Norwich Connecticut

Biographical Sketch of Ezra Durand

Ezra Durand, born on March 8, 1833, in Seneca Falls, New York, was the youngest of thirteen siblings raised on a farm. Limited by formal education, he worked in musical instrument factories in Massachusetts and Connecticut before becoming a traveling salesman. In 1881, he moved to the Pacific Coast, initially settling in San Francisco, then relocating to Portland in 1882. There, he founded the successful Durand Organ and Piano Company in 1883. He married Jennie Smith in 1881, and together they built a notable home in Portland Heights.

Biographical Sketch of L. E. Baldwin

John Baldwin, born in Norwich in 1810, descended from early settlers, faced hardships following the deaths of his parents. He apprenticed as a carpenter and founded a successful contracting business in Willimantic. A staunch Democrat, he held multiple political offices and was active in local organizations, notably Masonic and Odd Fellows. Baldwin contributed significantly to the establishment of community institutions and remained engaged in military service. Now in his eighties, he is a respected figure in Willimantic, known for his dedication to public welfare and integrity.

Biography of John McClellan

General Samuel McClellan, born in Worcester, Massachusetts, in 1730, served in the French and Indian War and later commanded militia forces during the American Revolution. Despite being urged by General Washington to join the Continental Army, he remained dedicated to local affairs and the management of his farms and businesses. Highly respected for his integrity and leadership, he was an influential figure in both secular and ecclesiastical matters. He had two marriages and fathered numerous children. He passed away in Woodstock on August 1, 1858.