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William Morgan Lasbury, manufacturer
During the First World War there were many American business men, who
though practically retired from active business duties, came again to
the front at their Country's time of need, and who were important
factors in many phases of the work necessary to carry on that great
struggle to a successful close.
One of these men was William Morgan Lasbury, of Broad Brook, and
Enfield, Connecticut. He possessed capabilities of great value, which he
used untiringly, thereby receiving well-deserved merit.
The family have long been members of the Congregational church of Broad
Brook. William Morgan Lasbury was born November 15, 1857, in Broad
Brook, and attended the schools of that town, and the Eastman Business
College of Poughkeepsie, New York. Subsequently he entered a country
store as a clerk and after gaining sufficient experience, he purchased a
store in Hartford, which he conducted for two years. He was then in the
employ of the Belding Brothers Company, silk manufacturers, for three
years as a bookkeeper. Returning to his native town, he secured a
position with the Broad Brook Woollen Company and this marked the
beginning of a career in the manufacturing business that has been one of
marked success. He rose through various grades as his abilities
increased and became paymaster, then assistant superintendent, and
eventually superintendent.
From Broad Brook, Mr. Lasbury went to the American Woollen Company of
Boston, and there he was in charge of the Fitchburg Worsted and the
Beoli Mills of that company, both located in Fitchburg, Massachusetts.
He was later transferred to the Assacet Mills at Maynard, Massachusetts.
At the latter place there were twenty- eight hundred employees, being
the largest mill in the world.
In 1914 Mr. Lasbury retired from the cares of business, and purchased a
farm on Enfield Street, in the town of Enfield, having decided to take a
complete rest. His health had suffered severely through the arduous
cares of his work and for a year led a quiet, peaceful life on his farm.
In 1915 he was urged to return to the American Woollen Company, and
assumed charge of the Worsted Division of the eighteen mills, of thirty
five thousand employees.
Then came the outbreak of the war and the great work of preparation
began. One of the most important items was the clothing of the soldiers,
and second to that was the having in charge of the selecting of this
material, a man of high integrity, broad experience, and with a natural
love of country and honour. Such a man is Mr. Lasbury, who during the
war held this responsibility, being a member of the Fabric War
Committee, and performed the duties involved in a manner that has
brought him material success and a position of honour.
Mr. Lasbury is now retired, living on his beautiful farm.
He married, September 27, 1880, Nellie P. Davenport, daughter of Henry
A. and Pamelia (Landon) Davenport. Their children are: Alma Louise, born
December 30, 1883 and Howard A., December 24,1885.
The latter married Ann While, and resides in Brookline, Massachusetts;
he is in the employ of the America Woollen Company of Boston.
Mr. Lasbury is a Republican, and fraternally is a member of Oriental
Lodge, No. 11, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. With his family he
attends the Congregational church of Enfield.
Click for William Morgan
Lasbury family tree
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