50 while at
the present time their capital is ST.
OUU,UtU. BSSlQGS DelnS deeply
eSted in the manufacturing business,
Mr.. Lawton was very instrument tai in
the welfare of the places where he re-
sided. He was president of the Plain
field bank and also president of the
Central Worsted Co. Of Central Viii
lage.
His extensive experience and mark
ed ability is acknowledged in the man
ufa curing cercleS.
Fraternally Mr.. Lawton was a Ma
L. % I. VrI-
tic Methodist church. Mr.. Lawton
married Georgianna Pettigrew of
Plainfield, who survives him with
brothers and sisters in England.
To- was a kind, generous man with
a lovable disposition and gained the
respect of all who knew him. He will
long be remembered by not only the
citizens of Plainfeld and other places
where he resided but by all who knew
him.
Miss Eliza w. Geer.
On Sunday morning about II o'clock
Miss Eliza Witter Geer entered into
rest at her home in Poquetanuck after
a short illness. She spent Christmas
Gay and her 95th birthday. the day be-
fore, quietly in her usual health.
She was born Dec. "a, 1921. on Rose
HILL Ledyard. daughter of Joseph Geer
and Laura Witter Geer. She spent her
life on the home farm until after the
death of her youngest sister, when
SHe purchased d mousse the N1IldS6s
which has since been her home. She
was a faithful member of the Ledyard
Congregational church and always in
terested in its welfare, as her frequent
gifts to the society have testified.
She was also a benefactor of the
Bill Library association.
Her father, Joseph Geer, served in
the war of 1872 He was descendant
Of George Geer, who settled at the
Geer homestead in 1853, in the imme-
date neighborhood. Her grandfather.
Jonah Witter, was soldier in the war
Of the American Revolution.
She was the last of her immediate
family but is survived by nephews and
nieces in western New York, Ohio,
Michigan and California.
Hers has been quiet. useful life. |
and she leaves many warm friends
who have enjoyed her cordial l1ospi-
.slity, and her cheerful and kind dis |
position.
Henry J. Andrews.
Norwich friends have just learned |
If the death in Waterbury on Christ
mas day of Henry J. Andrews, father |
If Mrs. T. H. Merrill. formerly of this |
.ity.
Lbout five days illness with grip, de-
yeloping into secondary pneumonia.
He was rs years old and his death |
occurred on his wedding anniversary.
The funeral was held in Waterbury |
IN Thursday with church service |
It the First Baptist church and the
ervice at the grave conducted by the
odd Fellows.
Mr.. and Mrs Merrill are now re-