Generation
Trying to get into business again, he worked in a factory office in Hartford, then for a brick agency in New Britain, and finally on Aug. 1, 1899, he started in the office of the Bristol and Plainville Trainway, at Bristol. This became his life work. This company also became an electric lighting co., adding gas and steam heat and ulti- mately sold out to the Conn. Elec. Service Company.
Then he was called to the executive office in Hartford, becoming auditor, then Assist. Secretary of the Connecticut Light and Power Co., and all affiliated companies--numerous at that time.
On Aug. 1, 1942, after 43 years in the utility business, he re- tired at the age of 67, due to the effects of an automobile accident Nov. 1940, when another car ran into him. (Major Linsley was for many months endeavoring to learn to walk).
He helped organize a Military Co., in 1900, which went out in World War I as Co. D., 1st Inf. C.U.G. Was the first 1st Sergeant of the Co., later Lieut. and Capt. At the outbreak of the war, 1917, he was one of three appointed by Gov. Holcomb, to organize a Co. for the State Guard, and Lieut., Cap. and Major of the Bristol Battalion.
Was the first Scoutmaster duly registered, Mar. 28, 1911; helped organize the Bristol Boy Scout Council, 1915, became first Secretary, Commissioner, Vice President, and President and mgmber of National Council for many years. Helped organize the Bristol Community Chest. A charter member of the Bristol Club, Chippanee Country Club, Lions Club, Fish and Game Club. Joined the Royal Arcanum Council 753, in 1902, and served 4 terms as Regent, went through Conn. Grand Council to Grand Regent in 1930 and to Supreme Council, 1933. Was chairman of the Board of Trustees of Baptist Church, 30 years, a Deacon for many years from 1913 on and Supt. of the S. S., five years. Was one of the first members of Hadsell Camp #21 U.S.W. Vets. and a Past Com- mander, also many other Veteran Organizations in Hartford. In Feb. 1924, when the Bristol Building and Loan Assoc. was being organized, he was elected the first Treas., later Secretary 13 years and Presi- dent 12 years.
On June 6, 1900, he married Flora Madeleine Ladd, dau. of Frank Henry Ladd and Emily (Bogue) Ladd, at 30 Chestnut St., So. Manchester, Conn. The ceremony was performed by Rev. Harvey Linsley, father of the bridegroom.
Frank Henry Ladd was born in Glastonbury, son of Jesse Ladd, b. Rutland, Vt., Aug. 15, 1802, and d. Glastonbury, May 20, 1885. He mar. Mary Adams, dau. of Benjamin Adams and Jennie (Blanchard) Adams. Frank Henry Ladd and Emily L. Bogue, m. in Glastonbury, June 22, 1875.
Ray died Jan. 10, 1949, at the Bristol hospital, after a brief illness. The profuse floral tributes evidenced the high regard in which he was held by his friends and associates. He is buried in the family lot at West Cemetery, Bristol.
Children: VIII.3323. Frank Harvey Linsley, b. Mar. 28, 1901. VIII.3324. Ralph Halsey " b. Feb. 3, 1903. VIII.3325. Ray Keyes ", Jr. b. Jan. 13, 1917.
With the passing of "Cousin Ray" the compiler lost an old and valued friend, having worked together on genealogical data for many years. In July 1930, he sent me a group photograph of himself, his wife, his aunt, Mrs. John Steffen Linsley, her daughter, Edyth Linsley, Lillian (Linsley) McConnell with her daughters Carolyn and Kathryn. Also a snap-shot of the old Northford Church.
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