The following is a biography of former Norwich Rotarian William H. Oat (pictured at right above) from A modern history of New London County, Connecticut; by Marshall, Benjamin Tinkham.
WILLIAM H. OAT— In Norwich, Connecticut, the name of William H. Oat stands for one of the formative forces of the day, which is always enlisted on the side of sane and righteous civic and national progress, the Norwich Bulletin. Mr. Oat was born in New London, Connecticut, February 21, 1867, a son of Lewis and Jane M. (Colby) Oat, his father for many years a leading contractor of New London county, and a veteran of the Civil War.
As a boy Mr. Oat attended the educational institutions of New London and Norwich, and in April, 1884, he entered the employ of the “Norwich Bulletin,” in the capacity of mailing clerk. From that subordinate position he has risen through the various departments of the plant, until at this time he is in the executive offices of the Norwich Bulletin Company, as secretary and manager of the corporation. The “Bulletin” is one of the oldest newspapers in the State of Connecticut, having been founded in the year 1796, and is one of the eight morning dailies published in the State at the present time (1922). Republican in its political allegiance, the editorial policy is one of fearless advocacy of Republican principles, conservatively expressed. Mr. Oat’s personal convictions aligne him with the same party, and his influence in local affairs is definite and always for advance. Fraternally he holds the thirty-second degree in the Masonic order, and he is a member of the Rotary Club, and a life member of the Norwich Lodge, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
Hosting An Outing
According to the “Fourth Estate: A Weekly Newspaper for Publishers, Advertisers, Advertising Agents and Allied Interests“, Mr. Oat hosted members of the club at an outing at his estate in June of 1921.
Photo courtesy of the Norwich Bulletin